The sun had barely risen.
Orange light stretched lazily across the horizon, spilling into Shoda's room like a quiet blessing.
He blinked awake, half-asleep, staring at the unfamiliar ceiling for a moment before memory returned.
Right.
The trip.
The door creaked open.
Mira stepped inside, towels folded neatly in her arms. Her face, as always, was carved from stone.
"Shouldn't you be getting ready?"
Shoda stretched dramatically and grinned. "Hmph… I'm pretty lucky, aren't I?"
Her expression didn't change.
"That face you're making is disgusting."
"Hey! That's not nice."
"You look overjoyed. It's aggravating."
"Well," he said proudly, sitting up, "my mission is complete. Well… half complete."
She stared at him.
It wasn't anger.
It wasn't annoyance.
It was… something heavier.
"Stop looking at me like that," he muttered.
Mira stood. "You're so stubborn."
"I am. And I still have another mission to accomplish."
"Do whatever you wish."
She turned toward the door, then paused. Just loud enough for him to hear, she whispered:
"I just hope this trip doesn't hurt me… and that I don't have to leave Tomas. He's just a kid… At least it wouldn't hurt him."
The door shut.
Shoda frowned.
"What was that about?"
Outside the window, he saw the courtyard bustling.
Everyone was already waiting.
"Crap. That jerk didn't tell me I was late!"
He bolted for the bath.
Fifteen minutes later, freshly dressed, he rushed downstairs.
Eldritch descended the grand staircase with regal calm, Roderic and Lysa at his sides.
"We leave for one of the Great Four Cities," Eldritch announced. "Anruin. Its ruler wishes to discuss something important."
Two carriages rolled into the courtyard.
But instead of horses—
Massive hounds stood harnessed at the front.
Shoda shrieked. "WHAT ARE THOSE THINGS?!"
Shun grinned proudly. "These beauties? Ride Howls. Evolved Mana Hounds raised under human care. Loyal to the bone."
Shoda immediately began petting one. "Cool…"
"Good morning."
He froze.
Elmira stood behind him.
Silver-white hair catching the morning light.
Soft eyes.
Radiant.
He lost all mental function.
"E-Elmira…"
Lucky popped out from her pendant. "Good morning, Shoda."
"G-good morning, Lucky! How are ya?"
"Cut the act," Lucky chuckled. "You're mesmerized by my daughter's beauty, aren't you?"
Shoda paused.
"…Yes."
Elmira flushed instantly. "Lucky! Shoda! Stop that!"
"Into the carriage," Lucky ordered smugly.
They boarded.
From the window, Shoda called out, "Charlotte! You're not coming?"
"You're still persistent, aren't you?" she snapped. "I'm not coming. Get lost if you must!"
"Tch. You're annoying. Just come."
"No!"
Mira stood outside, signing farewell to Tomas.
The boy clung to her, signing desperately. Tears streamed down his cheeks.
She knelt and reassured him gently.
He ran to Shoda and held up a crumpled drawing.
Shoda examined it.
A stick figure.
Another stick figure.
"…Is this me? And who's this?"
Tomas' eyes trembled.
Shoda's smile softened.
It must be hard… not being able to speak. Relying on bad drawings to say everything.
He patted Tomas' head.
"You're a good kid. Behave for Charlotte, okay?"
The carriages rolled out.
Inside, Shoda leaned back.
"So what kind of city is Anruin?"
Mira spoke, eyes forward.
"The City of Endless Gems. One of the Great Four. Minerals cover its lands. Wealth flows endlessly. For five hundred years it was consumed by greed… until the ruler of yesteryear reformed it. He controlled gem distribution. Stabilized inflation. Ended chaos."
Shoda tilted his head.
"Why do you say it like it owes you something?"
"Huh?"
"If that's rude, then sorry."
"Of course it's rude, idiot."
"Calm down, Mira," Elmira said softly.
Shun leaned toward Shoda. "She was born there."
Shoda blinked. "Seriously? Not Nordovia?"
Elmira shook her head. "No."
"What's it like being born in the wealthiest city in the world?"
Mira didn't answer.
Lysa sighed. "If she won't talk… it must be a family matter."
"Mind your business, Lysa!"
Silence filled the carriage.
Shoda broke it. "The new ruler must be amazing, right?"
Elmira smiled faintly. "He's… a good boy."
"Yeah? How old is he?"
Shun whispered dramatically, "Your age. And he has a massive crush on Lady Elmira."
Shoda's head snapped toward her.
"What?!"
"It was childish," Elmira insisted quickly. "It's not a big deal anymore. His name is Gatling Zellon."
Shoda straightened proudly.
"Good. Because I'm the only one who gets to love you romantically."
Elmira turned red.
"I-I—!"
Mira groaned. "Ridiculous."
Lysa giggled. "It's kind of cute."
Soon, Shoda and Shun fell asleep.
Lysa read quietly.
Elmira played with Lucky.
Mira stared out the window.
Then—
THUMP.
The carriage shook violently.
Another.
Another.
Shoda jolted awake. "What was that?!"
Lysa frowned. "We've entered Jotunn walking grounds."
"What's a Jotunn?"
Lucky explained, "Giants of the earth."
Shun added, "Stone-molded colossi. Eighty meters tall."
"They're earth spirits," Lucky continued. "Neutral. Don't provoke them."
Through the window, Shoda saw them.
Massive beings of stone and mud.
Each step shook the land.
"How do they see?" he whispered.
"Seismic sense," Lucky replied. "They feel the earth through vibration."
A magic mirror in Lysa's pocket beeped.
Roderic's face appeared.
"His Majesty suggests eliminating them. They block the road."
"That's insane," Lysa replied sharply. "There are three."
"I can fly at extreme speeds," Roderic said calmly. "I'll eliminate two."
The mirror shifted.
Eldritch appeared.
"Lysa, proceed to Anruin. Elmira will accompany you. I will follow."
"Your Highness, that's reckless!" Shoda protested.
The call cut.
The second carriage stopped.
The first continued forward.
Elmira clasped Lucky and began praying softly.
Shun suddenly ordered the driver to halt.
He leapt down—
—and transformed into a massive Ride Howl.
With a powerful howl, he sped off at double pace.
Hours passed.
They crossed the border of Nordovia.
Rested briefly.
Then—
The gates of Anruin rose before them.
And Shoda forgot how to breathe.
Jewels embedded into buildings.
Gold-lined streets.
Sapphire rings displayed openly.
Topaz necklaces gleaming in sunlight.
Silver and diamond reflecting everywhere.
It was blinding.
"Heaven…" Shoda whispered.
After paperwork and inspection, they were escorted to the capital hall.
They sat upon luxurious seats.
The grand doors opened.
A young man entered, confident smile upon his face.
Beside him walked a slightly older man, sharp-eyed and silent.
The young ruler spread his arms warmly.
"Oh, Elmira! It's wonderful to see you again! Welcome to the City of Gems and Minerals—Anruin!"
Shoda stared.
So this was him.
Gatling Zellon, King of Anruin.
And judging by the way he looked at Elmira—
This trip was about to get complicated.