The Camford Domestic and Wild Bird Farm wasn’t as crowded as it would normally be during one of Britannia’s festive periods, when tourists from different cities flooded the attraction in large numbers.

Even so, there were still plenty of visitors.

Families.

Nobles.

Tourists.

And, even groups of students from the Gale Academy.

All of them moved through the entrance gates with excitement on their faces.

Once Ezra and Lucy stepped into the Bird Farm after paying the entrance fee, they immediately understood why the place was considered one of Northwick’s major tourist attractions.

The environment was completely different from the bustling cities they had visited.

Tall trees stretched high into the sky.

Some were so large that several adults would have difficulty wrapping their arms around the trunks.

Their branches intertwined overhead, forming a natural canopy that filtered the sunlight into scattered beams.

The fresh scent of leaves drifted through the air.

Bird calls echoed from different directions.

For a brief moment, it almost felt like stepping into a forest untouched by civilization.

A wide stone-tiled road extended deeper into the Bird Farm.

Both sides of the road were protected by specially reinforced barriers and cages.

These structures served as safeguards against some of the larger monster birds that inhabited the deeper sections of the reserve.

Steam-powered observation towers could occasionally be seen between the trees.

Workers and bird caretakers moved about their duties.

"Welcome to Camford’s Domestic and Wild Bird Farm."

A guide stepped forward and bowed politely.

His uniform carried the crest of the Bird Farm on the chest.

He greeted Ezra, Lucy, and the other guests who had gathered for the sightseeing tour.

"Please make your way into the mini steam-bus."

He pointed toward the waiting vehicle.

When Ezra saw the vehicle, he couldn’t help comparing it to the safari touring buses he had seen in his past life memories.

The overall concept was similar.

However, Britannia’s version was much more luxurious.

The exterior carried polished metal decorations.

The windows were wider.

The seats were cushioned with soft materials.

Even the roof had been designed with observation openings for viewing birds flying above the forest canopy.

Lucy immediately chose a seat beside the window.

Ezra sat beside her.

The moment she settled into her seat, Lucy opened her Space Bag and took out her Field Glasses.

Her entire expression transformed.

The excitement in her eyes was obvious.

She looked less like a maid and more like an adventurer preparing for an expedition.

"We are currently entering the First Gate Section."

The guide’s voice echoed through the vehicle as the steam-bus slowly began moving.

"This area mainly contains domesticated bird species and lower-ranked bird monsters."

The engine hummed softly.

The wheels rolled forward.

"As we advance through all eight gates, the rank and rarity of the birds will increase."

He smiled professionally.

"There, you will witness some of the most valuable bird species raised within our reserve."

The guests applauded politely.

Lucy joined enthusiastically.

Clap.

Clap.

Clap.

Her smile widened.

Meanwhile...

Ezra’s sharp eyesight had already picked out several birds perched among the distant trees.

As the sightseeing tour continued, the guide would point toward various birds whenever one appeared close enough for the guests to observe.

Each time he introduced a species, a holographic screen would appear above the center of the steam-bus.

Detailed information materialized across the screen.

Name.

Classification.

Habitat.

Diet.

Behavior.

Many guests immediately took out their own Field Glasses.

Others used older Starlix models to take photographs.

The atmosphere gradually became lively.

Children pointed excitedly.

Parents explained things they barely understood.

Nobles discussed the value of certain monster bird species.

The beauty of the Bird Farm wasn’t simply the birds themselves.

It was the entire experience.

The fresh breeze.

The gentle ride.

The sound of wings occasionally beating through the air.

The sight of colorful feathers flashing between the trees.

Together, they created an atmosphere that felt relaxing.

"Look Master!"

Lucy suddenly pointed.

Ezra turned slightly.

A White Tawny Owl sat quietly on a thick branch.

Its white feathers blended almost perfectly with the pale bark.

Moments later, another owl appeared.

Then another.

Soon, Snowy Owls could also be seen deeper among the trees.

Some flew overhead.

Others simply watched the passing steam-bus with calm eyes.

The guide continued introducing species one after another.

Peafowls.

Silver-Necked Ground Fowl.

Long-Tailed Songbirds.

Several monster bird variants.

Some even spread their colorful feathers upon noticing the moving vehicle.

Numerous cameras flashed.

Lucy was among the most enthusiastic photographers.

She took picture after picture.

Each time she captured one she liked; she would immediately show it to Ezra.

"At the Eighth Gate, we might see the Aurelion."

Ezra spoke while flipping through the information magazine that had been handed to every visitor.

The booklet contained information about all major bird species within the reserve.

Lucy lowered her Field Glasses.

"The giant eagle with golden eyes and silver feathers?"

"Yeah."

Ezra nodded.

His gaze remained on the description page.

After completing the sightseeing tour through all eight gates, the visitors were taken deeper into the reserve, although they didn’t get to see the eagle.

This time...

They entered the agricultural section of the Bird Farm, where the atmosphere changed completely.

Huge storage facilities stretched across the area.

Workers moved between buildings.

Steam-powered machinery operated continuously.

Some processed eggs.

Others handled meat preservation.

Steam-trucks arrived and departed at regular intervals.

Transport schedules were displayed on large boards.

The entire operation functioned like a well-organized industrial system.

Lucy watched everything with curiosity.

The scale alone was impressive.

Meanwhile...

Ezra’s attention naturally shifted elsewhere.

His focus wasn’t on the birds anymore.

Instead, he observed the machinery.

The transportation methods.

The workflow systems.

The efficiency of the production process.

Even while sightseeing...

His mind still drifted toward industry and innovation.

That part of him never really rested.

Their next destination took them toward Northcourt.

Specifically...

The Glacial Mountain.

The third tallest mountain in all of Britannia.

The journey itself was beautiful.

The carriage crossed massive bridge roads connecting Northwick’s major cities and smaller settlements.

The scenery changed gradually.

Forests gave way to rocky terrain.

The temperature dropped.

And eventually...

The mountain appeared.

Lucy immediately pressed her face against the carriage window.

"Wow..."

Even Ezra looked up.

The mountain towered into the sky.

Its upper section disappeared into the clouds.

Ice crystals reflected the afternoon sunlight.

The entire mountain looked both beautiful and intimidating.

Like a giant sleeping beneath the heavens.

After paying the climbing fee and renting the required equipment, the two joined one of the guided climbing groups.

The guide led them upward through the mountain paths.

Numerous checkpoints existed throughout the climb.

Safe zones which had Rest areas, Mini clinics, Nutrition shops and Observation platforms.

There were even lifts available for those who wished to skip portions of the journey.

Of course...

Neither Ezra nor Lucy planned to use them, since both possessed Cognis and physical strength far beyond ordinary people.

Yet neither used their abilities.

Especially Ezra.

To him, this was an opportunity.

A chance to properly exercise his body again.

Since leaving the Trial Base, he hadn’t experienced anything remotely close to intense physical activity.

The climb became surprisingly enjoyable.

Hours passed.

The higher they climbed, the colder the environment became.

Visitors gradually became fewer.

Eventually...

The two reached the summit.

The view immediately stole everyone’s attention.

Below them...

The lights of the distant cities had begun appearing.

The setting sun painted the horizon gold.

Clouds drifted beneath parts of the mountain.

The entire scene resembled a sea of stars stretching endlessly across the world.

Lucy quickly began taking photographs.

Meanwhile, Ezra simply stood there quietly.

Watching and relaxing to catch his breath from the long climbing journey that went down.

After a while, he reached into his space bag and removed his container of Heat-Stimulating Pills.

The cold was beginning to affect him.

Even though he regularly took the medication once he woke up, the prolonged exposure during the climb was becoming noticeable.

He swallowed two tablets.

The effects arrived almost immediately.

Warmth spread through his body.

The uncomfortable chill lessened.

Satisfied, Ezra entered one of the summit shelters and changed into a dry set of climbing clothes.

The previous set had become damp and unpleasant.

After spending more time enjoying the scenery, the group finally descended using the mountain lift.

The journey back to Camford awaited.

And this was only the beginning of their vacation.

The next day followed a similar rhythm.

Ezra and Lucy woke up early in the morning.

After freshening up and having breakfast at the hotel, the two immediately resumed their exploration of Northwick.

Their first destination that day was Yorkmere.

One of the most famous cities in the Dukedom.

The city itself was known throughout Britannia for its glasswork industry, and at the center of that reputation stood the renowned Glass Museum.

The moment they entered; Lucy’s eyes widened.

Rows upon rows of glass creations were displayed throughout the massive building.

Some pieces were shaped into animals.

Others into flowers.

There were even glass sculptures of historical figures and famous Alchemists from Britannia’s history.

The sunlight pouring through the museum’s large crystal windows reflected off the exhibits, scattering countless colors across the polished floor.

It almost felt like walking through a world made entirely of light.

Lucy moved from one display to another.

Every few minutes she would stop and stare at a particular piece for several seconds before moving again.

"This one is beautiful."

She pointed at a glass swan whose wings were spread wide.

Moments later...

"No, this one is better."

She immediately changed her mind after seeing a glass sculpture of a blooming rose.

Ezra simply followed behind her.

Occasionally glancing at the displays.

Occasionally reading the descriptions.

However, unlike Lucy, his attention was naturally drawn toward the manufacturing process rather than the finished products.

Fortunately, thanks to BNC’s arrangements, they received special access passes.

The passes allowed them to enter certain sections normally restricted to ordinary visitors.

There, they witnessed a portion of Yorkmere’s glass industry at work.

Large furnaces glowed with intense heat.

Workers carefully manipulated molten glass using specialized tools.

Some shaped decorations.

Others created industrial products.

The entire process looked surprisingly similar to certain manufacturing methods Ezra remembered from his previous life.

The difference was that Britannia mixed craftsmanship with Alchemy.

The result was both efficient and beautiful.

Lucy watched the demonstrations with fascination.

Meanwhile, Ezra silently observed the production process itself.

His eyes moved from machine to machine.

His mind automatically analyzed everything he saw.

Even during a vacation...

That habit refused to leave him.

After leaving Yorkmere, the two returned to Camford.

That evening, they attended a popular theater performance sponsored by BNC Broadcasting Group.

The Camford Theater House was filled with people.

Nobles occupied the upper sections.

Citizens filled the lower levels.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement.

The play itself told the story of a legendary Alchemist who crossed Britannia in search of a lost relic.

The actors performed impressively.

The stage effects created through Alchemy made many scenes feel almost real.

Lucy laughed.

Cried and cheered.

At one point she became so invested in the story that she nearly stood up from her seat.

Ezra occasionally glanced at her reactions rather than the stage.

The contrast between her expressions every few minutes was surprisingly entertaining.

The following day brought another destination.

Silver Springs.

One of Northwick’s most famous coastal cities.

And more importantly...

Lucy’s personal choice.

The beach.

The moment they arrived; Lucy looked happier than she had during the entire trip.

The sound of crashing waves echoed across the shore.

Children ran across the sand.

Tourists played games.

Steam-powered food stalls lined the boardwalk.

The scent of grilled seafood drifted through the air.

Lucy immediately removed her shoes and ran toward the beach.

Meanwhile...

Ezra stopped.

Completely.

His eyes narrowed.

The ocean stretched endlessly before him.

A massive body of water.

Far too much water.

"Yeah... Not happening."

He spoke firmly.

Lucy turned back.

"What do you mean not happening?"

"I’m staying here."

Ezra pointed toward a distant seating area.

Lucy blinked.

Then she looked at the ocean.

Then at Ezra.

Then back at the ocean.

"You traveled all the way here just to sit down?"

"Obviously."

His answer came instantly.

Lucy stared at him for several seconds before giving up.

She eventually spent most of her time near the water while Ezra remained a safe distance away.

Watching her play like a child with the water, while relaxing on the beach chair he brought, at one point he began to read a novel.

Like that...

The two continued their journey through Northwick.

Some days they visited large cities.

Other days they explored smaller cities.

Museums.

Parks.

Historical landmarks.

Markets.

Mountain viewpoints.

Theatres.

Workshops.

They visited them all.

For perhaps the first time since he was born...

Ezra was truly taking a break.

No family issues.

No invention.

No business plan.

No dangerous situation.

No trial.

Just traveling.

Just sightseeing.

Just living.

And surprisingly...

He didn’t dislike it.

Soon...

Only two days remained before the end of their vacation.

The two were currently seated inside one of Camford’s most famous restaurants.

The restaurant overlooked one of the city’s main streets.

Large glass windows allowed customers to watch the movement of people and Steam-Carriages outside while enjoying their meals.

Lucy sat across from Ezra.

A tourist pamphlet rested on the table.

She held a pen in her hand.

Her expression looked surprisingly serious.

Like a commander reviewing a battle plan.

"I guess we’ve already visited all the best places here."

She spoke while examining the pamphlet.

Several check marks filled the pages.

Almost every major attraction had already been crossed off.

A large glass cup sat beside her.

Inside was a towering vanilla ice cream shake layered with milk and fruit toppings.

Meanwhile, Ezra had ordered a fizzy fruit drink.

Not cold.

Exactly the way he preferred it.

"That is enough tourism."

Ezra calmly lifted his glass and took a sip.

Lucy looked up.

A reluctant expression appeared on her face.

Honestly...

She wanted the vacation to continue.

But she understood what Ezra meant.

There were still things to be done for the preparation for the Royal Academy back at home.

"So..."

She rolled the straw inside her shake.

"We’re going to the shopping complex to buy your materials next?"

Her cheek rested against her palm.

Ezra didn’t answer.

He simply continued sipping his drink.

However, Lucy already knew he was listening.

That was simply how Ezra was.

"Hmmm..."

She tapped the pamphlet thoughtfully.

"Maybe I should buy some materials to strengthen my Alchemy as well."

Silence gradually settled between them.

The restaurant remained lively around them.

Customers chatted.

Cutlery clinked softly.

Waiters moved between tables carrying food.

Outside the large windows, Steam-Carriages occasionally passed by.

The atmosphere was calm.

Relaxing and peaceful.

Then...

"Ezra Ashenlocke."

A deep voice suddenly sounded from beside their table.

The calm atmosphere instantly broke.

Lucy turned first.

Her eyes widened.

Standing beside them were two Guards of Ash.

The silver-and-black uniforms were impossible to mistake.

Their presence immediately drew attention from nearby customers.

Several people quietly turned their heads.

Others instinctively moved their chairs slightly away.

The two guards stood straight.

Their expressions remained cold.

Professional and unyielding.

Ezra slowly placed his glass back onto the table.

His gaze rose toward them.

"Yes."

His reply remained as flat as ever.

The guard standing slightly ahead of the other stepped forward.

His eyes locked onto Ezra.

"You are ordered to return to the Estate immediately."

His voice was firm.

Not a request.

Not a suggestion.

An order.

The atmosphere around the table instantly became heavier.

Lucy frowned.

The guard’s posture made his intentions clear.

He wasn’t here to negotiate.

His stiff expression and rigid stance made him look prepared for resistance.

Prepared for conflict.

Prepared to drag Ezra back if necessary.

For a brief moment...

The restaurant became unusually quiet, with how many people had already noticed the confrontation.

Ezra looked at the two Guards of Ash.

His eyes narrowed slightly.

You have got to be kidding me.

The irritation that had been absent throughout the entire vacation finally surfaced.

Not on his face.

But deep inside his thoughts.

Because after everything...

After the Auction.

After the Phantom Rolls.

After finally getting a proper vacation...

The Main family had chosen now of all times to call him back.

And judging by the expressions of the Guards of Ash...

Whatever waited for him at the Estate was probably not going to be pleasant.