Chapter 7 – A Day of outside 1
Not long after, we saw a woman approaching us.
She had long black hair that flowed neatly behind her and striking amethyst-colored eyes. Her posture was flawless—disciplined, composed, and clearly that of someone who had undergone years of rigorous training.
She stopped a few steps away before bowing respectfully.
"My name is Selena Blackwood," she introduced herself calmly. "I was personally recruited by Lady Seraphina and have sworn my loyalty to the Starlight family."
She raised her head slightly.
"I will be responsible for Young Master’s and Young Miss’s safety during today’s outing."
Her voice carried unwavering confidence.
I smiled politely.
"It’s good to have you with us, Miss Selena. We’ll be relying on you today."
Amy nodded beside me.
"Glad to have you with us."
Selena bowed once more.
"I will not disappoint you."
After saying goodbye to Mother, the three of us left the mansion.
Selena silently followed behind us, maintaining enough distance to remain respectful while constantly observing our surroundings.
Outside, an elegant carriage was already waiting.
The Starlight crest was engraved across its polished doors, making it immediately recognizable.
Amy climbed inside first, followed by me.
Selena took the seat across from us.
Even after the carriage began moving, her eyes never stopped scanning our surroundings.
Amy noticed me looking at her and giggled.
"Don’t mind Selena."
"She’s always like this."
Selena remained expressionless.
"My duty is to ensure your safety."
Amy only smiled.
"I know."
Then she turned toward me.
"So?"
"How are you feeling?"
"You haven’t been outside in quite a while."
I thought about it for a moment.
My memories still felt somewhat jumbled after everything that had happened.
Some things came to me immediately.
Others felt as though they were hidden behind a thick layer of fog.
Although I knew I had visited the city before, I couldn’t clearly remember most of those trips.
As far as I could recall...
Today almost felt like my first time seeing it properly.
"I’m feeling much better," I replied honestly.
"I’m actually looking forward to looking around."
"I want to see everything."
"And..."
"I want to try lots of different food."
Amy laughed.
"There it is."
"My little foodie."
"I knew food would be the first thing on your mind."
I protested immediately.
"That’s not true."
"I’m also curious about everything else."
She smiled proudly.
"Don’t worry."
"Your amazing big sister will show you all the best places."
I shook my head.
"No."
"I want to explore a little by myself."
"I think that’ll be more fun."
Amy blinked.
Then she folded her arms with an exaggerated huff.
"...You’ve become surprisingly bold today."
I smiled.
"I’m just saying what I think."
"Hmph."
"Fine."
"I won’t interfere with your grand adventure."
"But if you get lost..."
"I’m carrying you back."
"I doubt that’ll happen."
"We’ll see."
The atmosphere inside the carriage gradually became more relaxed.
For the first time since waking up, I simply enjoyed talking with my sister.
No worrying.
No overthinking.
Just ordinary conversation.
It felt...
Nice.
After nearly ten minutes, the carriage slowed to a stop.
"We’re here," Selena announced.
Amy eagerly opened the door.
The moment I stepped outside, my eyes widened.
The city was bustling with life.
People walked through the streets carrying shopping bags and chatting happily.
Merchants enthusiastically called customers toward their stalls.
Blacksmiths hammered glowing pieces of metal inside their workshops.
Mana-powered street lamps lined both sides of the road, while holographic advertisements floated above several modern stores.
Horse-drawn carriages shared the streets with sleek vehicles powered by mana engines.
Fantasy and technology existed side by side.
The scene was unlike anything I had ever experienced.
"So this is..."
I quietly murmured.
"The capital."
Even though parts of it felt familiar, everything seemed brand new.
Perhaps it was because my memories were still somewhat disorganized.
Or perhaps...
I was simply seeing it through different eyes now.
As we walked, I noticed people occasionally glancing toward us.
Some whispered among themselves.
"Isn’t that Young Miss Amy Starlight?"
"The heir of the Starlight family..."
"She’s even prettier than the rumors."
Others quickly stepped aside to clear our path.
Amy acted as though she hadn’t noticed any of it.
Beside me...
She was simply my older sister.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
"Gray."
Her voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Want to eat something first?"
"Your wonderful big sister will treat you."
I smiled.
"Really?"
"Then let’s see what they have."
I pointed excitedly toward a nearby food stall.
Amy couldn’t help laughing.
"You’re more excited than I expected."
The three of us walked over.
The stall displayed all kinds of food.
Fresh fruit juice.
Candies.
Chocolate.
Grilled meat.
Various pastries.
And rows of freshly grilled barbecue skewers.
The delicious aroma immediately caught my attention.
Without hesitation, I pointed.
"I want the barbecue."
The middle-aged stall owner smiled warmly.
"Excellent choice, Young Master."
"How many?"
I held up three fingers.
"Three, please."
"Right away."
Within moments, she handed over three freshly grilled skewers.
Steam still rose from the meat.
The smell alone made my stomach rumble.
I took one for myself before handing the other two to Amy and Selena.
Selena looked surprised.
"...For me?"
I nodded.
"It would feel strange if you were the only one not eating."
Amy smiled.
"Exactly."
"Go ahead."
After a brief hesitation, Selena accepted it.
"...Thank you, Young Master."
The three of us began eating together.
I took my first bite.
The meat was juicy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned.
Simple.
Yet incredibly satisfying.
"...It’s delicious."
The stall owner laughed happily.
"I’m glad you like it."
"How much is it?" I asked.
"Fifteen credits."
"Five each."
Before I could react, Amy had already paid using her wrist device.
"Done."
I watched the small transaction curiously.
Everything still felt slightly unfamiliar.
I knew what credits were.
I simply hadn’t paid much attention to money before.
Now that I was observing everyday life more carefully, even something as simple as buying food felt strangely interesting.
Amy finished her skewer before looking at me.
"So?"
"Where to next?"
I looked around at the lively streets.
There were simply too many places to choose from.
I shrugged helplessly.
"I have no idea."
Then I smiled.
"I’ll leave today’s adventure to you, Sis."
Amy’s eyes immediately sparkled.
"I’ve been waiting for you to say that!"
Without another word, she grabbed my hand and began pulling me through the bustling streets.
I laughed helplessly as I followed behind.
For some reason...
A simple outing like this made me happier than I expected.
Perhaps...
This was what having a real family felt like.