Matilda

Sitting in the smoothly moving Magic-infused Vehicle, Matilda looked out the window.

The broad, level road stretched ahead as far as the eye could see. The wide avenue could nearly accommodate eight or nine large carriages traveling side by side, clearly designed specifically to handle the pressures of modern traffic. Architectural Complexes both orderly and grand stood along both sides of the road, their style unlike that of Typhon, yet also unlike old Ansu—a new style that retained the classical elegance of the northern kingdoms while possessing pleasingly neat lines and regular forms.

Between those buildings and roads, she could see neatly arranged streetlamps, magical projections placed at intersections and open spaces, station signs designed for Magic-infused Vehicles, and welcoming crowds that had taken to the streets despite the lingering winter chill, dressed in bright, thick winter clothing.

The magical projections and large colorful paintings at the stations displayed all manner of welcoming slogans and images, even showing live footage of the convoy currently traveling through the city.

This was the modern magic-conducting capital, Cecil City...

Matilda withdrew her gaze, though she maintained the senses of a Supernatural Being and kept watch over the activity outside. She looked at Philip, who shared the vehicle with her, and saw almost undisguised pride on the young army commander's face.

That was only natural. A nobleman of such status would naturally display such pride before a foreign ambassador.

Yet the Cecilians lining the roads outside, those said to be merely "ordinary citizens," wore similar pride alongside expressions of curiosity, excitement, and more. That was rather less ordinary.

"I hope you are satisfied with the welcome we arranged," Philip said with a smile as he looked into the eyes of the Typhonian princess before him. "Cecil and Typhon differ in many customs and traditions,