As the last sliver of sun sank beyond the distant horizon, Hesta's car drove into the plantation.
She handled the steering wheel absentmindedly, honking from time to time to chase stray cats off the road.
At this hour, there were hardly any pedestrians left on the road. Smoke rose from the plank houses of the shed dwellers, but the wind carried no scent of food—only the acrid reek of cheap coal burning.
When the car reached the main house, Hesta noticed an ornately appointed carriage parked by the roadside. She immediately realized that a noble from the city had arrived. Victoria stood waiting by the road and waved at Hesta.
"Who's here?" Hesta asked bluntly.
Victoria hesitated—she suddenly realized she had forgotten the man's name. "...The young man we met at Trion's last time, the one who argued with Chloe."
"Kovishik?"
"Oh, right."
Hesta pulled out the key and was about to get out when Victoria pressed a hand against the car door. "No rush. Drive over to Stella's first. I have something to ask you."
"...What can't you ask here?"
Victoria had already opened the rear door. "You know Kovishik isn't the only visitor here tonight, right?"
"Boheng came too," Hesta said. "We're setting out for the Fayalar Wasteland tomorrow, and he's coming with us."
"So it really was your idea. When he told me, I thought he was lying..." Victoria said. "Then I have to ask you, why—"
"He won't be going to the Fayalar Wasteland with us," Hesta said. "I just want to take the opportunity to head south for a look. With him there, we should be able to see farther in."
The car drove to Stella's workshop.
In just one day, the place had changed completely. The entire first floor of the workshop had been