Chapter 332 – Dance of Flowers and Light

The Sirius flew toward the Barony of Silun as the highway stretched out below them.

The new propulsion method was quite stable. With minimal ship sway, reduced consumption, and the ability to maintain a brisk speed, they would likely reach the Barony of Silun in no time.

“We have some time to spare, so shall we reduce our speed until arrival?”

“Oh? We’re already that close?”

“Since we’re channeling the wind resistance from forward movement into rear propulsion… it’s certainly more efficient than using sails.”

“Hmm. Impressive work.”

Charlotte analyzed the Sirius while Old Sigmund lowered his hand over the crystal sphere, reducing the ship’s propulsion. As propulsion decreased, so did the lift generated by the main wings. In its place, the Levitation Furnace activated to support the ship, and the passing scenery slowed to a leisurely pace.

“We’ll be traveling at low speed for a while. You may go out on the deck, but please don’t forget to bring your Magic Tool if you cannot use Levitation.”

The announcement echoed through the speaking tubes to all parts of the ship.

“Why don’t you go out on the deck too? You must be curious about how it looks while sailing, no?”

“Indeed. May I leave the bridge to you then?”

“Hmm. No problem. Magical Power consumption is low anyway.”

Well then, I’ll leave Caduceus on the bridge just in case. He can detect and handle any abnormalities immediately.

And so we all went out on the deck for a bit.

Marlene chased after Eclair and Balor at a trot, heading toward the middle of the deck. She had been looking after Harvesta for a while, but now Claudia seemed to be taking care of her. Claudia smiled when she saw Marlene.

“I thought the wind would be strong, but it’s not bad at all.”

Princess Stephania showed a bright smile. The deck was protected from wind, making it surprisingly quiet for being in flight.

“We’ve created a wind Barrier. It also helps reduce resistance.”

Rosemary explained to Princess Stephania.

“So you’re shaping it to minimize wind resistance and channeling it backward?”

“That’s right.”

“I see. So you’re optimizing efficiency even in such details.”

Princess Stephania and Princess Adriana nodded in admiration.

“It’s good that it’s clear. Perfect wedding weather with lovely sunshine.”

Grace smiled.

“Mmm… indeed.”

The sunlight was warm. The highway leading to the Barony of Silun looked peaceful.

“Be careful.”

“Yes.”

Slightly later, Elliot emerged through the opened door. He was holding Camilla’s hand, escorting her.

“Are you here to see the view too, Elliot-san?”

“Yes. I remember the scenery around here. Camilla suggested we come see it directly rather than through the Crystal Panel.”

Saying this, Elliot gazed at the landscape below from the deck railing, narrowing his eyes.

“That mountain shape, that river… how nostalgic… I never imagined I’d be returning like this from the sky to marry Camilla. It feels a bit unreal.”

As Elliot looked into the distance, Camilla shook her head.

“No. Welcome home, Elliot.”

Exchanging these words, Elliot and Camilla drew close together. Ashley watched them with a gentle smile.

Eventually—the Barony of Silun came into view. Since Old Sigmund didn’t know details like the location of the Silun family estate, he returned to the pilot’s seat and steered the ship toward the mansion.

The Crystal Panel showed the astonished faces of the Barony of Silun’s residents.

Some looked up from the streets. Others peered out from windows.

Men and women, young and old, residents, soldiers, adventurers—all sorts of people emerged from their homes, pointing at the ship.

However, Kennel had previously informed them about the airship’s arrival. There was no major confusion. Still, the residents seemed stunned at first… but soon they began jumping up and down, waving their hands, and raising cheers to show their welcome.

The barony was already in a celebratory mood. Nearly everyone was dressed up, the streets overflowed with floral decorations, and the atmosphere was vibrant.

From the deck, Ashley, Princess Stephania, and Princess Adriana waved, and the residents and adventurers waved back with bright smiles… creating quite a lively scene.

That said, flying over residential areas felt oppressive. We maintained a moderate distance, detouring at a leisurely pace as we headed toward the Silun family estate.

Behind the Silun estate was a small grove. According to Ashley, that land also belonged to the baronial family and was used by household members to gather wild vegetables and mushrooms occasionally. For parking the airship, the area above that grove seemed suitable.

Around the Silun estate, town guards were stationed for security. The lord, her brother, and his fiancée. Plus two members of the royal family visiting. Naturally, arrangements had been made to strengthen security.

“Your Highness Stephania, Your Highness Adriana, Theodore-sama—may you be in good spirits. Welcome home, Ashley-sama, Elliot-sama. Welcome to the Barony of Silun, everyone. Thank you for traveling such a long distance. I am Kennel, serving the House of Silun.”

After disembarking and heading to the estate’s main gate, we found Kennel along with the servants and retainers of the Silun family lined up before the mansion, bowing in greeting.

Father was there, as was Malcolm, who had inherited the House Broderick. Beryne from the Adventurer Guild was present too.

The plan was to proceed directly to the small temple in the Barony of Silun for the ceremony once the time came. Since announcing the wedding and arriving by airship would likely cause a festival-like commotion, we had decided with Ashley and Elliot’s group to simply embrace the excitement and let it build.

Being able to act immediately upon arrival… well, that’s thanks to having Communication Devices.

“I’ve returned, old man. Is everything prepared?”

“Yes. Everything is proceeding as planned without issue. But still… my, my, this airship is quite something.”

Kennel let out a deep breath as he looked at the Sirius.

The delicious aroma of cooking wafted from the baronial mansion, tickling our nostrils, but we wouldn’t be dining in the barony just yet. The banquet at the estate would follow the ceremony.

In this world, weddings are typically held at temples. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a temple of the Moon Goddess or the Spirit King… in any case, the process involves pledging love to each other before the Moon Goddess or Spirit King, exchanging rings, and sharing a kiss.

In this case, it would likely be held at the Moon Goddess’s temple.

“Hello, Father.”

“Hmm. It’s good to see you looking well. And… you’ve built quite the incredible thing again.”

“It wasn’t my power alone.”

When I answered, Father gave a wry smile.

“Ambassador, it’s been too long.”

Malcolm wore a gentle smile.

“Likewise, Marquis Broderick. How have you been since then? With your busy schedule, I hope you haven’t fallen ill or anything?”

“No, busy I am, but the work is fulfilling and motivating. Thanks to you, Ambassador, I’m doing well.”

Placing a hand on his chest, Malcolm bowed.

“That’s wonderful to hear.”

He seemed to have better color than when I last saw him. I hoped the stomach medicine and medicinal incense were helping maintain his health.

“To be honest, it seems today will be a magnificent ceremony. You certainly caught us off guard.”

“I’m glad you think so—it makes the effort worthwhile.”

I also exchanged greetings with Beryne from the Adventurer Guild.

“It’s been a while, Sir Theodore.”

“Likewise, Beryne-san. It’s good to see you looking well. How have the forest Monsters been since then?”

“Fufufu. With Ashley-sama’s reputation among adventurers being so favorable, things are progressing smoothly.”

Beryne let out a meaningful chuckle. It didn’t seem like mere politeness—she genuinely appeared to be doing well.

“Sir Theodore, you yourself seem to be achieving great things. My, my. A flying ship—what a surprise. And such a beautiful vessel at that.”

“Thank you.”

It seemed the airship was what caught everyone’s attention.

“Now then… Theo. I heard we’re scheduled to head to the temple ahead of you.”

“Yes. We’ll be taking carriages through the main street of the Barony of Silun just before noon, heading toward the temple.”

“I see. So the residents can see Ashley-sama, Sir Elliot, Your Highness Stephania, and Your Highness Adriana.”

“That’s right. It’s also His Majesty Melvin’s wish. He wants to reassure the barony’s residents and retainers.”

When I answered, Father nodded as if satisfied. Since King Melvin’s intentions had been communicated via the Communication Device, Father seemed to understand his purpose relatively accurately.

After brief greetings with the invited guests, as planned, Father and the others headed to the temple by carriage first.

The carriages for us and Elliot’s group—we had them moved to the designated spot to wait.

Timing it carefully, we flew in the airship to the edge of the main street within the barony.

That’s where our carriages were waiting. Several elegant black carriages stood parked.

Since they were uncovered, people could see inside from the surroundings. Or rather, that was the purpose—to show those riding to the people lining the streets.

Both Ashley and I, and everyone else, were in formal attire. Preparations were complete.

“So it’s finally time.”

Elliot, now changed into formal wear, took a deep breath. Beside him stood Camilla, clad in a wedding dress with a white veil. Camilla already seemed on the verge of tears.

“Camilla. You’re so beautiful. It suits you perfectly.”

They had kept the superstition about not seeing each other before the wedding day, so this was the first time Elliot was seeing Camilla in her wedding dress.

Seeing Camilla changed into an exquisite dress with fine decorations, Elliot smiled and spoke.

“Thank you, I’m happy…”

In response to Elliot’s words, Camilla answered with a smile that looked ready to burst into tears.

Well then—let’s begin. Standing at the edge of the deck, I expanded a Magic Circle.

A staircase made of water extended from the Sirius’s deck, winding its way to where the carriages were parked. Following the tip of the water path, glimmers of light and water bubbles performed a Wild Dance. The water staircase, bathed in sunlight, reflected light complexly, shining in rainbow colors. The residents and adventurers crowding the main street murmured at the spectacle, then raised cheers.

“This is… incredibly beautiful. Thank you, Theodore-san. I never imagined you’d go this far…”

Elliot narrowed his eyes. I returned a smile to Elliot and Camilla and answered.

“Everyone, are you ready?”

“Yeah. No problem.”

Sheila, Irmhild, Justia, Dominique, and Cyrille—the five of them played a cheerful melody, crossing the water staircase ahead of everyone else to descend to the ground.

“Then—let’s go, Camilla.”

“Yes, Elliot.”

Elliot used water-walking magic on himself and Camilla to stand on the water staircase. Camilla stepped cautiously onto the water, and the two began descending the stairs at a slow pace.

The cheers grew increasingly louder. We followed Elliot’s group at a slight distance. There were also voices praising Ashley, Princess Stephania, and Princess Adriana. Some residents threw flower petals into the air as if to bless them. Perfect. I swirled the petals upward with the wind, letting them dance around along with the bubbles and light.

We all boarded the carriages. The main couple, Elliot and Camilla, took the lead carriage. Just to be safe, I’ll have Caduceus accompany the front carriage.

Then the lord Ashley, Princess Stephania, and Princess Adriana took the next carriage.

We boarded the following carriage. Once the water staircase had served its purpose, I transformed it into a platform for Irmhild and the others, keeping it parallel to the carriages. A flying band.

Amid the smiles and cheers of the people lining the streets, escorted by the melody played by Irmhild’s group, we traveled down the main street of the Barony of Silun, heading toward the Moon Goddess’s temple.