The carriage continued its steady journey through the autumn countryside, wheels clicking rhythmically against well-worn cobblestones. Golden leaves drifted across their path as they headed southwest with it already being the afternoon.
They passed by a village in front and then they entered.
Reinhard glanced through the window to see the stone buildings rising along carefully planned streets.
Smoke curled from chimneys while residents moved about their daily routines such as a woman hanging laundry from upper windows, men returning from market with packages tucked under their arms.
"Look, there's a woman feeding chickens in her courtyard," Marie said with delight, pressing closer to the carriage window.
Children played in the village square, chasing each other around a central well while their mothers watched from nearby benches. An elderly man sat on his doorstep shaving a piece of wood and nodding at the people passing by.
Joseph glanced out briefly. "What a nice peaceful place."
As they passed through, Reinhard noticed shopkeepers sweeping their storefronts and adjusting window displays. A baker emerged from his shop to chat with a customer with flour still dusting his apron.
And then they left the village as they continued on their way.
An hour later, the second village appeared on higher ground but this time on their right. Here the people moved with more energy with more teenagers walking around.
"That woman is carrying so many packages." Marie observed, watching a lady in a long coat struggle with several wrapped bundles. "And look, someone's helping her now."
A young man had stepped forward to assist with the woman's burden, earning a grateful smile as they walked together toward a building with the sign, 'Mail Office'.
Reinhard nodded as they continued past the village and not entering it.
They continued moving forward with them coming across three farms. The first farm had workers moved through harvested fields with some loading wagons with grain while others gathered around a well for water and conversation during their brief rest.
"They look tired but content." Marie noted, watching the laborers wipe sweat from their brows before returning to their tasks.
The second farm showed signs of more varied activity. In addition to field work, people tended orchards where others climbed ladders to gather late fruit. Near the main house a woman with a few kids worked at outdoor tables preparing food while laughing with each other.
"What a lovely scene." Marie said, watching children run between the workers, occasionally being shooed away.
The third farm had younger workers raking the fields while the older people were plucking out the vegetables from the ground. The children were riding on cows that were moving through the farm.
Another three hours passed as the landscape gradually changed and the day shifted into the evening. The scent of woodsmoke and autumn drifted through the carriage windows making Reinhard's nose twitch.
But then his eyes slightly widened as he saw Mensis Town appear as the carriage rose up a small hill. Even from a distance, Reinhard could see movement throughout the town such as people walking along streets, gathering in small groups, and going about their daily business.
Two guards in dark uniforms approached as their carriage slowed at the town's perimeter. They moved near to the door and window before gently knocking on it.
Marie leaned out with their papers. "We're from Memento Mori Academy on official business."
The guards examined the documents carefully, exchanging a few words between themselves before returning the papers with respectful nods.
"Welcome to Mensis Town, we have a night curfew regulation. "
"So, we need to be inside a building by nighttime?" Marie asked in surprise.
"Around 9:00 pm would be ideal but the 11:00 Pm is the curfew time."
"Ah, thank you for letting us know. Carriage, continue forward." Marie instructed cheerfully.
As they entered the settlement proper, Reinhard moved beside Marie at the window.
"Everyone seems so busy." Marie observed, watching people emerge from buildings and disappear into others. "But not rushed, you know?"
Children darted between adults, playing games that involved much running and shouting. Their laughter echoed off building walls as they chased each other through the intersections, occasionally being called back by watchful parents.
"Those children look so happy." Marie said, smiling at a group of youngsters who had stopped to pet a dog that wagged its tail enthusiastically.
Teenagers moved in small clusters such as the girls linking their arms as they walked and talked. Or the boys shoving each other playfully while discussing something with animated gestures.
Some adults were sitting on building steps with newspapers or books, reading in the late afternoon light. Others stood in doorways talking with neighbors, and others entered buildings with a grin.
"Look, that man is teaching the boy." Marie pointed out, watching an elderly gentleman guide a child's hands as they worked a piece of wood.
"And look, the foods are already filled with people." Joseph says as he pointed forward.
Food stalls lined portions of the main street, their vendors calling out to passersby who examined the offerings with obvious interest. Customers moved between the stalls, sampling items and engaging in conversation as the vendor prepared their food.
"The food smells wonderful." Marie said, watching a woman purchase what appeared to be fresh bread while her small daughter tugged at her skirt.
The carriage continued as they reached a small square with a man performing tricks for a gathered crowd of children. He made coins disappear and reappear while small birds emerged from empty boxes.
The children gasped and applauded with delight, some jumping up and down in excitement.
"Is he really making magic?" Marie asked, eyes wide as she watched a particularly impressive trick involving colored scarves.
"Just sleight of hand." Reinhard replied, as this was common in Lily Town. He even noted some of the kids turn to them and then point at the carriage.
Parents stood behind the children, smiling at this while occasionally dropping coins into the performer's hat. Some kids tugged their parents' clothing and pointed at them, leading the parents to laugh and rubbed the children's head. He saw Marie waving at the children who were waving at them as the carriage continued moving.
They passed shops where proprietors arranged displays behind clean windows. A bookshop owner dusted volumes while customers browsed inside. At a clothing shop, women examined hats while the shopkeeper offered suggestions and adjustments.
"That lady is trying on so many hats." Marie giggled, watching a customer consider various options with serious concentration.
Near a clockmaker's shop, an older man examined timepieces through a magnifying glass while curious onlookers peered through the window at his work.
Then they passed by a few houses where a woman tended small gardens behind iron fences, some chatting over the barriers while children played in nearby courtyards.
"Everyone knows each other." Marie observed, watching the friendly exchanges between neighbors.
"You don't travel a lot, do you Marie?" Reinhard asked, leading Marie to blink in surprise.
"How did you know? Wait did my dad-"
"He didn't, you just remind me of my little sister who constantly pointed stuff out and was curious about every new thing she saw." Reinhard says as the image of Anna tugging on his sleeves while pointing at things.
Marie giggles as she says. "You have a little sister? I hope I can meet her one day. As for me not traveling a lot… Most of my time was spent at the academy studying and staying with my dad. So, chances like these where I can go out and see towns like these makes me excited and happy."
Reinhard nodded with a smile. "Anna is the same. But I'm surprised your dad didn't take you out more."
Marie hums as she says. "He was always busy with the University, so there wasn't much of a chance."
Joseph sighed but then chuckled as he said. "It's why Marie always has the entire class share what they did over the holidays."
Marie pouted as she said. "You guys loved it, especially you Joseph! When everyone learns you visited Aya continent."
Joseph lips twitch as he says. "I wish I didn't, the people over there were a pain to deal with."
"But it was fun wasn't it!"
"It was." Joseph says with a chuckle.
Marie sighed as she glanced up to the afternoon sun and said. "It's why I have been looking forward to my first expedition. I want to visit new places and meet different types of people."
Reinhard tilted his head and asked. "Is that your goal? To one day travel all around Hesod?"
Marie glanced at him and grinned. "It's one of them! But not just Hesod but all of Paradise!"
Soon they came upon the mayor building.