The morning sun had only just begun to burn the mist from the hills when the carriage departed.
Roswaal's estate slowly disappeared behind them, swallowed by trees and distance. Ahead lay winding roads, merchant trails, and eventually—stone towers, crowded courts, and the royal capital.
Enkidu sat across from Emilia inside the carriage, while Rem rode up front with the driver. Ram followed on horseback, eyes sharp as ever.
For a time, they said nothing.
The road passed under them with the rhythm of old wood wheels and the soft clatter of hooves. Trees gave way to open meadows, then hills dotted with sleepy villages and crumbling ruins.
Enkidu watched it all in silence, hands resting in his lap.
Emilia, on the other hand, kept glancing at him.
She fidgeted once. Then again. Then finally—
"So…" she began, voice higher than usual. "You've traveled before, right?"
"Yes."
"Is this boring to you?"
He shook his head. "No. Just quiet."
"Oh. Okay. That's good. I guess." She leaned against the window with a soft sigh. "I always think I'm supposed to say something on trips like this."
"There's no rule."
"Well, you don't seem nervous," she muttered.
"I don't get nervous about places," Enkidu replied. "People, maybe."
That caught her attention. "Really?"
He gave her a small nod. "You can't predict people."
She laughed gently. "I know. I am people."
Enkidu allowed himself a small smile. "You're easier to read than most."
Her cheeks tinted pink. "That's not fair. You're impossible to read."
"Good."
They stopped before noon to rest.
Rem unpacked food with efficient grace, while Ram kept a slow, circling watch around the clearing. Emilia stretched her arms high above her head, turning her face to the sun.
Enkidu sat by the base of an old pine tree, fingers brushing the grass absently.
A tiny bird hopped into view, then another. A third landed on his shoulder, chirped once, and flew away.
"Seriously," Emilia said, watching it. "They just like you."
"I don't make them afraid."
"Still. You're like… nature's favorite."
"Not favorite," Enkidu murmured. "Just understood."
Rem handed him a small parcel of bread and dried fruit. "You're speaking more today."
"It's easier with the right people."
That made her blink, then smile. "I'll take that as a compliment."
Ram rode in on her horse shortly after, dismounting with practiced ease. "No trouble nearby. But there's movement farther down the road. Traders, maybe. Or a patrol."
Emilia nodded. "Let's finish eating and keep moving."
The second half of the journey brought them into flatter country—wide fields, grazing beasts, and distant watchtowers. The road improved too—stone-laid and well-worn.
The silence in the carriage grew heavier as they got closer.
"I'm expected to speak in front of nobles tomorrow," Emilia said after a while, fiddling with her sleeve. "On trade rights. And border disputes. And—ugh—titles."
"You don't like it?"
"I don't hate it," she said. "I just… didn't grow up thinking I'd ever have to act royal."
"You don't act royal now."
She looked at him, half-offended. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You're honest," he said. "Royals usually aren't."
Her eyes softened. "You really are hard to argue with."
They reached a high ridge near sunset.
From there, the road sloped down toward a great valley—and beyond it, the royal capital.
It sprawled like a jewel pressed into the land. High stone walls circled its outer edge, with towers and cathedrals rising toward the sky. The sun caught on its domes and flags, turning them gold.
But higher still—on the far end of the city—stood the royal castle.
It gleamed white and silver, built into the mountain itself, with glass windows like eyes and banners like falling leaves.
Enkidu stared, quiet.
Emilia leaned beside him. "Impressive, right?"
"Yes."
She looked nervous again. "You'll stay close tomorrow, right?"
"Of course."
She glanced down. "Even if I mess up?"
"You won't."
"And if I do?"
"Emilia, i promise I'll always be here to help you."
That made her laugh—small and real.
"…Thank you," she said. "I'm glad you came."
The wind picked up as the carriage descended.
And with it, the weight of what lay ahead settled quietly over them all.