Chapter 281 – Journey on the Airship

The airship’s renovation work seemed to be progressing rapidly, with elders from the Sages’ Academy having come to oversee it.

The magic cannons had been removed, and the magic tools for levitation had been reinstalled – by the next morning, the airship was already floating beside the Royal Castle again, showing how quickly the work had been completed.

While it was good that the airship’s renovation finished early, teleporting the entire ship at once presented some difficulties.

Claudia’s magical power consumption would be substantial, but that could be covered with Circulating Ki. The real problem was that making something as large as an airship disappear and reappear would inevitably attract attention. Since we wanted to keep the existence of Teleportation Magic as secret as possible, having too many witnesses would be problematic.

In that case, it might be better to first send King Eberhart and the others to Termwills via Teleportation Magic, with the airship following afterward by air route. With that in mind, I headed to the Royal Castle to explain. After being led deep into the castle, I met with King Eberhart.

“—While it’s possible to send the entire ship to Termwills using Teleportation Magic, it would inevitably draw attention. Therefore, having the ship travel normally might be preferable.”

After my explanation about the teleportation magic, King Eberhart showed a thoughtful expression before looking up and speaking.

“Hmm… Indeed. However, rather than sending the ship alone to Termwills later, I believe it would be better for me to board it and travel there myself. The fact that this is being delivered as part of Silvatoria’s national policy is important.”

I see. Perhaps King Eberhart wants to demonstrate Silvatoria’s friendly stance toward Verdgar both domestically and internationally by personally delivering the ship.

Given the incident with Zadias, Silvatoria’s internal situation couldn’t be called stable. It wouldn’t be surprising if the upper echelons of Verdgar had some skepticism toward Silvatoria.

While the airship is only part of the overall technological exchange, it’s certainly the most visible part. Being symbolic, he probably wants to handle it personally.

“Understood. Then we’ll also board the ship and accompany you as escorts.”

“That’s reassuring… but you could return first via teleportation magic if you prefer?”

“No. We’d also like to visit Her Highness Stephania along the way, and the Moon Temple in Marquis Fobrester’s territory.”

“The Moon Temple… For teleportation magic preparations?”

“Yes.”

Princess Stephania’s territory is located further north by land from Marquis Fobrester’s territory. When returning from Vinesdora to Termwills, it can serve as a relay point, allowing us to stop by the Moon Temple and create a situation where we can teleport to various places.

We want to establish a situation where we can respond even if demons appear in places other than Termwills.

“Very well. Then let us embark on this journey through the skies by airship together. My travel preparations are complete. We can depart today once the luggage is loaded.”

King Eberhart said this with a pleased expression.

“Understood. Our luggage is packed in the Dragon Palanquin, so we can move anytime once it’s loaded onto the airship.”

Those boarding the airship include us, Princess Stephania, Elliot, and Tephra. From the Silvatoria side, Marquis Zilbolt and Elmer. King Eberhart, Princess Adriana, Old Sigmund, and as his assistant, Valentina. Additionally, there are King Eberhart’s royal guards and servants, plus a few crew members for operating the ship.

Princess Adriana is scheduled to remain with the Verdgar side even after King Eberhart returns from Termwills, serving as a goodwill ambassador to Verdgar as King Eberhart’s representative.

We loaded the Dragon Palanquin onto the airship and divided the work of carrying the luggage to the cabins. While working, something occurred to me and I asked Elliot.

“Elliot-san, are you sure you don’t want to use teleportation magic?”

I thought he might want to reach the Barony of Silun as quickly as possible. However, at Elliot’s own request, he decided to board the airship as an escort.

“Yes. As a former magic knight of Silvatoria, I wish to protect His Majesty Eberhart during his journey. Especially since Ashley and her fiancé Theodore-dono will also be accompanying us.”

Saying this, Elliot smiled quietly.

He’s either very dutiful or has a strong sense of responsibility.

“Theo, they say we’re departing soon.”

Grace, who had come down from the deck carrying luggage, called out to me.

“Ah. Understood.”

It’s time to say goodbye to Vinesdora for a while. I decided to go to the deck to take in the view.

We temporarily paused moving and organizing the luggage and went together to the deck. Old Sigmund was at the helm, with Valentina assisting him.

“Oh, Theodore. Perfect timing – we’re about to depart now.”

He said this with a smile.

“Yes. This is my first time traveling by airship, so I’m looking forward to it.”

“Hmm.”

The ropes mooring the airship were untied.

When Old Sigmund touched the crystal ball resting on the pedestal beside the helm, the airship gradually began to gain altitude. As the magic tools at the rear of the hull activated, the sails caught the tailwind, and the airship began moving toward Verdgar.

Since this was my first experience flying through the sky on something other than myself, whether wyvern or hippogriff, I found myself crowding toward the edge of the deck. Stopping myself with my hand, I asked Valentina.

“…Is there no concern about tilting due to weight?”

The wyverns also serve as escorts for the unarmed airship during the journey. The thought of the airship capsizing from the weight of its escorts was too awful to contemplate.

“That’s fine. The three power sources are designed to maintain balance.”

Valentina answered my concern.

“…Then it should be okay. Alright, you all.”

When I gave permission, the Lindwurm cried out. Following its voice, the wyverns stretched their necks with keen interest, looking down at the city from the deck.

…Yeah. Seems I was worrying unnecessarily. Despite the strong wind hitting the mast, the deck itself is wind-free – various wind magic controls and balance maintenance seem to be employed in the airship beyond what meets the eye.

The airship advanced as if gliding through the sky. The people seeing off King Eberhart gradually grew smaller. The city where Mother was born and raised receded into the distance. The sky was blue—and the mountain range stretching into the distance was beautiful.

“Is the direction correct?”

“Yes. We’ll continue like this and cross the sea from the port.”

While looking at a compass and map, Valentina was speaking with Old Sigmund. We’re first heading for Princess Stephania’s territory. Apparently, we’ll follow the same route as the Dragon Palanquin over the main roads. If we don’t use established routes, the possibility of encountering monsters increases.

After crossing the sea and reaching Princess Stephania’s territory, we’ll proceed by land heading south. We plan to stop by Marquis Fobrester’s territory before heading to Termwills.

“Then let’s continue along this route for a while.”

“I’ll inform you when we reach the branching point.”

“Hmm. Now then… Theodore. Might I have a moment?”

Called by Old Sigmund, I went over to him.

“Along the way, I thought I’d explain about the airship. I mentioned this briefly before – while this ship was made by that Zadias fellow, we were also involved in its development. If you intend to be involved in airship construction, you must learn about ships.”

“Yes. It would probably be good for everyone to hear this too. Having everyone know how to operate the ship would be insurance in case of emergencies.”

“Hmm.”

So we gathered everyone to listen. Once everyone was assembled, Old Sigmund nodded and began talking about the airship.

“Well, operating it isn’t particularly difficult. Turn the helm to change direction. Use the crystal ball on the right to adjust the ship’s altitude. Use the crystal ball on the left to change the ship’s speed.”

Turning the helm sends wind from the magic tools in that direction, and the sails catch the wind to change the ship’s course. Ascending and descending… meaning controlling the output of the three levitation magic tools is done with the right crystal ball.

The left crystal ball adjusts wind strength—essentially, it’s the crystal ball that controls speed.

Though it can’t compare to an airplane, it moves at considerable speed compared to a sailing ship. Since it’s pushing forward something levitated by magic rather than flying by lift, it doesn’t seem like it would stall and crash…

Unlike a real ship, there’s little shaking. The stable behavior makes me feel it’s truly a product of the Magic Kingdom. The three core units levitate the ship… working in coordination to maintain balance. This seems to be the essence of the airship.

“Speaking of which, when we discussed armor, we also talked about propulsion. Do you have any good ideas?”

“I have several… but they should probably match the airship’s core units. I can’t say for sure without testing.”

Since it levitates and doesn’t stall, it seems quite flexible.