Don Quixote's Delusions (2)

After passing through a star-filled dawn, morning returned once more.

The North, blanketed in snow, glittered especially brightly whenever it caught the sunlight.

A clear sky, and air that showed no sign of warming despite the blazing sun.

I simply drew a deep breath.

The refreshing chill seeped into my lungs and roused my half-dreaming body.

The children who had been living in dreamland until a few hours ago were now walking across the pure-white snowfield bundled in fur clothing.

“Wow··· It's incredibly beautiful! I've never seen such a grand, v-vast snowfield before!”

“Indeed! Since the snow never melts in the North, no matter the season, we pride ourselves on having the finest snowy scenery in the Empire.”

“I-I didn't realize because we stayed in the mansion all day yesterday··· but now that the sunlight is shining down, even the snow blossoms hanging from the trees are sparkling···.”

“I am delighted that you find it so breathtaking! Miss Alice, I take it you enjoy sightseeing in unfamiliar places?”...