“I miss Cloudfinch Manor,” Wilhelmina hugged Lucy tight. The big cat licked her cheek. “But you belong here,” Hans Borg said gently, “You belong here, my little lady.” Wilhelmina lowered her head, half-understanding, eating her favorite blueberry cream cake.
Outside the window, the bustling commercial district had long passed, revealing a lush forest. A river meandered like a silver ribbon. “This is the Saint Cosrola River, the mother river,” Hans Borg said. At the forest’s edge was a vast highland plain. Located in the northern hemisphere, the grasslands were full of spring, with wildflowers everywhere. Deer herds ran on the mountain slopes, while cattle and sheep grazed leisurely. The Saint Cosrola River rushed eastward, nurturing this land.
The car continued at high speed, showing elevation changes and a spectacular waterfall. At Hans Borg’s signal, the car slowly descended, flying low near the water surface. Clear lake water reflected the suspended vehicle’s shadow, as white water birds chased the car.
Wilhelmina looked up at the waterfall in the distance, her mouth wide open and her little nose turning pink. Hans Borg suddenly felt a sense of satisfaction.
“We’re almost there,” he said as the car gained altitude. The lake water flowed back into a river, with tall birch trees lining the valley and castles appearing on the hills.
This was the famous New Loire Valley, known for its beautiful scenery and historic castles. Many had been converted into museums and luxury hotels, attracting the wealthy.
Crossing a densely vegetated hill, houses became more numerous, showcasing traditional architecture, narrow streets, and towering churches, with a pure white palace behind one of the churches.
“Welcome to Rose Palace,” Hans Borg whispered to the little girl. “See those rose flowers? Beautiful, isn’t it?”
Built over 400 years ago, Rose Palace was originally a hunting lodge. After King Wolrich’s ascension, he renovated it and gifted it to his wife, Queen Wilhelmina, who used it as a base for the National Children’s Education Foundation. It was once a school.
After Emperor Alexander’s ascension, he relocated the foundation and moved into Rose Palace, facing criticism until his death.
