The rest of the way to Toragan did not present any troubles and could have been quite a pleasant journey. Although autumn had turned to winter, Nemiria's climate was never too cold or too hot. We never had to deal with rain, and well, even if we did, the magical carriage we were using would protect us from it. There was even the presence of the gnome girl, Milina Gardesine, who made for a good conversation partner. There really should have been no reason for the journey to Toragan to be unpleasant, except it was, very much so.

“I keep telling you, I don't know what came over me, but I just had to do it! I mean, look at the ultimate result, we got this transport and we even were able to get owed a huge favor by a child of one of the local politicians! You don't have to stay mad at me!”

Once again, for the umpteenth time, Alexius is trying to placate the still angry Helena. As always, she answers with a snort that gives me the certainty that this will not get resolved any time soon.

“Yes, yes, you were right, you are always right and make the best choices. Don't mind me, it's not like I'm saying anything to you. Can't you just leave me alone?”

I swear, I'm not sure who I should be angrier at, Alexius for uselessly trying the same arguments to placate or Helena, who instead of taking the arguments head on just keeps deflecting and just generally acting badly towards Alexius. Still, I know better than to say anything. Better to just keep quiet, eventually they will go back to being on good terms, right?

“Ahem, not to be pedantic, but my father will only feel indebted to you once we are back in the city and I am safe.”

I suppress a sigh. Gnomes just can't help themselves, can they? Always too specific, direct and blunt. Helena lets out a chuckle.

“Of course, it's just that, as you can see, my fiancee here just loves to put the cart before the horse. He just doesn't think everything through enough. Does what he wants and doesn't really consider the consequences.”

More ammunition for the two of them to throw at each other, how nice. Alexius really should try to deal with her better, but of course...

“Can't you stop with that? Why, why are you still so angry at me? Is it because I didn't go back for you after the battle? I told you!” He pointed at Milina. “She told you! I was badly injured and unconscious, I couldn't go back for you immediately! Come on, there is no need for this attitude!”

He talks with irritation in his voice, probably tired from repeating the same conversation again and again, but of course the result this time is no different.

“I told you, I'm not angry, and if you really think about it and have a good look aat your own words, then you will realize how it must have felt for me, waiting for you back in that tent! There is nothing else to talk about, not until you actually understand what you did wrong.”

It's not like I don't understand how this happened, but really, can't they let go of it? Then I remember the multi-generational grudges that exist back home and just resign myself. Just let it blow over...

“See? You are mad about something! Why can't you tell me?”

From that point on, I decide to ignore Helena's and Alexius' voices. I just know that this will go nowhere, as always. I really look forward to arriving in Toragan, even if the continue bickering, at least then I won't have to listen to all of it. I almost consider splitting from them once we arrive there, but I still have hope. Eventually, the two of them will just shut up about this, I just know it.

At least, when there wasn't bickering between Helena and Alexius, I was able to have good conversations with Milina and was able to discover many things. Apparently, the black brew I love so much has a name, coffee. It has become quite a trade commodity in the last few years it seems. The cities of Nemiria have never been more prosperous than they are now.

Strangely enough, this prosperity seems to have brought more conflict to the land, rather than less. As different companies in different cities see new opportunities and more profits, they scramble to gain control. Milina believes that her kidnapping, though executed by the Broken Wheel, must have originated with a political rival of her family. Apparently it's not that uncommon for some powerful figures to have connections with the more unsavory elements of society, at least in the cities of Nemiria.

She is quite fascinated by the fact that we are traveling the world. Although I can't tell every detail of our adventures, she seems quite happy to be told about the time that the three of us cleared the dungeon in Probium. Hopefully the relationship of the two of them will go back to how it was back then. It would make things much better.

Milina told me that apparently her tutor wishes to travel the world, though he has been saying that for quite a few months and never left.

“Sometimes, I wonder if he's just pulling everyone's legs or just used it as a pretext to retire from teaching at the university. But every day he seems to think up a new reason why he hasn't left yet. To be honest, it's quite aggravating.”

She shrugs to demonstrate her disapproval.

“It's almost like you want him to leave... Didn't you tell me that he's this really great scholar? One of the best in the history of this university or something. Wouldn't it be sad if you lost such a great tutor?”

She shook her head.

“You don't understand, do you? I'd love to hear his stories after he has gone on a journey. You see, I really love stories. My dreams is to write many great books about the great journeys of great people! Since I have a good relationship with him, I know that he will tell me all kinds of great stories when he comes back, and I will be famous!”

People say the funniest things sometimes, I am sure that as the daughter of the most powerful man in Toragan, she should be plenty famous already. Though I suppose sometimes people want to stand on their own. If only our journey to Toragan consisted of mostly conversations like this instead of constant bickering.