The girl leaves me and goes to Auntie in the kitchen. I lower my head and reflect on myself.
"Auntie…" she calls. Auntie turns to her, and the girl immediately hugs her, crying softly in her arms. "The time has come, Auntie."
Auntie places both hands on the girl's shoulders. "I understand, My Lady."
I rise from my seat. I walk upstairs to the room, gather my belongings, tie my small bag at my waist, put on my cloak, then leave the room and close the door. I go downstairs and join the girl.
She is already wearing her cloak, reaching for her bags. I take one to help her. Auntie beside her says:
"The carriage has arrived, My Lady. Please be careful on your journey. And send my regards to your Uncle."
The girl nods, then glances at me. "Let's go!"
"My Lady!" Auntie calls again.
"You won't hug Lucy for goodbye, My Lady? Should I bring her here?"
"I think… there's no need, Auntie. I don't want to see her sad face for the second time—after my father left."
The girl embraces Auntie tightly. "I'll miss you, Auntie."
"And I will miss you as well, My Lady."
I open the door. The girl steps outside toward the horse carriage, and I follow.
"Are we all set, My Lady?" the coachman asks.
"All set, sir," she answers.
"Very well, let us depart!"
Auntie waves at us. The girl opens the carriage window and waves back. "Goodbye, Auntie!"
"Travel safely, My Lady!" Auntie replies.
"Of course!" she answers, her face full of excitement.
This journey… planned by this girl whose name I still do not know. Should I—
"To grow closer… what is your name?" she asks, tilting her head slightly.
"Hiroshiki Raze. And you?" I ask.
"My name is Rose Elvainne, Hiro."
"So, where are we going, Rose?" I ask again.
"To meet my uncle, Hiro."
"Really? For what, Rose?"
"He asked me to see him as soon as I meet the one who encounters the crystal—Hero Hiro."
I tilt my head. "Really? So I'm a hero now?"
"Pft—"
"Hahahahaha!" We laugh together.
Before things turn boring, sleepy, or dull—
"Will we ever arrive, sir?" Rose asks.
"In just a moment, My Lady," the coachman replies.
"So My Lady isn't used to long travels, hmm?" he asks.
Rose nods. "That's right. It's been a while since I last visited Uncle."
"I see. Very well."
—HWOOOMM! … HWOOOMM!
That sound?
"No… we're a little late. My apologies, My Lady, but I must speed up the carriage."
"That's exactly what I've wanted from the start, sir," Rose responds. Both of them grow tense.
The port comes into view. The ship is preparing to depart. The horse runs faster and faster. We're close.
From a distance, the sea spreads across the edge of the world, and the sun is rising. If the sun rises, the ship leaves. That means—