Elegy from Another World

A week has passed since Lady Liscia and the Drei disappeared behind that dark blue door.

The first rays of morning sunlight streamed through the delicate lace curtains, illuminating Tia's face. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly as she slowly opened her eyes. Instead of the familiar metallic ceiling of Utopia, she saw the ceiling of her childhood room, faintly scented with flowers. For a fleeting moment, she felt as if she had returned to that carefree yet fraught life as a noblewoman.

A soft knock sounded on the door, followed by a maid's respectful voice: "Miss Tia, are you awake? Madam requests your presence downstairs for breakfast."

"Okay, I'm coming," Tia replied, her voice still carrying a hint of sleepiness. She got out of bed, her bare feet sinking into the soft carpet, and walked to the window, gently drawing back the curtains. Outside, she saw the meticulously maintained gardens of her family's estate, morning dew glistening on rose petals, and in the distance, the farm's windmill turning slowly—a scene of tranquility and peace. All of this felt so real, it warmed her heart.

After washing up, Tia changed into a simple yet comfortable cotton dress and descended the spiral staircase. In the dining room, a long table was already set with exquisite silver cutlery and an enticing breakfast: freshly baked white bread, jam from their own orchard, warm milk, and perfectly fried bacon and eggs. Her mother was smiling as she set the plates, while her younger sister, Tina, was already seated at the table, eagerly sipping her milk, a ring of foam clinging to the corner of her mouth.

"Good morning, Mom, Tina," Tia greeted with a smile and sat down in her assigned spot.

"Good morning, darling," her mother said gently, wiping the milk stains from Tina's lips. "Did you sleep well last night?"

"Very good, Mom." Tia nodded, picked up a slice of bread, and spread jam on it. This kind of everyday, warm, and comforting feeling was the dream she most longed for when she tossed and turned sleeplessly in hatred. Now, the dream had become a reality.

Because of family business and some affairs in the main city of Valencia, her father usually travels to the city early in the morning and doesn't return until evening. After breakfast, Tia helps her mother with some housework or instructs Tina in basic etiquette and literacy. Although the family is no longer as prominent as it once was, her mother still adheres to some customs of aristocratic families, believing it to be a sign of respect for the past and a way to educate the future.

When the morning sun was shining brightly, Tia liked to stroll in the garden or visit the stables to see the gentle mare from her childhood. Sometimes, she would roll up her sleeves and trim the plants with the gardener, feeling the scent of the earth and the vitality of the plants. This peaceful work allowed her chaotic thoughts to gradually settle down. She was no longer the avenger who needed to grip a blade and struggle on the edge of life and death, nor the deputy who needed to manage a shelter for thousands; she was simply Tia, an ordinary daughter and sister who had rediscovered the warmth of family.

The afternoons were a more leisurely time. Her mother might invite several ladies from nearby estates over for afternoon tea, and Tia would sometimes join them, listening to their conversations about family matters, the latest fashions in the capital, and gossip. These topics were somewhat unfamiliar and even tedious to her, but she would listen quietly, occasionally offering a polite smile. She could sense a hint of curiosity and pity in the ladies' eyes; after all, she had once been "that unfortunate young lady who miraculously returned after her family's calamity." Tia didn't care; she had long since stopped caring about the opinions of others.

More often than not, she preferred to be alone in her father's study. The study was large, with towering bookshelves reaching the ceiling, filled with the smell of leather and old paper. She would take out a travelogue or a history book and read quietly. The world of words could take her to faraway places, allowing her to temporarily forget the boundaries of reality.

As evening fell, the sound of horses' hooves grew louder as her father returned. Dinner was the most formal and heartwarming time of the day. Her father would inquire about Tina's studies, discuss the estate's affairs with her mother, and ask if Tia was adapting well to her new life. The table was filled with joy, candlelight illuminating every smiling face. Tia looked at her parents and sister, her heart overflowing with gratitude. She knew that this happiness, regained after being lost, was a gift from Lady Liscia.

Night fell, and the manor fell silent. Tia returned to her room, and after a quick wash, she didn't go to sleep immediately. She went to her desk, where a beautifully bound book of special material lay—a farewell gift from Lady Liscia, specially sent by Picawi before her departure.

The book's cover had no name and felt warm to the touch. Tia carefully opened it; inside were not printed words, but pages of dynamic images like magical videos, along with annotations written by Lady Licia herself—slightly childish yet full of emotion.

She saw the concerned look in Lady Licia's eyes when she first arrived in Utopia; she saw them practicing magic together in the training ground, her clumsily controlling the water sphere while Licia smiled encouragingly beside her; she saw them fighting side by side against the attacking monsters; she saw Licia's anxious expression as she tried to save her in the core of the labyrinth; and she saw herself weeping in front of Licia's mangled flesh after avenging herself, while Licia gently comforted her...

Turning the pages was like reliving those thorny yet radiant years. The shared fears, anger, sorrow, and joy, as well as the deep bond that transcended blood ties, surged into her heart once more. Tia's fingertips gently brushed over the image of Liscia on the pages, a smile unconsciously playing on her lips, yet her eyes welled up with tears.

"Lady Licia..." she whispered, "Where are you now? Have you arrived in that 'real' world? Is everyone... alright?"

She knew that Liscia had chosen a path fraught with unknowns and dangers, far more difficult than staying in this "repaired" world. But she also firmly believed that with Liscia's resilience and wisdom, she would surely be able to lead everyone to create a new world.

She closed the book, clutched it tightly to her chest, walked to the window, and gazed at the twinkling stars in the night sky. Perhaps, among those countless stars, there was one illuminating the path that Lady Liscia and the Drei were taking.

"May the gods... no," Tia shook her head, revealing a gentle yet firm smile, "may the power you believe in protect you on your journey, Lady Liscia. No matter how far apart we are, you will always be my most important benefactor and dearest friend. I will live here, carrying the happiness you have bestowed upon me, and live well."

The night breeze ruffled her silver hair, carrying the faint scent of tuberose from the garden. Tia took a deep breath, feeling a sense of peace and fulfillment within her. This day, ordinary yet real, was filled with the warmth she had always longed for. And those memories of adventure, bonds, and sacrifice would forever be treasured in her heart, becoming the most precious treasure to support her through the long years to come. She closed the window, and with blessings and longing, drifted off to sleep peacefully. Tomorrow's dawn would still arrive as scheduled.