Chapter 560

Chapter 412: The Moth

On the northern coast of Conquer Sea, in Navaha.

As the moon set and the sun rose, daybreak came after a common night. This seaside town welcomed yet another morning.

In the morning hours, on a small hill in the northwest outskirts of Navaha, there stood remnants of a structure. Broken walls and incomplete watchtowers were scattered amidst rubble, hinting at the ruins of some ancient building.

Amidst these ruins, several figures were looking around, appearing to be older men leading younger youths.

“Students, this is the remains of a military fortress. Judging by its architectural style, it was built over five hundred years ago during the reign of the Feonando Dynasty. At that time, the region of Castia was still engulfed in war…”

Walking through the ruins, Professor John from Saint Crown University in Tivyán was explaining the history of the site to his students. The students listened intently.

The university’s students, who had been forced to change their plans due to an accident with the ship heading to Iwig, found themselves in Navaha, a Castian city not originally in their itinerary.

Though their plans were disrupted, the teachers and students weren’t worried. Their main goal was to attend a precious artifact exhibition in the city of Adrià in Iwig, which was still a few days away. They decided to stay in Navaha for two days to explore the local ruins and experience Castian culture.

Amidst John’s explanations, the archaeology students from Saint Crown University were exploring the ancient ruins before them. Among them was Nephnis, who observed the desolate scene and thought to herself:

“I never imagined our first visit would be here in Navaha instead of Adrià. I thought this was just a small town with nothing worth seeing, but upon closer inspection, there are many ruins here…”

Nephnis pondered, realizing that despite its small appearance, Navaha seemed to have a rich cultural heritage.

“The other night… Miss Dorothy contacted me urgently, advising me to pay attention to my sleep and try lucid dreaming, as there were secret societies in the city related to dreams. To have such a secretive society take interest in this small city must be linked to its deep history…”

As she listened to John’s stories about Castian history, Nephnis felt a sense of hidden currents beneath the surface of the city.

With a hint of worry, Nephnis looked around the ruins. Then, she noticed a girl standing beside her, engrossed in reading a newspaper. It was none other than her roommate, Aima.

“Hey, Aima, the professor is talking. It’s not right to read something else.”

Seeing Aima reading the paper, Nephnis whispered to her. Aima paused slightly, then turned to look at Nephnis and replied softly:

“Oh, it’s fine. It’s just a small town, not much to listen to. Besides…”

Aima shrugged, then turned back to the newspaper. Nephnis, puzzled, said:

“Aima… you don’t usually read newspapers, do you? And today, why are you so focused? Also, isn’t this one you bought in the city? Can you read Castian?”

“My grandmother was from Castia, so I can read a bit… Usually, I don’t read newspapers, but this one is different. Look, this is the first publication of Lady Thief K!”

Excited, Aima said. Hearing this, Nephnis was taken aback.

“Lady Thief K? You call her that?”

“Of course! Such a stylish and graceful figure deserves a respectful title. What’s wrong with that?” Aima replied naturally, leaving Nephnis momentarily speechless.

“It’s a big deal! Aima… Thief K is a thief! You’re calling her ‘Lady’?”

“Tsk tsk tsk… If you simply see Thief K as an ordinary thief, that’s too shallow. Have you ever seen a thief give advance notice before stealing? Have you ever seen a thief openly appear in front of so many people? Didn’t you see what happened that night? She treated the exhibition like her stage. Isn’t that more like a performer or artist? Great performers and artists deserve respect.”

Holding the newspaper, Aima explained confidently. Listening to Aima, Nephnis was at a loss for words.

“Performers… artists… Is there really such a perspective? But no matter what, she is still a thief. Isn’t it inappropriate to call her that?”

“How is it inappropriate? Being a thief and an artist aren’t contradictory. Besides, this isn’t my creation; it’s written in the newspaper. Look here and here… both articles about Thief K. The author is a famous Faraluo poet who was also on the Shining White Pearl. He highly praised Thief K’s artistry, considering it the best performance he has seen in years. He thinks it’s very romantic, and I completely agree.”

After hearing this, Aima explained with conviction, pointing out the content in the newspaper. Nephnis was at a loss again. She couldn’t believe someone could comment on a theft so positively. She felt both astonished and strange.

“There are such reports… Articles like this can actually be published in the newspaper?”

Nephnis said in disbelief. Just then, Professor John’s gaze turned towards them with a stern tone.

“Miss Boyle, Miss Beck, it is still class time. Please do not whisper or chat. Not being in a classroom doesn’t mean there are no rules.”

“Sorry, Professor…”

Hearing John’s reminder, Aima and Nephnis looked flustered and immediately apologized. Aima quickly put away her newspaper, and both became quiet, ready to listen attentively.

Seeing them settle down, John nodded and continued his explanation.

“Do you all see the bas-relief on the wall? It depicts a moth. These moth and butterfly motifs are often seen in many southern Castian ruins. Many people believe they might belong to a noble family that once lived in this area…”

Before the group, John explained in detail. Nephnis followed his gaze to the faded bas-relief of a moth with spread wings, thinking to herself:

“Moths and butterflies…”