End-of-Term Exam (5)

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Rumble, clank—rattle—clank—

The sound of a massive iron beast racing along the tracks blended with the chirring of insects, like notes in a harmony.

Inside the train café, late at night.

Duchess Ceres had set up her drawing board.

On the table lay a sheet of rice paper and an inkstone. Beside the inkstone sat a wine cup masquerading as a teacup.

The duchess gazed out the window, brush in hand.

Beyond the window of the speeding train, the southern plains rolled by.

“Indeed…….”

Duchess Ceres murmured as she ground ink against the inkstone...