Case 104: On a journey to distant lands.

''Huu...''

Putting the final piece—a sleek charm—into the suitcase's small pocket, I ran through the things I might have forgotten in my mind. Clothes, artifacts, potions, phone charger, some emergency food, books, and other utilities...

It seemed all was ready.

[You forgot the snacks!]

''We can buy them along the way. It's already cramped in there.''

Ignoring Lucy's buzzing, I promptly closed the suitcase and moved it off the table. The annoying little lamb, who hadn't changed one bit since then, rambled on. I was initially quite frustrated with this fellow, but as time went on... maybe she was a bit endearing.

[Huh... you can carry bigger suitcases. Why even settle with this one? Still trying to keep up the delicate image?]

''Why not? If it suits me, then that's all that matters.''

Pouting, the little thing hurled air punches at me as I was tidying up the room,

[What a disgrace! My contractor is supposed to be majestic and dominant! Just look at the pathetic state you're in...]

''Oh, come on. You'd turn around and praise my benevolence the moment I gave you snacks.''

[Exactly!]

Sighing, I took a final look at my room and nodded satisfyingly. Passing by the coat hanger, I grabbed the floppy hat and, with my suitcase in hand, exited the room.

''My Lady...''

Outside, Mary was already on standby, keys hanging by her neck, waiting to lock the room once I departed. As I put on my hat, her expression softened.

''I'll leave it to you, Mary.'' I patted her shoulder. ''Take good care of Lyra, too.''

''...Yes. May you have a fruitful trip, My Lady.''

Mary seemed to have something to say, but in the end, she only smiled and wished me good luck.

I took steps toward the mansion's entrance. They were neither light nor heavy, but my heart was steady. The plans were all laid out, so all that was left was my execution.

I passed by the curious attendants, the nervous butler, through familiar hallways and corners, waving goodbye to the swaying flowers and...

''Will you come back?''

''...''

In the shadow, a graceful figure stood still, as if blending into her surroundings. Lily glanced at me with her blood-red eyes, within which harbored thoughts unknown.

Smiling, I replied, ''I will. Definitely.''

I left the Orleans mansion.

The house's driver took me to a nearby speed train station. From then on, I would be on my own. I didn't tell anyone about my trip beforehand, not even my lovers or my little sister.

...I was afraid they would stop me—no, I was afraid I would stop myself from going. I was going to come back anyway, whether this trip was a success or not, and it would be a disaster if one of them tried to follow me.

I already left a message for each of them, that I would be gone for a few weeks at most to solve my problems, and that they shouldn't look for me. It should be... fine.

''Hah...''

Still, I was worried they would... overreact, somehow. Especially Rachael and that needy little princess of mine. I sincerely hoped Lyra wouldn't feel too lonely without me.

[Ding!]

As I pondered, the afternoon train opened its door for me, and I boarded it without hesitation.

Dubbed 'The miracle of magical engineering,' the train system was built so extensively that it covered roughly seventy percent of all Libre. It went to show just how effective and efficient magical trains were, I supposed.

With my back to the receding sun, I quietly sat down.

Perhaps since this train was before the rush hour, it was surprisingly deserted in my cabin. But thanks to that, I was able to relax and immerse myself in some music.

Outside the glass window, I saw the stretching river that the train was crossing. Shimmering in the sunlight, the waves sparkled beautifully. Boats drifted peacefully, children playing on the riverbank...

Syrus was a beautiful city.

I was leaving Syrus—no, I was leaving the Libre Empire altogether.

My destination was far, far from here. Some might describe that place as the end of the world, which... wasn't wrong. I had to get through another country before I could step into the other side, and even then, it would take much longer to reach my true destination.

In any case, I would better rest for a bit. After all, I had promised Lucy a food tour tonight.

''Wake me up when the train arrives, okay?'' I muttered.

[Alright.]

''Wow... so this is Vencia...''

Vencia was a small city near Syrus. It was famous as a tourist city thanks to the gorgeous European-style architecture and, of course, delicious food. The train was actually headed all the way to the border, but I wanted to stop here first.

As I mentioned before, Lucy wanted to taste Vencia's iconic food.

And... I finally let out a relieved sigh, staring at the street clock amidst the crowd, which read seven thirty evening.

''Thanks god we're here...''

Magical trains were popular, and precisely because of that, they had a reputation for being incredibly packed during rush hours. Around this time, a lot of the working people returned to their homes, so I wanted to avoid that.

I'd better board the midnight train.

[C'mon! Let's try that one! Oh, that one, too!]

''Calm down...''

Chuckling, I followed the excited little lamb.

The nighttime Vencia was stunning. With little rivers running between streets and magical signs adorning high-rise buildings, it was practically a wonderland for me.

And, indeed, the food here was fantastic.

''...''

As I took another bite of the freshly baked, cream-filled bread in my hand, I suddenly had a thought.

Sometimes... traveling alone felt really good.

I spent the last five or six years devoting myself to my little sister and to my lovers. I didn't regret those times one bit since I also received a lot, but occasionally... I couldn't help but want to keep me just for myself.

''Heheheh...''

A little runaway, even.

Well, I'd better enjoy these brief moments before the big matters come.

After stuffing my belly with an abundance of food, I boarded the midnight train.

This time, there were only two other people in my cabin, and both of them were dozing off. Must be overworked salarymen... how unfortunate.

But my mind was clear since I took a nap earlier in the day.

Bored, I took out my phone and a pair of earbuds, but...

''...Crap.''

Unread messages. Missed calls.

There were hundreds of them, from all sorts of people. Guilt ran all the way up my head, and I was kind of nervous facing them, but I had to reply somehow.

[Bold this time, aren't you?]

That was from Rachael.

[Be prepared when I find you.]

This one was from Penelope.

[Be careful.]

Kiara's.

And finally...

[Come back.]

Seeing that one sentence from Lyra, I instinctively hissed. Suddenly, it felt cold.

But... I mustn't get weak-hearted now.

Although I was sorry, I must go.