Chapter 28: The Song Kingdom (Izumi Spell?)
The rhythmic clatter of wheels against the cobblestone path echoed softly within the luxurious carriage. Velvet cushions lined the seats, and the faint scent of perfume hung in the air. Lucy had invited Izumi to join us on this ride Since she would lived on the mansion when we cameback
Izumi had accepted with a polite smile, sliding gracefully into the seat across from us. Now, with Lucy seated beside me and Izumi in front, the carriage gently swayed as it carried us toward the Queen's mansion.
Despite the calm setting, I couldn't relax. My senses stayed sharp, my eyes flicking between the two girls. I remained on guard, silently watching, listening.
Lucy leaned in ever so slightly, her tone friendly but probing. "So, Izumi... where do you live? What's your background?"
Izumi's hands rested delicately on her lap, her posture composed and unthreatening. Her voice, soft and airy, matched her delicate appearance. "I grew up alone. Orphaned as a child. I've been living on the streets ever since... earning money through street performances." She paused, a wistful smile on her lips. "Then... I awakened something inside me."
Lucy blinked slowly, absorbing every word. "A power?" she asked, intrigued.
Izumi nodded. "Yes. Something strange, something I still don't fully understand."
Lucy seemed to believe her—or at least she didn't show doubt. But me? I wasn't buying it. Her story was too clean, too rehearsed. Something about her didn't add up.
Still, I forced a slight nod and pretended to listen, wearing a mask of passive interest.
Izumi smiled gently, and for a moment, she looked like an innocent child—like someone who had just been accepted into a warm orphanage after years of loneliness. It was disarming, almost heartbreaking... but that made me even more suspicious. No one who lived on the streets their entire life would smile like that. Not unless they were hiding something behind that smile.
The rest of the ride passed in relative silence, interrupted only by the clatter of wheels and the occasional creak of the carriage frame. Finally, we arrived at our destination—the Song mansion.