Wings Of The World!

Elise smirked as she looked up from the globe. "Haru, pack your bags. We're going to-"

A dramatic pause.

"Switzerland."

Haru blinked. "Oh. Wait. Huh. Okay, yeah, I didn't expect that."

Elise grinned. "You were expecting another city with medieval houses, weren't you?"

"I mean, kinda? But Switzerland is cool too. What's your goal this time?"

She crossed her arms. "You'll see."

Haru narrowed his eyes. "That means it's something ridiculous again, huh?"

"Maybe."

"Elise."

She just laughed.

The moment they landed in Zurich, the clean, crisp air hit them. The scenery was straight out of a postcard snow-capped mountains in the distance, pristine lakes, and architecture that blended old European charm with modern design.

Haru stretched. "Damn.. even the air smells expensive."

Elise rolled her eyes. "Switzerland is expensive."

They checked into a cozy inn before heading out to explore. The streets were lined with cafés, watch boutiques, and chocolatiers. Haru immediately stopped at one of them.

"I'm sorry.. but it's Swiss chocolate we have to try it!!"

Elise sighed. "Fine. But if you eat too much and pass out from sugar, I'm leaving you behind."

"Yahooooo!!"

As they walked through the city, Elise finally revealed her goal.

"I want to see the Matterhorn up close."

Haru raised an eyebrow. "The mountain? That's… actually kinda cool."

Elise smirked. "What. expecting something crazier?"

"A little."

"Well, what about you? What's your goal?"

Haru grinned. "I want to capture Switzerland's most breathtaking landscapes. Not just the touristy spots. real, hidden gems."

Elise nodded. "So.. as usual, you're gonna drag me to some random place in the middle of nowhere?"

"Absolutely."

As they planned their trip, a Swiss local overheard them and asked in German, "Entschuldigung, braucht ihr Hilfe?" (Excuse me, do you need help?)

Elise immediately responded in fluent German, explaining their plans. The local nodded in approval.

Haru, however, smirked and turned to Elise. "Why do people always look at us like we're some kind of multilingual prodigies?"

Elise shrugged. "Maybe because most tourists don't casually drop fluent German?"

The local chuckled. "Ihr sprecht sehr gut Deutsch! Wo habt ihr das gelernt?" (You speak very good German! Where did you learn?)

Haru and Elise exchanged a glance before answering in unison:

"An overly ambitious university that forces people to learn multiple languages."

The local burst out laughing.

As they traveled from Zurich to Lucerne, they visited the Chapel Bridge, the oldest wooden bridge in Europe, covered in historic paintings.

Elise admired the artwork. "These date back to the 17th century. Some depict Swiss victories, others local legends."

Haru snapped a photo. "And this one is titled: 'When Switzerland decided to be ridiculously cool.'"

Elise sighed. "Haru, please."

Next, they learned about Swiss neutrality and how Switzerland avoided getting involved in both World Wars.

Elise explained, "Switzerland's geography and military strategy made it difficult to invade. Plus, they had a strong banking system, which played a role in their neutrality."

Haru nodded. "So basically, they were the friend who refused to take sides in a messy group argument?"

Elise groaned. "I… I hate that this analogy actually works."

They also stopped by the Lion Monument, a stone carving honoring Swiss Guards who died during the French Revolution. Haru, unusually silent, stared at the solemn expression of the lion.

"...This one hits different."

Elise simply nodded.

The next day, they took a scenic train ride to Zermatt, where the Matterhorn loomed in the distance.

Haru, camera in hand, was already snapping pictures. "I can't believe this is real!!"

Elise smirked. "Told you it was a good goal."

They took a mountain cable car higher up, where the view was even more breathtaking. Haru, completely absorbed, kept adjusting his angles.

Elise watched for a moment before saying, "You really love this, huh?"

Haru nodded. "Yeah absolutely! I want to capture moments like this forever."

Elise hesitated, then softly said, "Then keep going. I think… you're meant for this."

Haru blinked, then grinned. "Damn, Elise. That was almost sentimental."

She immediately turned away. "Forget it."

After their Swiss adventure, they returned to their inn. The earth globe stood in the center of the room, waiting for its next spin.

Haru cracked his knuckles. "Alright, part two!! Of… spinning zaaa globe!"

Elise rolled her eyes but smiled as she spun it again.

As the globe slowed, she pressed her finger down. Then she read the name.

Her eyes widened slightly.

Haru leaned in. "Where to?"

Elise looked up, an amused expression on her face.

"We're going to-"

Haru facepalmed "Of course it's another cliffhanger.. kurukuru"

---

End of Chapter Seven.