At night, north of Helrom, the imperial capital.
The Magic Energy Rail Train had just emerged from the deep-gray rock tunnel that had made it tremble, winding through the mountains before entering an endless, symmetrical ancient forest, solemn and still.
The silhouettes of the mountain peaks were accompanied by the occasional flicker of lights. Outside the fortress city, Helrom National Forest Park and its lakes appeared even more profound beneath the train's roaring whistle.
In the distance, Helrom's outline gradually grew clear. The city-state's lights lit up one after another, embellishing the skyline as though answering the scattered stars across the pitch-black curtain.
Inside the carriage, the clock had just passed seven. Pale yellow light danced across the solid-wood furnishings. Some passengers sat quietly while others chatted, noise and stillness interweaving as the conductors busily moved between the carriages, orderly handling the passengers' various requests. After each service, they continued on their way with professional smiles.
Hughberlian sat by the window. Her cheek, quietly gazing outside, was reflected in the glass. Red hair ornaments dotted her otherwise black hair, which fell diagonally over her shoulder.
Mishura, seated opposite her, had already changed into the uniform of Protos Royal Magic Academy. Her pointed ears displayed faint, almost imperceptible demonic features.
Between the two of them, the rustle of Mishura turning pages sounded from time to time. Until they reached their destination, Helrom, both remained quietly absorbed in their own affairs.
Outside, the scenery flashed past. Every so often, a little more of Helrom's lights came into view.
The sound of a book closing broke the silence. Mishura placed it in her handbag. Although she had not finished the Holy War Romance she had borrowed from her sister, she decided to stop immersing herself in it and continue reading after they returned