Plownonida, the grand capital of Alvion, basked in the early light of morning, its architecture a blend of elegant stone facades and intricate ironwork that lined the streets.


    Along the main avenue, polished cobblestones reflected the gentle blue glow of energy lines beneath the tram tracks, casting soft streaks across the road.


    The trams glided in smooth, rhythmic intervals, powered by chunks of blue-glowing stone discreetly embedded in the city''s infrastructure.


    The tram tracks formed intricate patterns, almost like floral motifs, that made the vehicles seem to glide along delicate lacework, a sight that grew even more enchanting by night.


    People moved in well-coordinated flows on either side of the avenue, a mix of dignified townsfolk, students carrying leather satchels, and workers in crisp uniforms.


    Public benches and streetlamps, powered by the same glowing energy, lined the main roads, giving the city a polished, almost regal atmosphere.


    These lamps cast a steady, blue-tinged glow over the street, while side alleys and smaller roads, farther from the center, relied on the warm flicker of whale oil lamps.


    The oil lamps gave the smaller streets a rustic charm, flickering with a cozy amber light that softened the otherwise grand architecture.


    The wide streets accommodated a mix of transport—horse-drawn carriages for those who preferred the traditional mode of travel, and the efficient trams, which zipped along the tracks in the middle of the avenue.


    Carriages moved in harmony with the trams, their polished wood and brass fixtures gleaming in the morning sun.


    Occasionally, a pedestrian would pause to let a tram pass, the familiar hum of its energy source barely a disturbance to the calm yet bustling atmosphere.


    Plownonida''s residents carried themselves with a quiet elegance, many dressed in tailored coats or finely crafted dresses.


    Shopkeepers opened their doors, dusting off storefronts as they prepared for the day, while a few street vendors set up their carts, selling everything from freshly baked bread to simple trinkets.


    Children darted along the sidewalks, their laughter echoing as they chased each other, occasionally stopping to marvel at the blue-glowing stones along the tram lines, their eyes wide with wonder.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Inside her carriage, Beatrice adjusted her expression repeatedly, practicing her smile in the mirror, her gaze flitting between excitement and concentration.


    Outside, Edward sat beside Mr. Albert, the mansion''s coachman, who was keeping a steady pace.


    Albert, his face solemn yet relaxed, had been nattering away for several minutes.


    "And that’s the thing about horses," Albert went on, gesturing vaguely with one hand. "Give ’em too much grain, and they’re a nightmare to handle. Not enough, and they’ll barely plod along. Now, take old Molly here—steady as they come, she is, but I swear she’s got a nose for storms. You wouldn’t credit the time she—"


    He broke off, turning his head to look at Edward, who hadn’t so much as blinked, his eyes fixed ahead like a statue.


    "Oi, lad, if you’re gonna sit up here with me instead of keepin'' the young lady company, the least you could do is say somethin''," Albert said, his mustache twitching as he spoke, his eyes half-closed yet sharp.


    Edward, lost in thought, stared blankly at the road ahead. "Shut up, old man. I''m thinking."


    Albert snorted, clearly amused. "Thinkin'', are ya? Mighty fine excuse." He glanced over, noting Edward''s unusual silence. "So, what''s got ya so deep in thought?"


    Breaking his trance, Edward glanced at Albert, his brow furrowing as if struck by a sudden realization. "Wait... how is it humanly possible for anyone to sit face-to-face alone with my lady?"


    Albert shrugged, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Dunno, maybe by bein'' a human?" He let out a chuckle, nudging Edward. "What''s really on yer mind, lad?"


    Edward''s expression turned serious, his hands steepling as he sank into a brooding posture. "I''ve realized... servants aren''t allowed to accompany their masters on school grounds."


    Albert raised an eyebrow, half-listening. "Are ya sure about that, boy?"


    "Yes. In fact, I''ve known this since before my lady even knew about sweets from the school canteen," Edward replied, his voice heavy with resignation.


    "Hmmm... sweets, eh?" Albert echoed, clearly uninterested in the conversation but humoring him.


    "But today, my lady blessed me with such grace," Edward continued, his tone reverent. "She''s been making those charming little faces all morning... powerful enough to distract even me from vital information."


    "Hmmm... important, is it?" Albert repeated absently.


    "Of course, it''s important!" Edward suddenly shook Albert''s shoulder, snapping the older man from his half-daze.


    "Oi! Easy, boy!" Albert grumbled, startled back into attention. "Alright, then. What''s this all-important revelation?"


    Edward took a deep, wistful breath, his gaze softening as he leaned back. "It''s that I must always be at my lady''s side."


    Albert blinked, confused. "And... what for, exactly?"


    With a sympathetic smile, Edward patted Albert''s shoulder. "You sure are curious for an old man," he said, as if about to unveil a grand tale. "Fine, I''ll start from nine years ago..."


    "No... that''s not what I meant..." Albert sighed, realizing he''d walked right into Edward''s trap.


    Edward straightened, his voice taking on a storytelling tone. "So, on a rainy evening, at one of those fancy noble gatherings..."


    Inside the carriage, oblivious to the grand tale unfolding outside, Beatrice continued to practice her smile, adjusting each expression with determined concentration as the city scenery rolled by, her world quiet, focused, and perfectly serene.