Chapter 418 – Twilight Termwills

The sound of Irmhild’s lute echoed through the bridge. To its melody, Lavigne was yawning. Seraphina was on Lavigne’s back, lying face down as if burying her face in the fur, seemingly relaxed. Some were knitting, others reading books. Amid this peaceful atmosphere where everyone spent their time as they pleased, the Sirius continued its journey.

Traveling north along the highway—passing through arid lands to the highlands. Proceeding further would bring them to the mountainous region spanning the border. Snow had already accumulated near the mountain peaks.

“The mountains are pure white…”

Sion said while gazing intently at the scenery below.

“Higher elevations get colder. The temperature will keep dropping from here on out, and it might even snow around the highlands we just passed through.”

“Snow… So this is…”

As I answered, Sigritta and Marceska also nodded in admiration while peering at the crystal panel.

Once they passed through the mountainous region and entered the Verdgar side, the elevation decreased, and the autumn foliage increased. The scenery viewed from high altitudes changed continuously. For Sion and the others, it seemed they could watch it forever without getting bored.

If they continued north through the autumn-colored mountains and across the plains, they would reach Grand Duke Debonnis’s territory.

The Grand Duke had written letters for us and helped during this journey, so we should inform him of our safe return and express gratitude for the letters.

Considering the relationship with Baharzad and the outcome of this journey, there were various matters we should discuss, so we decided to stop by the Grand Duke’s castle to pay our respects.

“I have received much assistance from Grand Duke Debonnis. I would also like to pay my respects,” said Princess Elham.

“Your Highness, are you acquainted with Grand Duke Debonnis?”

“No. However, we have exchanged greetings through letters on several occasions. He actively engages in trade with us and the nomads… For Baharzad, he is truly someone we could call a benefactor.”

…I see. Just the fact that he didn’t take advantage of the confusion would be appreciated by the Baharzad side.

In terms of foreign policy, King Melvin and Grand Duke Debonnis’s intentions aren’t significantly divergent. Grand Duke Debonnis having connections with King Farid and his group is equivalent to Verdgar stating its support for King Farid over the previous king and Kahar’s faction. That likely contributed to strengthening King Farid’s centripetal force.

Eventually, Grand Duke Debonnis’s territory came into view. After greeting the soldiers at the outer walls, we proceeded inside. The Grand Duke’s castle was an old fortress surrounded by waterways, with ivy crawling on its walls… giving it that kind of atmosphere, but the ivy had also turned red, creating a truly charming sight.

“What a beautiful castle… I’ll have to paint it later…”

Seeing this, Sigritta narrowed her eyes. Sigritta apparently draws animals but also landscapes. Though landscape painting seems to be merely a hobby for her.

“Can you draw it later?”

“In my case, I have a trait where I don’t forget things I’ve seen very easily…”

Sigritta answered Sheila’s question. I see. So it’s that thing called photographic memory. That might be quite convenient when painting later.

Well then. Just like when we visited previously, let’s dock the Sirius in the cylindrical arena and head to the castle.

“Oh, everyone! I’m so glad to see you’re safe!”

When we approached the castle, it wasn’t Grand Duke Debonnis who welcomed us, but his eldest son Philip and his wife Eleanor. When Marlene happily picked up the hem of her skirt to greet them, the couple smiled softly as if watching something endearing.

“We have returned from Baharzad. We stopped by thinking to express our gratitude and pay our respects to Grand Duke Debonnis,” said Princess Stephania with a bow.

“This is Her Highness Stephania. How courteous of you. However, I apologize. My father is currently visiting Termwills and is not here,” said Philip with an apologetic expression.

“Does that mean he’ll be in Termwills until next spring?”

“No. He said he would return once his business is finished.”

“I see. Well, we wouldn’t want to miss each other somewhere, so perhaps we should leave a report about this journey and our gratitude for the letters.”

“Understood. If my father happens to return without crossing paths, I will be sure to report it properly. Please, this way.”

Philip guided us to the VIP room deeper within the castle.

…Hmm. Well, I should contact Alfred via the communication device to avoid missing each other. I’ll inform him that we’re on our way back, that we visited Grand Duke Debonnis but he was absent, and other details.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Philip. I am Elham-Baharzad, representing my father, His Majesty Farid, from the Baharzad royal family.”

“Ah. I’ve heard much about you.”

After being shown to the VIP room and tea was served, when Princess Elham introduced herself, Philip and the others also broke into smiles and returned the introductions. Forset and the others followed with their greetings to Philip.

“Please allow me to express my gratitude for the letter that Grand Duke Debonnis acknowledged for us. When Kahar’s forces attempted to attack Her Highness Elham, we intervened to assist… The letter we received to gain trust was very reliable.”

After everyone’s introductions were complete, I also expressed my thanks and bowed.

“That’s wonderful to hear. However… trouble involving Kahar so soon after entering Baharzad territory. It seems your southern journey was quite eventful.”

“Perhaps so.”

I returned a wry smile, then conveyed the southern situation to Philip.

The Duoveris Cult’s activities have declined after losing their leader, executives, and warrior class en masse; there are no threats in the Sacred Land that would allow the cult to regain power; Kahar and his remnants have been captured; and details about relations with the Brute tribe and the Baharzad royal family, among other matters.

“…I see. If Her Highness Elham has also come, then the relationship between our two countries should be secure. Trade and exchange with the Brute tribe and the Kingdom of Baharzad should flourish even more. Ah, I’m looking forward to spring already.”

Philip seemed quite pleased.

“What are your plans after this, everyone?”

Eleanor inquired.

“Well, considering the Sirius’s speed, we should be able to return to Termwills within today…”

“That is truly remarkable. Considering that my father is in Termwills and the need to report to His Majesty, an early return would be best, but… hmm. Have you all had lunch yet?”

“No. Not yet.”

“Then at least please join us for lunch. Though my father is absent, we cannot let you leave without hospitality.”

“Thank you. We gratefully accept your kind offer.”

Thus, together with the Demon-Slaying Knight Order, we had a late lunch in Grand Duke Debonnis’s territory before setting off on the return journey to Termwills.

We received a reply from Alfred that Grand Duke Debonnis is currently staying in Termwills.

He mentioned he would inform the Grand Duke of our return. Good. With this, we shouldn’t miss each other.

“Then, let’s set sail.”

After the headcount and other preparations were complete, Old Sigmund spoke. The Sirius slowly began to move, gradually picking up speed after passing through the outer walls—continuing north along the riverside highway.

We should probably arrive in Termwills around evening. It might be best to contact Alfred about that timing.

As we traveled north, the vegetation became more familiar to me, but the autumn colors had already finished in the higher mountains, giving a sense of winter’s approach. Seeing this scenery, Forset remarked.

“The Sirius is comfortable to stay in, but Verdgar is cold, isn’t it? Since Halvaronis doesn’t change temperature much throughout the year, I think that makes it feel even more so.”

Yeah… Forset and the others probably only know the underground city, tropical rainforest, and surrounding desert as the outside world. Even for us, the temperature difference is quite noticeable, so for them it must feel significantly different.

“Certainly… coming back from there makes it feel chilly.”

Grace nodded.

“Once we arrive in Termwills, it might be good to go buy winter clothing.”

“That’s right, it might be nice for everyone to go shopping together.”

When Rosemary said this somewhat thoughtfully, Ashley also smiled.

Forset and the others seem to have brought their personal belongings when leaving Halvaronis, but they probably don’t have winter clothes prepared from the start.

As for Princess Elham—regarding Baharzad, since nights get quite cold depending on the season, they seem to have preparations against the cold.

“Ramriya… are you okay with the cold?”

Claudia asked Ramriya, who was perched on Princess Elham’s shoulder. When questioned, Ramriya nodded her head.

I’ve heard that jerboas inhabit arid lands to deserts… Well, I suppose that’s where being a magical creature comes in handy.

While discussing what to buy after arriving in Termwills and what would be needed, the Sirius continued its journey.

Eventually, as dusk began to fall—after crossing over a small hill, Theoreme Castle, dyed in the colors of the sunset, suddenly came into view.

“Amazing…”

Forset’s eyes widened at the sight as she looked at the crystal panel. Princess Elham and Sion and the others were similarly astonished. They seemed speechless, overwhelmed and captivated by the scene unfolding before their eyes.

Not just Theoreme Castle… but the vast ocean spreading behind it was something not found near Baharzad’s capital or Halvaronis.

“Welcome to Termwills.”

Princess Stephania smiled.

And so, the Sirius slowly made its way toward the shipyard in the western district.