Now, we've finally gotten moving. The six of us sit back in the carriage, rocking gently as it bumps over the uneven road. Our destination? Liora. According to the rider, we'll have to camp outside for at least one night since the horse needs rest—riding nonstop isn't an option. One night in the open doesn't sound too bad… right?
Ronan's the one who's been hyping Liora up. He says it's a pretty big town, almost like a kingdom. Apparently, they even have a school there, which is still a strange concept to me. Back in Septaria, schools were rare—there was only one in the whole world. But here? It sounds like they're everywhere. There's one in Liora, one in Sandory, and probably others scattered across the land.
Still, I can't help but wonder just how big these towns—Sandory and Liora—actually are. From the way Ronan describes them, they must be massive, at least compared to Luminara. Maybe they're even comparable to Forsadana? It makes me curious about what other towns and kingdoms might look like. I'd love to see them someday.
As for Liora, Ronan says it's surrounded by lush green fields, sparkling rivers, and smaller mountains—not as towering as the ones in Sandory, but still breathtaking in their own way. Oh, and the hot springs. Ronan couldn't stop rambling about the hot springs, going on and on about how perfect the place is for them. I think I know why he's so fixated on that…
Well… a hot spring. I can't complain. I've never been to one before, and honestly, it's something I've always wanted to experience. Just imagining it makes me feel warm already. A hot spring… yeah, I can't wait. Back in my old life, I'd only ever read about them in light novels, but now I'm actually here. No more imagining or daydreaming—this time, I'll get to feel it for real. I've always wondered how it would feel to sink into the steaming water, letting all the tension and cold melt away like it's nothing.
I can see it now—Sela and Althea on the other side of the wall, steam rising around them as they settle into the water. Sela's hair loose, damp strands clinging to her face, her usual liveliness replaced by that rare, calm look she gets when she's lost in thought. Althea, always so composed, leaning back with her arms stretched along the edge of the spring, her figure framed just enough by the mist to let my imagination run wild.
But then there's Sela… I can't help but wonder—are her curves really that small, or does her personality just make it feel like they should be bigger? Not that it matters—she's got other… uh… assets. Like her legs. Or maybe her butt? Yeah, I could see that being the hidden winner there. And Althea? Well, hers isn't exactly a mystery. Her chest practically demands attention, especially with how she'd probably sit there, arms crossed or casually draped along her bare skin.
Sneaking a peek? Yeah, now we're talking. I know Ronan will have the same idea—no doubt about it. He'll lean over and say something like, "Kaito, if you don't at least try to look, are you even a man?" And honestly? I'd probably go along with whatever ridiculous plan he comes up with. He's got that way of making you feel like missing out would be an unforgivable sin.
And let's be real, who could resist? Sela's playful charm balanced by Althea's cool elegance—it's almost too much to handle. I can already see Ronan giving me that knowing grin, nudging me like we're partners in crime. Yeah, I can tell this trip is going to be memorable—for all the right reasons.
Anyway, we've got a bit of a journey ahead before that. First, we actually have to get there. About the path, though—it's nothing short of breathtaking. Right now, we're traveling across the sprawling fields that separate the two regions, and soon we'll reach the mountains. That's how we'll know we've entered the new territory.
These fields are incredible—vast, open expanses stretching as far as the eye can see, blanketed in a soft layer of snow. Snowflakes drift gently down in a quiet harmony, adding to the serene beauty of the landscape. The forest behind us slowly fades into the horizon, its edges blurred by the snowfall as we push further toward the mountains ahead. They're still distant, rising like a jagged crown against the sky, but we should reach their foothills by the end of the day.
Once we arrive at the mountains, we'll take a break for the night. The plan is to rest, let the horses recover, and then continue at first light tomorrow. If all goes well, we'll reach Liora by midday. The thought of seeing those towering peaks up close—and knowing that beyond them lies our destination—is enough to make the cold ride bearable.
"Ah…! It's been so long since we traveled this way—I almost forgot how breathtaking these mountains and fields are!" Sela leans toward the edge of the carriage, her hands gripping the frame as she peeks outside. Her wide eyes sparkle with excitement as she gazes at the snow-dusted peaks in the distance. "Just riding through this peaceful path again feels amazing!"
She shifts her stance, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "I can't wait until we arrive! I want to see those winding pathways under the mountains again—they were always so beautiful. I've missed them so much!"
"I know, right? We're going to have a great time in this region… And the hot springs, ah… I can't wait." Ronan leans back in the carriage, his voice carrying a relaxed tone. His gaze shifts to Sela, who's still leaning over the edge, her eyes sparkling with awe as she takes in the scenery.
Ronan watches her for a moment, a calm smile spreading across his face. It's as if he's savoring not just the view of the snow-dappled mountains ahead, but the simple joy on her face. The way she's so caught up in the moment makes everything feel a little more peaceful.
His gaze feels... different. Not like him, almost like another side of him I haven't seen before. Gone is the usual teasing, slightly lewd glint in his eyes. Instead, there's something softer, calmer—like the peace of the moment has washed over him and steered his thoughts somewhere else entirely. Or maybe I'm just imagining things.