We soon passed through the heavy gates of Lily's castle, but the first thing that hit me was how massive everything felt.
The walls were thick gray stone, rising high with sharp and jagged fortifications that looked ready to repel armies at a moment's notice.
Some rune-like symbols glowed faintly along the edges, glowing as if it were slow heartbeats.
Towers loomed above our heads, their bases broad and solid, the kind of architecture that reminds you of ancient power and defense.
But there were these softer touches woven in; things like curved rooflines on some of the upper levels, gentle slopes that reminded me of the other parts of Shishi-no-su I'd seen.
There were torii gates standing at key archways, painted deep red and black, with lanterns hung from iron chains, their flames steady even in the open air.
Sakura had told me during the ride that this castle used to belong to her father.
Long before he ever met her mother, this place had stood as the heart of the kingdom; pure old-style fortress, all stone and iron with unyielding strength.
Only after the "Great Union," when her mother came into the picture, did those flowing lines and graceful curves start appearing, blending the old with the new traditions that now defined so much of Shishi-no-su.
Lore bomb, alright.
Princess Lily waited at the top of the wide stone steps.
She looked… only a few inches taller than Usagi-chan, her golden-brown fur catching the sunlight, a delicate gold tiara nestled between her upright ears, like the goddess she was.
Her red eyes held the same calm, mature weight as Sakura's; pleasant authority wrapped in a delicate, youthful face.
She bowed slightly. "Welcome, Onee-sama... And also, our honored guest."
*
We stepped inside, and you wouldn't believe the paradise I found:
The entrance hall opened wide and high.
Vaulted ceilings soared above us, supported by thick pillars carved with dragons—but were they dragons in this world? —and mythical beasts whose eyes seemed to follow you.
Peak art!
Some weaves hung along the walls; their colors were rich and resonant, showing things that looked like scenes of old battles and a peaceful valley.
Sliding screens surprisingly replaced some of the heavier doors, tatami mats showed beneath the thick rugs in places, and low tables held porcelain tea sets with bamboo accents.
Suits of armor lined the corridors as we walked; clearly crafted for beastkin frames, with those careful openings for tails and ears. Some helmets were shaped like snarling foxes, others like pompous wolves.
So, of course, I couldn't help but slow down. My eyes kept darting from one artistic detail to the next.
The way the light poured through tall windows, catching on crystal sconces. The faint scent of polished wood and incense. The quiet echo of our footsteps on stone floors softened by rugs?
It was all cinematic. Like I was in a medieval movie.
Lily led us deeper until we reached her office.
Oh god… I wasn't built for this type of luxury. I felt like trash compared to the chamber.
The room was elaborate in every sense:
Dark wood panels covered the walls, carved with intricate scenes of beastkin history; some already telling a complete story with the illustrations.
A massive ebony desk sat in the center, covered in neatly arranged scrolls, bright orbs, and sealed letters.
Bookshelves stretched all the way to the high ceiling, packed with old-looking tomes bound in leather and silk.
A suit of gold-and-red armor stood gallant in one corner, polished to a mirror shine.
Maybe her grandfather's old gear? I don't know.
The wide window looked out over the district plaza, where beastkin moved through their day under the sun.
Hmmm. Suddenly I'm this important fellow? I used to be like them—no, worse than them.
Now, I'm in another world having a blast. Still all feels like a dream, though.
But this place sure is bizarre.
I wandered together with them, but lost in thought.
Then my fingers brushed the edge of an arras showing a clash under an aurora.
I turned slowly, staring up at the… chandelier—or rather, crystals hanging like frozen rainbows. The paper screens over the windows cast gentle, spotted patterns across the floor.
It was too much! Too damn beautiful.
Argh, I want to take a picture in it; but phones and cameras don't exist ye—
"Benjamin Mark-sama!" Usagi-chan's voice cut through my daze.
She was hopping happily beside me, giggling so hard her long silver ears flopped. "You're acting like a little kid who just discovered how the world looks like! Look at your face, all wide-eyed and spinning!"
My cheeks went hot from awkwardness. "H-Hey… can you blame me? This place is incredible."
Hey! This girl has gotten very mouthy; unlike the time we last met!
"It has stood for a very long time." Silverøse smiled gently from beside us. "And mother makes sure to keep it perfect."
Mother, as in this young, golden bunny girl here? What a weird world I stumbled into.
"We have some important matters to discuss," Sakura glanced at Lily, as she sat on a luxurious-looking couch.
"District border matters, the summit, and the issue with the demons, yes?" Lily replied with mature calm, despite her young appearance, "I was growing rather impatient awaiting your return, Onee-sama."
Then Sakura turned to Silverøse. "Sweetheart, would you mind taking Benjamin to the adjoining chamber? Please, keep him company while we speak. We might take longer than expected."
Usagi-chan's ears shot straight up. Then she clapped her small hands and bounced on her toes. "Yay! Benjamin Mark-sama is coming to play with me!"
W-Was that what was going on?!
Silverøse bowed smoothly. "Of course, Your Majesty. This way, Benjamin Mark-sama."
As we moved toward the side door, Sakura's voice followed me, light and teasing. "Don't sulk because you'll miss me too much, okay?"
I glanced back over my shoulder.
She stood there smirking behind her fan, her amber eyes still softer than how it was in the summit. When I first saw her, she seemed more… cold.
But c'mon; she really does see me as her younger brother, doesn't she?!
Then a thought settled in my chest; that warm, strange, and complicated feeling after everything that happened last night. So bold of me to seduce a Queen like that.
What the hell is "I want to have sex with you, Sakura?"
One of these days, I'll get in trouble for arrogance. Better behave.
Though, I was scared of asking for her age. It might make me have low self-esteem.