The woman stood quietly where she was, thin and frail as withered grass, her robe barely hanging on her body. Expressionless, she looked at the little girl before her, and a flicker of curiosity suddenly appeared in her eyes.
"Who are you?"
Gwen was looking up at that moment. She was too short, and Mira standing before her blocked out the sunlight.
Long white hair slipped from beneath Mira's hood. Her gaze flickered as she casually glanced around.
At some point, the people walking nearby had all dispersed. Only Mira and Gwen remained in the alleyway, while the noisy lower district had fallen so silent that one could hear a pin drop.
Gwen, be careful. She can actually see you. The translucent unicorn leaned close and whispered into Gwen's ear.
Yeah, she's the first person who's been able to see you.
It's okay, Gwen. We'll all help you!
Don't be scared. We're all here. If you run into trouble, you still have us!
Gwen took a deep breath, and the fear and panic in her heart gradually faded.
As long as her friends were by her side, there was nothing to be afraid of.
She instinctively looked toward the tiny armored Gwen—that was her future self, all grown up.
Teenage Gwen stared steadily at her, then tilted her head and jerked her chin toward Mira.
Gwen nodded inwardly, then turned her gaze back to Mira.
She would protect her friends.
"My name is Gwen."
Mira examined her closely, then slowly crouched down to meet Gwen's eyes. She extended a withered finger and gently brushed through Gwen's pure white hair.
"What beautiful hair. Are you from the White Crow Duchy?"
Gwen nodded, then thought for a moment and shook her head again.
"I don't know either. After Mom and Dad died,