The driver had already stepped down from the carriage.
A faint breeze rustled his coat as he stood between the group and the door, arms relaxed at his sides. But there was a quiet menace to his stillness—one that didn't go unnoticed.
"I'm afraid," he said again, more firmly this time, "that the young lady is not to be disturbed for the rest of the night."
Noah tilted his head slightly, his crimson gaze sharpening.
"You're really planning to stop us?"
Without a word, the man unsheathed a long, sleek blade. Its edge shimmered with a dark, oily mana. The ground itself seemed to hum in response.
Cordelia took a step forward, eyes narrowing, fingers flickering with residual flame.
Lys didn't speak. Her stance dropped subtly—center of gravity low, elemental spirits already beginning to circle her like glowing wisps: Gaia and Aqua flickered into view, while Fire pulsed more aggressively at her shoulder.
