The loud, deep sound of the airship's horn echoed through the busy streets, briefly drowning out the chatter of the crowd. The massive ship floated above us with its giant frame moving smoothly through the sky. It has ten large oars on each side, all working in perfect sync to keep it afloat. It resembled an old pirate vessel, except for one glaring difference-it ain't sailing upon the seas.
Despite the noise and the undeniable spectacle of the floating ship, Marreanne is just casually walking beside me without a care in her surroundings. Her arms are linked with mine. She wasn't the least bit bothered neither by the commotion nor that massive thing in the sky. It's like such sights were completely normal.
Now I'm getting envious.
She was more focused on the market stalls. Each time something caught her eye, she would tug me along without warning, dragging me toward whatever piqued her interest. But if nothing satisfies her, she would simply turn away and move on to the next. Normally, she would buy anything that seemed okay-ish, but today, she's being careful about what she's gonna pick. Clearly having a reason for doing this today.
It is a special day, after all.
I never really thought about it, since I just knew about them being real very recently, but even realm guardians celebrate birthdays, huh?
As for Marreanne, she could be playful and carefree at times, but she is also dependable. Knowing just that, it makes it so easy to see why she is the heir to the Riesseville clan. She has a way of adapting to any situation, and even if I don't always see it, she has a strong sense of leadership—something she must have gotten from her father.
Though, she also has her mother's cheerful personality. That much is obvious.
"Reanne," I called, nudging her lightly to get her attention.
"Hmm?" She gave me a quick glance, and then back at the market stalls.
"I was wondering..." I hesitated for a moment. "If Quilya is a realm guardian, does that mean she used to live here?"
"Huh? Where did that came from?" Marreanne thought for a second before answering. "Yes and no."
I frowned. "Huh?"
She must have seen the confusion on my face because she quickly explained.
"No, because realm guardians aren't bound to a single place. It's common knowledge that they watch over multiple realms that house civilizations, including this one," she explained. "Or for example, the world you grew up in... the human realm. They've traveled through almost every existing realm, and at some point, they've even lived in them."
That makes sense. I gave her a small nod as I took in what she said.
"But also, yes," she continued. "A hundred years ago, during the war, they stayed here. It was the worst battle they had ever fought. It was so catastrophic that they had to seek help from the gods in the heavens. After the war, they weren't allowed to leave this realm for a while. The gates that let them travel between worlds were sealed off."
She glanced at me knowingly. "Quilya has probably told you about that."
I let out a slow breath, trying to take in everything she had just said.
So, to them, that war wasn't just something from history. It's something they had lived through, as protectors, as guardians.
And for some unknown reason, the gates remained closed.
But they aren't meant to just stay shut forever, are they?
To prevent any potential threats from entering the realm and to stop the dark realm from destroying everything that exists—that was what she told me. I recalled what Saliva mentioned yesterday in his office. The gates were sealed inside a book. And that book was the same one Quilya emerged from many years ago.
Now, I couldn't help but wonder. How did that book end up in my possession, again? Hmm... From what I remembered, I think I stole it from a library somewhere... Right! From the orphanage!
This is strange. If that book held the sealed gates, then why was it hidden inside a small orphanage in the human realm? My head started to ache just thinking about it.
I was snapped back to reality when Marreanne spoke.
"I believe she lost that girl, Alice, who was important to her during the war. Am I right?" I asked.
She nodded without hesitation. "I have no idea how she lost her," she admitted. "I wasn't there when the war broke out. In fact, I was born shortly after."
I turned to her in shock. "Wait, for real? That means you're over a hundred years old now? But you look... incredibly young."
She chuckled. "Silly, why would that be the first thing you have to say? But well, despite being... ahem... 'young', almost everyone here is a hundred years old or older," she said. "Including you."
I froze. "W-What? Me?"
Marreanne's smile grew amused at my reaction.
"A-Anyway, please continue," I stammered, flustered by what she just said. The thought of being over a hundred years old made me anxious. And if I really am Alice, then... maybe it's not impossible after all.
Marreanne gave me a knowing look but didn't press further. Instead, she continued, "Desperate to find her, Quilya bypassed the sealed gates. She traveled from realm to realm for years... until she finally found you."
"But how does that make me the Alice she was looking for?" I argued. "I don't understand."
"I know, Riah. It sounds ridiculous. But just trust her, okay? She knows without a doubt that you're Alice. She knows she's not mistaken," she reassured me in a firm voice, and a serious face. And after just a few moments, her face softened. "The important thing is that you're here now. Even if I can't help you find all the answers, I know you can overcome this. You have it in you, Riri. You're here to uncover the mysteries of your past, to find the truth about yourself. Don't worry, even without me... Quilya, and my parents, they're all here to guide you along the way."
Her words struck something deep within me.
This is the side of Marreanne that I felt most comfortable with. Even way... way back, she was always this warm and affectionate toward everyone, but I never expected to hear something so reassuring from her in this exact moment.
She truly meant every word. And it caught me off guard.
Truthfully speaking, I am slowly beginning to accept that I was, and am in fact, Alice. I just need to understand the truth behind it. I need to know who Alice is. The Alice that Quilya know.
And that thought somehow terrifies me.
What if I wasn't the person she remembered? Or what if she was disappointed when she realized I wasn't the same?
Still, I smiled at Marreanne with genuine gratitude. "Thank you, Reanne. That really means a lot."
"Oh, don't mention it. You're like my big sister," she said with a bright smile. "If anything, I should be thanking you for letting my family adopt you."
Eh?
I get that, sometimes, she don't really make sense. But right now, she has no idea how happy that made me.
"Anyway," she went on, tilting her head, "what made you bring this up all of a sudden?"
I paused, thinking back. "I just remembered something from before... back in Karirana. Do you remember when we approached that vendor to ask for directions?"
She nodded. "Yeah. Why?"
"Well, do you also remember how Quilya said that the people there might not understand us?"
She blinked, then suddenly laughed. "Oh! Right! You guys even dragged me into that mess because you thought they wouldn't understand you!"
"Exactly." I let out a small chuckle before my expression grew serious again. "But that's what I don't get. Why would she even say that? If she's a realm guardian who's lived here, wouldn't she know how to speak their language?"
"Ah, that." Marreanne shrugged. "Quilya doesn't really like talking to people. She barely interacts with other realm guardians, let alone shows herself to humans. That's probably why she never bothered to learn the language."
I frowned. That didn't add up.
If she avoided people, then why was she so determined to find me?
We chatted as we walked down the busy streets, searching for the perfect surprise gift for our birthday girl. Well, it's not really a proper conversation. It's more of a one-sided than us actually talking.
Ugh, this is going to be a long afternoon.
I mostly just nodded along as Marreanne yaps around nonstop. It wasn't that I'm not listening, I just didn't have much to contribute. Plus, she's talking about Quilya. I barely knew anything about her, if we're talking about her being a realm guardian, so I figured it was better to stay quiet and let her do the talking.
I thought she was finished, but after a brief pause, she spoke again.
"She was never the talkative type, even back then. She only had one friend. Yeah, you guessed it. It's Alice. And even then, they rarely spoke to each other," she said. "Back in the human realm, you and Quilya grew up in the same orphanage, despite her being a realm guardian. That should be enough to give you some clarity."
Of all things I heard, that's probably the only part that made some sense to me. She appeared to me that night, called me Alice, and acted like she knew me. Being the innocent me, I have no idea who she was. She told me her name, but at the time, I couldn't really understand it. It's like the words were filtered, or spoken using a different language. And that entity later turned out to be the person I had spent so many years with.
All along, it was her.
And if what Marreanne said is true, Quilya's gone so far as to disguise herself as a human—just so she could be with me.
Now that I think about it, the very first time I saw her, she wasn't in human form at all. That night, she appeared as a creature with the body of a horse, though calling her a horse wouldn't be quite right. There was this something that seemed different, something that gives her an otherworldly presence.
Just what was it—oh! That horn! That spiraling horn jutting from her forehead.
That means... I have already seen Quilya's true form.
A unicorn.
The Beast of Singularity is a unicorn.
"You know," Marreanne continued, "to realm guardians, their human bodies are nothing more than a veil, a disguise to blend in. They also have the ability to reverse their physical growth."
I nodded. "You don't have to tell me, I already know. The book said a lot about them. Well, everything except their true forms. Or... guardian forms?"
"Yeah," she said, chuckling while shaking her head slightly. "But who knows? Maybe there's one out there whose guardian form looks exactly like a human?"
"Stop making things more complicated, Marreanne," I muttered, narrowing my eyes.
And besides, the book didn't mention anything about it.
I stopped paying attention to the rest of what she was saying when I got distracted by a sudden thought. I've figured out what I wanted to get for Quilya. I needed to find something... anything that has a unicorn on it. A toy, a hairpin... just anything like it.
It doesn't matter what it is. As long as it is a unicorn.
Marreanne suddenly clapped her hands together. "By the way, before anything else, I'm gonna need to buy you a new outfit. Stay here and wait for me, okay? I'll be back in a sec."
I blinked. "Wait, what? Why?"
She gestured to my clothes. "Your tunic is torn. Probably from that injury yesterday."
I looked down. It wasn't too noticeable at first glance, but if someone looked closely, they'd see the rip near the hem.
She was about to leave when I quickly stopped her. "Pick something a little looser, please? I can barely walk in this thing."
She snickered. "Got it."
And just like that, she was gone.
Left on my own, I decided to look for a place to sit while waiting. I spotted a wooden bench under a large tree with golden leaves, just a little further from the crowded street. It was oddly quiet in that area, almost untouched. No one else seemed to be around.
I made my way over and sat down. The bench was simple but sturdy, but the wood was smoothened from years of use. As I leaned back, I watched the leaves gently fall down from the branches above.
I wondered why no one else came here yet. This place here is peaceful. Serene. Even though I can still hear the distant hum of the marketplace, this spot felt like a quiet escape from the crowded streets.
Honestly, I wouldn't have minded if Marreanne didn't bother buying me a new outfit. I wasn't exactly asking for one. The tear wasn't that bad, after all. But the real issue was the fit. It is way too tight for my liking.
So, I suppose I should at least be grateful she's fixing that problem for me.
I have been so lost in thought that I didn't even notice someone sitting beside me. It wasn't until I heard him speak that I snapped back to reality.
"Are you waiting for someone?" he asked.
I turned my head slightly so I can take a better look at him. He looks tall, though his face isn't entirely visible from where I sat. He's wearing a finely tailored tunic of deep blue, cinched at the waist with an ornate leather belt. A dark cloak hung over his shoulders. It's fastened at the collar by a bronze clasp, carved with strange markings I don't recognize. His long black hair is tied back into a loose ponytail, though a few strands had slipped free, brushing against his face as he sat there.
I glanced down at his hands and noticed he's holding a folded piece of paper.
Then my gaze drifted back to his face when I noticed that he was staring at me.
Oh, my goodness. He's a man, and yet... he looks more elegant than I do. Are men in this world always this well-dressed? And feminine?!
"Yes, I am," I replied simply.
Holy crap, he smiled.
His features were sharp yet delicate, giving him a youthful appearance. Probably around the same age as Marreanne—wait, no. I have to stop thinking like that. Marreanne is over a hundred years old, for goodness' sake! I bet this guy only looks young. I can't let appearances fool me in this world any longer.
"Oh, y-yeah. I'm sorry for bothering you. I-I'm actually shy around women," he admitted, visibly flustered.
I blinked at him. What did he say?
He kept fidgeting, and his eyes were darting around as if the very act of sitting beside me made him uncomfortable. I can also tell that he's trying so hard not to panic.
Why sit here in the first place?
Well, not that it matters to me.
"I'm Aeriah Riesseville. Nice to meet you," I introduced myself, figuring I might as well be polite.
If I set aside appearances, there is something undeniably impressive about the culture in this world. Everything, from the clothing and hairstyles to the intricately designed buildings, reminded me of a long-lost era. Even their choice of accessories carried a certain elegance. If their weaponry followed the same theme, I wouldn't be surprised.
"It's nice to meet you, Miss Aeriah, my name's Adrein," he responded, trying to steady his voice. "I'm actually waiting for someone. Since this area isn't as crowded as the main streets, we decided to meet here. Her name is Cleigh. She should be arriving soon."
For someone who claims to be shy, that was a pretty long-winded answer.
And wait... he's waiting for a girl? How ironic. Didn't he just admit that he's uncomfortable around women?
"Bummer..." I whispered in disappointment.
Maybe this Cleigh is someone he's close to. A friend, or perhaps the only one he's comfortable with. I can only assume.
Hearing that, I suddenly felt out of place.
So this is supposed to be their meeting spot? Great. I unknowingly sat down right in the middle of someone's date.
I sighed. Well, I guess I can't blame myself. This place is peaceful and scenic. Even though it's close to the main street, the atmosphere is calm.
Just as I was about to stand and leave, a familiar voice called my name.
I immediately turned toward the direction of the voice and spotted Marreanne approaching, holding a paper bag about the size of a shopping bag from a mall.
Well, that was quick.
But more importantlu, I noticed a woman walking behind her. She wore a simple yet elegant white dress, completely different from what most people around here wore. Is she a royalty? It might seem like it at first glance, but there's no way to know just by judging. Her beauty is undeniable—pale, flawless skin, and soft, rosy lips that gave her a delicate charm.
There is nothing overly flashy about her overall appearance, yet she had this quiet grace. Her shoulder-length hair framed her face perfectly, and her brown eyes held a kind of depth that made her seem warm and friendly.
"Oh, that's her," the man beside me murmured.
Damn, is this some kind of cliché knight-and-princess moment? Except this guy is more of a medieval-era-neet than an actual knight.
Wait a minute, it sounds so wrong. I take that back. I think this is more of an extrovert-adopted-an-introvert type of friendship.
Before I even realized it, Adrein had already stood up. He walked toward the woman with a gentle smile on his lips.
Huh... they're just friends, right?
He didn't spare a glance at Marreanne's direction as he strode past her. His focus was entirely on Cleigh. Even Marreanne barely gave him a glance as she passed him by. But as I watched him approach the woman, something else caught my eye.
His hands were empty.
Frowning, I quickly glanced at the spot where he was sitting earlier, and there it was, a folded piece of paper lying on the bench. He left it behind. I reached for it without thinking, but just as I picked it up, Marreanne suddenly appeared in front of me.
"What's that?" she asked, her sharp eyes immediately catching sight of the paper in my hand.
Instinctively, I hid it behind my back.
"It's not mine," I said quickly. "It's his." I motioned toward Adrein and Cleigh, who were now standing close together, talking with smiles on their faces.
Marreanne's gaze flickered toward them before turning back to me. "Oh, I know them." Her voice dropped slightly. "I'm close with that guy. He's a Morsenian diplomat." Close? That's what close is to you? You barely gave him a look!
"Don't return that paper. It's for her own good."
I frowned. "What? Why not?"
"They're the star-crossed lovers," she stated matter-of-factly.
"Star-crossed lovers?" I echoed, confused.
She nodded. "Yep, I know you know what it means. When two people who fall in love but can never be together." A hint of sadness crept into her voice. "Fate often brings people together, even when they were never meant to meet."
I pursed my lips, watching the two interact. So I was right. They're not just friends. But... star-crossed?
Falling in love yet never meant to be together...
"I don't get it," I admitted with a sigh. "They look perfect for each other. See?" I gestured toward them, still deep in conversation, unaware of anything else around them.
Marreanne exhaled softly. "The answer is written on that paper, Riah. That man... He purposely left that note for her sake."
Her words lingered in my mind as I stared at the folded paper in my hand.
"But how do you even know they're star-crossed?" I asked, squinting my eyes at her.
She just shrugged her shoulders, barely sparing me a glance while casually inspecting her nails. "Quilya told me a few decades ago. Before she left to find you," she said.
I paused. "...A few decades ago?"
"Yep," she even popped the 'p' like it was the most normal thing in the world.
I don't know what's happening anymore. I blinked in disbelief. Decades... Right, of course... Everyone here is almost just as old as the first Mickey Mouse on Steamboat Willie. And apparently, I might be included.
"I see," I muttered, nodding as if I have fully understood that information.
...I did not.
Who am I kidding?
My mind is screaming. I almost hit on that guy.
And my pride and dignity? Yeah. Shattered.
I exhaled. Back to reality.
"Keep it for now," she continued. "And let's not forget why we're here."
Yep. I almost forgot. We're supposed to be looking for a gift.
How did she even know there was something important in this piece of paper? Can she read what's written on it without even opening it? Is this some kind of magic?
Ugh. Mages.
I sighed. "I'll just think about it later."
"You say what?"
"Nothing." Crap. Why did I even say that out loud.
Marreanne led me to a shop where I could change. The outfit she picked fit me well—not too loose, not too tight. It was nearly identical in color to the one I bought back in Lashevierr. Since the dress had no pockets, I tucked the paper into the sash around my waist, making sure it was secure.
From there, we continued browsing through different shops, searching for the perfect gift. We must have walked through every store in Schönheit already. By the time we were done, it was already dark.
Marreanne paid for everything. I didn't have any money with me, and besides, their currency consisted of copper, silver, and gold. Even if I did have some, I wouldn't know how to use it properly. Not that it mattered, though. Marreanne seemed to have an endless supply of money. It's almost like she has a magic pouch that never runs out of coins.
When we finally arrived at the castle gates, Marreanne introduced herself to the two guards standing watch. They recognized her immediately and allowed us entry without question.
Yes, I'm talking about the castle at the top of the mountain.
As soon as we stepped inside, a familiar voice greeted us.
"Where have you two been?" Quilya asked, arms crossed, clearly impatient.
Marreanne and I exchanged glances before turning back to her with wide grins.
"Surprise! Happy birthday!" we cheered in unison, handing her the gifts we picked out.
She was practically stunned there, momentarily. When she recovered, she gave us a warm smile.
"You spent hours just for this?" she said chuckling. "Thank you, you two."
I let out an exhausted sigh, stretching my arms. "That was tiring."
And just like that, the day has finally come to a close.