Chapter 90
*Wan. Training Grounds of the Fire Lord's Palace.*
The clear, sunny day was hardly conducive to sitting with thick books, especially on what was almost the only day off for Azula and Zuko. I settled comfortably at a small table, shaded by the sprawling branches of a massive tree. The fragrant tea tickled my nasal nerves, stimulating my senses.
My mind wandered to an article I'd read in my previous life, one I'd stumbled upon out of boredom. It claimed that the most reliable and enduring anchor for our memories is scent. For instance, the smell of wildflowers instantly evokes memories of summer vacations in the countryside, of carefree teenage years...
Drinking tea, for me, is a remnant of my past life. I remember sipping it often, sitting at a table with people who were probably close to me. My memory is still riddled with gaps, but even without those details, the thoughts fill me with warmth and comfort...
"What does the name Zeto evoke for you?" a creaky, aged voice interrupted my thoughts. Was it Lo who asked? Or Li? Even I struggle to tell them apart, as their "fire of life" is nearly identical. It's as if one couldn't die without the other following soon after.
One day, Ozai reviewed his children's school programs and deemed them insufficient for members of the Royal Family, who must always be better, higher, and stronger than everyone else! Our training with them wasn't cut, but their free time was drastically reduced. Now, every Sunday, the twins Lo and Li join us.
They could be called freelance advisors to Lord Azulon's rule. Born and raised on Ember Island, in a family of commoners who served the upper class, they've made a remarkable career leap over the years. Rumor has it that their success stems from their youth, when they somehow met the young Prince Azulon, who wasn't averse to enjoying the company of two charming twins. Few from that era have survived, so the exact details are lost, but judging by some of their portraits, they stood out among other young women. After all, who would refuse to spend time with two beauties?
With sharp minds, they quickly realized that beauty fades with age, and with it, their influence. So, working together, they rapidly mastered various sciences, soon establishing themselves as experts in history, politics, and education. They've even authored a couple of books...
It's also worth noting that they've trained several Firebending masters from scratch. This is despite the fact that they themselves aren't naturally gifted—it's all achieved through theoretical knowledge. Their career peak and life's twilight have long passed, but their earned reputation still serves them well, making them frequent guests at the Fire Lord's Palace.
"The name Zeto is often associated with Avatar Zeto, who came before Avatar Yangchen of the Air Nomads," Azula immediately replied, while Zuko gazed wistfully at his swords. His fencing lessons with the master were scheduled during his free time from mandatory studies...
"Alright," the other grandmotherly figure chimed in, "What else can you tell us, Princess?" she emphasized her title, leaning over Zuko, who instantly feigned deep thought on his face.