A massive gate made of solid ice, combined with towering concrete structures, stood proudly before them, leaving both of them in awe. Two guards dressed in royal-style armor, blue like ice, stood firmly on duty at the entrance of the Kingdom of Eses. Besides them, many people were also waiting to enter. It was unclear whether an event or a grand ceremony was being held.
"Wow, there are so many people. I see them entering using a letter or…" Noriala said in amazement as she observed the crowd from outside.
"Or… an access card!" Rihisna said, showing a golden-colored card.
"An access card?" Noriala asked.
Rihisna did not answer her question. Instead, he headed straight toward the Access Counter. Without wasting time, Noriala simply followed closely behind him.
"Yes, how may I help you?" asked the counter attendant.
"We are looking for someone who is an expert in the ice iktas element," Rihisna replied as he handed over the access card.
"Oh, you two have an access card from another Kingdom," the attendant said excitedly.
"Yup! From the Young Lord of the Kingdom of Tupmur," Rihisna answered.
Another staff member handed a map of the Kingdom of Eses to Rihisna. It was a large sheet of paper. Rihisna examined every section and area carefully, and Noriala did the same.
"Alright… if you two wish to go straight to the academy… it's located to the west of Section 7… near there you will meet Madam Rina, an expert in the ice-element iktas," explained the counter attendant at length while returning the access card to Rihisna.
"In that case, thank you," Rihisna said with a smile, while Noriala slightly bowed her head.
Because they were using an access card, Rihisna and Noriala entered through a special gate reserved for those with priority or invitations from other kingdoms.
With great excitement, Noriala looked around while skipping lightly. She was amazed by everything she saw. Rihisna simply let her be, focusing instead on the map in his hand.
To Noriala, it was unexpected that the Kingdom of Eses also had lush, thriving plants like the Kingdom of Tupmur. What made it unique was that the trees and flowers had their own distinctive characteristics. For example, the leaves of the trees were blue, and upon closer inspection, they looked like shards of glass or ice shaped like leaves. The flowers were also light blue and deep blue, blooming beautifully along every corner of the road.
There was also a lake used as a place for recreation and fishing. Noriala never imagined that her assumption had been wrong. She had thought that the Kingdom of Eses was merely a frozen land with no plants, unlike the Kingdom of Ipa. Clearly, each kingdom had its own unique identity.
"Had enough sightseeing?" Rihisna asked.
"Huh? Yeah… hehe," Noriala replied with a grin.
"I already know where the place is," Rihisna said, pointing to the western scale on the map.
"Hmm… this place is quite advanced too," Noriala said as she moved closer to Rihisna and studied the map carefully.
"Yeah… according to this map, there's more development in the western area compared to the entrance," Rihisna explained, his index finger resting on the map.
"So the name of this place is… RISH… feels like I've heard it before?" Noriala muttered to herself.
"If you want to know, let's go!" Rihisna said as he rolled up the map and walked away.
After several minutes of walking, they finally arrived at the western part of the Kingdom of Eses. A tall gate stood there with the words "Welcome" displayed prominently. Beneath it were the words, "The western sector is the center of knowledge and academia."
Many tall, multi-story buildings could be seen, resembling lecture halls or schools. At the same time, there were monument-like structures dedicated to the historical section of the Kingdom of Eses.
"Which section are we going to?" Noriala asked.
"Oh… we need to go to the academic section… and find a woman named Rina."
"Wait… Rina? That name sounds familiar… don't tell me…? Which direction is the academy?" Noriala asked urgently.
"Huh… I think it's this way because…" Rihisna replied.
Before he could finish his sentence, Noriala hurriedly ran in the direction Rihisna had pointed. Rihisna was confused, but without questioning it, he followed behind her.
Meanwhile…
"Auntie Rina, is that you?" Noriala asked a woman who was busy flipping through a book.
"Yes, I'm Rina… how can I help you?"
"No mistake then," Noriala muttered happily.
Unexpectedly, Noriala had met one of her mother's acquaintances Madam Rina. Madam Rina was very close to her mother. Not only that, they had once been comrades-in-arms when her mother served as a general. Moreover, Madam Rina had been her mother's right-hand woman.
From afar, Madam Rina tried to recognize the girl who had called her "auntie," feeling as though she was someone she had known for a long time. Suddenly, Madam Rina sprang up from her seat and rushed toward Noriala.
"Auntie Rina doesn't recognize me anymore?" Noriala asked, watching Madam Rina's reaction.
"Wait… you look familiar… but…" Madam Rina replied hesitantly.
"It's me, Noriala!" Noriala said, extending her right hand for a handshake.
"Oh! Young Princess!" Madam Rina exclaimed, immediately taking Noriala's hand.
"Shhh… don't call me Young Princess here… just call me Noriala," Noriala whispered while glancing around.
"Huh? Why is that?" Madam Rina asked, displeased.
"It's just that—"
"Erm… hi!"
Suddenly, Rihisna cut in and greeted them.
All at once, they turned their attention to Rihisna. He simply returned their gaze with a cheerful smile.
"Oh yes… let me introduce this is Rihisna, he—"
"I am Rihisna Irsina… Noriala's traveling companion," Rihisna explained, cutting off Noriala as he bowed respectfully to Madam Rina.
After a long conversation, Rihisna and Noriala told her about their journey and their intention of finding a teacher. Coincidentally, the element Noriala wished to learn was ice the same element Madam Rina specialized in, and which she had once taught to Noriala's mother. In other words, Madam Rina had been Noriala's mother's teacher in the past.
"This is a good thing! You've found the right teacher," Rihisna said as he sipped the tea Madam Rina had served.
"Besides, you've known Madam Rina for a long time… it'll make mastering it easier," Rihisna added.
"Eh, why would it be like that?" Noriala asked, dissatisfied.
"Well, like Madam Rina explained, she was once the teacher of the Queen, and I've seen her iktas with my own eyes," Rihisna replied confidently.
"Oh… Rihisna has seen the Queen's iktas?" Madam Rina asked, seeking confirmation.
"Yes… I was completely frozen by it… in an instant, the Queen blocked the attack from me and King Augus," Rihisna explained while demonstrating the Queen's movements.
"Oh come on! You don't have to act it out so much… just explain it and Madam Rina will understand," Noriala teased while slapping her forehead.
"Hey, let me tell it my way!" Rihisna retorted.
"Oh, not satisfied?" Noriala snapped back.
"Hahaha…" Madam Rina laughed unintentionally at their constant bickering.
"Huh? Why are you laughing, Auntie Rina?" Noriala asked.
"Oh, it's nothing… just reminded me of an old friend," Madam Rina replied with a smile.
"Oh… reminiscing about old memories," Rihisna teased.
"Hey! You too, always teasing!" Noriala scolded him.
"It's alright, though… that acquaintance of mine is also a teacher," Madam Rina explained.
"Oh really? Where is she now, Auntie Rina? Isn't she here?" Noriala asked curiously.
"No… he's in the eastern sector, and besides, he has already stopped being a teacher," Madam Rina explained.
"Wait! What field was your friend an expert in?" Rihisna asked as he sat closer to Madam Rina, eagerly awaiting her answer.
"If I'm not mistaken… swordsmanship and—"
"An expert in wind iktas, right?"
"Yes…"
Before Madam Rina could finish her sentence, Rihisna guessed it correctly.
"Perfect! Finally found him!" Rihisna exclaimed as he stood up excitedly.
"Why? Do you want to study under him too?" Madam Rina asked.
"Yes, Madam Rina he wants to master wind iktas," Noriala answered on his behalf.
Without wasting time, Rihisna began packing his bag.
"Huh? You're leaving now?" Noriala asked in shock.
"Yes… There's no time. It'll get dark soon. Better to move now," Rihisna replied while looking out the window.
"Are you really sure you want to study under my friend?" Madam Rina asked.
"Yes! Has he really stopped teaching now?" Rihisna asked in return.
"Yes, that's right. He stopped teaching a long time ago. Moreover, he doesn't want to teach anyone anymore. Many have tried to become his students, but all were rejected," Madam Rina explained at length.
"Oh! is he that kind of person? I know what to do then," Rihisna replied confidently and excitedly.
"Wow! You speak like someone who has studied under many teachers before… or have you really done so?" Madam Rina asked, intrigued.
"Hehe… I have indeed. I've been studying under teachers since I was little," Rihisna answered with a smile.
Noriala smiled as well, seeing Rihisna's excitement return. She felt happy for him.
"So… I guess we'll part ways for now?" Noriala said softly, lowering her head.
"Yup… why? Can't you?" Rihisna asked, watching Noriala stir her tea with a spoon.
"No, it's just that…"
"Or are you not willing to let me leave you?"
"No, it's not like that…"
"Oh! Then I know why!"
"Huh? Why?"
"You're afraid you'll miss me, right?"
"Huh? No way! Of course not!"
Gradually, Noriala's face turned red with embarrassment, showing her anger.
"Alright, don't worry. Madam Rina is here. You'll study with her, and in a few weeks we'll meet again, okay?" Rihisna said gently, bending down toward Noriala.
"Oh… how romantic you two are," Madam Rina teased as she watched them.
"Well, that's how it is, Madam Rina… sometimes Noriala can be quite clingy," Rihisna replied.
"Huh?! What! I'm not clingy at all! How dare you!" Noriala shouted back as she stood up.
"Yes, you are. I know it too… ever since you were little," Madam Rina said.
"There she goes, getting fierce again," Rihisna teased as he stood and headed for the door.
The air grew even colder, accompanied by strong winds.
Rihisna had prepared himself to depart. He had bought some supplies nearby. The destination had already been marked on the map with Madam Rina's help.
"Alright, I'm leaving now!" Rihisna's voice rang out.
"Take care," Madam Rina reminded him.
"Rihisna, here…" Noriala handed him some wrapped provisions.
"Oh… thank you," Rihisna said as he took it, but Noriala didn't let go.
"Eh? Why won't you let go?" Rihisna asked in confusion.
"Don't forget to eat."
"Yes, I will," Rihisna replied, then gently knocked Noriala on the head.
"Ouch! That hurts!" Noriala shouted angrily.
"Haha… see, you're cute like that. Don't be sad anymore," Rihisna said as he walked away.
"That's enough… Rihisna is only going for a while. Besides, Noriala will be studying too," Madam Rina advised.
"Yosh! The journey begins! Wait for me, Master Irsuf," Rihisna muttered to himself with great enthusiasm.