The Kingdom of Valoria was dazzling to behold. Tall towers of light marble, floating gardens, and crystal-clear rivers that seemed to sing as they flowed. It was a place that felt like it had come straight out of a story... but not all stories began with fanfare. Luigi took off his hat for a moment and ran his hand through his hair, letting out a quiet sigh.

—“Mamma mia...” he murmured, glancing sideways at the castle.

The crowd had cheered for Mario, as always. Photos, speeches, even a mini statue with his mustache carved in stone. And he... well, he had smiled, applauded, and thanked the audience for their applause. No one noticed him unless he was next to his brother. Perhaps it was no one's fault. Perhaps it was just the price of being number two.

So he had discreetly slipped away, crossing the castle gates before anyone noticed. He was only wearing his cap, his gloves, and a couple of wrapped cookies he had taken from a tray without anyone noticing.

—“Just a little walk. Nothing more. No one will notice I'm gone, right?”

The countryside beyond the castle was different. Quieter. With dirt paths lined with strange flowers that opened with the light and closed with the wind. Luigi walked calmly, letting himself be carried along, without a real destination. Until something caught his attention. A whisper. Branches moving. Someone, or something, moving among the trees of the small forest that bordered the path. He stopped.

—“Hello...?” He asked softly, leaning slightly, curious and somewhat nervous.

Silence. Then, the sound of a foot stepping on dry leaves. Luigi blinked, instinctively lowering his voice.

—“Is it a ghost? An elegant Goomba hiding in the bushes...?” He said quietly, swallowing hard as he cautiously approached, circling a bush.

It was then that he saw her. A female figure, turned away, wearing a dress that was not typical of common people. Her posture conveyed determination... or rebellion. And she didn’t seem like a lady out for a stroll with escorts. Luigi's eyes widened.

—“Ah! Are you okay? I didn’t mean to scare you! I was just... I was just... walking, yes... walking and eating cookies.” He raised one of the cookies still in his hand as if it were some kind of official peace document. —“Do you need help, miss?”

His voice trembled a little, but it was sincere. Just like him.