The ship's interior was unlike anything in Gloomshade—polished, rune-lit floors, soft crystal lights above, and enchanted glass showing the sky outside. Rows of padded seats stretched in perfect symmetry.
Rin and Taro entered, checking their slips.
"Row five," Rin said. "Seats A, B, C."
They found their row quickly. Rin claimed the window seat immediately.
"Really?" Taro asked. "Not even going to pretend to ask?"
"You were too slow."
"I hope you get motion sick."
Taro sat in the middle seat, grumbling.
A voice interrupted them.
"You've got to be kidding me."
A white-haired girl stood in the aisle, her expression darkening as she looked at Seat C.
"No way," she muttered. "No, no, no."
She looked at her slip again, then tried flagging a steward. "There must be a mistake. Anywhere but here."
A few nearby students began whispering.
"Who are those guys?" "Did she seriously just try to switch?"
Taro leaned towards Rin. "Do I look that ugly today?"
Rin shrugged. "Probably my clothes. We're not exactly nobles."
Taro sighed. "Rich doesn't mean noble. Not anymore—not since my dad died."
The ship hummed—departure was beginning.
The girl sat down stiffly, crossing her arms.
Taro looked between her and Rin. "This is going to be such a fun ride."
Rin yawned, leaning against the window. "I'm gonna nap. Wake me when we get there."
"Got it," Taro said. "Sleep tight."
A few minutes passed in silence.
"You two seem close," the girl muttered, glancing at Rin.
Taro chuckled. "We hang out more than I remember."
She looked at Rin again, then looked away.