Descending the seaside hill, Endi and Lamia began speaking of their journey to the royal capital, Valeralc.
The morning sunlight painted the wheat fields in gold, while the waves sang softly in the distance.
Their footsteps echoed as if carving a new story into the soil.
"Hey, hey! What's Valeralc like? Since it's the capital, I bet it's a huge city, right?"
"It's a wonderful place! A great metropolis, for sure. Compared to the countryside, there's less nature, but the city is filled with beautiful buildings designed by famous architects. Even ancient ruins, too! But…"
"But?"
"Even though it's the victorious nation, the war only ended four years ago. The economy is still unstable—there are many who suffer from hunger and unemployment. The numbers are decreasing every year, but… the public safety still isn't very good."
"I see…"
A mixture of anticipation and unease welled in Endi's chest.
The dazzling image of the capital was shadowed by the scars of war.
Lamia's words drifted like fragments of old memories carried on the wind.
According to her, the territory of Valeralc was vast—so vast it spanned a fifth of the Mrua Continent. From the current port town, it was about an hour's walk to the neighboring town, then a thirty–minute train ride to the capital's entrance.
But to reach the royal palace itself, there was still a journey of five hundred kilometers.
With the protection of the security forces or Lamia's search unit, the trip could be swift. Otherwise, the distance would be staggering.
And yet, Endi's heart leapt.
The joy of traveling at Lamia's side filled him with lightness.
At the same time, the thought that he might find clues to his lost memories in the capital stirred both hope and unease within him.
That stormy night.
The hooded man.
The dream of the blood-soaked wasteland.
He felt certain the answers awaited somewhere in Valeralc.
Then suddenly, Lamia's stomach gave a loud growl.
"Sorry… I haven't eaten since yesterday. Before we leave, can we grab something?" she asked, blushing.
"Of course—you must be starving."
Flustered at his own lack of consideration, Endi hurried into the first shop he saw.
It was a small place, yet it carried an air of refinement.
Though it was still before noon, wealthy-looking men and women were already laughing over wine glasses.
On the wall, menus of pasta and pizza were proudly displayed, while the fragrant aroma of olive oil filled the room.
They had hoped for a window seat with a view of the sea, but were instead guided to a table in the back.
Endi ordered vongole bianco, brimming with the flavors of the sea. Lamia chose a rich carbonara heavy with fine cheese.
"This anchovy pizza looks so good! Let's share it, okay?"
"Perfect! I was just thinking the same thing!"
The dishes that arrived surpassed all expectations.
The salty zest of the pasta, the creamy richness of the cheese, and the deep savor of anchovy danced across their tongues.
Their eyes sparkled as they glanced at one another.
The prices were a little steep, but the portions and taste left nothing to complain about.
Normally, Endi would have devoured the food in haste, but before Lamia he forced himself to eat slowly, carefully, almost elegantly.
After finishing the pasta, they reached for the pizza—anchovies glistening in olive oil, cheese melting luxuriously.
"When we get to Valeralc, is there anything you want to do?"
"I'd love to take a stroll. And… I need to find work, too. What's it like being a server?"
"I work in the grand dining hall inside the royal palace, doing kitchen work. Since a lot of soldiers come, it's really tough—but fun, too. Sometimes I do cleaning, as well. Want to try it with me?"
"Cooking and cleaning, huh…? Not really my thing. I'd rather do something physical. Yeah—like join the army!"
"Physical work? The army? You're way too scrawny for that!"
Lamia burst out laughing, clutching her stomach.
"Hey now—I'm actually pretty strong! I've got stamina, too!"
"Sure, sure."
Brushed off lightly, Endi pouted.
Being called scrawny stung, and he swore he'd find a way to show her how strong and reliable he really was.
Then—suddenly—a sharp sound blared from outside.
Beeeep!
The quiet of the port town shattered in an instant.