Escape - Chapter 38.1

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Chapter 38.1

District 10 belonged to the hummingbirds, the smallest birds in the world. True to their airborne nature, they built their nests high above, but unlike ordinary birds, these hummingbirds, as described in Escape, were master craftsmen, capable of creating anything they desired with innate skill. Whether it was a cage suspended in mid-air or pathways connecting houses in the sky, they built it all.

However, the book had only accurately captured the lion’s reaction. This city defied any simple description of nests hanging in the air. It felt as though the entire city was under a spell. Some houses floated high in the open sky, while others, defying physics, began small at the base and expanded dramatically with height. Buildings huddled together, some so close that a hand could reach between windows, others intertwined in a confusing tangle.

Most striking was the scale. The sky was crammed with tiny houses, barely large enough to accommodate a human torso. “Ah, fairies are small….” What were the creatures who built this beautiful city like? During her stay in Leon, Adeline had heard the term “dwarf fairy” several times, but the name alone, like the hummingbird and the lion of the 13th district, offered limited insight.

As she pondered, the city continued to move around her. A fountain erupted in the central square, its waters shimmering. Soap bubbles rose and popped gently. For a moment, Adeline wondered if she’d somehow stumbled into a fairytale village instead of the square. Though underground like the District 13, the multicolored lights of the square created an entirely different atmosphere. Adeline’s dark brown eyes, sparkling with a newfound light, eagerly absorbed the vibrant scene.

Damian, however, watched not District 13, but Adeline’s bright expression, an expression he’d never seen before. It was the same look she’d given the district itself. A large, dark silhouette against the bright backlighting looked down at the smaller figure beside him. Adeline turned, their eyes met, and a dazzling smile illuminated her face. Caught off guard by the unfamiliar smile, Damian froze, captivated.

“You know, to find the guild, we should really explore, don’t you think?” Adeline whispered conspiratorially, folding her arms like a child plotting mischief. Damian glanced down at his arm held captive in hers, then quietly replied, “As you wish.” He, too, was curious about this world and had no reason to refuse. Yet, a strange, unfamiliar thirst tugged at him. His gaze was drawn to her excitement.

Adeline tried to contain her enthusiasm, but like a child in a toy store, she couldn’t resist pausing at every shop. Butcher, weaponsmith, clothier… her head swiveled, following the colorful fluttering banners. The streets teemed with people. The population of District 13 was constant, never experiencing such crowds. Yet, instead of being overwhelmed, Adeline’s pale face flushed with excitement. She clung to Damian’s arm, pulling him from one sight to another. The novelty of the place eased the awkwardness between them.

Confronted with a long-held dream, Adeline had almost completely reverted to her usual self. This meant she treated Damian with the same casual boldness as before, dragging him along on her explorations. Except for when asking for directions to the guild, she was the quintessential tourist, trying on earrings, playfully placing spectacles on Damian’s face. Amidst the bustling crowd, their clasped hands intertwined, and fleeting expressions flickered across Damian’s usually impassive face, unnoticed by either of them. From a distance, they looked like any other couple falling in love.

***

It was much later when their busy exploration finally paused before a tavern bearing the sign “The Dwarf’s Song.” Adeline decided to enter for two reasons. First, the enticing aroma wafting from within was irresistible. Second, places where people gathered were inevitably hubs of information, whether good or bad. The heavy sliding door creaked open, revealing a space much larger than it appeared from outside.

People crowded the long bar, while a dozen or so round tables filled the room. Only one table, in the center, remained empty. Adeline and Damian navigated the crowd and settled there. Their matching attire and striking appearances drew many curious glances.