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Falling in Love with the Captive Noce - Episode 7
⭠ last episode | Episode 7 | next episode ⭢
Mithra: Well? Did you find what we set out for?
Bradley: Yeah. What’s left of it, anyway.
Bradley raised his arm and pointed towards a spot in the distance.
Bradley: That's the Benedetta tree right over there.
Akira: Oh…!
My breath caught in my throat at the sight.
There was nothing but the base of a tree left with heavily-damaged roots. The rest of the tree was gone, as if the trunk had been torn off.
Akira: That's… But we went through so much trouble to find it…
Bradley: It's faint, but I can sense Mia's presence lingering on it.
Akira: What do you mean, Mia san's?
Bradley: I’m guessing she did something like, say, putting that horde of snakes to sleep, then claiming the tree for herself.
When the snakes woke up, they found their tree looking like this. No wonder they lost their shit and went on a rampage, right up until we put an end to it.
Mithra: … And your conclusion is? What did Mia do to the tree?
Bradley: Who knows. Only she could say.
Bradley summoned his magical tool, a rifle. He pointed it toward the sky.
[ Bang! ]
He fired a single, lonely shot. It rang out loud and clear. Then, he fired some more shots in a unique rhythm.
[ Bradley fires two shots, twice, with a pause after the first set. ]
Akira: What was that…?
Bradley didn't answer. He quietly looked in a particular direction, and then he calmly turned back at us.
Bradley: Aight, let's head back to Mia's castle.
[ Mia's Castle ]
Nero: You guys think those two will be alright? They just up and vanished with Mia…
Murr: Beats me!
But it is Figaro! Do you think he’s the type of guy to pick a fight he can’t win?
Rustica: You have a point. Snow sama's with him too.
Murr: More importantly, now's our chance!
Nero: What chance?
Murr: Great question! Why, it's the chance to fully explore the Northern Witch Mia's castle!
It's not every day you get a chance like this. Imagine what a shame it’d be if we sat in our seats like good boys! Now, off we go, on a grand adventure!
Nero: As far as bad ideas go, I’d call that a deathwish… What do you think, Groom san?
Rustica: I'm concerned about Mia, but I must confess: I too am most curious what lies within the castle of a witch of the North.
Shall we embark on a grand adventure to explore this castle whilst searching for our lost companions?
Nero: S-Sure, I guess…
That sure is western wizards for you… As audacious as they are daring…
………
… (sigh) That guy, I wonder if he can win this bet of his…
[ The trio hear Bradley's gunshots. ]
Murr & Rustica & Nero: …!
Nero: Blank shots… and that number of them…
Murr: Heeey, weren't those from Brad's gun?
Rustica: (counting) 1, 2, 3… One shot, a rest, then two more. What a strange rhythm. Does it mean anything, I wonder?
Nero: ………
… If I had to guess, it means there ain’t no Benedetta fruit to be found anywhere outside the castle.
[ No BGM ]
Nero: If it exists, it’s here inside the castle.
[ Mia's Castle - Balcony ]
Figaro: ………
Snow: You're quite shaken, Mia.
So there really is something there: a feeling you hold near and dear, hidden deep in the recesses of your heart.
Mia: … What are you talking about.
Figaro: We are alike in that we are born of the North. Allow me to give you one final piece of advice.
[ BGM starts ]
Figaro: If you continue to carry on as you have, you will soon turn to stone.
… That is, if you continue to live in the lands of the North.
Mia: Damn you…!
How DARE you! The fault lies with you…
It was you, monstrous tyrants, all of you, who bound me to this land!
[ Flashback ]
[ Forest of Ice ]
Mia: Snow, White…! Figaro!
You cowards, come out and face me! I know you're out there!
Figaro: You don't have to shout. We can hear you loud and clear.
Mia: Figaro…!
Snow: Oya, if it isn't Mia?
White: How furious you are too, what on earth is the matter?
Mia: You bastards… I know what you plan to do. You intend to make an example of Bradley by imprisoning him.
I am the one who will turn that wizard to stone. Do not get in my way.
Figaro: Ah… You're mad because your favourite preything has been stolen? Sorry about that.
Snow: However, as it stands, that wizard has an important purpose to serve.
White: That wizard is already in our custody. His fate is left for us to decide.
Mia: ……!
Damn you…!
Snow & White: « noscommunia »
Mia: !?
Ugh… AaaaAAGh…! My head… feels as if it's splitting open…!
Figaro: To be caught unawares by such a move… Despite your reputation as the witch Mia of the North, you don’t have the best state of mind right now.
Mia: Si…lence…! Bradley is… MINE to k…ill…!
White: We have captured him and must keep him alive for the sake of world peace. It would be far from ideal if you were to turn him to stone.
Mia: Then I shall… turn y……
Snow: If you kill us, then there will no longer be a mediator between wizards and humans. If that happens, there is a very real possibility Bradley will be executed.
Mia: No…
Snow & White: O' Northern Witch Mia. Give up. Give up on him.
Mia: Ngh… AaaAAaaah…!
… Brad…ley….
I shall… with my own hands… … … you…
Mia: ………
Figaro: Wow, what a fixated woman… It makes you wonder what exactly Bradley did to Mia.
Snow: She’s going to ruin our plans if she ever takes it upon herself to march into Central Country. It’s a shame for Mia of the North to meet such an unpleasant end, but our hands are tied.
Let us turn her to stone here and now.
White: … No, I shan't think there's any need to.
Mia is no fool. Snow, I'm sure she's perfectly understood what you said. She knows that if she harms us, Bradley's safety can no longer be guaranteed.
With that in mind, all we have to do is make sure she doesn’t do anything out of line, such as attempting to free a prisoner; therefore, we can simply magically bind her to this land.
Figaro: ………
Snow: White…
[ Both Figaro and Snow are surprised. ]
[ Present time ]
[ Mia's Castle - Balcony ]
Figaro: White sama looked upon you then, and I cannot say what he saw in you: you, grovelling on your hands and knees in the snow… Whatever his thoughts were, he did not speak them aloud.
It seemed to me that you were meant to be turned to stone then and there.
Snow: A gift of life. A second chance. Yet here you are again, tossing it all away once more?
Mia: … Silence…!
[ A blizzard kicks up. ]
Snow: … How pathetic…
Figaro: Even after hearing all that we have to say, you have not yet laid hands on us. You’ve done nothing but conjure up this poor excuse for a blizzard.
I know you have already understood the heart of this matter: if you turned us to stone, you imperil Bradley’s life. …Does that sound right?
Mia: Shut up, shut up shutupSHUTUP…!
I will not… allow that man to… turn to stone…!
He is… my…… my… MINE…!
Figaro: ………
Snow: Ohoho… Now, have we heard her loud and clear?
Wouldn't you agree that it's quite the passionate confession?
Snow's gaze moved to the open skies beyond the balcony's reach.
There Bradley was, hovering on his broom with me in tow. And Mithra was there too, cradling a sleeping Mitile in his arms.
Mia: Wh—
[ The blizzard dies down. ]
Shocked, Mia's golden eyes widened and her mouth fell open slightly in surprise.
Her gaze wavered. Her lips trembled.
Her complexion grew pale as if she herself was freezing over.
Mia: … How long have you been there…
Bradley: My bad. I've been here all along.
… Granted, I'd tried to hide my presence, but it ain't like the Mia I know to fail to sense us right here.
And…
What the hell? You’re so weighed down by your feelings for me that you couldn’t even leave a scratch on those guys.
Bradley's voice quavered, ever so slightly. It was almost as if he were telling her, 'I didn't want to see you in that sorry state.'
There was pity, rage, a helpless misery, and myriad feelings that affected his voice.
Mia: … No…… (wails)
Mia's knees gave and she slumped to the ground.
Her dark blue hair cascaded out like shimmering waves.
A cold, quiet breeze gently swept through her hair, as if to console her.
[ Back inside… ]
Murr: Eureka! Eureka! Lookie here, Nero, Rustica!
Nero: Did you find a Benedetta fruit!?
Murr: Nnnope. Not yet!
Buuut I found a door that might be hiding a lady's secrets!
Rustica: Oh my, this door looks like it's sealed with magic.
And it's quite the complex seal, too.
Murr: It’s got a lot of traps weaved into it too! If we trip even one of these, we’re all goners!
How exciting! How exhilarating!
Rustica: Murr, can you undo it?
Murr: Hmm, let's see.
« eanul…
Oh.
Nero & Rustica: ‘Oh’?
Murr: I know a better guy for this job!
Hey, Nero! These things are the stuff eastern wizards are good at, right?
Nero: … Well, yeah, but this is kinda complex. It might be beyond me.
Murr: You'll be fine! You've got me giving you the instructions!
Just give it a shot — try decrypting it carefully, cautiously and covertly! So we don't get found out!
Nero: …… Alright.
Murr: Yaaay! So, you've gotta…
Start by undoing the corners, the right then the left, then you work on the seal that's right in the middle. After that, at the same time, you put some of your magic into the bottommost and topmost parts! And then, you go…
Nero: Wait… Slow down, that is way too many steps at once!
Nero: Uhhh, what was it again? The rightmost corner first? Then it was left, centre… And then at the same time, the bottom and the top…
… Oh, I see. Then you’ve got to go through the same steps again. All four corners, the keyhole, and finally we've got to figure out what to do with the seal on the other side of the door.
Murr: You've got it! Can you do something about it?
Nero: Well… I can't not do something about it, can I…
[ Nero takes a deep breath. ]
Nero: … (exhales) …
« adnodis omnis »
Murr: (whistles) It's opened up!
Rustica: Wonderful job undoing that extraordinarily complex seal, Nero.
Murr: As expected of a wizard of the East! It's just like watching a bandit crack open a treasure chest!
Nero: Haha…… More like, it's all thanks to your expert instructions.
[ Mia's Castle - Secret Chamber ]
Nero: What's this…
Rustica: Ooh. A broken prison cage, and a tree that’s been frozen solid…?
Murr: Look, if it isn't the real thing, the Benedetta tree! Its fruits look just like Rustica's chocolates!
Rustica: Oh, what a relief! With this, Bradley will be able to return to the Magical Manor with us.
Nero: … Phew…
Yeah… That sure is a relief, for real.
Still, what's with this cage…
Rustica: … It reminds me of the cage of ice the lady of the castle made.
Murr: It does look similar! Down to the way it's shattered open!
Nero: D’ya think she tossed someone in there, but they escaped, just like what she wanted to do to Brad? … I mean, Bradley?
Murr: Who knows! But I bet we can find out!
[ Murr CG ]
Murr: Forgive me, for I'm about to reveal yet another of our lady's secrets!
Murr: « eanul rambul » !
Nero & Rustica: ………
Murr: ………
Nero: Whatcha see?
Murr: … It was Mia that made this prison! And then she cast a really strong spell on it when it was done.
It's a one-way trip once you step into it! The spell's to make sure what goes in can never come out.
Ooooh…!
Nero: What's up?
Murr: Mia was the one that destroyed this prison cage! She finished her spell and stared at her handiwork for a moment — and then, all of a sudden, she destroyed it.
She looked surprised that it was destroyed, like she didn’t do it on purpose. Then she left this chamber, just like that.
Nero & Rustica: ………
Murr: That's all from this prison cage. We can’t know for sure who Mia wanted to cage within this prison of her own making…
… But I've got a real good guess! What about you two?
Nero: (closes his eyes) ………
That's not something you ask a lady. It ain’t classy.
Rustica: … She wanted to cage him in. She wanted to cage him not.
That internal struggle within her seems like… If you asked me, that struggle was born out of love.
[ Mia's Castle - Balcony ]
Moments after we landed on the castle balcony, Murr and the others came running to tell us that they'd found some Benedetta fruits.
Mitile: Oh… You all found the fruits?
Akira: Mitile! I'm glad to see you're awake.
Figaro: I've patched you up with some healing magic, but don't go pushing yourself again.
Mitile: G-Got it. I'm sorry, Figaro sensei.
Mia: ………
Bradley: Seems like this game's just about wrapped up.
I think it's about time to declare a winner, don't you?
Mia: … Yes.
Mia rose to her feet, her long hair swaying gently around her. She nodded, firm and determined.
Then, led by Murr and the others, we headed for the chamber that housed the Benedetta fruits.
[ Mia's Castle - Secret Chamber ]
Akira: That's…
My breath caught in my throat the instant I stepped into the chamber.
The sight of the prison cage, large and well-crafted, yet broken beyond repair, stunned me into silence.
This was no cage meant for a criminal. There was a beautiful chandelier dangling from the centre of the cage's ceiling, and a plush sofa that seemed to welcome us to enjoy its comforts. It was a cage meant for hospitality.
Right next to it was some sort of fruit-bearing tree laden with fruit. It was standing upright and frozen encased in a thin layer of ice.
It was a scene that left me speechless.
next episode ⭢
Mithra: Well? Did you find what we set out for?
Bradley: Yeah. What’s left of it, anyway.
Bradley raised his arm and pointed towards a spot in the distance.
Bradley: That's the Benedetta tree right over there.
Akira: Oh…!
My breath caught in my throat at the sight.
There was nothing but the base of a tree left with heavily-damaged roots. The rest of the tree was gone, as if the trunk had been torn off.
Akira: That's… But we went through so much trouble to find it…
Bradley: It's faint, but I can sense Mia's presence lingering on it.
Akira: What do you mean, Mia san's?
Bradley: I’m guessing she did something like, say, putting that horde of snakes to sleep, then claiming the tree for herself.
When the snakes woke up, they found their tree looking like this. No wonder they lost their shit and went on a rampage, right up until we put an end to it.
Mithra: … And your conclusion is? What did Mia do to the tree?
Bradley: Who knows. Only she could say.
Bradley summoned his magical tool, a rifle. He pointed it toward the sky.
[ Bang! ]
He fired a single, lonely shot. It rang out loud and clear. Then, he fired some more shots in a unique rhythm.
[ Bradley fires two shots, twice, with a pause after the first set. ]
Akira: What was that…?
Bradley didn't answer. He quietly looked in a particular direction, and then he calmly turned back at us.
Bradley: Aight, let's head back to Mia's castle.
[ Mia's Castle ]
Nero: You guys think those two will be alright? They just up and vanished with Mia…
Murr: Beats me!
But it is Figaro! Do you think he’s the type of guy to pick a fight he can’t win?
Rustica: You have a point. Snow sama's with him too.
Murr: More importantly, now's our chance!
Nero: What chance?
Murr: Great question! Why, it's the chance to fully explore the Northern Witch Mia's castle!
It's not every day you get a chance like this. Imagine what a shame it’d be if we sat in our seats like good boys! Now, off we go, on a grand adventure!
Nero: As far as bad ideas go, I’d call that a deathwish… What do you think, Groom san?
Rustica: I'm concerned about Mia, but I must confess: I too am most curious what lies within the castle of a witch of the North.
Shall we embark on a grand adventure to explore this castle whilst searching for our lost companions?
Nero: S-Sure, I guess…
That sure is western wizards for you… As audacious as they are daring…
………
… (sigh) That guy, I wonder if he can win this bet of his…
[ The trio hear Bradley's gunshots. ]
Murr & Rustica & Nero: …!
Nero: Blank shots… and that number of them…
Murr: Heeey, weren't those from Brad's gun?
Rustica: (counting) 1, 2, 3… One shot, a rest, then two more. What a strange rhythm. Does it mean anything, I wonder?
Nero: ………
… If I had to guess, it means there ain’t no Benedetta fruit to be found anywhere outside the castle.
[ No BGM ]
Nero: If it exists, it’s here inside the castle.
[ Mia's Castle - Balcony ]
Figaro: ………
Snow: You're quite shaken, Mia.
So there really is something there: a feeling you hold near and dear, hidden deep in the recesses of your heart.
Mia: … What are you talking about.
Figaro: We are alike in that we are born of the North. Allow me to give you one final piece of advice.
[ BGM starts ]
Figaro: If you continue to carry on as you have, you will soon turn to stone.
… That is, if you continue to live in the lands of the North.
Mia: Damn you…!
How DARE you! The fault lies with you…
It was you, monstrous tyrants, all of you, who bound me to this land!
[ Flashback ]
[ Forest of Ice ]
Mia: Snow, White…! Figaro!
You cowards, come out and face me! I know you're out there!
Figaro: You don't have to shout. We can hear you loud and clear.
Mia: Figaro…!
Snow: Oya, if it isn't Mia?
White: How furious you are too, what on earth is the matter?
Mia: You bastards… I know what you plan to do. You intend to make an example of Bradley by imprisoning him.
I am the one who will turn that wizard to stone. Do not get in my way.
Figaro: Ah… You're mad because your favourite preything has been stolen? Sorry about that.
Snow: However, as it stands, that wizard has an important purpose to serve.
White: That wizard is already in our custody. His fate is left for us to decide.
Mia: ……!
Damn you…!
Snow & White: « noscommunia »
Mia: !?
Ugh… AaaaAAGh…! My head… feels as if it's splitting open…!
Figaro: To be caught unawares by such a move… Despite your reputation as the witch Mia of the North, you don’t have the best state of mind right now.
Mia: Si…lence…! Bradley is… MINE to k…ill…!
White: We have captured him and must keep him alive for the sake of world peace. It would be far from ideal if you were to turn him to stone.
Mia: Then I shall… turn y……
Snow: If you kill us, then there will no longer be a mediator between wizards and humans. If that happens, there is a very real possibility Bradley will be executed.
Mia: No…
Snow & White: O' Northern Witch Mia. Give up. Give up on him.
Mia: Ngh… AaaAAaaah…!
… Brad…ley….
I shall… with my own hands… … … you…
Mia: ………
Figaro: Wow, what a fixated woman… It makes you wonder what exactly Bradley did to Mia.
Snow: She’s going to ruin our plans if she ever takes it upon herself to march into Central Country. It’s a shame for Mia of the North to meet such an unpleasant end, but our hands are tied.
Let us turn her to stone here and now.
White: … No, I shan't think there's any need to.
Mia is no fool. Snow, I'm sure she's perfectly understood what you said. She knows that if she harms us, Bradley's safety can no longer be guaranteed.
With that in mind, all we have to do is make sure she doesn’t do anything out of line, such as attempting to free a prisoner; therefore, we can simply magically bind her to this land.
Figaro: ………
Snow: White…
[ Both Figaro and Snow are surprised. ]
[ Present time ]
[ Mia's Castle - Balcony ]
Figaro: White sama looked upon you then, and I cannot say what he saw in you: you, grovelling on your hands and knees in the snow… Whatever his thoughts were, he did not speak them aloud.
It seemed to me that you were meant to be turned to stone then and there.
Snow: A gift of life. A second chance. Yet here you are again, tossing it all away once more?
Mia: … Silence…!
[ A blizzard kicks up. ]
Snow: … How pathetic…
Figaro: Even after hearing all that we have to say, you have not yet laid hands on us. You’ve done nothing but conjure up this poor excuse for a blizzard.
I know you have already understood the heart of this matter: if you turned us to stone, you imperil Bradley’s life. …Does that sound right?
Mia: Shut up, shut up shutupSHUTUP…!
I will not… allow that man to… turn to stone…!
He is… my…… my… MINE…!
Figaro: ………
Snow: Ohoho… Now, have we heard her loud and clear?
Wouldn't you agree that it's quite the passionate confession?
Snow's gaze moved to the open skies beyond the balcony's reach.
There Bradley was, hovering on his broom with me in tow. And Mithra was there too, cradling a sleeping Mitile in his arms.
Mia: Wh—
[ The blizzard dies down. ]
Shocked, Mia's golden eyes widened and her mouth fell open slightly in surprise.
Her gaze wavered. Her lips trembled.
Her complexion grew pale as if she herself was freezing over.
Mia: … How long have you been there…
Bradley: My bad. I've been here all along.
… Granted, I'd tried to hide my presence, but it ain't like the Mia I know to fail to sense us right here.
And…
What the hell? You’re so weighed down by your feelings for me that you couldn’t even leave a scratch on those guys.
Bradley's voice quavered, ever so slightly. It was almost as if he were telling her, 'I didn't want to see you in that sorry state.'
There was pity, rage, a helpless misery, and myriad feelings that affected his voice.
Mia: … No…… (wails)
Mia's knees gave and she slumped to the ground.
Her dark blue hair cascaded out like shimmering waves.
A cold, quiet breeze gently swept through her hair, as if to console her.
[ Back inside… ]
Murr: Eureka! Eureka! Lookie here, Nero, Rustica!
Nero: Did you find a Benedetta fruit!?
Murr: Nnnope. Not yet!
Buuut I found a door that might be hiding a lady's secrets!
Rustica: Oh my, this door looks like it's sealed with magic.
And it's quite the complex seal, too.
Murr: It’s got a lot of traps weaved into it too! If we trip even one of these, we’re all goners!
How exciting! How exhilarating!
Rustica: Murr, can you undo it?
Murr: Hmm, let's see.
« eanul…
Oh.
Nero & Rustica: ‘Oh’?
Murr: I know a better guy for this job!
Hey, Nero! These things are the stuff eastern wizards are good at, right?
Nero: … Well, yeah, but this is kinda complex. It might be beyond me.
Murr: You'll be fine! You've got me giving you the instructions!
Just give it a shot — try decrypting it carefully, cautiously and covertly! So we don't get found out!
Nero: …… Alright.
Murr: Yaaay! So, you've gotta…
Start by undoing the corners, the right then the left, then you work on the seal that's right in the middle. After that, at the same time, you put some of your magic into the bottommost and topmost parts! And then, you go…
Nero: Wait… Slow down, that is way too many steps at once!
Nero: Uhhh, what was it again? The rightmost corner first? Then it was left, centre… And then at the same time, the bottom and the top…
… Oh, I see. Then you’ve got to go through the same steps again. All four corners, the keyhole, and finally we've got to figure out what to do with the seal on the other side of the door.
Murr: You've got it! Can you do something about it?
Nero: Well… I can't not do something about it, can I…
[ Nero takes a deep breath. ]
Nero: … (exhales) …
« adnodis omnis »
Murr: (whistles) It's opened up!
Rustica: Wonderful job undoing that extraordinarily complex seal, Nero.
Murr: As expected of a wizard of the East! It's just like watching a bandit crack open a treasure chest!
Nero: Haha…… More like, it's all thanks to your expert instructions.
[ Mia's Castle - Secret Chamber ]
Nero: What's this…
Rustica: Ooh. A broken prison cage, and a tree that’s been frozen solid…?
Murr: Look, if it isn't the real thing, the Benedetta tree! Its fruits look just like Rustica's chocolates!
Rustica: Oh, what a relief! With this, Bradley will be able to return to the Magical Manor with us.
Nero: … Phew…
Yeah… That sure is a relief, for real.
Still, what's with this cage…
Rustica: … It reminds me of the cage of ice the lady of the castle made.
Murr: It does look similar! Down to the way it's shattered open!
Nero: D’ya think she tossed someone in there, but they escaped, just like what she wanted to do to Brad? … I mean, Bradley?
Murr: Who knows! But I bet we can find out!
[ Murr CG ]
Murr: Forgive me, for I'm about to reveal yet another of our lady's secrets!
Murr: « eanul rambul » !
Nero & Rustica: ………
Murr: ………
Nero: Whatcha see?
Murr: … It was Mia that made this prison! And then she cast a really strong spell on it when it was done.
It's a one-way trip once you step into it! The spell's to make sure what goes in can never come out.
Ooooh…!
Nero: What's up?
Murr: Mia was the one that destroyed this prison cage! She finished her spell and stared at her handiwork for a moment — and then, all of a sudden, she destroyed it.
She looked surprised that it was destroyed, like she didn’t do it on purpose. Then she left this chamber, just like that.
Nero & Rustica: ………
Murr: That's all from this prison cage. We can’t know for sure who Mia wanted to cage within this prison of her own making…
… But I've got a real good guess! What about you two?
Nero: (closes his eyes) ………
That's not something you ask a lady. It ain’t classy.
Rustica: … She wanted to cage him in. She wanted to cage him not.
That internal struggle within her seems like… If you asked me, that struggle was born out of love.
[ Mia's Castle - Balcony ]
Moments after we landed on the castle balcony, Murr and the others came running to tell us that they'd found some Benedetta fruits.
Mitile: Oh… You all found the fruits?
Akira: Mitile! I'm glad to see you're awake.
Figaro: I've patched you up with some healing magic, but don't go pushing yourself again.
Mitile: G-Got it. I'm sorry, Figaro sensei.
Mia: ………
Bradley: Seems like this game's just about wrapped up.
I think it's about time to declare a winner, don't you?
Mia: … Yes.
Mia rose to her feet, her long hair swaying gently around her. She nodded, firm and determined.
Then, led by Murr and the others, we headed for the chamber that housed the Benedetta fruits.
[ Mia's Castle - Secret Chamber ]
Akira: That's…
My breath caught in my throat the instant I stepped into the chamber.
The sight of the prison cage, large and well-crafted, yet broken beyond repair, stunned me into silence.
This was no cage meant for a criminal. There was a beautiful chandelier dangling from the centre of the cage's ceiling, and a plush sofa that seemed to welcome us to enjoy its comforts. It was a cage meant for hospitality.
Right next to it was some sort of fruit-bearing tree laden with fruit. It was standing upright and frozen encased in a thin layer of ice.
It was a scene that left me speechless.
next episode ⭢