Chapter 85: Tribbie, Trianne, and Trinnon
At 13 years old. Through various channels, you finally gained a rough understanding of this world's history. Amphoreus was created by the twelve Titans—three Fate Titans, three Pillar Titans, three Creation Titans… followed by three Calamity Titans. And the Black Tide, born from beyond the horizon, was slowly devouring everything.
Several years ago, Tribios received the flame seed of Janus, becoming the first demigod of Amphoreus. From then on, the Chrysos Heirs began to walk the world, undertaking trials to receive the Titan divine revelation. The Saintess, at the cost of splitting herself, spread the creation divine revelation everywhere. Initially, only a few listened, until Kerykeia transformed the divine revelation into a decree, thus initiating the first Journey of Chasing the Flame. However, the divine revelation was exploited by others, triggering the bloody Golden War—causing countless heroes to fall and the common people to bleed rivers. Although the first Journey of Chasing the Flame recovered some flame seeds, the tragic sacrifices led to its failure. Now, Aglaea has taken on the heavy responsibility and is gathering the Chrysos Heirs to prepare for the second Journey of Chasing the Flame…
Cipher sprawled on the table, her head spinning as she listened. "It's too complicated! Anyway, it's just bad stuff trying to destroy the world, and heroes are needed to save it, right?"
You nodded. "Something like that."
"That Tailor Woman is truly remarkable," Cipher exclaimed. "Even though she's a demigod, she's willing to spend time with little Rogues like us."
At 14 years old. Your reputation as Rogues grew, no longer confined to Dolos, but expanding your targets to surrounding city-states. After each successful heist, you would go to Ohema to find Aglaea, exchanging your "loot" for her woven goods.
"Here again?" Aglaea looked at the jewels you brought, a helpless smile on her face.
"Hehe, these are good stuff this time!" Cipher said proudly. "'Found' them from a crooked merchant in Dolos."
Aglaea shook her head, but still readily exchanged several pieces of fine woven goods for you. She never asked about the origin of these items, only occasionally inquiring about your recent well-being.
"How have you been recently? Not injured, are you?"
"We're great!" Cipher patted her chest. "With Orion-kun around, I'm not afraid of any danger!"
And each time you met, Aglaea's gaze would linger on you a little longer, seeming very reluctant to part.
At 15 years old. That day, you arrived at the Weaving Workshop as usual. As soon as you pushed open the door, you heard unfamiliar voices from inside.
"Aya, Aya! Look what delicious things we brought!"
A lively voice rang out, and then three small figures appeared before your eyes. Three red-haired little girls, who looked only six or seven years old, had similar appearances but each had their own distinct features.
"Oh? We have guests," one of the girls looked at you curiously.
Aglaea emerged from the inner room. "You're here." She turned to the three girls. "This is Orion and Cipher, my… friends."
"Friends?" another girl tilted her head. "Aya rarely calls anyone her friend!"
The third girl quietly observed you.
"Hello ~" the girl skipped over. "We are Tribbie!"
"We are Trianne!" the second girl followed.
"We are Trinnon," the quiet girl said softly.
Then, the three said in unison: "We are Tribios!"
Cipher was bewildered by this peculiar introduction. "Wait, are you… three people or one person?"
Tribbie giggled. "Both are correct! We are both three and one!"
"Fei'er's ears are so special!" Trianne leaned in to look at her cat ears. "Are they real? Can I touch them?"
"O-of course they're real!" Cipher was a little embarrassed.
Trinnon, however, walked up to you, looking up at you. "Orion-kun's eyes… they're golden."
"Mm." You squatted down, bringing yourself to her eye level.
"Very beautiful," Trinnon said softly. "Like the sun."
Tribbie suddenly pulled your hand. "Fei'er, Orion-kun, do you want to hear our stories? We've been to so many, many places!"
"Yes, yes, yes!" Trianne also got excited. "We also play guessing games!"
Just like that, the previously quiet Weaving Workshop suddenly became lively. The three little girls chattered around you, sharing their experiences.
"We've been to the top of a snowy mountain, where the snowflakes were as big as a hand!"
"We've also been to the desert, the sand was so hot it could fry an egg!"
"We've seen birds that sing, their songs can make people forget their troubles."
Cipher was infected by their energy and also began to share her own adventure stories.
"Let me tell you, one time Orion-kun and I snuck into a nobleman's treasury, and we triggered a trap…"
Aglaea stood aside, watching the scene, a gentle smile gracing her lips.
"Orion." She called you softly.
You walked to her side.
"Are they… the legendary Saintess?" you asked in a low voice.
Aglaea nodded. "Tribios, the Saintess of Janusapolis. Although they appear young, they bear a heavy mission."
You looked at the three innocent girls, finding it hard to imagine what kind of responsibility they carried.
"So, now is the time to let them have more happy moments," Aglaea sighed softly. "The Journey of Chasing the Flame… it won't be easy."
Just then, Tribbie suddenly ran over, pulling your hands. "Aya, can Fei'er and Orion-kun play with us?"
"That depends on whether they're willing," Aglaea said gently.
You and Cipher exchanged glances, both seeing the answer in each other's eyes.
"Of course," you said.
"Yay!" The three girls cheered simultaneously.
That afternoon, the Golden Weaving Workshop was filled with laughter. You played guessing games with Tribbie and the others, sang songs with them, and were even pulled into a dance. As the sun set, the three girls finally tired out and fell asleep leaning against each other.
"Thank you," Aglaea said softly. "I haven't seen them this happy in a long time."
"They're very cute," Cipher said. "Though that 'we' way of speaking still makes me a little dizzy."
"You'll get used to it," Aglaea smiled.
At 16 years old. On a muggy afternoon, you were alone on the streets of Dolos searching for "prey" when you unexpectedly received a message from Tribbie via a messenger.
"Orion-kun, Fei'er, Aya has something important she wants to discuss with you, can you come?"