Blue sky, white clouds, and a faint, almost imperceptible dome covering the heavens. Humans in varied attire filled the deck—no other races in sight. That was the entire view. Leaning over the railing, stray strands of hair tickled Mushiyu’s cheeks. She grumbled about her shrunken height while straining to peer downward. Through gaps in the clouds, vast stretches of land occasionally came into view.
The airship still had half a day’s flight to the next city with an aerial port. Below lay endless emerald-green plains, dotted with sparse villages. Wisps of smoke curled from chimneys, painting a scene of serene harmony.
Just as Mushiyu couldn’t get enough of the view, a distant rumble of thunder reached her. She looked up, puzzled. Far ahead loomed a massive storm cloud, swallowing the sky. Lightning flashed within it, and from this near-level angle, it looked sinister and terrifying. The airship was heading straight for it.
"Grace…" Mushiyu called out, worry in her voice.
Grace took Mushiyu’s hand and smiled reassuringly. "It’s fine. But we can’t stay on deck anymore. Let’s go inside."
"Mm."
As if on cue, the ship’s speaking stone blared the captain’s gruff voice: "Approaching a thundercloud zone ahead. All passengers return to cabins immediately. Do not linger on deck. Repeat—"
Mushiyu followed Grace into the main cabin. It resembled a banquet hall. Well-dressed, dignified people chatted politely, clinking glasses as they sipped wine. More passengers streamed in. Outside light dimmed, making the cabin’s magic lamps glow brighter.
Mushiyu peered through a window. The clear sky had turned murky. Flashes of light lit the clouds, followed by rolling thunder.
"If you’re hungry, take a plate for the free food," Grace said. "Drinks are over there."
Mushiyu eyed the "exotic" dishes and drinks on the tables. Though not hungry, curiosity about this world’s cuisine got the better of her. She hurried to grab a plate.
Grace scanned the bustling crowd, her eyes glinting. Her sword remained at her waist. Her right hand gripped the hilt, applying slight pressure. Outside, the sky darkened completely. A lightning bolt flashed, bleaching the clouds white. Thunder rumbled through the cabin walls. Wind and rain lashed the windows, streaking them with blurred, crooked lines.
Somehow, this journey wouldn’t stay calm.
"Tess!"
Grace froze, then recalled the fake name she’d made up to hide her identity. She turned to see Ata and Bak approaching.
"Ata," Grace greeted with a smile.
"Huh? Where’s Mu?" Ata asked, looking around after failing to spot the cute girl.
Grace pointed toward the food table. "Over there, eating."
Following her gesture, Ata spotted Mushiyu standing by the table, finger pressed to her lower lip. Ata strode over, hand landing on Mushiyu’s shoulder. When Mushiyu turned with a confused look, Ata feigned anger. "Found treats and didn’t tell your sister?"
Mushiyu forced a dry smile and thrust her plate forward. "For you, Sister!"
Ata beamed, ruffling Mushiyu’s hair. She plucked a small cake from the plate. "Good girl. A reward! Open up—ahh."
Mushiyu opened her mouth with a helpless grin. The cake melted softly, rich with cream.
"Good?" Ata asked.
Mushiyu nodded. "Delicious."
Ata took a bite from the other side, chewed slowly, then said flatly, "Not as good as my family’s cook makes."
"Eh? You have a personal pastry chef?" Mushiyu gasped.
Ata’s eyes flickered. She laughed lightly. "Oh, it’s simple. Any ordinary household can make it."
Mushiyu smiled. "I’d love to try it someday."
*Yeah… palace chefs’ pastries. Definitely want a taste…*
From the corner of her eye, Mushiyu noticed someone standing nearby. She looked up—first meeting a pair of ice-blue eyes, dazzling like polished sapphires. A strange sense of familiarity washed over her. But the face… long lashes, straight nose, porcelain skin, raven-black hair—it was undeniably beautiful, yet utterly unfamiliar.
As Mushiyu studied her, the woman watched back. Every flicker of awe, confusion, and curiosity on Mushiyu’s soft face was captured by those gem-like eyes.
The woman just stared, silent and still. Mushiyu grew uneasy. Realizing she might be blocking the food table, she stepped aside with an apologetic smile. "Sorry."
Sure enough, the woman used tongs to take one of the same small cakes, placing it on her plate. Her slender, pale fingers lifted it delicately to her lips for a bite.
For some reason, Mushiyu found herself watching intently, eager to see her reaction. But the woman’s face remained utterly impassive.
"Mu." Ata called.
Mushiyu turned. Softness brushed her lips—cake fragrance filled her nose. It was the same treat. She obediently took another bite, chewing slowly under Ata’s amused gaze. She ate until her teeth nearly touched the spot Ata had bitten…
"Do you like these?" A cool voice cut in beside her.
Mushiyu paused mid-bite—unaware she’d looked like a nibbling creature—and tilted her head at the woman, puzzled.
The woman raised her half-eaten cake. "You enjoy them?" Her tone was icy.
*Kind of cold… but such a lovely voice,* Mushiyu thought.
She swallowed the last bite and nodded. "Yeah, it’s pretty good. And you are?"
The woman just stared, neither speaking nor leaving. Awkward silence thickened the air. Behind her, Ata watched the pair oddly, then popped the remaining cake into her own mouth.
Across the cabin, Grace and Bak—mid-conversation about sword techniques—noticed the strange tension. They stopped talking, their gazes locking onto the mysterious woman.
