Sylvia, dressed in a black gown, spoke elegantly in Kartherian Language beside Shade:
"Although Wilundell does not bear a title like Tobesk's 'Steam Capital,' it is indeed the political, cultural, commercial, and industrial center of the southern Old Continent. The fumes discharged by steam factories do not become any different merely because of geography."
Her gaze shifted toward Earl Winslet and his family not far away. The scale of this funeral far exceeded what a newly acknowledged illegitimate daughter princess should have received, but everyone knew why it was so grand. Nearly every prominent figure in the royal capital had received an invitation, and Earl Winslet, the newspaper magnate, naturally had as well.
Though Flora's grandfather was in poor health, he had still come with Flora's uncle and aunt. Flora herself had not appeared; after all, the church could not hold so many people.
"Shade, do you know what else Wilundell is called?"
The young Great Witch's golden eyes looked from behind her veil at the young man gazing over the scenery. Shade thought for a moment.
"Central City—Wilundell.
"The United Kingdom claims that Wilundell is the central city of the Old Continent. When the steam tide swept across the continent, the earliest railway tracks were laid starting from here. This made Wilundell the hub of the entire Old Continent's rail network. Its tracks stretch in every direction and can reach nearly every important city on the continent.
"I remember Margaret telling me that this place has a very peculiar train culture. Wealthy nobles are even willing to collect retired locomotives in their warehouses."
Sylvia stood beside him and nodded gently.
"Yes, Central City—Wilundell, the source of all power, wealth, and art. The revolution in the textile industry spread from here throughout the continent, directly raising the curtain on the