A turn to the right around that tree
Turn to the left and over this rock
Right. Left. Right. Left.
Okay, this isn't so bad
Medium right.
Shit-
Medium left.
Medium left.
MEDIUM LEFT!!!!
I hugged a tree.
"Ow-"
The world spun just enough for me to register that I was no longer moving, which meant I had failed at skiing in a very definitive way. I slid off the tree and landed flat on my back, staring up at the branches of the spruce tree.
"...Ugh."
I brought a hand down to assess the damage. Priorities were priorities.
Good.
My balls were intact.
If it weren't for the way bodies worked in this world, I'd either be dead right now or shaped like modern art. As it stood, everything hurt, but nothing was broken.
Physically.
But mentally? My pride was in five pieces scattered across the black track.
"Yeah, no," I muttered. "I am not built for this."
The mountain, in all its snowy arrogance, remained silent.
I exhaled slowly and let myself rest there for a moment, skis crossed awkwardly, dignity somewhere downhill. Probably best I stick to the baby trails till I releard the basics and rehabilitate any of the instincts I thought I still had.
Going up is the easy part, who would've guessed.
...
Nah, I'm fine, Push the feeling on fr fr.
And that's how I decided that today is the day I go and check up of Iris, because she's been left in the dark for a while now.
As for the morning - it was as pleasant as ever.
Eris, however, was still pouting.
I sat opposite of her in the dining area of our little castle home. Explaining to her what my plans were for today.
"Don't worry, love," I said cheerfully. "Today I won't be the one crashing into things. Iris will!"
She stared at me.
Not angry.
Just... tired.
"Time and time again..." she muttered.
"Okay..." I genuinely felt bad. ☹️ "I'm sorry."
She sighed. Not the kind that carries frustration, but the kind that carries care. Two concerns pulling her in opposite directions: my physical well-being, and my emotional need to live.
"I forgive you," she said at last. "But can you find a middle ground? Enjoy yourself - but not in a way that brings you harm."
"I will."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
And just like that, home felt warm again.
But work called.
...No. That wasn't sad. Why would it be? You don't mourn a departure when you know you'll return.
So I traveled to the Snowfield Resort and initiated something special, for it finally felt complete(that's a lie btw).
The first true train.
I gave it a body.
I gave it a mind.
And then finally. A soul - a little worker.
Ah. That question again. Are my creations artificial?
No.
And for that, I allowed myself a moment of philosophy.
Would I follow the schedule always?
Yes.
Why?
Because nature is subtle in its changes - never stagnant, never rushed. Always beautiful, always intentional. The clouds could tell you much, if you only tried to listen.
I boarded the train and entered the first cabin.
Luxurious. Calm. A wide window stretching along the wall, offering a view of snow-covered forests and distant peaks, safely framed by glass. A table extended smoothly from the wall at a thought. The seats were plush - inviting.
...Hm?
The material.
Close, but not exact.
Right. Of course.
Everything I pull directly from my mind is memory material - just an echo, not the original. For true authenticity, I'd need a basis. Something real to anchor it.
Still acceptable for now.
I assigned myself a destination: the Capital's central station.
The wheels began to turn. Slowly at first. Then with confidence.
As the train glided forward, a realization surfaced.
Directly using mana as fuel was far more efficient.
But...
Did efficiency justify the loss of beauty?
I could argue no.
Back in Bulgaria, there were plenty of massive concrete communist blocks - efficient, brutal, utterly soulless.
Ultimate doomer aesthetic.
But enough of this, it is time for me to go.
I programmed... well, I can barely call it code.
It was essentially a "hello world" equivalent - simple, almost laughable. But it worked. My traines already knew the routes, and past the Snowfield Resort's station, the railway was one-way. There was no confusion to be had.
So I sat back and watched.
The sun rising.
Snowflakes drifting past the window.
Oh, how lovely life can be.
Why do I try to ignore these thoughts?
Thoughts of You, Father.
That bishop was right - once I gained everything, You would lose me.
But I'm still here...
The truth is, I wouldn't be here without belief.
If I had let go, I would have become a womanizer, probably.
If I had let go, I would probably be a drunk, probably.
If I had let go; You understand what I mean.
And that's no way to live.
Now that my necessities are automated, what else is there to do but pray my way out of unnecessary habits?
If I am with You, I will be fine.
Amen.
...Wooh.
That felt good.
A lot of weight, gone - just like that.
"Thank you," I whispered.
I finally looked out again. The sun pierced through the clouds, its light striking my face directly.
Glorious.
The truth is, I need reminders of who I truly am.
Even here... I bring You with me - heart as the gate.
The rest of the ride was gentle. The train moved with its unyielding rhythm, delivering me forward with grace.
-------
And so I arrived - a little more enlightened.
Who would have guessed today would turn out this good?
The Capital stood before me. A few guards lingered at the station, relaxed, almost bored.
I approached them with a nod.
"Why, good day, gentlemen."
"Hello, sir," one of them replied.
They didn't say my name.
Honestly? I appreciated that.
"I'll be heading out," I said casually. "If you need to sit, use the benches. Not much to protect here right now anyway."
I pulled a box from my astral storage - straight from the box factory - filled it with bottles, then filled those with water.
"Thank you, sir!" the same guard said, clearly surprised.
"You're welcome," I replied with a smile.
I turned away, stepped forward, and called upon Acat. Transmutation: Information to physical.
She emerged smoothly.
Ah… how I love being so connected to my creations.
With that I got into Acat and drove slowly through the wide streets of the Capital.
It had been a while.
...Yeah. I didn't miss it one bit.
Still, I couldn't deny it - the Capital was a fine place.
-------
Acat's iron tracks rolled onto the bridge leading to the castle. The gates stood closed, as always, with two guards posted before them.
I hopped out and greeted them.
"Good day, gentlemen."
"Hello, Svetislav sir."
I waved a hand up and down. "No need to be formal. I've come to visit the princess - work's been going well. Could you deliver a letter for me?"
One of them, the more serious-looking one, shook his head.
"No need, sir. After your last visit, the princess ordered us to grant you clearance whenever you return."
"Oh?" I smiled. "Nice."
I did as I'd done with the others earlier, willing a box of bottled water back into the world. The bottles and box reclaimed their old shapes easily; the water itself I created on the spot, a simple spell, old as magic itself.
"Treat yourselves if you get thirsty," I said.
They stepped aside without hesitation, the gates opening smoothly.
I walked in like I owned the place.
The throne room greeted me with familiar weight - the banner at the end of the room, marble, and the big ahh carpet. Oh - and there were nobles. Their gazes judging.
"Iris!" I raised an arm.
Her head snapped up instantly, eyes lighting up the moment she saw me.
Claire shot me a sharp glare.
This time, I didn't fold.
"I'm happy to see you again," I said openly, earing a gasp from the other nobles.
Claire glanced at Iris - a silent check - but unlike me, she folded. Just slightly.
"Sir Svetislav," she said evenly, "what brings you here today?"
"Good news," I replied without missing a beat. "The tracks are done. Trains will move. And more - the resort is finished as well."
Quiet murmures were heard to my left and right, thinly veiled by annoyance. They don't even know what I do.
Honestly... I pity them. I pray they'd one day get better with life.
"But," I continued, glancing sideways, "that part we should discuss in private. I can feel the glares from my fellow nobles burning holes in me."
Iris nodded once, then leaned toward Rain and whispered.
Rain and Claire looked at each other and nodded after a moment.
Rain stepped forward and announced. "Princess Iris will be taking a short recess."
Iris smiled, she stood, meeting my eyes with a small, knowing smile.
"Walk with me," she said softly.
As we stepped out of the throne room and into the halls, the weight of the court finally loosened.
"Iri-" I started.
Steel flashed.
Claire drew her blade and lunged for me in one smooth motion - except her hand, which was reaching for my neck, entered my area of effect mid-grab and stopped dead, suspended inches from my collar.
"I'm glad to see you too, Claire," I said calmly. "And you as well, Rain. No one is left out."
Despite being very clearly stuck, Claire still tried to force the motion.
"Do you have any idea how bad Iris looked," she snapped, "when you called her by name while she had to call you 'Sir'?!"
"Don't pin that on me," I replied flatly. "You're the one enforcing the mannerisms."
Then I turned to Iris, voice softening immediately.
"Sorry, Iris. If that made you uncomfortable."
She shook her head without hesitation.
"It's fine. Claire, it's alright."
At her words, I released the effect. Claire's arm snapped free, kinetic energy finally catching up as she staggered half a step back.
"Svetislav..." she began.
"That's more like it," I said with a smile. "Yes, Claire?"
She inhaled slowly, clearly restraining herself.
"Please," she said - reluctantly - "adjust the way you speak when the Princess is in front of others. You understand that people have expectations."
"I shall," I replied easily.
Then I turned back to Iris.
"So, where were we? Ah - the train track. I extend my invitation for you to try it personally. Perhaps even learn skiing. You remember when I told you about them?"
"Oh, yes," Iris said, her eyes lighting up again.
"Princess Iris-" Claire started.
"Please," Iris said quickly, almost pleading. "I want to go see."
Rain, as usual, remained quietly observant, her silence louder than words.
Claire hesitated, then tried another angle.
"The Capital was attacked just yesterday. It may not be safe."
"Attacked?" I blinked. "Oh. Right. The war."
I smiled and made a casual pulling gesture with my hand.
Reality folded.
From thin air, an automaton emerged - pulled directly from the factory floor. Brass, iron, glass. Tall. Broad. Its face was a flat pane of glass set into its head, lantern-like, with a hook-ring at the top.
If that thing chased you in a steampunk dystopia, you'd be shaking for weeks.
I leaned closer, peering into the glass.
"Huh."
The little worker inside suddenly woke up, flooding the glass with light.
"Ah- fuck!"
Iris let out a small laugh. Rain very visibly bit her lip.
Claire looked ready to exorcise me on the spot.
Rubbing my eyes, I muttered, "Funny thing is, most of the harm that's come to me lately has been self-inflicted. Not unintentionally. I'm not crazy."
I straightened and posed proudly.
"I present to you: the OneOfMany. Or OOM. Shitty name - sounds like something a yoga instructor would say."
They stared.
I forgot they don't know about much of the concepts from my world.
"...And stop using such vulgar language!" Claire barked.
"Alright, alright," I sighed. "Forget the reference. OOM is a golem. I mass-produce them."
I turned to it and willed it to move.
Nothing happened.
I tried again.
Still nothing.
"...I need to personally bless each one," I muttered. "Walk."
The automaton took a step.
Iris's face lit up.
"Well," I said, watching carefully, "it can do things. Very limited things."
The golem promptly walked straight into a wall, fell backward, and began spasming violently on the floor.
"...Okay," I said quickly. "Enough demonstration. When I refine them, I'll help in the war."
I waved the automaton away, returning it to storage like it had never existed.
Then I turned back to Iris.
"So. We took a slight detour. Would you like to come with me to the resort?"
I paused.
"...That sounded bad."
Claire raised an eyebrow.
I cleared my throat.
"Never mind. Formal it is."
I straightened fully, adopting my most dignified posture.
"Princess Iris," I said solemnly, "would you grant me the honor of accompanying you to observe the Snowfield Resort's completed rail system, and -should you so desire - receive introductory instruction in the recreational art known as skiing?"
Silence.
Then Iris smiled.
"I would like that very much."
Claire closed her eyes - the battle was already lost.
-------
As we stepped out of the castle and onto the familiar bridge, Rain slowed her pace and gently pulled me aside.
"Do you know differential calculus," she asked quietly, "and also the basics of thermodynamics?"
I raised an eyebrow. "Testing my school skills, I see."
"It's not like that," she said quickly. "Could you... teach Iris those while you're away? I don't want her to fall behind in her studies."
Such a caring teacher.
I smiled. "I'm almost jealous. But yes, I can teach her. Or, better yet - you can give me the books."
Rain nodded. "That would be best."
And with that, she hurried off with surprising speed, clearly already knowing exactly where they were kept.
Claire, Iris, and I waited by the gates. Acat stood patiently on the bridge, metal body catching the light.
"You return her by sunset," Claire said firmly.
"This isn't a date," I replied calmly. "Besides, I have my own places to be. We'll be back earlier. Just enough time to get the royalty's approval."
I glanced at Iris as I said it and gave a small nod, a silent reassurance that it wasn't just about approval.
Rain returned shortly after, carrying two heavy books. I took them from her without comment.
"Prepare the royal carriage," Claire ordered the guards.
I raised a hand. "No need. My metal steed is better."
Then it hit me.
"...Iris. You'll need winter clothing."
There were no attendants nearby. No maids. No butlers. We all instinctively looked at Rain.
After a moment, Claire sighed. "I'll go."
Rain accepted that easily and turned to Iris, immediately slipping back into teacher mode. Even as she was about to be away for the day, she reminded Iris, that her studies still mattered.
I felt a twinge of sympathy for the girl. Not that my parents ever forced me to study, but I always knew what I needed to do.
About ten minutes passed. Rain used the time well, already working through half the mathematics with Iris.
When Claire returned, she carried the winter clothes, but something was off.
A small blush. Subtle. Barely there.
She handed the clothes to Iris. I opened the back right door of Acat, less a backseat and more a mattress, and Iris placed them inside.
Final goodbyes were exchanged.
Claire gave me one last look.
"If anything happens to her," she said flatly, "I will personally kill you."
"Noted."
At last, Iris climbed into Acat - my passenger princess, quite literally.
And not like my dearest Eris.
The thought lingered for a moment longer... It put a smile on my face.
And with that, I drove us toward the train station.
-------
The guards I'd spoken to earlier were sitting on the benches, drinking water.
The moment Iris stepped out of Acat, they froze.
She looked confused.
"I told them they could take a break, after all there's not much they can do here right now." I explained.
Understanding dawned on her face as they scrambled to their feet and bowed deeply.
"Your Highness!" they said in unison.
I chuckled quietly as Acat dematerialized behind us.
"The first cabin to the right," I said, then added with a grin, "not that there's a left."
She stepped inside, and stopped.
The plush seats. The wide windows.
"Make yourself at home," I said. "I want your opinion."
We sat. I placed the books and her winter clothes neatly on the table.
"So?" I asked.
"The seats are comfortable. The atmosphere... it's amazing. And the view..."
She smiled softly. "This is one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had."
"You don't get to go out much," I said gently. "I'm glad you're enjoying it before we have even started."
Then I clapped my hands once.
"Alright. Lessons first. Otherwise you'll miss the sacred art of staring out the window blankly for two hours straight."
She laughed as I opened the books.
The teaching came easily to me. And she was quick to understand, naturally.
While that happened I set the schedule to lead the train to the Snowfield resort.
Afterward, we drifted into philosophy. Then chess.
The pieces shook constantly as the train moved, never quite falling - just enough to be annoying.
"I should mass-produce magnetic chess boards," I muttered.
Then paused.
"...Actually. Perfect time for a lesson on magnetism."
I gave her a short overview(concepts, applications, fun facts.)
"Shock Rain with your knowledge when you get back," I said. "Aight?"
She smiled brightly.
And so the journey passed in games, lessons, conversation - the world rolling by beyond the glass, the Capital already long gone behind us.
-------
Soon enough, I tapped the table lightly, drawing her attention away from the chessboard. I nodded toward the window.
Snow had begun to dominate the landscape outside, swallowing the ground in white.
"Welcome," I said quietly, "to the Snowfield Resort."
She followed my gaze.
Standing up, I slid open the cabin door and stepped closer to the window. The mountains of the Snowfield Forest stretched before us - vast, clean, and sharp against the sky.
"This," I said, gesturing broadly, "is the resort in question. And a cool thing-"
I glanced at her. "The Winter Shogun guards it, cuz we buddies now."
Her eyes widened.
"The other day we killed a few white wolves," I added casually, as if talking about pests.
Her jaw dropped as the train rolled closer. The white concrete walls alone were nearly seven meters tall, and even then, the upper floors of the living quarters rose clearly above them.
"And the best part," I continued, clearly enjoying myself, "the lifts go all the way to the top. You see those pillars with the moving seats?" I pointed. "They go straight to the peak(with a few stops here and there, of course)."
She followed them with her eyes.
"But," I added quickly, "I am not sending you to crash into trees. So don't worry. We're starting with the baby tracks. You're still learning the basics, after all."
The train eased into the station and came to a gentle stop. Iris put on her winter clothes while I stepped outside, breathing in the cold air and admiring the resort.
"Soon this place will have employees: reception, customer service, the whole thing. People will love it. Given my status and the whole thing being so fancy schmancy." I said as we walked.
The gates opened automatically, welcoming us inside.
"There's one important choice you need to make first," I said, stopping suddenly and turning to her with an ominous look.
She frowned. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
I held up two fingers.
"Two boards... or one board?"
{insert the red pill blue pill meme}
She blinked.
"Skis," I said, raising one finger. "Or snowboard."
Then, with a grin: "невежа."
She hesitated, clearly lacking any frame of reference.
"...I don't know."
"Fair," I said. "Then I'll show you. Or you can try both."
I pointed toward a glass-fronted shop embedded into one of the buildings. "Go there. Sit down. I'll give you a demonstration."
I sat down on the snow and lifted my feet, my shoes dissolving away as ski boots formed in their place. Standing up, I balanced on one foot as a ski materialized beneath it - then the other. Lastly the ski poles.
"See you there," I said, already pushing off.
I let myself slide down the gentle slope toward the lifts, where a chairlift scooped me up with ease, and it was comfy.
A minute later, I disembarked at the top and began descending - left, right, left.
...Man. This is boring.
Did conquering the black track numb me to everything else?
I glided down into the main street of the living area, between the two rows of buildings, slowing to a stop near the equipment shop.
"Yeah," I said as Iris approached, "that's skis."
I unequipped them and gestured toward a pressure plate inside the shop.
"You step on that barefoot. It measures your feet and makes boots that fit perfectly. There are long socks too - you'll want those. Boots rubbing against skin is not pleasant."
I stepped onto the plate myself. "Height matters too," I explained, adjusting a lever that functioned like a scroll bar and a gearbox at the same time.
Confirm.
We waited.
Two minutes later, a snowboard slid out, perfectly shaped, along with boots. I put them on and stepped back outside.
I pushed off gently, reminding my body how to snowboard.
I was doing... okay.
Not falling. Not flowing either.
Iris was laughing openly now. "Are you sure you can teach me this?" she asked teasingly, walking behind me because I was moving that slowly.
"Yup," I said confidently. "Just wait.
We reached the beginner section of the course, and I finally started moving properly - turning right, left, switching lead sides.
I even attempted a jump.
And immediately fell flat on my back.
Her laughter mixed with mine, echoing against the buildings.
"I think," she said between giggles, "I want to try this first."
"Then what are you waiting for?" I said, sitting up. "Go get your gear. Just remember to adjust the height lever."
I waved a hand dismissively. "I'll be over here remembering how to not embarrass myself."
While Iris was getting ready, I just played around - putting the helmet part of the steam suit on my head.
I got on the lift and headed for one of the longer blue-green tracks. Long enough to test myself. Long enough to build speed.
And yeah - I was doing it.
I slid back down to the equipment shop. Iris was already outside, waiting.
"Heya," I said, coming to a stop. "You ready?"
"Yeah," she replied, determination clear in her voice.
"No."
I pulled my helmet off and gently placed it on her head.
"Now you are ready."
With that, I slid down to the edge of the living area, waving for her to follow. She did.
"So... how do I start?" she asked.
"Sit down," I said, pointing at the edge of the stone sidewalk.
She sat, and I sat beside her, showing her how the mechanism worked.
"You put your foot into the thing that looks like a bear trap," I explained, "then slide this tongue into the lever mechanism. After that, pull on it a few times until it's tight around your foot. Do that for both feet, then you just stand up and go."
"Alright," she said, carefully following along.
"A little more power," I added. "These things were built to last an eternity - as long as I'm alive."
I stood up and leaned back on my heels, hopping slightly to move myself down in short intervals.
She trembled as she pushed herself off the ground.
"Keep steady," I said calmly. "Don't twist your body - that changes your direction. Right now, I want you to learn how to-"
She began drifting right, accelerating slightly, then slowing as the curve of the track guided her.
"IRIS," I called out, firm but calm. "It's fine. You're fine right there. Slowly press with the *back* of your foot to slow down. Do not press with the front while moving - you'll bury the board and end face-first in the snow."
I slid up and stopped in front of her.
Her whole body was trembling.
"I'm fine," she breathed out. "I'm fine."
"Good," I said. "Here are the basics. You turn with your shoulders - at least, that's how they taught me. When you want to slow down, turn your board in the direction you're going and press back. Never - and I mean never - dig the front of your board into the snow."
I demonstrated: turning slightly right to move down, then left to slow myself, repeating the motion.
"Try it. Right, then left. Reverse it a few times."
I gave her a thumbs-up and waited.
"And don't be scared to fall," I added. "If you fall - let it happen. You'll avoid serious injuries. Ragdoll, fr fr."
She didn't know what that meant, but she understood the message: relax and let it happen.
She tried.
And promptly fell backward.
She stopped shaking and chuckled. "How was that?"
"Pretty bad," I said honestly. "But you've got the spirit. You'll get it."
She sat up, laughing, and prepared to try again.
"C'mon," I encouraged. "You can do it. Just turn, turn-"
I demonstrated again... and fell myself. Face-first. Gently. Like that slice of bread from that one old video.
"You aren't immune," she said, laughing.
"Hmmm, you don't say," I replied, still face-down in the snow.
Reminded me of Megumin during that kill quest.
I did a quick push-up and launched myself back to my feet.
"Why are you just sitting there?" I asked, looking back at her.
She threw a snowball at me.
I caught it with a squished expression.
I slid left, adjusted, then went right. Did a clean 180°, scooped up snow, and threw it back.
She dodged by sliding away.
...
Okay. This is actually kinda fun.
I smiled warmly as she managed to stay upright - she was actually doing it.
"Now do a reversal."
"No fair! I'm just getting the hang of it."
"Nah," I said. "You're a pro now. We're going on the WALL."
"The wall?"
I pointed toward the peak.
Her face went pale instantly. "No. I refuse."
"Yeah, yeah, I'm kidding," I said. "Just do the reversal."
"Fine," she declared proudly. "Let me show you the capabilities of the royal family!"
Blud, your ancestors are not helping you here.
She did it once.
Then again.
Then fell on her face, spinning slightly - but the helmet did its job.
I laughed as she slid across the track before finally stopping.
"Nice," I said, giving her a thumbs-up. "You did well."
She stood up, smiling.
"But," I added, "you need to work on reversals on both sides. Still - good job. You're learning fast."
She practiced a few more times before I got her onto the lift. It was a unique experience, and I could tell she was enjoying it.
"After we get down," I said, "we'll slide to the restaurant and eat. After that, if you still have energy, you can go a few more times. Then... it'll be about time to get you home. Sound good?"
She gave me a thumbs-up.
We slid down the long blue track. It took a few minutes and exhausted her completely.
So we ate.
I made her rate everything. Her expression was pure delight.
"This is better than the food at the castle," she said. "I can't believe you managed something like this."
"And the funniest part?" I replied. "It was all made automatically."
She also loved the elevator-based food delivery system.
Lunch - more like dinner at this point - disappeared quickly.
"Okay... maybe I won't be going again," she sighed sadly.
"Well, I could convert food if your worry was waste-"
"I couldn't," she said immediately. "The pie was too good."
She even drooled a little.
I handed her a napkin.
"Well," I said, leaning back, "we've still got about two hours before I need to return you. So... yeah."
The food finally caught up to me.
I laid my head down on the table and waved her off lazily.
"Go play in the snow or something."
She hesitated.
"I... don't know," Iris said softly. "You seem tired. I don't want to be a burden. It's alright if we go now."
"Nah."
I lifted my head. "It's your day off. Enjoy yourself."
I stood and stretched. "If you want, we can just take a walk. Or you could go to one of the hotel building and pick a room. I'll give it's keys to you and your family. Least I can do for being given the land."
"There's no need..." she said, her voice trailing off.
"I don't think I'll be getting... free time anyway."
The sadness in her tone was subtle, but it was there.
I sighed and leaned back against the wall, turning sideways in the chair.
"Then talk to me," I said gently. "You don't need to act like a princess here. Say what you actually think. You're free to say whatever you want with me."
She was quiet for a long moment.
Then she spoke.
"My days are always full," Iris said. "Lessons, etiquette, meetings, expectations. Every hour is planned. Even when I sleep, I feel like I'm preparing for the next day."
She looked down at her hands.
"I thought that was normal. That it was... enough."
Her voice wavered. "But today, being here, resting, laughing, falling into the snow... Now I feel tired in a different way. Like I've been tired for a long time and only just noticed."
I listened. Really listened.
"I don't hate my duties," she continued. "I know they matter. But sometimes it feels like I'm living someone else's life. Like I'm watching myself from afar."
She swallowed.
"And when I rest... it feels wrong. Like I'm stealing time."
I exhaled slowly.
"That's a dangerous way to think," I said. "Not wrong, but dangerous."
She looked at me.
"Stories and sleep I suggest," I continued, "they're escapes. But if they become the only place you feel alive, then reality starts feeling like a cage."
She nodded faintly.
"I suggest you keep fantasy at a healthy distance," I said. "If you're going to dream, don't let it replace living. That's how I survived - with balance. Or afternoon naps. Dreams are fantasy too, you know."
She smiled a little at that.
"Truth is," I went on, "I get exhausted too. The last month of laying train tracks was pure mental torture. Difference is - my castle was moving. Slowly."
I chuckled quietly.
"I looked forward to falling asleep. It was the only time my brain shut up."
Then I met her eyes.
"I sympathize with you, Iris. Because I know that helpless feeling. When you're doing everything right and still feel empty."
Silence settled between us.
Then she spoke again, lighter this time.
"...Can we go ride some more?"
I gave her a sideways look.
Then smiled.
"Sure."
And that was that.
We geared up again, stepped back into the cold, and slid down the middle street toward the lift.
This time, everything felt easier.
We rode.
We glided.
No falling. No panic. Just smooth turns and wind in our faces.
We went again.
And again.
By the time we boarded the train back, Iris looked... satisfied. Free, in a way she hadn't been before.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
"It's nothing," I replied.
-------
Claire and Rain were waiting, along with a few butlers and maids.
I helped Iris down and gave Claire a nod.
"Make sure she takes a warm bath," I said. "She's been in the cold all day."
Claire studied me for a moment.
"Despite everything," she said, "you upheld your word."
"It would've been nice f every word I ever said was upheld," I replied.
"But... you're welcome."
Rain stepped forward to retrieve the books.
I handed them to her. "Did my best explaining everything."
She nodded gently. "Thank you."
I raised a hand. "Well. I'm off, people. Take care."
One last wave to Iris.
Then I climbed into Acat and drove away.
--------
I was done for the day.
No work. No plans.
I teleported straight to the Oasis Fortress, and was immediately greeted by the familiar scent of cooked meat.
...Ah. She's early.
I stepped inside our small castle-home.
"I'm back!"
Eris was waiting for me in the dining area.
"Perfect timing." I commented.
She simply shrug smugly, her face adorable.
"I love you too," I replied, pulling her into a hug.