The sky was clear and a brilliant blue, as though it had just been washed. A few cottony clouds drifted across it, making the blue seem brighter still.
Ye Chen stood on Bell's back. At times, the clouds seemed so close he could reach out and touch them. Below lay mountain ranges and a boundless sea of sand. From high above, he watched sunlight spill across the desert, turning it gold as though coins had been scattered over the ground.
The wind rushed past, cool against his skin. Ye Chen paid no attention to Bell's complaints. He admired the scenery, then glanced at Robin, warmth filling his heart. He wished time could stop right there.
When he was with someone he liked, even watching her quietly from beside her was enough to make him happy.
Of course, it would have been better if Bell really were a bird. Unfortunately, he was a bird-man who kept getting in the way. Even when Ye Chen wanted to hold Robin's hand, he felt as though someone was watching over his shoulder.
Before long, they reached Alubarna. As they flew over the royal palace, Bell deliberately plunged into a steep dive. To his surprise, Ye Chen stayed planted on his back like a magnet. Though his body was suddenly pitched sideways, he did not budge.
Ye Chen smiled at Bell. "You underestimate Chinese Kung Fu."
"Chinese Kung Fu?" Bell was baffled.
When they finally landed, Bell breathed a sigh of relief. "We're here. Follow me."
Whatever else, Ye Chen was Princess Vivi's friend. Bell did not dare treat him carelessly.
The palace was magnificent, imposing yet elegant. Ancient trees towered around it amid lush greenery. Broad streets paved with bluestone as pale as jade rang crisply beneath their footsteps.
The Castle was vast, several