"So that is the current situation. I sincerely apologize on behalf of my lord—he is presently tied up in a vital meeting regarding matters in Siracusa, which prevents him from welcoming your party in person..."
Courier—the operator known by his code name—offered a deeply apologetic look to the group before him. For the leader of the host clan to miss their arrival was a significant breach of etiquette.
Fortunately, the guests were far from the type to cling to such formalities. Upon learning that the company chief who had extended the invitation was temporarily delayed, they offered their understanding with graceful tolerance.
"None of that really matters right now, Courier," Ensia interjected, stepping forward with an anxious, restless expression. "I heard a rumor that people are planning to blow up the railway! What on earth is going on?!"
Ever since hearing those words from the merchant, her mind had been in turmoil. She simply couldn't comprehend why anyone in Kjerag would attempt such a thing.
Did they not realize how much this single rail line had transformed their nation? Ensia felt a surge of righteous fury burning inside her, because that railway held immense personal significance to her bloodline.
"It is merely a temporary suspension of rail service, Miss," Courier quickly clarified, attempting to soothe her distress. "The reports of explosives are nothing more than baseless rumors. My lord has been buried under an overwhelming workload lately, which is why he hasn't had the opportunity to suppress those false tales."
Courier knew precisely what that rail line represented in the young miss's heart. If she misinterpreted the situation, she might very well storm the Vine-Bear Court in a fit of rage.
After all, that very line had been constructed under the direction of her late parents—the very same line where they tragically lost their lives.
Hearing that it was only a temporary service halt rather than a threat of physical destruction, Ensia let go of Courier's sleeve, letting out a long, shuddering breath of relief.
"Thank goodness... For a second, I thought those stubborn old fools had finally lost their minds entirely, opposing my brother at the cost of our nation's future..."
"Miss! Please!" Courier cut her off, a cold sweat breaking out across his brow as he offered a strained, awkward smile. "You must not utter such words in public! You represent the Silverash name; any careless remark can be twisted into a weapon against the family!"
Though he knew Ensia was simply speaking without second thought, as a loyal retainer, Courier felt obligated to gently remind her while keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.
Right on cue, a distant train whistle blew, echoing softly through the chilly mountain air. An old, weathered locomotive rolled slowly into the station platform before them.
How best to describe it? It certainly possessed a distinct, vintage charm.
Jeanne studied the aged engine. Compared to the modern land-trains utilized across the major nations, this antique was clearly a full generation behind. Yet to this isolated realm, it represented the pinnacle of technological progress.
It was so advanced for the locals that they lacked the capacity to manufacture replacement parts themselves, relying on expensive imports from abroad just to keep the old machinery running.
"It might look primitive to all of you," Ensia said, leading Jeanne and the others toward the front carriage, "but to the people of Kjerag who have never set foot outside these mountains, this train is nothing short of a miracle. When it first started running, most people were actually terrified of it."
The front carriage had been specially reserved by the Silverash family to accommodate the Doctor's arrival.
"We originally planned a much grander reception," Courier added, stepping into his role as his master's proxy to offer another polite apology. "After all, both the Doctor and Miss Jeanne are esteemed guests. However, due to severe staffing shortages, my lord was forced to decline that proposal. Please forgive our modest hospitality..."
In truth, the grand reception had been declined by Jeanne and the Doctor themselves. A casual remark from Ensia earlier had tipped them off, prompting both women to politely pass on any noisy public ceremonies.
"I used to think this train was the most incredible thing in the world," Ensia said, gazing around the rustic interior with a soft, reflective sigh. "But after traveling outside and seeing what the rest of Terra looks like, I realize it isn't quite as flawless as I remembered."
"It's already quite impressive," the Doctor chimed in, leaning back in her seat. "You haven't seen Gavial's hometown, have you? I heard they don't even have simple paved roads, let alone trains. The local villages there still live a... remarkably natural lifestyle."
"Doctor! If Dr. Gavial hears you talking about her homeland like that, she's going to crack your helmet open with her war hammer!" Blaze shuddered, her lips twitching at the mere mention of the landship's most terrifying medical officer.
Having experienced Gavial's signature "physical anesthesia" firsthand in the medical bay, Blaze developed a visceral, physiological reaction whenever the topic came up.
She lived in constant fear of getting knocked out cold by that staff—or hammer—and waking up to find a non-essential organ missing.
"Besides, who's to say Gavial's home is completely backward?" Jeanne added casually with a thoughtful shrug. "For all we know, when you finally visit, you might stumble upon some bizarre, hyper-advanced technology hidden away in that small corner of the world."
The sudden remark dropped like a stone into a quiet pond. Silence instantly fell over the carriage as everyone turned to stare at Jeanne in dead composure.
"Eh? Why did everyone stop talking all of a sudden?" Ensia blinked in utter confusion, her head tilted as she looked between them.
"It's nothing," the Doctor said, stiffly turning her head away while mentally filing a note to consult Gavial about potential technological transfers in the future. "We were just thinking about how absurd Jeanne's joke sounded."
Thanks to Talulah's previous overreactions back in Victoria, a select few aboard Rhodes Island had come to realize a bizarre truth: Jeanne had an uncanny habit of offhandedly blurting out eerie, accurate glimpses of the future.
And judging by her tone just now, that casual comment might very well describe a real place—a hidden, isolated region harboring surprisingly advanced tech.
The Doctor's curiosity piqued instantly. What kind of place could possibly match such a strange, fascinating description? She felt an overwhelming urge to investigate—perhaps she should send a quick report to Kal'tsit later?
"Were you genuinely joking just now, or was that another one of your sudden insights?" Alina leaned in close, whispering her query to Jeanne. She, too, had recognized that subtle shift in Jeanne's manner.
"Just now? I just said whatever came to mind," Jeanne replied with a light shake of her head, completely unbothered. "Whether it was a joke or reality, who knows? We can just wait and see what the Doctor uncovers down the line, can't we?"
Ensia remained completely in the dark, unable to piece together the silent exchange. She simply scratched her head, offering a bewildered, harmless smile to the group.
Meanwhile, Courier had quietly retreated to an adjacent compartment to await further instructions, leaving the women to enjoy their private conversation.
At that very moment, far up on the sacred mountain, Enciodes Silverash stepped into a grand, imposing council hall. His sharp eyes swept across the room, taking in the gathered figures seated and standing throughout the chamber.
The moment he crossed the threshold, palpable animosity flared from the room's occupants. Their glares carried an unmasked venom, as if they had gathered not to hold a council, but to claim his life.
Enciodes caught sight of several hands subtly reaching toward hidden weapons, but despite the clear threat, his posture remained utterly composed, his expression unchanged.
Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.
The deliberate, heavy footsteps echoing behind him instantly brought the hostile crowd back to reality.
Stepping into the hall behind the clan master was a Caprinae warrior with a sharp, stern demeanor. Her striking golden eyes swept across the room with icy, unwavering calm.
Those who had intended to intimidate the Silverash patriarch—whether out of raw anger or under private orders from their elders—instantly froze in their tracks. Not a single soul dared to take a step forward.
They had already experienced her terrifying martial prowess firsthand. Before them stood the legendary three-time champion of Kazimierz—the formidable Black Knight.