‘Fran Flora.’ Flora recited the name silently in her heart. It felt familiar, yet slightly different. That was fine; it was easy to remember and felt somewhat natural.
“Once we arrive there, I won’t do much,” Ili said, turning her head to look at Flora.
“You will make most of the decisions. I’m just there to accompany you. Unless there is something I feel is absolutely necessary, I won’t interfere or offer reminders.”
“Of course, I’ll chat normally. I won’t just stay silent. It’ll be just like usual.”
“Also, remember, just call me mother.”
Her gaze was deep. It wasn’t a warning, but rather a reminder—a form of deeply attentive protection.
“I understand,” Flora nodded, her voice soft but firm.
Ilya remained silent for a moment before suddenly reaching out to gently tuck a stray lock of hair behind Flora’s ear. The movement was intimate and natural.
Her fingertips, carrying a warm body temperature, slowly brushed against the curve of Flora’s ear, causing the girl to blink in slight surprise.
“No matter what happens, don’t be afraid,” Ilya’s voice became very, very soft. “I’m here.”
It was a simple sentence, devoid of flowery words or embellishments, but Flora’s heart was strangely soothed by it.
She lowered her head and gave a soft “Mm.”
“Get some rest tonight.” Ilya withdrew her hand, returning to her usual composure. “Tomorrow’s journey isn’t short.”
“Okay.”
Flora exited the study. The light in the corridor was dim, with only the magic lamps on the walls emitting a soft glow.
She walked slowly back to her room, her palm seemingly still retaining that lingering warmth from Ilya’s fingertips.
When she pushed open her door, Lena was helping her with the final checks. Two suitcases that weren’t particularly large were placed by the wall, everything kept in perfect order.
Since they had to “act the part,” they were bringing luggage this time.
“Your Highness, everything is prepared. Would you like to check them again?” Lena asked.
Flora shook her head and walked over to sit by the window. “No need.”
Looking out at the sky as it gradually darkened, Flora suddenly asked, “Will the stars be any brighter there?”
Lena paused for a moment, then smiled. “Perhaps, Your Highness.”
“Mm,” Flora said softly.
Flora hadn’t seen the starry sky of the human world in a very long time. The feeling was nostalgic, yet tinged with a bit of melancholy.
Flora didn’t speak again after that. She just sat there quietly, waiting for the night to fall completely. When the time was right, she lay in bed.
Her consciousness slowly sank along with her body into the mattress—comfortable, yet peaceful.
Finally, she quietly “waited” for the arrival of the next day…
***
Flora woke up earlier than expected again.
Outside the window, the world was still a heavy shade of blue, as if the entire world were submerged in a deep-sea-like silence.
Flora didn’t linger in bed; she sat up almost the instant she woke. Although she seemed a bit excited, her heart continued to beat steadily within her quiet chest.
Today was the day.
She washed up quietly and changed into the cream-white and light blue dress.
The sensation of the fabric rubbing against her skin was still a bit unfamiliar, but it was no longer as uncomfortable as it had been when she first tried it on yesterday.
In the mirror, the girl’s eyes were clear, carrying a hint of morning mist but also a faint, subtle tension.
She picked up a delicate wooden comb and slowly brushed her long hair, her movements more careful than usual, as if this were an important preparation in its own right.
When she finished tidying herself and gently pushed open the bedroom door, the corridor was empty. Only the wall lamps cast a faint light, yet the air seemed to be filled with an unusual sense of tranquility.
Flora walked down the spiral staircase to the main hallway on the first floor. Ilya was already there.
She had traded her usual magnificent and majestic gown for a simple, well-tailored travel outfit in white and gray, covered by a gray cloak.
Her silver hair was tied simply behind her head — yes, Ilya had disguised her hair as silver, and Flora would also disguise hers as pure silver when the time came.
This way, they would look more like a mother and daughter.
Ilya lacked the oppressive aura she held on her throne; instead, she possessed a more quiet, scholarly temperament. She truly looked like a noblewoman from a fallen house traveling with her daughter.
Hearing footsteps, she turned around. The candlelight flickered in her deep silver eyes.
“You’re awake?” Her voice was gentler than usual, perhaps due to the environment. “Just in time. The carriage is ready. We’ll have a quick breakfast and then depart.”
***
Breakfast was simple: hot milk, bread, and some fruit. The two sat opposite each other, eating in silence. The subtle clinking of cutlery against porcelain plates sounded exceptionally clear in the empty hall.
Flora took small sips of her milk. The warm liquid slid down her throat, bringing a sense of solid warmth. She stole a glance at Ilya, whose eating posture remained elegant and composed.
While eating, Flora could feel the heavy weight of the ‘upcoming departure’ in her chest.
“Give me your ring for a moment.” After finishing her meal, Ilya wiped the corners of her mouth and walked over to Flora’s side.
Still sitting in her chair, Flora looked at Ilya standing beside her and asked with some confusion, “What is it? Do you need to do something?”
“I’m going to infuse the ring with some of my mana,” Ilya said, looking at Flora’s left hand with patience and warmth.
“This will help you better disguise yourself as a human without consuming too much mana, and it will allow me to sense your location and status.”
“Oh, I see. Here.” Flora took the ring off her left hand and placed it in Ilya’s palm.
“Mm.” Ilya held the ring between her right thumb and index finger. A faint, shimmering purple wisp of mana flowed from her fingertips, slowly sinking into the ring.
After about 10 seconds, the mana infusion was complete.
“Reach out your hand,” Ilya said flatly.
“Huh? Why? Why do I need to reach out?” Flora was stunned by the request. The tone of Ilya’s sentence had suddenly become somewhat serious, but she didn’t grow tense because of it, remaining calm.
“What else? I’m going to help you put the ring on.” Ilya’s voice carried an unquestionable certainty, yet it also held a soft, whispered tenderness.
“Ah… no need. I can put it on myself.” Flora never expected that Ilya would want to put the ring on her finger for her.
“Be good. Reach out your hand.” This time, Ilya’s tone was slightly more stern, carrying the firm demand of a mother to her daughter.
“Um, can you not? I really can put it on myself.” Flora still offered a slight plea, hoping Ilya would retract the request.
“Flora.” Ilya’s voice turned slightly cold. “Reach out. Don’t be disobedient.”