We were all seated around a wooden round table, sunlight spilling through the window and casting a soft glow on the parchment map spread out before us. A thick wax tablet rested beside it. The map displayed two massive continents — Laurasia to the north and Gondwana to the south.
Riri stood in front of us, her posture firm and attentive.
"Alright, let's start," she said, stepping closer to the table. Leaning beside me, she pointed at the uppermost region of the northern continent.
"This is the Bauras Empire — we're currently here," she said.
Rizu leaned in. "So the king we met… was King Bauras?"
Riri nodded. "Yes, King Charles Bauras."
Jatin scoffed. "Liliana Bauras… that name still sounds weird."
I glanced at Shon, who remained silent, his expression unreadable.
Riri then moved her finger slightly southwest, "Here's the Aetos Empire, and next to it — this smaller one — is the Chronis Empire. Both share borders with each other."
Rudransh scratched his head. "Never heard of any of these places."
Ayush chimed in, "They're ancient Greek-inspired names, I think."
Jatin gave a small smirk. "You've been reading too many history books, haven't you?"
"Well, I was prepping for government exams back home," Ayush replied with a shrug.
"Should've aimed for corporate — easier to get in," Rudransh muttered.
"Let me dream in peace," Ayush grumbled.
Riri blinked at the exchange, then pointed east. "This is the Ariti Empire. It shares borders with Aetos and Chronis, and most importantly, it connects directly to the southern continent — Gondwana."
Rudransh smirked. "So it's right near the lion's mouth. We're the farthest from danger, huh?"
Rizu replied, "Anyone can die at any time. Geography doesn't save lives."
Rudransh rolled his eyes. "Only cowards think that way. Strength is what saves people."
Rizu snorted. "Sure, Mr. Fighter."
Rudransh stood up, irritated. "What did you say—"
"Enough!" Shon interrupted, sighing. "Can we act our age, please?"
"Right," Riri continued, tapping the lower continent. "This is Gondwana, also called Southern Pangea."
We all looked at each other.
Ayush muttered, "Even that matches Earth's history…"
Riri tilted her head. "You guys say such strange things."
She pointed to the northmost part of Gondwana. "Here lies the Dauras Empire — the closest southern region to our continent. It shares borders with Artino and Chloros."
Then she moved her finger to the bottom of the continent. "And this… is the Baros Empire — the southernmost region, and the farthest from Northern Pangea."
Rudransh leaned forward. "Baros... sounds like Bauras. Are they related?"
Riri nodded. "They're brothers. Not by blood though. Lord Bauras was adopted."
We all looked at her, shocked.
"Baros was jealous when their father made Charles the king," she explained. "He left, went into hiding in the south, overthrew the local rulers, and crowned himself king — renaming himself Baros."
"Cool. Now that's someone we can call an alpha male," Rudransh said.
Rizu muttered, "So they're basically cousins…"
Riri nodded again. "But Baros is… different. His people have no freedom. No voice. Anyone who speaks against him is executed."
Rudransh scowled. "Okay, I take back everything. I hate tyrants."
Rizu asked, "So where is this Forest of Darkness?"
Riri answered, "It's in the Baros Empire."
Rizu nodded. "I thought so."
Riri rolled the map and slid the wax tablet forward. "Now, let's start learning our script."
She glanced at me and smiled. "I hope you memorized the regions."
Sweat formed on my brow. "Y-Yeah… totally."
Rudransh burst into laughter. "Don't believe him! This guy couldn't navigate his way out of a playground. Once, when we were kids, we got lost, and a guard asked for our home address and dad's number. You know what he said? 'I don't know!' I was the one who saved us—me, a four-year-old! He was seven!"
The room went awkwardly silent.
Riri frowned and slammed her palm on the table. "Rudransh, that's enough. He's your elder brother. Please show respect."
Shon added sharply, his tone edged with anger, "Yeah, you're going too far."
I stood up quietly. "I'm going to the washroom."
Rudransh looked at Riri with a serious expression.
"He needs this treatment — only then will he improve."
Jatin said, "Maybe I should go after him."
Shon added, "Yeah, he must be hurt."
Rizu sighed. "Calm down, guys. At least give bro some privacy in the washroom."
After I left the room, I walked downstairs and found Misaki standing, a calm smile on her face.
"Did Riri start teaching you our writing yet?" she asked.
"Not really… she was about to, but I walked out."
"Why?" she asked gently.
I hesitated. "I… it's hard to explain."
She smiled. "Do you want me to teach you instead?"
I blinked. "You would?"
"Of course," she said. "I'm not the best, but I'll try."
I nodded, trying not to smile too widely. Maybe this is my chance to connect with her. I'll make her fall for me... slowly.