The Path Laid Out by the Devil - I
The spacious boulevards were abuzz with activity as people from all walks of life, from the plainly dressed commoners to the opulently adorned nobility, found their gazes invariably drawn to a man and woman at the heart of the thoroughfare. Each passerby, despite the briefest of encounters, couldn't resist a second glance at the pair.
Strolling through the capital's streets with his daughter's hand in his, Ansel's spirits were buoyant.
"My dear Helen," the young Hydral said with a smile, "do you have any further thoughts on Madam Ronger's remarks?"
"...None," Ravenna responded softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Even without Ans... even without father, I had already found my answer."
"Otherwise, I wouldn't believe that only... father could be the one to accompany me on this journey."