Some time had passed, and we were soon greeted by a middle-aged man—a coachman who had clearly been prepared from the start. His face wore a kind smile, but his movements revealed the toughness forged through years of enduring harsh seasons.
"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen," he said in a deep yet warm voice. "My carriage is ready to take you to your destination. Climb in and rest your bodies from the grip of the northern cold."
He gave a short bow as a sign of respect, then opened the carriage door with a courteous gesture. His gloved hand pointed inside, where warmth slowly awaited us.
"I've been heating the interior since morning. Not many take the northern route like you… you must be on an important journey."
Zeco, Charlotte, and I instinctively huddled close together, trying to warm our nearly numb hands. As usual, Carla took charge. She handed the directions to the coachman and then motioned for us to enter, one by one.
Even though the warmth began to embrace the narrow space inside the carriage, the chill from outside still lingered. The biting air that had once frozen my body seemed to seep deep into my bones, refusing to leave.
"Are you alright, Hiro?" Carla asked, her tone laced with concern she no longer tried to hide.
"I'm fine," I replied softly. My weakened body slowly slumped, leaning against Zeco's shoulder.
Zeco turned to me. "Your body's burning, Hiro. I'm wearing several layers of jackets, but you… you feel like fire." His worried voice echoed Carla's anxiety.
"Don't worry," I whispered. "Just give me a little rest. This pain will fade... I know it will."
"Charlotte, hold him. Warm him with everything you've got," Carla said calmly yet firmly, signaling Charlotte, who immediately slid closer to my side.
From the front, the coachman's voice rang out amidst the clatter of hooves and the whisper of the night wind. "Is your friend alright, sir and ma'am?"
"Don't worry, sir. He'll be fine," Carla replied quickly, trying to reassure him.
"If anything serious happens, don't hesitate to tell me. Many passengers can't endure such extreme weather—especially if it's their first time."
"Of course, sir. Thank you," Carla answered with a polite smile, though the worry on her face couldn't quite be hidden.
Her face might appear composed, but I knew—beneath her gaze lay emotions far deeper than she let on. Her worry... surpassed even our own.
***
Meanwhile, far from the real world, in a realm beyond, a woman stood beneath the heavens. She was Queen Victoria—the ruler of the elves—known for her serenity, grace, and commanding presence.
But that night was different. Her peace of heart was disturbed by something she couldn't explain. A strange warmth suddenly spread through her chest, then gradually turned into a searing heat that startled her, causing her to clutch her chest tightly.
"Is hiro alright…? What is truly happening to him?" she whispered softly, her eyes lifting to the stars that now seemed to dim, as though no longer shining the way they used to.