Seiichi stood in his room before a full-length mirror, the soft fabric of his formal attire settling around him. The intricate, fancy dress was a deep, royal blue, embroidered with silver thread that caught the light. On the index finger of his left hand, a ring gleamed, a band of pure gold set with a single red ruby that shone with a diamond-like fire.
A gentle knock sounded at the door.
"Come in,"Seiichi said.
The door swung open silently to reveal Iris,poised in her crisp maid's uniform. A gentle smile graced her lips. "Master, the Queen is waiting for you," she said, her voice a soft, respectful murmur.
"Understood." Seiichi turned from the mirror and walked toward the door. Iris stepped smoothly aside, allowing him to pass before falling into step behind him.
Her footsteps were silent on the plush red carpet that lined the hall, a quiet shadow in his wake.
---
A few moments later, they emerged into the castle's vast gardens. Seraphina, along with Dómvalka, Azariel, and Lumine, were waiting, all dressed in their own elegant finery.
"Dear, you look wonderful in that dress. I'm glad I chose it for you," Seraphina complimented, a calm and gentle smile gracing her features.
A small, acknowledging smile touched Seiichi's lips as he walked over to them, Iris following closely behind.
"By the way, why are we leaving two days before the Vow Ceremony?" Seiichi asked, turning his gaze to his mother.
"Well, it is always better to be early, and we cannot risk being late," Seraphina explained. She gestured gracefully before them. "Now, let's not waste any more time."
Seraphina stepped forward. Her eyes began to glow with a soft, ethereal light as she chanted in a low, melodic language unknown to Seiichi. His eyes widened in amazement.
A colossal gate materialized before them, so immense it dwarfed the castle itself. It was pure white, adorned with strange, swirling patterns that seemed to shift and writhe.
"What is this?" Seiichi breathed.
"Don't tell me you don't even know about this," Azariel said, a smirk playing on his lips. "But I will be happy to educate you and show you my superiority." He puffed out his chest. "This is called the Silver Gate. Behind it lies the Pathway. A void that exists outside of time, used for traveling to other dimensions or realms."
As Azariel finished speaking, the massive gate swung open without a sound. On the other side, moored in a sea of shimmering nothingness, was a giant, majestic ship.
Seraphina led the way, stepping gracefully from the grass onto the ship's deck. The others followed. The vessel was breathtaking, its hull a deep crimson adorned with white patterns and two magnificent, feathered white wings sweeping back from its sides.
They were now in an entirely different place. An endless expanse of gates stretched in every direction, above, below, and to all sides, each one unique in size, color, and design. Soft, luminescent clouds drifted lazily through the timeless void. Behind them, the white gate they had entered through closed silently.
"Is this the Pathway?" Seiichi asked, his voice full of awe as he took in the impossible scenery.
"Yes, this is the Pathway. Isn't it beautiful?" Lumine said, her face alight with a cheerful smile.
"It is," Seiichi admitted, still looking around. A frown of confusion soon crossed his features. "Well, I'm a bit puzzled."
Lumine's eyes widened slightly. "Why is that?"
"If this place has no time, why can I still feel the flow of time here?"
Seraphina stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I created a barrier around the ship. Because of that barrier, time exist for us within its confines."
"But why did you make it?"
Seraphina looked directly into his eyes, her expression softening with maternal concern. "We angels, and other dimensional beings, have no problem traveling through timeless spaces. We don't usually need these ships; we can simply fly. But in your case, you have no magic. I was worried your body might not be able to withstand a truly timeless environment. That is why I took this precaution."
"So that's why I don't see any other ships here, and why we had to leave two days early."
"Well, you are correct," Azariel cut in, his tone dripping with mockery. "You are the main problem here. If not for you, we would have reached the ceremony in an instant."
"Azariel, that is no way to speak to your brother. Apologize to him," Seraphina said, her voice gentle but firm, leaving no room for argument.
Azariel's fist clenched. "Well, I'm sorry for telling the truth," he muttered, the apology hollow. "I'm going to my room." He turned on his heel and stalked away.
Seiichi watched him go, biting his lip.
"Don't take his words to heart, dear," Seraphina said, trying to comfort him. "He just doesn't know how to express his feelings. I know you understand that, right?"
"Whatever you say," Seiichi replied flatly. He shrugged her hand from his shoulder. "I'm also going to find a room to rest." He walked away without another glance.
Iris offered Seraphina a brief, apologetic look before hurrying after her master.
Seraphina's eyes widened slightly. She slowly looked down, a hint of pain flashing in their depths. A single tear formed at the corner of her eye, but she blinked it away.
"Well, it seems it will take a few more years for them to get along," she said, turning to Lumine and Dómvalka with a brave, gentle smile. "Why don't we find something to do to pass the time?"
Lumine and Dómvalka exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement.
"I think you're right, Mom," Lumine said, grabbing her mother's hand reassuringly. "You don't need to be sad. I'm sure they will get along someday."
"I believe that as well," Dómvalka added, her voice steady and reassuring.
The three of them walked away, their figures retreating across the grand deck. Below them, the great ship began to move. Its colossal white wings beat once, then again, pushing the vessel forward.
It started slowly, a gentle glide through the cosmos, then gathered speed, soaring faster and faster into the infinite, gate-strewn horizon.