The Great War of Rhodesia

2. The Time Skip I

"That's your Iron Train, Mr Couran?" Nata asked when he found an Iron Car that had never been seen before in front of the entrance of the Laboratory.

"Yes," replied Couran. "Iron Trains like this are already owned by many residents of this kingdom," he explained.

"Can you drive it?" This time Aksa asked. It seemed a little amazed when it saw Couran starting to sit in the steering chair.

"Now everyone can already ride an Iron Train like this. It is not something big," said Couran again as he began to ignite the burning of the Iron Train's engine.

"Quite impressive" said Aksa who was preparing in the back seat, while Nata sat in a chair next to Couran.

And not long after that the Iron Train containing Couran, Aksa, and Nata began to drive slowly towards the mouth of the cave.

"It seems like a lot has happened over the past five years, Mr. Couran," Nata said, observing the ceiling of the cave, which now looks much nicer.

Starting from the side wall to the entire ceiling is now coated with cement that looks neat. The support pole also appears to be installed at certain distances, adjacent to street lighting lights that glow not too bright.

The cable, which was once lying on the side of the road, is now seen hanging in the corner of the top wall. Extending from the laboratory to the mouth of the cave. Making the streets are also coated with cement that looks clean from disturbing objects.

"A lot of it." Couran replied in a tone that sounded a little bitter. "This kingdom received a surprise attack a month after the coronation event. And a month later a war with the southern kingdom ensued" he explained.

"This Central Region they attacked?" Nata was curious after hearing the story.

"really. They attacked Central City," replied Couran still with a straight look towards the road.

"Attacking the Central City? Is it possible that they used Arcane Stones?" guess Nata later.

"really. They're using the Arcane Crystals. And many of the citizens are victims" replied Couran who seemed reluctant to continue his remarks. "Fortunately the attack was quickly suppressed" he quickly closed.

"Then? What about the war?" Nata still looks curious.

"I don't really understand in detail, but we clearly lost the war." Couran answered again. "Tyrion returned with a combined army and began to take over the territory of the former Urbar Kingdom one after another. And three years later the entire territory of the former Kingdom of Urbar was taken over entirely. We're closing the gate from two as big as last year" he said then still not looking at Nata.

"Are there any problems with this region during the closing of the two-and-a-half-year gate?" Nata asked again.

"none. Quite the contrary. The area is growing quite rapidly, I think. We are still carrying out the Ten-Year Development Plan that you have given us before. Maybe what's not going well is trade and military." Couran.

"Thank God if it is like that" said Nata who looks relieved.

"But even though the last year and a half has no more attacks, the territory of the four gates is always on the lookout." Couran. "But that's only to my knowledge. For more details, Her Majesty the Queen will definitely discuss this matter with you guys later," he added.

"Oh, that's obvious" Aksa said from behind. "But by the way, how's the Queen been for these five years? Is he still childish as clearly recorded in my memory?" tanyanya.

"The Queen's Majesty has changed considerably since you've lived" Couran replied.

"Oh, really? It's hard to believe the girl can change" retorted Aksa who looked dubious.

"He should have changed. After all, now he is older than us, Aks," Nata said.

"That's right. But age is just a number, Nat. There is no meaning if the girl does not want to learn from her life experience," said Aksa disagreed with Nata.

It appears that Aksa and Nata are a little surprised that Couran is defending Lucia. Because it's never happened before.

"He had a terrible thing in three years after you left. Starting from the departure of Queen Daisy, then Mr. Mateus," Couran dissected his speech.

Aksa and Nata were surprised. They did not expect that Aunt Lucia and Mateus were dead.

"Then several attacks to the south failed, and even caused more casualties" Couran continued. "Seeing from the nature of Him who always wanted to save everyone, it was a hard blow and a heavy burden for Him."

"Yes, I can imagine it. Must be the girl blaming herself" Nata said.

"And slowly, the nature and character of Her Majesty the Queen began to change. You might be surprised to see it later. But thankfully because of these changes, this Kingdom can still survive the siege of other kingdoms," said Couran again added.

"Is that so? I can't believe that Lucia is going through such a sad thing" Aksa said later. He seems to regret having doubted Lucia before.

"And speaking of the siege, what about Elbrasta?" Nata asked again. Continue the conversation on another topic.

"Mr Grevier succeeded in taking the throne of Elbrasta. Then hold Her Majesty the Queen accountable for the death of Queen Daisy, and request that Prince Alexander and Prince Eden be repatriated to the Kingdom of Elbrasta." Couran.

"They didn't make an attack?"

"No. I don't know the details, but all I know is that they're just setting up a guard post in front of the North Gate, and Mado Beach alone," couran replied again when at the front end the light coming from the mouth of the cave began to be seen.

Nata was silent to Couran's reply. Seems he was thinking.

.

Less than 15 minutes later, their Iron Train arrived at the mouth of the cave. The sun was shining outside the cave. Aksa looks very enthusiastic and excited when he sees the changes that are happening in the region.

The area at the bottom of the Star Alcove now looks much more crowded than Aksa and Nata remember. Many new buildings stand along the road from the mouth of the cave to the east end.

Also, there are cement-lined streets that line straight along the bottom of the gorge. Several types of Iron Trains seemed to pass by on it. Carrying finished goods and raw materials, from one Atelir to another Atelir.

"Why do you look so antuasic like that, Aks?" ask Nata who saw Aksa like the person who first saw the place.

"Are you not feeling enthusiastic, Nat? This is Time Skip! Which is common in long series of fantasy comics. Time you didn't know?" aksa replied with enthusiasm.

"Then what's with that?" asked Nata a little indifferently.

"Usually after the Time Skip the characters will become increasingly sad. Their costumes and styles have changed too" Aksa replied, trying to explain why she felt enthusiastic. "Like Lucia who was just told by Mr. Couran. Therefore I can't wait to see the other changes," he continued increasingly excited.

"Obviously they changed. Because they're getting older. You watch too many cartoons and read comics, Aks," Nata said in response to Aksa's explanation.

"Basic Peasant. People who have no imagination!" aksa's reply looks irritated.

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