Chapter 82: Phane City
Martha laughed as she stood smoothly, her elegant gown somehow still pristine despite kneeling in the grass for twenty minutes. "Were you three heading to Phane City? If so, you can travel with me as I’m returning there. Your friend can rest in the carriage as well."
Reinhard’s expression softened, relief visible in the easing of tension around his eyes. He nodded once, then crouched to carefully lift Joseph, supporting his weight with arms positioned to avoid the injuries.
Martha turned and walked back toward the carriage, her heels easily moving through the uneven ground. Reinhard and Marie followed, their footsteps quieter against the grass. The carriage was impressive up close, polished wood with metalwork that suggested quality craftsmanship.
Martha opened the door and revealed an interior with plush seating.
Reinhard maneuvered Joseph inside, settling him on one of the bench seats where he could lie partially reclined. Joseph’s breathing had steadied, which meant the Pain Relief was clearly working.
Reinhard, Marie, and Martha arranged themselves on the opposite bench, with Martha by the window.
"Continue the journey to Phane." Martha called out.
The carriage trembled, then lurched into motion. The ride was surprisingly smooth, which shows the carriage was well built for the rough road ahead.
Marie’s curiosity got the better of her after a few minutes of silence. "I’m curious, Miss Martha, isn’t it a bit dangerous for you to travel alone?"
Martha smiled as her light blue eyes stared at Marie. "I’m happy you’re worried about me, but it’s fine. This was only a one-time thing, and it was just a quick rush. The town near here, called Silk Town, had an incident that required a doctor. But the guards said it would take a while before they could be mobilized, and so I just left, not willing to wait."
Marie smiled with a nod. "I would have done the same."
Martha’s smile widened at Marie’s words, something like recognition passing between them.
Reinhard raised a brow. "Was it that dire?"
Martha’s expression grew more serious. "There were some burns and stabbings, but they held out long enough for me to reach."
"And if you had waited for the guards?" Marie asked quietly.
A sorrowful smile appeared on Martha’s face before a distant look appeared on her face. "Then a lot of people would have died in Silk Town."
Reinhard leaned forward slightly. "Did the others know you had left?"
Martha’s lips twitched as she nervously tapped her two fingers together. "They didn’t. Had I told them, they would have tried to stop me."
Reinhard nodded slowly with a chuckle. "Of course. I’m guessing they’re close to you and care about you greatly. It would be insane to let you travel alone, even if it meant a higher chance of saving people."
Martha sighed before nodding as her fingers fidgeted slightly with the edge of her dress. "I knew that. But, well, I also felt I would regret it if I waited and people died."
Reinhard hummed thoughtfully while Marie smiled warmly. "It really wasn’t an easy decision, huh?"
"It wasn’t." Martha admitted. "But it’s the best one, as it somehow worked out. And it even allowed me to go back just in time to see you guys."
Reinhard nodded with a smile, his expression softening. "That’s true. But I am curious, why did you run out to help us? Weren’t you worried we might have hurt you after you helped us?"
Martha’s expression grew contemplative, her gaze drifting to the window. "There is that possibility. But at the same time, not going out would be a bigger regret for me."
"And living in regret is far more painful than making the wrong choice?" Reinhard’s voice carried an understanding that went beyond simple agreement.
Martha nodded before she turned back to Reinhard and grinned. "My old professor once told me, it’s better to make a choice you would least regret, and it’s something I follow to this day."
The carriage continued its journey north, carrying them all toward Phane City while Marie and Martha continued talking. Reinhard stared out the windows while occasionally glancing at Joseph, whose breathing grew steadier with each passing mile.
After an hour, the carriage rode up a small hill, and then the appearance of Phane City was displayed before them.
The white stone walls rose first into view, then guard towers at the walls at regular intervals, their peaked roofs covered in dark tiles that contrasted sharply with the pale stone below.
The open gate ahead was wide enough for three carriages to pass simultaneously. City guards stood at attention on either side, their white uniforms pristine despite the traffic flowing through. The uniforms were tailored precisely, a high-collared jacket with gold buttons running down the front, dark trousers with sharp creases, and polished black boots.
As the carriage approached, two guards stepped forward with practiced movements. One moved to inspect the carriage’s exterior while the other approached the window.
Recognition crossed his features immediately when he saw Martha. His posture shifted from professional scrutiny to genuine warmth.
"Doctor Valkyrie." He said, his voice carrying both respect and relief. "You’ve returned safely."
Other guards noticed, their attention drawn by the name. They moved closer, greetings overlapping as they clustered around the carriage window.
"We were worried, Doctor."
"The captain was ready to send a search party."
"Silk Town sent word that you saved dozens of their people."
Martha nodded to each of them with a gentle smile. "I’m fine, thank you all, and sorry for worrying you all, but these three travelers need to reach the clinic quickly."
The guards immediately stepped back, waving the carriage through without further inspection. Their faces held concern mixed with gentle smiles as they waved at her as the carriage rolled through the gate into Phane City.
All of this was something Reinhard noted, but then his attention shifted to the inside of Phane City. The buildings around were constructed primarily of pale stone and wood painted in light tones.
Most structures rose three or four stories, their facades decorated with intricate trim work around windows and doorways.
He saw roofs were covered in dark tiles while some buildings featured stone archways at ground level. Creating covered walkways that protected pedestrians from the weather and the sun above.
The streets were cobblestone, while red, white, and pink flower petals were scattered across the stones in places.
Could there have been a festival recently? Reinhard thought as he saw some petals clinging to building walls, creating accidental decoration.
Reinhard leaned toward the window, and his eyes kept glancing across the scene. Beside him, Marie pressed closer to her own window, her face bright with curiosity.
The city folks filled the streets while making way for the carriage. Reinhard noted the clothing of the people here varied but had similar styles of fitted garments in darker colors with lighter trim.
He saw the women wearing skirts that fell to mid-calf or ankle, often paired with fitted bodices and white blouses. While the men favored trousers and vests over white shirts, they wore jackets and caps or hats.
It’s pretty different from Lily Town standard shorts, shirt, and shoes. Reinhard thought with a hum.
The carriage passed an open courtyard where tables had been set up under trees. An artist sat down while brushing across the canvas, while a young couple posed nearby. The woman wore a dress of deep burgundy while her companion was in a grey suit.
They held their positions with the patience of people who’d been sitting for some time.
Other artists worked at nearby tables, some sketching individuals who’d paid for quick portraits, others working on larger pieces without live subjects. Passersby paused to observe, creating small audiences that shifted and reformed constantly.
"A lot of artists have been coming to Phane City to try gaining some fans," Martha commented, noticing Marie’s attention. "The city seems to always get lots of people visiting and even staying, so there’s an opportunity here for those willing to work for it."
Marie’s eyes shone, taking in every detail with hungry curiosity.