Hutton Kingdom.
A day had passed since Lanchi entered the Shadow World.
On this Saturday morning, sunlight pierced the thick clouds and spilled across the brick and glass of the Royal Capital Ikelite, leaving behind a warm glow.
In this city, which preserved its antique charm while remaining highly modernized, red-brick buildings glittered in the morning light, while glass curtain walls reflected the blue of the sky and the white of the clouds.
At Iketerite Central Station, the Magic Energy Rail Train glided along with a steady hum, carrying residents and tourists swiftly toward their destinations.
As he walked through the station hall, the din gradually faded into the crisp ringing of shop bells, interwoven with the melodies of bards playing instruments in the distant plaza.
A middle-aged man dressed as a merchant arrived at the edge of the plaza opposite Central Station, boarded a small sightseeing carriage, and began his journey through the city.
The carriage's soft leather seat swayed gently, bringing with it a refreshing, pleasant breeze.
His temples were touched with gray, but neither his bearing nor his dignity had diminished in the slightest. Every edge of his clothing had been tidied to perfection.
"Don't let me catch you, you little rascal."
Noe Wilford sat in the carriage, gazing at the scenery of Ikelite as he muttered to himself.
This was after he heard that Professor Bora Ao, the Dean of the Magic Engineering Institute, had issued a penalty ticket to their household.
Lanchi Wilford's father, Noe Wilford, had rarely returned from Granvilleverly City on the northern border of the Krui Di Empire by ship to the South Wantina Territory on the southern border of the Hutton Kingdom.
A few days ago, when Noe received a cross-border Communication Magic call from his butler, Hans, his first reaction