Great. Another tree. I've been staring out the window for ten minutes, and it's just trees. For my first time outside the mansion, this is disappointing.
"Why is she observing her surroundings so intently?"
"Hana is very curious. I thought you'd remember all our conversations about her," Mother interjects, her pink eyes fixed on Father's blue ones.
"Oh, right! Now I remember." Father smiles awkwardly and looks away.
Well, I just found out who's really in charge here. I don't blame him—even I felt a little intimidated.
Putting my parents' conversation aside, I finally see something other than trees: we're approaching a place surrounded by a large wall.
After a few minutes, the carriage driver calls out, "Your Excellency, we'll be entering the city of Interra shortly."
"Thank you for the notice," Mother says, stroking my hair.
As we pass through the enormous gate, I can't contain my excitement and let out a little shout without realizing it.
"Would you like to see the city, Hana?" Father lifts me into his arms. He's taller than Mother, so I have a better view.
It feels like traveling a hundred years into the past.
Luxurious carriages, each with its own distinctive emblem, roll down the cobblestone streets. Meanwhile, families dressed as elegantly as my own stroll along the sidewalks. Overall, the city looks like it's home to some very wealthy people.
The architecture is more intricate than I imagined. The buildings are constructed with a mix of iron and glass, in a Gothic style that feels more modern than ancient.
I can't read what's written on the shop signs, but I can tell what they sell: clothing, food, jewelry—there's even a café!
Even though it seems to be a commercial city, I can see a column of smoke rising from some kind of structure in the distance. Could those be factories? I can't make it out clearly from here.
And then, as the carriage turns, what I see leaves me speechless: a massive circular clock with hands stands at the heart of the city!
Unbelievable—I was right! Just as I suspected, this isn't the Middle Ages. From the looks of it, this seems more like a nineteenth or twentieth-century city.
After a few minutes, we arrive at a colossal building that reminds me of a Gothic basilica. Spire towers rise on each side, seeming to touch the sky. At the center is a vast, iridescent glass door, and above the structure, a majestic spire holds the symbol of a hooded woman kneeling, gently holding a butterfly in her hands.
"Your Excellency, we've arrived at the Basilica of Interra."
"In a moment, we'll head inside. Notify the Cardinal of our arrival."
Why are they only addressing her?
"Darling, I'm scared…"
Mother narrows her eyes, clasps her hands together, and lowers her head.
"Everything will be fine, my love. I'm sure Hana will surprise us."
"I didn't want to say it in front of my mother, but I don't want to draw my father's attention."
"Calm down; there's no need to worry about something that hasn't even happened yet."
My father sets me aside, takes Mother's hands, and gives her a long kiss on the lips.
Well done! That's what a real man does!
"Let's go. They're waiting for us."
"Thank you, my love."
Setting aside the romantic moment, I can't help but worry about their conversation. Mother mentioned I have a grandfather, but… why does she seem afraid of him?
Father hands me back to Mother and steps out of the carriage.
"No matter what happens, no one will ever separate us, my beautiful girl." She kisses my cheek, smiling sweetly, just as only a mother can.
Then, Father opens the door and helps her down. Together, they link arms and head toward the basilica.
Even though she'll never be my real mother, somehow, that gesture fills me with a sense of security…