Night, Backlund Bridge.
As one of the two great bridges in Backlund, Backlund Bridge remained busy even at night, with carriages constantly crossing in both directions.
Raphael arrived on the bridge in Wraith form. After glancing at the nighttime view of the Tussock River, he passed through the deck and hung beneath the bridge.
At precisely nine, Raphael saw thick pea stalks suddenly sprout from the water. As they approached the bridge deck, they turned illusory, continuing to grow as though piercing the void and reaching into an unknown space.
Raphael knew this was an invitation from Queen Mystic, Bernadette, so he floated onto the vines and followed them into the void.
His surroundings seemed to become less real, but Raphael could clearly feel himself rising higher and higher.
After growing for roughly four or five seconds, the vines gathered their branches and leaves into a small green platform before Raphael. He could vaguely see that he was now above Backlund Bridge.
Then a large, curled leaf sprouted from the vines. Once it reached the green platform, it unfurled on its own, revealing a woman who grew from tiny to full-sized. She had chestnut hair, beautiful features, and a hint of heroic spirit in her brow.
It was Queen Mystic, Bernadette.
Raphael noticed that her clothes differed somewhat from the fashions of this era: tall boots, trousers resembling jeans, and a shirt. They looked rather like the clothes of Common Era people.
At that thought, he smiled faintly. "Hello, esteemed Queen."
Bernadette was also studying Raphael: a very handsome young man, but he seemed to have been affected by his potion, leaving his mind somewhat unsettled.
She spoke at an even pace. "I assume you know the purpose of this meeting."
"Yes," Raphael said. "I've been granted certain privileges. As