The Empress couldn’t bring herself to leave Halo Station for a long while. Though she knew she had to return to the Imperial Palace, her feet just wouldn’t move.

"I can’t believe I won’t get to witness this thrilling drama unfold firsthand. What a shame!"

"Your Majesty, it’s time for you to depart," one of her attendants reminded her.

"Penelope, you must tell me everything that happens afterward! Promise me!"

"I promise," Penelope replied.

Only then did Elizabeth finally board the train. As the train pulled away, Penelope thought she heard Elizabeth muttering something about how being an Empress wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Penelope decided to pretend she hadn’t heard anything.

‘Why does today feel so long?’