A Foreign Land

This was a marvelous and interesting journey.

At least, it had been so thus far.

Matilda sat in a comfortable, spacious seat with impeccable poise, quietly watching the mountains of the Cecil Empire gradually recede beyond the window. The wind and snow had weakened considerably, and the scenery outside was beginning to grow open and distinct. Soothing music released by some kind of Magical Device filled the carriage. The beautiful sights, music, perfectly regulated temperature, and abundant food stored aboard the train together made this long winter journey exceptionally comfortable.

Comfortable enough that one could forget they were sitting inside a Steel Behemoth, forget that they were racing across Cecil's cold winter wilderness at speeds far beyond those of galloping horses.

A young man with short blond hair, a youthful face, and an exceptionally mature, steady demeanor sat across from Matilda. Noticing that the foreign princess before him seemed to be in a good mood, he smiled faintly, his tone carrying a touch of pride. "How has your experience traveling by Magic-Powered Train been?"

Matilda withdrew her gaze from the window and looked at the young man across from her.

This young man named Philip possessed a surprising status. Though he was so young, he was in fact one of the Cecil Empire's military commanders. He commanded the empire's strongest ground legion, and the main force of that legion... was currently stationed at the Longwind Defense Line.

Having such an important military commander receive and "escort" the delegation led by the Typhon imperial princess was an arrangement of equal status and fully in keeping with proper protocol.

Matilda smiled faintly.

"It has been an excellent experience," she said with a smile. "And we have seen the finest scenery as well."

Philip smiled too.

Thanks to General Maryland's reliable arrangements and