For several long minutes, Ariana and Raven sat facing one another without exchanging a single word.
The silence wasn't uncomfortable, but it was heavy—filled with unspoken thoughts, memories, and an odd sense of familiarity.
Eventually, Ariana felt it was only right for her to speak. After all, she was the host here.
She cleared her throat lightly and muttered, almost cautiously,
"How are the artifacts Adrian made working?"
Raven nodded, a soft smile forming on her lips. "They are… miraculous."
She paused for a moment, as if choosing her words carefully, before continuing,
"He has changed how people see things.
More importantly, he has eased the lives of countless farmers. Many of them were crushed under the pressure of producing enough food for the general masses. Some even lost their lives trying."
Ariana's expression softened. She smiled faintly, relief flickering in her eyes.
"That… sounds reassuring," she said. After a brief hesitation, she added,
