Saturday morning.
Desi Bay, Enqi Town.
The sky was exceptionally clear, cloudless, and brightly sunny.
The temperature was rather low, but compared with cities like Backlund or Tingen,
Enqi Town was still much warmer.
Helibel put on a long dress and, with her personal maid's help, slipped into a black overcoat that fell below her knees.
She wore a matching hat with a veil draping from it, making her look far more mature than her age.
She went to the hall and met her mother.
Enilu smiled at her daughter. "Are you sure you want to dress like that today?"
Helibel turned around with a smile. "Doesn't it look good, Madam?"
"A little old-fashioned," Enilu gave her an impartial assessment.
Helibel did not mind. "Didn't you say that the style of one's clothes should depend on the occasion?"
"Our king is giving a speech today. It's a serious matter."
"Likewise, the square is a serious setting today."
"I think this is more appropriate."
Enilu offered her arm for her daughter to take. "It seems my daughter has grown up."
Mother and daughter left the house and boarded the carriage.
"I wonder how Big Brother is doing."
Helibel thought of Sifa, her expression dimming slightly. "I heard that the eastern coast of the Intersea suffered immense destruction. He isn't taking part in the fighting there, is he?"
Enilu took her daughter's hand resting on her knee. "You needn't worry about him."
"Sifa is stronger and tougher than we imagine."
"He is an exceptional child."
Helibel raised her head, her little face beneath the veil brimming with pride. "Of course. He's the kingdom's youngest general!"
The carriage left Golden Champagne Avenue and headed toward Memorial Square.
Along the way,
Helibel saw many pedestrians.
The town's residents were all converging on the square.