The Queen of Scrolls never admits defeat

"It will be amazing to watch the sunrise here tomorrow!" Lilith and Dorella stood side by side, gazing at the moon rising over the horizon.

Sylvia turned around and threw herself into her mother's arms, her voice muffled by the fabric of her clothes: "Mom, today is the best day of my life!"

Moran lowered his head and placed a light kiss on the top of Sylvia's head.

Vasita hoisted the giggling Tessa onto her shoulder: "Let's go! Time to eat!"

Sylph gently combed Evelyn's long hair and asked softly, "Are you cold? Do you want to put on a coat?"

The night breeze swept across the cliff, carrying the breath of the sea and the lingering fragrance of roses. The lights in the castle gradually came on, and the rooftop garden fell silent.

After watching the sunrise the next day, the moving castle set off again.

It strode steadily through the Sunset Forest, across the ancient path covered in moss; spread its magical wings, and flew lightly over the green highlands; finally, it walked slowly through the Dark Valley.

This canyon, shrouded in twilight year-round, may seem eerie to others, but to Vasida, it is a home filled with memories.

The lights atop the castle tower dispelled the mist and illuminated the ghostly vines winding along the rock face.

Tessa looked curiously at the large, grayish vine and asked Vasita, who was standing next to her, "Mom, was this the thing that got tangled up when you were little? It doesn't look very sturdy!"

Vasita pinched her daughter's cheek and corrected her, "I wasn't entangled by the ghost vine, I just fainted from hunger while picking the ghost vine!"

On the seventh day at dusk, the castle came to rest at the edge of the poisonous fog swamp.

This is a completely different landscape.

A thick, grayish-purple fog rolled slowly across the swamp like a living thing, occasionally revealing puddles of water with an eerie glow and twisted, dead trees below.

A faint, sweet, fishy smell permeated the air, and even through the castle's protective shield, one could feel the oppressive aura of danger.

In the garden, the little witches crowded in front of the viewing platform, gazing at the dark purple mist.

"It doesn't feel right here..." Dorella's small hands unconsciously clenched Lilith's clothes.

Sylvia nodded: "The magic map says, 'The Poison Mist Swamp is perpetually shrouded in corrosive miasma and is home to a large number of magical creatures adapted to the toxic environment. It is not recommended to enter unless absolutely necessary.'"

Tessa, on the other hand, was eager to try: "Are there any powerful poisonous beasts inside? Could I...?"

“No.” Vasita grabbed her daughter’s shoulder, her tone unusually serious: “Even some high-ranking witches can’t withstand the poison here!”

Evelyn had already shrunk back to Sylph's side: "Then let's not go..."

Sylph patted her daughter's head, then turned to Moran and asked:
"We've pretty much covered all the scenic spots in the wilderness these past few days, haven't we? Now, you're heading out into the wilderness, and it's time for us to head back."

Sylvia was very reluctant to part with them. She looked at Tessa, Evelyn, and Dorella and said, "Why don't we go on a trip together? There are so many fun places out there in the wilderness!"

Tessa scratched her head and said frankly, "There are many fun places outside... but I actually want to go back and learn from my mom how to knock out an armored boar with one punch."

Her eyes sparkled as she looked at Vasita, "Mom, you promised me last time that you'd take me to a real battle once I've practiced a bit more!"

Vasita laughed heartily and ruffled her daughter's hair: "You remember so clearly? Good, I'll arrange it when we get back."

Dorella also said, "Mom, the castle is really cool, and the scenery along the way is really beautiful... but, I miss my little garden a little."

Evelyn was already nestled in Sylph's arms, yawning slightly: "These past few days have been very fulfilling... but right now, I really want to go home and get a good night's sleep. I'll slowly explore the outside world when I'm older!"

“Okay!” Sylvia quietly squeezed her mother’s hand: “Tessa likes strength, Dorella likes planting flowers, Evelyn likes sleeping… and I like ‘unknown journeys’. We should all do what we like!”

The four little witches looked at each other and suddenly burst out laughing.

The next morning, it was time to say goodbye.

Vasita, Lilith, and Sylph each summoned their own flying brooms, which transformed and unfolded in their hands, becoming three large, comfortable flying carpets. The carpets slowly rose into the air, hovering at the same height as the castle garden railings.

“Sylvia,” Tessa waved in the morning breeze, her voice cheerful, “Remember to take lots of pictures! And if you find anything delicious, try it for me!”

Evelyn smiled: "Sylvia, be careful in the wilderness! We'll be waiting for you to come back!"

Dorella waved back, "Sylvia, have a pleasant journey! Remember to tell me if you see any beautiful flowers!"

Moran, holding Sylvia, stood by the railing and waved to them.

The flying carpet rippled outwards, drifting leisurely in different directions into the depths of the wilderness.

Sylvia leaned on the railing, watching the flying carpet disappear into the distance, remaining motionless for a long time.

"You can't bear to part with it?" Moran asked softly.

“…Hmm.” Sylvia buried her face in her arms and said in a muffled voice, “But I know that Tessa will be happier to go back to boxing. Dorella’s flowers are waiting for her, and Evelyn misses her soft bed.”

She looked up, her eyes a little red, but she forced a smile: "And Mom, you said that the best friends are those who, even if they go in different directions, know that they are both getting better!"

Moran's heart softened, and he pulled her into his arms.

In the distance, the last trace of the flying carpet disappeared into the sky.

Only the mother and daughter, along with Zizi, Kaba, and Sentai, remained in the garden.

Sylvia grasped her mother's hand, her voice clear and firm: "Let's go."

"Where to go?"

Sylvia unfolded the magic map: "Let me see. The closest one to here is the Tatar tribe. We can go there and then continue west to the City of Chaos to watch the beast fights!"

Moran smiled: "Okay!"

The castle's wings spread out again, its giant feet slowly retracted, and the castle steadily lifted off the ground, rising upwards.

This time, it flew directly westward toward the chaotic realm.

Sylvia gripped the railing tightly, looking back towards the wilderness, then eagerly peered out into the distance.

Moran stood behind her, his hand gently resting on her shoulder:

"Are you scared?"

Sylvia shook her head.

"Excited?"

She nodded vigorously.

"The Tatali tribe is perfect for our mobile grocery store opening. Let's go and select some suitable goods to put on the shelves!"

Moran took Sylvia's little hand and led her to the first floor of the castle.

There were several small shops that could be extended outwards, making it convenient for them to do some small business while traveling.

Sylvia was also excited, waving her little fist: "I want to earn lots of gem coins! When I graduate, I'll ask Mom to build me a big mobile castle, and I'll drive it on my own to travel!"

Moran promised Sylvia that she would make {Gem Coin Cards} from the gem coins she earned during her journey and give them to her. (End of Chapter)