Arcane City, a wealthy land; home of the famous Hedley house. The city main source of income is the drive of businesses coming from its dock. People who wants to travel to the capital will journey by sea, stopping at Arcane City and further travel to Hilmoria by train. 

Hence, Arcane City is basically a traveller’s stop to refurbish their needs for future journey and also to rest before continuing to their next destination.

Therefore, when Bliss gets off the ship, she is stunned by the busy city and the rush coming from the people at the dock. 

Bliss could see people rushing here and there; vendors’ cries trying to sell their items. She is shocked by the scene as comparing to her hometown, it is like she enters a whole new world.

“Fresh fishes! Selling fresh fish over here!”

“Unique knick-knacks from the East!”

“One-stop travellers’ shack! Get all you need here!”

Bliss stood at the dock; luggage in one hand, her hardcover notebook in the other. On the pages of her notebook is the name of the train station.

“Um…” Bliss said. “Excuse me…”

“Um...do you know where is…” Bliss tried to ask but to no avail.

Even though the day is still young, the sun just rises; the residents in this bustling city are already busied themselves with their daily routines.

“Move aside!”

“Coming through!”

Bliss yelped as people rushes pass her in lightning speed, not even trying to stop. Shocked, Bliss dropped her notebook.

“Miss, you dropped this.”

Bliss turned and standing before her is an old lady; her grey haired tied into a bun, her dress had lots of stitches, colours are faded, seemed really worn out but her outfit is really neat and clean.

“Miss?” She coughed, handing Bliss her notebook.

Bliss thanked the old lady with a warm smile, the old lady nods and went back to her stall which is only a few steps away from where they stood. 

Bliss followed after her and see that she is selling baked goods. Looking at the variety of breads and cookies, Bliss’s stomach starts rumbling like crazy and she realized she still haven’t had breakfast.

After buying a few pieces of cookies, she looks at the old lady. “Excuse me, madam, do you know the way to the train station?”

The old lady cough again before pointing the correct direction. Noticing the slight trembles coming from the old lady when a soft morning breeze blew through, Bliss couldn't help but direct her attention to the old lady. 

With the close distance, she noticed the thin material of her clothing. Pursing her lips, she thanked the old lady again before leaving her stall. The old lady sat back down on her little stool, hoping all her pastries will sell out. To her surprise, Bliss came back with a thick shawl.

Confused, she stared at Bliss. Bliss smiled, handing her the shawl. The warmth snaps the old lady back to reality, when she want to chase after Bliss to return the shawl, Bliss already left the dock.

Looking at the old lady, Bliss couldn’t help but thought of Pam. It’s only been a few days but she greatly misses her grandparents. So, she couldn’t stop herself from having a little care for that old lady at the dock. 

Bliss sighed, wondering how her grandparents are doing. Who will help them with the heavy boxes? And the stacks of newspapers every morning?

Before she know it, she already reaches the train station. A big smile blooms on her flawless feature as she quickly enters the train station.

                                                          ~♧~

“What?! All the tickets are sold out?”

“Yes, I sold the last ticket to that girl over there.”

The girl with long brown hair turned and saw Bliss carefully place the ticket between the pages of her notebook, clasping it shut before putting it away in her cloth backpack.

“You can come by tomorrow to buy the tic-”

The brunette narrowed her eyes at Bliss, thanking the man behind the counter before rushing over to Bliss, of course she knows she can come back tomorrow for the ticket but the thing is, the admission is limited they only open for certain number of candidates and once it is full, who knows how long they will be open for admission again.

“Genevieve.” She said, hand outstretched.

Bliss blinks, absentmindedly took her hand. “Bliss...Bliss Brooklyn.” She said, shaking Genevieve’s hand.

“You can call me Eve.” Genevieve said with a bright smile.

Bliss continue blinking at Eve. The girl before her is definitely a stunning beauty with her long silky brown hair, tall, slim figure; and judging by her clothing. Bliss instantly knew that she came from a wealthy family. The clothes Eve is wearing may look plain and not eye-catching but if one look closely they will know that it is of high quality. And the built-in nobleness coming from Eve, Bliss knew Eve is not a normal resident like her.

But, what could someone like Eve wants from her? Bliss quietly wait for Eve to speak.

“I heard that, you bought the last train ticket to the capital.”

Bliss nods, waiting for her to continue.

Eve licks her dry lips, “Can I please have the ticket? I really need to get to the capital asap!”

Bliss opens her mouth but Eve interrupt her. “I can pay you double for the ticket!”

Raising a brow, Bliss shakes her head, “I’m sorry, Eve. But, I…Ah!”

Bliss took a step forward due to the impact, she glances up and saw two children running towards the exit of the train station in a hurry. 

"Eve...I..."