Chapter 31 - 30 - The Weight of Nobility
Riven diligently repeated every basic movement that Ashtoria had taught him. Though his body still felt stiff and awkward, he could sense that little by little, his muscles were beginning to adjust. Each swing of the sword, each step, and each breath became more controlled. Not perfect—but better than before.
Once training was over, they resumed their journey. Riven pulled their small cart, which creaked softly over the dry dirt road. The sun climbed higher, heating his sore shoulders—still aching from the intense training earlier.
For a while, they walked in silence, until Riven spoke up, trying to lighten the mood and distract himself from the fatigue in his mind.
"Anna," he called, without turning his head, "what’s life really like for a noble?"
His tone was casual, but the curiosity behind the question was clear. He asked not only out of interest but also to pass the time and keep the journey from growing dull.
Ashtoria was quiet for a moment, thinking. The only sounds between them were the crunching of footsteps and the soft creak of the cart wheels.
"The life of a noble?" she murmured eventually, nodding slightly. "Generally speaking... nobles spend their time managing the territories under their responsibility. They must ensure the safety of their lands, look after the people living there, and make sure their resources are well-maintained."
Riven nodded slowly, listening attentively.
Ashtoria continued, her voice flattening slightly as if she were repeating something she’d been told countless times as a child. "They also attend a lot of meetings, banquets, and grand parties. Some of these are important—for gaining new information, forming alliances, or expanding their networks. But many are just for showing off wealth, status, or simply keeping up appearances."