[1906, Unknown Season. Northern Empire]
--This was before the girl reunited with the Black King.
--This was in the capital of the distant Northern Empire.
Just before they were told she would be leaving for North Central for medical treatment, Mary and Ange were informed that Charlotte Bronte's lower limbs had suffered side-effects from her month's long coma. Ange was quite upset of the time though she didn't blame Donna or Charlie for them not telling her to not feel worried, while Mary was able to accept the situation without being angry or bewildered herself.
Even so, upon seeing Charlie off at the airfield they visited in heading towards the distant Northern Central Empire of Kadath, seeing her frail and in a wheelchair had them burst into tears. Ange had almost looked as though she would have sat on the spot and had to be supported by Mr. Howard.
Thus, the next time they meet, they both decided not to show off their unsightly side.
The first time they went to the capital at the Northern Central Empire to visit, they made several promises not to show any signs of tears and the like to Charlie to not worry her.
And...The Northern Central Empire suburbs.
Charlie, who greeted Mary and Ange alongside Donna at the entrance of the Fourth Imperial Hospital, a state-of-the-art medical facility, was a little thin yet her skin complexion was a lot better than when she left London. Her expression even regained the elegant "lady-like" gentleness that made her so relaxed. They were so relieved that they nearly cried but managed to held it in this time. Mary was also able to focus her attention on the medical facility that Charlie spent her days in.
The doctor's have stated that Charlie's condition was close to a debilitative state, and that she'd be able to return back to a healthy condition through organized nutrition and exercise. However, they were told directly that the period would be shorter at the Imperial Clinic. According to the doctor, the treatment was an advanced medical procedure using Inganock technology so that her legs might be able to move even faster than before.
In the time she received this explanation, she looked to Ange who proudly stated, "Ange's still got the fastest legs". Though Mary was fortunate to have the space to think that she, perhaps, was faster due to not having neglected her running practice.
"By the way, Charlie--Hey, hey! That wheelchair is so cool!"
"It's the latest model from the North. Compressed steam is filled in the wheelchair, allowing it to move without me having to use my hands."
"Oh! Amazing! Even the little wheels move too!"
"I've been able to use this to go on strolls by myself. Ah, that's right. Have you two took a tour around Imperial Capital yet? If not, I can show you around."
"Really!?"
"No, Ange. We didn't come here to force Charlie. She needs time to rest."
"It's okay, Mary. I often go out on my own. I can show you around."
"B-By yourself, Charlie?"
"Fufu. The Imperial Capital in the center of the country is safe for women, and it's okay for women to take walks. However, the hours for citizens and foreigners when going out is limited by Imperial Law, and women can't walk at night, yes?"
"Charlie..."
She even had the time to scold Charlie, who was smiling mischievously.
She'd like to go to a place not too far from the capital's suburbs, not too many subway transfers, and not too long of a distance to travel.
They first took the subway from from the Fourth Imperial Hospital to the Imperial Castle's Vassal Square. Despite the half hour trip to the central part of the capital being a tad bit long, Mary and Ange didn't mind as they were content with talking with their best friend whom they haven't seen in a long time. As they pushed Charlie's wheelchair out to the plaza, they were surrounded by Kadath's statues which were preserved for 2,000 years. Mary was quite impressed by Kadath's statues while Ange was pleased, saying "there isn't any birds around", "the air here isn't pleasant", "this place isn't suitable for a rest", and so on.
They went to the next location on the ground. On their way there, they stopped at a coffee shop on the outskirts of the Capital for a tall cup of coffee, which they all agreed tasted very differently from the UK. Mary and Charlie admonished Ange for devouring two bagels saying, "you're eating too much" and "you're going to get fat", and the like.
Then, they went to the Imperial 22nd Engine Library, located on the west side of the Capital's center.
The two of them stared with widened eyes at the information processing terminals and search engines lining up the entrance halls. But Charlie, who seemed to have been there before, gives an explanation.
"This device is a machine used for reading information in the library. Here, you can check the outline of a book. Look at the "clock" mark here. If you possess a special small terminal, you can hook it up to the machine and view the whole book's contents. Of course, it depends on the level of each individual's information rights."
"Well, we certainly don't have anything like this in the library's back in London."
"We really don't. It's amazing..."
"It's even got access to the capital's public information network."
"??"
"Information...Network?"
"Yes. It's called System Wallace-Edison."
(To be continued)
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