Alice in the Land of Steam

Chapter 1474 Is Gloria still dreaming of Wonderland...?

Gloria walked forward with the flow of people, the hem of her silver-white dress brushing lightly against the smooth cobblestones, making a soft rustling sound. As she ventured deeper into the heart of the city, the buildings on both sides of the street became increasingly magnificent, the luminous vines on the walls rising and falling with the sounds of people, as if breathing. Every now and then, palm-sized specks of light flitted through the air, like stardust butterflies, their wings scattering fragments of fluorescent powder that landed on the hair and shoulders of passersby, vanishing in an instant. Gloria couldn't resist reaching out to catch one; a tiny glimmer of light lingered in her palm for a moment, warm as a candle flame, before quietly dissipating.

As she walked, she pondered: These sights were things I had clearly never seen before. The luminous butterflies scattering stardust, the houses and ancient cities clinging to vines, the self-illuminating glass lamps—these incredible things were absent from the Cloud Whale Island, and from the memories of any of her past identities. Could dreams create things out of thin air? Or were these images actually hidden somewhere in her consciousness, unnoticed by herself?

The crowd grew denser, and cheerful music drifted from afar, like a celebratory melody played by a harp and bagpipes. Gloria was swept along, her gaze drawn to a small shop by the roadside. The window displayed exquisite crystal crafts and several magical plants that swayed to the rhythm of the celebratory music. This reminded her of Lorona's alchemy and the well-tended herb garden on Cloud Whale Sky Island, tended by the traveling fairies. Unfortunately, the magical plants in that herb garden weren't so refined; they were always noisy and restless.

She was so engrossed in the sight that her steps unconsciously slowed. When she looked up again, she realized she had strayed from the main path. Before her lay a secluded path leading upwards, paved with deep silver pebbles and lined with neatly trimmed, glowing bushes. The sounds of people on the main street faded into the distance; the air here was so quiet she could hear her own breathing. Gloria hesitated. Logically, she should return to the main road and follow the crowd to avoid getting lost. But perhaps it was her innate curiosity, or perhaps her many past experiences of changing identities had instilled in her a habit of doing as she pleased—if she didn't do something with this identity now, it would be too late next time.

So she forgot she was dreaming and gently lifted her skirt as she stepped onto the path. The further she walked, the softer the light became. The bright glass lamps of the main street were replaced by glowing shrubs and shimmering moss, and the moonlight filtering through the leaves created a beautiful and dreamlike atmosphere, making her feel as if she were walking deeper into a fairy tale.

After walking for about ten minutes, the sounds of people coming from the main road disappeared, and a courtyard surrounded by high walls suddenly appeared before her. Gloria thought she was going to go back the way she came, but when she got closer, she found that the iron gate of the courtyard was actually ajar, with some kind of floral pattern welded on it.

Since we're already here... it wouldn't be impolite to greet the owner, would it?
Lost in thought, she reached out almost unconsciously and gently pushed open the slightly ajar iron gate. Stepping inside, she was greeted by a faint, sweet floral fragrance. Following the scent, she walked past the front yard and the gurgling fountain to the back garden. The sight that greeted her took her breath away. In the center of the garden was a patch of blooming violets, their pale purple hues shimmering in the moonlight, interspersed with tiny, silvery-white star-shaped flowers. A small, round table sat beside the flowers, and at it sat an elegantly dressed elderly woman, gently stirring her tea with a silver spoon while speaking softly to several talking magical plants beside the table. The leaves of these magical plants opened and closed in response to her words, emitting delicate yet clear syllables.

"Mrs. Tree! Mrs. Tree!" A lily of the valley with trumpet-shaped flowers and a loud voice was jumping around on the table, its petals opening and closing, making a clear, bell-like but excessively loud cry, "Give me just one more drop of nutrient solution! The jumping grass stole the last drop! Just one drop!"

A clump of fluffy jumping grass nearby immediately shook its entire body of leaves, making a rustling protest: "I didn't! You spilled it yourself! You always spill! Clumsy! Hehehe!" It even imitated the sound of sticking out its tongue.

"I'm a little sleepy," sighed the melancholy moonlight in the dead of night. "If we're not going to the wedding, could we go to bed early?"

"That won't do!"

This statement drew unanimous opposition from the other magical plants, who sang and danced around Lady Tree's round table: "You can sleep anytime, but Her Highness's wedding only happens once! Don't miss out on something truly precious just to sleep, you fool! If you don't consider yourself a fool, then hurry up and come with us! Yes, come with us!"

Gloria: "..."

Not only was it off-key, but the lyrics didn't rhyme at all, and what's with this sudden singing out of the middle of a conversation? Is it some kind of opera imitating humans? Also, I feel like there's something subtle about one of the lyrics. Is it hinting at something? But I was just taking a nap, how could I miss something truly precious? Well, in the end, it's just a dream, no need to take it to heart.

The girl convinced herself. Just then, the old lady noticed someone approaching, looked up, and revealed a pair of very special eyes, as green and clear as the new leaves of early spring, yet imbued with the wisdom of years. She greeted the young visitor with gentle eyes, her gaze as serene as when she was young, watching the newly hatched chicks chirping on her branches. Gloria remembered the magical plants calling her "Mrs. Tree." Strangely, the name sounded familiar, but she couldn't quite place it.

“Oh dear,” her voice was like a wind chime, clear and serene, “a child from afar. What brings you here?” The magical plants on the table fell silent instantly, looking curiously at the newcomer.
Gloria gave a somewhat awkward bow, using a gesture from a memory of her noble status. "Excuse me, I'm Gloria, um... a tourist, perhaps? I was trying to follow the crowd to the square, but I got lost... Excuse me, where is this place?"

“This is my little garden, and these little friends of mine,” the old lady said, setting down her teacup and introducing them to Gloria. “They can be a bit lively at times, but they are all good children. Of course, I know you are a good child too, so could you perhaps tell me why you’ve come?”

Uh, can I say that I appeared here out of nowhere?
If I said this was actually my dream, I'd definitely be laughed at, right? Although this Tree Lady doesn't seem like that kind of person, the magical plants around her are no pushovers; they're secretly observing me right now.

Gloria answered honestly, "I wanted to attend Her Highness's wedding, but I got lost."

"I see."

A knowing glint flashed in Lady Tree's eyes, and her gaze towards Gloria softened further: "If Her Highness knew you were also here to offer your blessings, she would surely be delighted, wouldn't she? It's just as I should be heading to the celebration, Miss Gloria. Would you like to come with us?"

"If it won't trouble you?"

“It’s not much trouble, I just can’t stand by and watch a lost child, like…” She paused, not continuing, but gently shaking her head, as if casting aside all irrelevant thoughts. She walked towards Gloria, extending her hand, “Take my hand, child, so you won’t get lost.”

Gloria nodded happily, gently placing her hand in Flora's outstretched palm. The old woman's hand was warm and dry, carrying a faint floral fragrance. The magical plants also clamored to follow, wanting to go along. They were all planted in flowerpots and naturally couldn't walk freely, but Lady Tree used a magical spell to make these little creatures float in the sky, forming two lines behind them, parading through the street like an honor guard. Gloria's eyes widened in surprise at this scene, feeling it was more like a scene from a fairy tale. The pedestrians on the street, however, seemed indifferent, as if they were already used to this scene. They ignored the noisy and boisterous movements of the magical plants, but showed great respect to Lady Tree. Regardless of age, gender, or social status, everyone nodded in greeting when they saw Lady Tree. Gloria also benefited from this; despite being a completely unfamiliar face, not even a light elf, she still walked into the Hexagram Square without any hindrance and was not questioned.

Located in the heart of the city and at its highest point, this spot offers panoramic views of the city lights and, even further, the ancient mountains, deep and mysterious in the night. To reflect the image of royalty sharing joy with the people, the wedding celebrations were not held in the royal palace atop the square, but rather in a vast, vibrant courtyard. Mighty trees with gnarled branches formed natural arches and corridors, their leaves a crystal-clear silver-green that rustled and scattered dappled light. Everywhere were banquet tables and oak barrels, the wafting aromas of meat, fruit, and wine tantalizing the senses.

Guests strolled freely through the venue. Some admired the flowers and chatted along the corridors, while others sat at the banquet tables drinking. Children chased each other, laughing and playing with sparklers. Every face beamed with happiness and blessings; it seemed the princess was highly respected by the people.

For some reason, Gloria suddenly felt a sense of envy, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. Was she envying the princess's popularity, or the peaceful, prosperous, and tranquil scene before her? If this was a dream, perhaps it foreshadowed the life she longed for?

It's sure to be even more lively when the wedding officially begins, right?

Thinking about it, she turned to ask Lady Tree beside her when the wedding would begin. She was told that it would start at midnight, because according to the royal diviner, midnight would be the time when the moonlight was brightest that night, and the wedding would end at dawn, signifying that the newlyweds would be blessed by the two brightest and most radiant lights in the world.

What a beautiful meaning!

Gloria felt both anticipation and a touch of disappointment. After all, it was still quite some time before Li Yiye arrived, and how much longer would she have to wait to see the princess? Hmm, and her partner too. Speaking of which, she had overheard people on the street talking about how the princess's partner had saved the country; he must be a great hero, right?

Lady Tree seemed to read her mind, smiled slightly, and asked, "Miss Gloria, would you like to see Her Highness the Princess?"

"Huh? Is that alright?" Gloria asked in surprise. She was just a tourist from outside the country. Logically speaking, she was already very lucky to be able to participate in this grand celebration. She shouldn't be qualified to meet the most distinguished person in this country, right?
“It wouldn’t work for anyone else, but you are, after all, a close friend of the princess, and she would be very happy to see you.” Lady Tree’s explanation surprised Gloria even more. I am a close friend of the princess? How come I didn’t know? No, this is my dream, so if that princess is someone I know in reality, then it doesn’t seem so strange.

Thinking about it this way, Gloria became even more curious about the princess's identity.

“If possible,” her eyes sparkled with anticipation, “and before we go to see this princess, could you tell me her name, Lady Tree?”

Why would someone ask someone else for their friend's name? Of course, that's impossible in real life, but don't forget, this is in a dream.

So Lady Tree had no suspicions at all. Instead, she reached out and gently stroked Gloria's long gray hair, saying in a gentle tone, "Of course, she is our Bemang Kingdom's treasure, the noble princess of the Leslie royal family, the one who inherits the spirits, and the one born of the light, Princess Ovira Nedelia Leslie."

Gloria's mouth dropped open: "O-Ovira?"

What a shocking answer... No, no, what am I shocked about? There are only two princesses on Cloud Whale Sky Island, and the only princess from the Light Elf race is Ovira. There's no other possibility besides her, right? Moreover, Ovira once told me that she came from an ancient country called Bemang and had a teacher named Lady Tree. Doesn't all of this make sense?
What should be most surprising is how slow my reaction was? It's almost as if I'm being manipulated by someone, deliberately ignoring these obvious clues.

But this is my own dream. Who can control me in my dream?
No, that's not right. These are all minor details. The more important thing is—

"Then, who is going to marry Ovira?" Gloria stared intently at Lady Tree.

Although the answer already vaguely appeared in her mind when she asked the question.

But when Mrs. Tree smiled slightly and calmly uttered the name, she couldn't help but open her mouth wide, and even wider than before.

“It’s Mr. Lin Ge, of course.”

"what!?"

Give me some cats