We made our way toward the city, knowing it was still far, about two miles away, and because of that distance we didn't rush.

There was no need to hurry.

Our feet moved at an easy pace, slow enough to feel the ground under us, slow enough to let the moment stretch.

The breeze brushed against our faces and clothes, light and steady, and it made the walk feel calm instead of tiring.

Every few steps, I felt myself relax more, breathing in and out without thinking too much about it.

The road ahead was clear, and the city sat in the distance, waiting for us without any pressure.

As we walked, my eyes kept drifting to the sides of the path.

That was where the cow women were.

They stood and moved slowly, close to the grass, their heads down as they munched without care.

They didn't look bothered by us passing by, and they didn't seem interested either.

They were quiet, focused only on the grass beneath them.

I kept looking at them, again and again, trying to take in the sight.

It was strange, but also oddly peaceful.

The sound of chewing mixed with the sound of the wind, and together it made the world feel steady and simple.

No one said much as we walked.

The distance gave us time, and the silence didn't feel heavy.

It felt shared.

Every now and then I glanced at Lucy, walking beside me, her steps matching mine.

The city slowly grew larger as we moved closer, stone shapes becoming clearer, edges sharper.

Before long, we were close enough to see the massive stone wall that surrounded it.

It rose high and wide, wrapping the city in a solid embrace.

As we walked along the wall, something felt off.

There wasn't a single guard in the distance.

The inspection post was empty, with the gates wide open.

I slowed slightly and looked around again, my eyes scanning the area.

The wall was there, strong and tall, but no one stood watch.

No movement, no presence, nothing.

I raised an eyebrow, unable to ignore it.

"Don't they even have a guard?" I asked, my voice low but clear.

Lucy looked around too, then shrugged, her shoulders lifting and falling in a simple motion.

"I don't know," she said, just as simply.

That was all.

No guesses, no theories. And after muttering those words.

We didn't stop.

We kept walking, passing through and inside, and it didn't take long for the answer to reveal itself without anyone needing to say another word.

The city opened up around us, and suddenly everything made sense.

They were holding a festival.

The streets were alive.

People passed us on the road, dancing as they moved, their bodies loose and happy.

Flowers flew through the air, tossed from hand to hand, landing on the ground or catching in hair and clothes.

Kids ran around laughing, their feet quick, their voices bright as they played without worry.

The air felt full, not just with sound, but with energy, the kind that makes you smile without trying.

For a moment, all of us stopped.

No one said anything.

We just stood there, looking at the scene in front of us.

Smiles slowly spread across our faces, natural and unforced.

It was hard not to smile.

The city felt warm and open, and even though we had just arrived, it felt like we had stepped into something already in motion, something that didn't need us but welcomed us anyway.

After that pause, I noticed a girl sitting by the roadside.

She was playing with a doll, moving it carefully in her hands, fully focused on it.

I stepped toward her and crouched down to her level, making sure my voice stayed gentle when I spoke.

"Hey kid," I said, meeting her eyes.

"I'll give you some money to buy sweets if you tell me something."

I said, flashing her the best smile I could muster.

She looked up at me, then nodded quickly.

She put her doll down beside her, placing it carefully on the ground, and turned all her attention to me.

Her eyes were wide, curious, and eager.

"Good," I continued, choosing my words carefully.

"I want to know who your current leader is."

"Oh wait, that sounded too suspicious."

I gave a small smile and corrected myself.

"I want to know which person the grown-ups take orders from."

Her eyes widened even more, and suddenly she smiled wildly, like she had been waiting for this moment.

"I know that answer!" she said with excitement.

"It's big sis Sophia."

"She was the one who made everything come true."

I nodded slowly, letting her words settle.

Then I asked, "And do you know where this Sophia is?"

She nodded again, just as quickly as before, and lifted her hand to point.

Her finger aimed toward the distance, toward a massive castle that stood tall and clear against the city's backdrop.

"Sophia lives in that place," she said.

"She killed the previous noble owner and took it for herself."

She tugged my sleeve and said with watering eyes, "you will not take sister Sophia from us, right?"

I crouched down and hugged her.

"No way!" I said.

"We came to reward sister Sophia for her great deeds, alright?"

She nodded at me.

"Ok, mister."

I handed her the bag filled with gold.

"Now go and buy sweets for yourself."

She smiled and rushed to a nearby stall.

Meanwhile, I smiled, straightened up, and gestured to both Lucy and Emelia.

"Okay," I said.

"Let's go meet Sophia and talk this out."

With that, we turned and began walking again, making our way toward the castle.

As we moved through the city, the festival continued all around us.

Dancing figures passed by. And flowers drifted through the air.

Laughter echoed along the streets.

We walked forward, surrounded by joy and movement, carrying our purpose with us while still enjoying the festive atmosphere of the city.

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