We were still walking slowly along the outer corridor of my floating castle, beneath a sky that was beginning to change color as evening crept in. The warm orange of the setting sun stretched across the horizon, casting long shadows along the marble floor. Beside me, Mai walked with her usual grace—composed, elegant, and quiet. But even in her calm demeanor, I could still see it in her eyes: the lingering weight of something she hadn't yet let go of.
We had spoken quite a bit since her arrival. Not in rushed bursts or desperate exchanges, but in quiet, measured moments. Still, the air between us remained... balanced. Not quite close, but no longer distant either.
After a few more silent steps, I decided to change the subject.
"So," I said, glancing sideways at her, "what's your plan from here? Your castle's safe for now. It's operational again... although I imagine it still needs a lot of repairs, right?"
