Click, clack. 

The sound of Clarette’s boots on the pavement stood out amongst the background noise, and the outer layer of her dress swayed to and fro in the wind. 

Flann followed behind her, his soft shoes quiet against the floor. 

The two of them reached the door of the carriage, and turned back to look at Kelsus and Amandine, who were shortly behind them. 

“Since we have to manage the Ruzena territory, we are unable to follow you both to the capital. Still, there are plenty of workers in our capital estate that are more than capable of taking care of your needs.”

“I know, father. I still remember some of them from our last visit up north.” 

“Yes, since you have been there before, you must take care of Flann, alright?”

“Of course!”

Flann gripped his bag tightly between his arms, glancing between the two of them a little nervously. Kelsus turned towards him, and he stiffened a little.

“Don’t be too nervous, Flann. Just follow Clarette and you’ll be fine. This will also be your first time visiting the capital, right?”

Flann nodded. “...I think so.”

Amandine patted him lightly on the head, smiling. “Then take your time to enjoy it there! It’s a very bustling city, full of life.” 

Flann nodded once more, excitement shining in his eyes. 

“Well then, take care! Make sure to contact us frequently!”

Clarette quickly hugged both of her parents, and then grinned. “We’re off!”

Grabbing Flann’s hand, she led him up the step into the carriage, and when they were both settled, closed the door. Through the small window on the door, Flann peeked out and waved towards his parents, and then the carriage began to move.

Although the carriage was rather high quality among the methods of transportation available, the road was still slightly bumpy, and Flann felt strange as he bounced up and down his seat. He glanced about the interior of the carriage, intrigued, and Clarette giggled at his actions.

“You’ve never been in a carriage before?”

“...Not that I remember,” Flann responded. “It feels… a little odd.”

“Well, it is indeed for a first-timer. You’ll get used to it along the way.”

Then, thinking of something, she added, “Say, earlier you said you don’t think you’ve been to the capital before. Have you recovered any memories of where you came from?”

Flann sat for a bit, thinking. “No… I don’t think so.” He tried to rack his brain for anything new, but nothing surfaced. “...It still starts at the field, nothing more.”

“Hmm… I see. I was just a little curious, but if you can’t remember, there’s no need to brood about it.”

“Yes, but… I want to know too,” Flann replied. He gazed out the window, where the scenery was flowing by. “...I also want to know where I came from… and who I am.”

“I’m sure you’ll find out in due time. For now, you are Flann, right?”

Flann laughed quietly. “Right. I am Flann Ruzena.”

***

Outside the carriage, the land and sky passed by, and the late morning sun that had sent them off was replaced by the shine of early evening as they arrived in the capital. 

Once the carriage slowed, entering the main city, Flann moved himself closer to the window, gazing out at the scenery before him. 

Aulus City, the capital of Haelika Kingdom. 

Although the hour was blending into night, the streets were still crowded, and the interior of stores remained lit, visible from their glass displays. Families of children and elderly wandered the streets, enjoying food from a nearby stall, and even scholars and knights could be seen, patrolling the city. 

Already amazed by the abundance of people in the Ruzena territory, to Flann, this was on an entirely new level. He glanced about, taking in the view of the large variety of people passing by.

Then, hearing Clarette’s laughter, he distanced his face from the glass, turning towards her.

“You never fail to amuse me with your reactions,” Clarette laughed, arms across her stomach. 

Flann’s ears and cheeks bloomed in a soft red, and he felt a little flustered. 

Calming down, Clarette said, “It’s a good thing, Flann! I’m glad you’re excited.”

“Today we’re heading straight to our estate, but tomorrow, want to head out to town?”

Flann nodded eagerly, his face still flushed against the twilight sky. 

“It’s been a while since I was last here, so I’m excited to go sightseeing too.”

Sightseeing. Flann recalled the first time he had heard the word, and the day he and Clarette had spent in the town outside of the Ruzena manor. The memories brought a fuzzy feeling to his chest, and he smiled slightly. He enjoyed exploring new places, and was thrilled to be able to do so again. 

The two of them sat in comfortable silence the rest of the way to the Ruzenas’ capital estate, Flann again pressed against the window, peering out. 

When the carriage finally came to a halt, Clarette opened the door, stepping off the carriage. She extended a hand to Flann, and he took it, exiting the door frame. Landing on the ground, his legs trembled a little, and he swayed from side to side before catching his balance. 

“Did your legs go numb?” Clarette laughed, helping him regain his balance. 

“...That was scary,” Flann said, standing still in place. “I didn’t know… my legs could do that.”

Clarette laughed again, leading him towards the entrance. “Now you know! It happens when you sit still for too long. At least it goes away quickly.”

And as she said, the tingling in his legs soon faded away, and he could again walk with regular feeling in his legs. 

At the door to the building, the two of them were greeted by the head butler and maid, who smiled kindly towards them and bowed slightly. 

“We are glad to know you have arrived safely, young miss, young master.”

Opening the door, the butler led them in and said, “Welcome to Aulus City.”