The setting sun cast a golden rim over Wind Listening Tower. Cradling the griffin egg in his arms, Kavell watched the departing procession beyond the West City Gate, a trace of loneliness in his eyes.
The faint sound of wheels rolling over the Stone Slab Path drifted over, eventually fading into the dusk.
He withdrew his gaze, looked down at the egg in his arms, and gently stroked its surface as he murmured to himself, "Looks like Uncle Velin really didn't lie to me."
Suddenly, the eggshell gave a slight tremble, as though the little life inside was responding in its own unique way.
Kavell instinctively tightened his arms, pressing the egg closer to his heart. Then he slowly closed his eyes and listened to the faint sounds within it. "Little griffin, for the next five days, it'll just be the two of us keeping each other company."
Beneath the night sky, the carriage continued onward without pause, heading down the main road toward its destination.
Inside the carriage, everyone had something of their own to do.
Ilisis and Ignis sat facing each other, playing chess and occasionally exchanging insights.
Kyle sat on the left reading, occasionally taking out parchment to make notes.
Velin lay sleeping on the right, turning over now and then to make himself more comfortable.
Xuemiyya, Aisilia, and Lyanna sat together at the rear of the carriage, using a Magic Shield to separate themselves from the front as they discussed private matters.
As dawn broke, the traveling party arrived outside the county city of Moon Shadow County.
With a soft creak, Velin pushed open the carriage door and spread his arms, enjoying the cool breeze in high spirits.
Governor Vituss spotted that distinctive head of black hair from afar, immediately straightened his attire, and hurried over.