While the carriage gently rattled over the rugged road, night had already cast its veil upon the world, and the stars glittered above them as if silently watching...
A long silence fell between Oda and Ronwa.
She lifted her head from the window, looked ahead, and asked softly:
"How long is the trip from Fillora to Chicago?"
Oda replied without looking at her:
"Seven hours."
Silence returned once again — not a comforting one, but a heavy silence, full of anxiety that crept into the air like fog. Ronwa sat with a straight back, but her head was bowed, and her small hands folded in her lap, as if trying to hug herself.
Oda noticed this from the corner of his eye, exhaled slowly, and said in an uncharacteristically gentle voice:
"Please... don't do that."
She looked at him in surprise, so he continued, lowering his head slightly toward her:
"Don't be sad. Don't worry. Don't be afraid. Don't imagine the worst."
His words were simple… but they came out like a plea, as if they tore him up inside.
Then he placed a hand on his chest and said:
"You know? When you feel sad, we feel it too. We, the key bearers… we are connected to your heart. Every time you feel a tightness, we feel it. Every time you're afraid, we feel fear… And now, my chest feels so tight, like something is choking me, just because you're scared."
Her eyes slowly widened, confusion flickering across her face, but she didn't interrupt. Oda continued, his voice returning to its usual strange calm:
"Our bond with you… it's not just loyalty. It's something deeper. We live… through you. You are… our heart."
Then he finally looked at her, his dark eyes reflecting the starlight, and said with a slight sarcastic tone:
"So if I die of suffocation before we get to Chicago, it's your fault."
Ronwa couldn't help but smile, despite everything. A small smile, but a genuine one. She then raised her hand and gently touched her chest, saying:
"Alright… I'll try. For my heart… and for all of yours too."
Oda smiled, and whispered:
"That's better, my lady."
At last, after many long hours of travel… the carriage began to rattle gently through the alleys of the big city, bright light spilling from windows, lamps, and shops, tracing golden lines over the moonlit, rain-dampened streets.
The sky was high, but Chicago was higher.
Ronwa, who had only ever seen the quiet village of Filora, couldn't hide her awe. The city lights reflected in her eyes like real stars that had descended to Earth. She pressed her face to the window glass, marveling at the tall buildings, the bustling crowds, the different carriages, and all the endless wonders.
"It's… so beautiful…" she whispered, as if afraid to break the magic of the scene by speaking too loudly.
Then the carriage stopped.
Oda moved with his usual calm, opened the door and stepped out first. He then turned and extended his hand politely, his voice calm but formal:
"My lady."
Ronwa smiled gently, as if she had suddenly become a real princess. She took his hand and stepped down from the carriage with grace, like a noble girl from a fairytale. The city breeze played with her silvery hair, and her dress fluttered softly in the wind.
She asked, still holding his hand:
"Do we… have somewhere to stay?"
He looked at her for a moment, then lifted his gaze toward one of the alleyways. A faint smile curved his lips as he said:
"Yes… I know someone. He'll host us."
Then added with a sarcastic tone:
"Though he owes me two books and three hundred and twenty silver coins… but this is a good chance to get them back."
Ronwa giggled softly, and began walking beside him. The city still sparkled around her… but now she felt safe, because her hand was in his.
In the heart of the city, after they had walked a considerable distance, their steps stopped in front of an old building, somewhat worn but glowing warmly from inside, buzzing with muffled sounds behind its walls. Above the door hung a sign that read: "The Blue Moon Tavern", but Ronwa didn't understand much... She had never entered such a place before, and her eyes widened in confusion.
Ronwa holding Oda's hand, looking around hesitantly
Ronwa whispering:
Oda… what is this place? Is it a dark library? Why does it smell so strange?
Oda coldly, in a low voice:
It's a magical place… called a "tavern." People come here to forget that they're alive.
Ronwa in amazement:
Wow… do they sell ghost stories here?!
Oda sarcastically:
Almost… their own stories after they drink bitter things that make them laugh and cry for no reason.
Oda pushed the door and entered quietly as if the place was his home.
Inside, warmth filled the room. Carefully lit candles sat on the tables, and the rich aroma of fine food permeated the air. Behind the counter, a young man was deeply absorbed in his own world, meticulously decorating a plate of food as if painting a masterpiece. His hair was light blue and long, with a long strand from his bangs covering part of his elegant face. His clothes were strangely neat and coordinated at the same time.
He spoke softly without raising his head:
"We're closed, come back tomorrow."
But Oda's steps did not stop.
The young man slowly raised his head, then suddenly froze, his eyes widening. The spoon slipped from his hand unconsciously.
"Shin?!"
He jumped from his place as if he had seen a ghost — ironically — and ran toward him, hugging him tightly, almost knocking him over.
"You cold bastard! I thought you were dead this time!"
Oda sighed and reluctantly let him hug him.
"You look worse than before, Liano."
Liano laughed, then pointed at him playfully:
"Oh, but I swear this time I made the best wine ever! I'm going to get you drunk this time, you cursed one… I've become obsessed with knocking you down!"
Ronwa watched the scene with surprise and a bit of caution. She didn't understand their relationship, but this young man seemed very friendly... and maybe a little crazy.
Suddenly, Liano turned toward her and bowed politely, saying:
"And who is this little flower? Don't tell me you got married, Shin?!"
Oda ignored him completely and looked at Ronwa, saying:
"Don't answer him."
Oda chuckled softly as he took off his long coat and hung it on the nearby hook by the door. A strange excitement flickered across his face, as if he had shifted from seriousness to a child about to make a mischievous mistake.
"Liano, the idea of getting drunk suddenly sounds fun..." he said, eyes sparkling as he looked at the wine bottles behind the counter, as if seeing them for the first time. Then, with a suspicious tone, he added:
"I want to try what fools feel like when they lose consciousness and laugh for no reason."
Liano gasped as if a dream had come true:
"I swear I've been waiting for this day for eight years! I'll mix you a drink that'll knock down a standing horse!"
But Oda suddenly raised a finger seriously, pointing toward Ronwa, who was watching them from the side of the door, clutching her small bag.
"But," he said, returning to his calm demeanor, "I have priorities… My lady first."
Then he turned toward Ronwa and stepped closer, gently placing his hand on her shoulder:
"Ronwa, this noisy one is Liano Christofeld, an old friend. And if you're wondering… yes, unfortunately, he's always like this."
Liano bowed gracefully to her:
"Pleasure to meet you, Miss Ronwa. As long as you're his guest, you'll be my guest as well… and I'll prepare the best hot chocolate ever made in Chicago just for you!"
Ronwa smiled shyly, then whispered:
"Thank you… you're strange."
Both of them laughed out loud, until Oda nodded at Liano, saying:
"I'll stay here temporarily, in my old room. If you haven't rented it out to tavern boys, of course."
Liano shook his head with a calm smile this time, showing a hint of loyalty:
"I haven't touched it since you left. It's still just as you left it, and everything in it waits for your return."
A brief silence passed, as if the past had suddenly been laid on the table between them. Then Oda nodded lightly.
"Good." Then he turned toward Ronwa and said:
"Let's go upstairs, you need to rest. I'll show you a room that will be just for you, and it won't be as disturbing as you expected."