Chapter 591 – Welcome to the Royal Capital

After replenishing the supplies we had consumed on our way to Silvatoria—drinking water, food, and other necessities—we departed from Marquis Zilbolt’s domain.

We waved back from the deck to the Marquis couple and Tephra, who were seeing us off with waves of their own, as we slowly advanced toward Vinesdora.

“It’s beautiful… isn’t it?”

Grace murmured softly.

“…Yeah.”

I nodded as I looked at the scenery. Everyone else seemed equally captivated by the view.

Silvatoria in winter, seen from the sky, was an indescribably beautiful sight—a silver world bathed in sunlight, glittering and sparkling.

Marquis Zilbolt and Tephra, who had been waving, soon faded into the distance, disappearing into the silver landscape.

The mainland of Silvatoria—as expected of a northern country, even the highways seemed covered in snow.

However, the actual snowfall wasn’t that heavy.

…Or perhaps that’s just how it seemed because of Kagehisa’s memories. Japan, depending on the region, had some of the heaviest snowfall in the world.

In any case, this amount of snow was probably enough to slow down human activity. There was almost no traffic on the highways.

People bundled in cold-weather gear, transporting supplies on sleds. Then there were shared sleds—like shared carriages—traveling between bases, carrying those with business in neighboring towns.

Moving in larger groups was better for both security and cost reduction. During winter, such groups would travel the highways alongside escort soldiers and hired adventurers. That’s why we hadn’t seen anyone traveling alone so far.

Since people moved in groups, it inevitably became a larger-scale operation, reducing the frequency of travel and communication between bases.

So this is the winter scenery of the country where Mother grew up…

For a while, I gazed at the scenery from the deck… but well, I couldn’t stay like this forever. Time to start making Potions.

“Leave the matter of passing through bases to us.”

“We won’t trouble you while you’re making Potions.”

So said Elliot and Princess Adriana. While traveling within Silvatoria aboard the Sirius, it was necessary to show our faces and greet the watchtowers on the outer walls at each base. However, with both King Eberhart and Princess Adriana on board, and with either Elliot or Old Sigmund—both former Silvatoria Knights or natives—handling the navigation, we should be able to proceed without any issues until we reached Vinesdora.

“Thank you. Then I’ll leave that to you.”

Thus, I entrusted the navigation of the Sirius to Elliot and Old Sigmund, and headed toward the ship’s workshop facilities.

I’d be making Potions in bulk using a large cauldron. First up… probably the Magic Potions for Magical Power recovery. After all, we had a decent number of personnel who could use Healing Magic.

I set up the large cauldron on the hearth. The hearth in the workshop facilities was specially designed to remain stable and not tilt even if the Sirius shook a little.

“I brought the water.”

Sheila brought a barrel of spring water from the ship’s hold.

“I’ll gather the Raw Materials next to the workbench.”

Rosemary took out various Potion Materials from her Magic Bag and arranged them.

Marlene used Levitation to float and carry a wooden box containing small bottles for filling the Potions.

“Okay. Thanks.”

After checking each item and thanking them, they each nodded.

Well then, let’s begin. The procedure involves processing the Materials according to set ratios, using a Spell Formula while infusing Magical Power, grinding them down, and so on. Then, we put it into the large cauldron and simmer it with purified water to complete it.

I’m quite familiar with this part of the work. Just like cooking for a large group at once, making them in bulk reduces waste.

“We’ll help too.”

“Okay. Then, as usual.”

I nodded at Claudia’s words. Everyone knew the mixing ratios, so aside from the steps requiring Magic, it wasn’t much different from cooking.

They chopped the Materials into manageable sizes with knives, separated them by Raw Material, and measured them out. Then, they brought the combined mixtures to me.

Everyone was used to cooking, and Rosemary was skilled at preparing mixtures too. So I could trust and leave this part to them. The crisp sounds of knives echoed as we exchanged confirmations.

And then… came the step only I could do. I prepared a large mortar, put the chopped ingredients inside, and used Magic while grinding them down.

As I stirred with a large pestle, the Herbs and other Materials lost their original forms, gradually turning into something like a large herbal dumpling.

“Should we transfer the water to the large cauldron now?”

“Yeah. We know the amount of water, and we’ve adjusted the quantities on the Material side.”

After I answered, Ashley nodded and deployed a Magic Circle. Water extended from the barrel like a living creature and moved into the large cauldron. While waiting for it to boil over the fire, I prepared the appropriate amount of herbal dumplings relative to the water volume.

Once the water in the large cauldron boiled, I added the Materials—then it was just a matter of simmering while stirring.

For Magical Power recovery, external injury treatment, and Vitality recovery… I made the Potions, checked the results, then divided and filled them into differently shaped small bottles. Using a funnel, I poured them in one after another, while Marlene and Irmhild sealed them with cork stoppers. Seraphina then placed each finished bottle into a wooden box.

Since it’s liquid, it’s somewhat bulky, but the bottles themselves are structurally reinforced, so they won’t break easily.

Moreover, because they’re made with water from the Mt. Tephra springs as a base, their efficacy is considerable. It would be best to carry them in a way that doesn’t hinder movement.

As we continued working, Seeker came into the room with quick, light steps.

“Hm?”

It was holding a piece of paper. I took it and opened it—it said that Vinesdora was getting closer. I see. Since our destination was approaching, it was time to start preparing.

Hmm. They used Seeker as a messenger. This was probably Princess Stephania’s idea, or something along those lines. A playful touch, but not bad.

“Understood. I’ll head to the bridge once we reach a stopping point in our work.”

I replied toward the bridge via Seeker, and then Seeker left the workshop facilities and went back.

“Well then, shall we head back up once we finish the current batch?”

“Understood.”

Everyone nodded, and the shared work continued. Soon, we reached a good stopping point, so after cleaning up, we returned to the bridge… and on the monitor’s distant view, Vinesdora was coming into sight.

Seems like the timing worked out quite well. Vinesdora gradually drew closer.

After hailing the watchtowers on the outer walls and being seen off by saluting soldiers, we advanced over the cityscape of the royal capital.

Perhaps because the people of Vinesdora knew about Airships, the residents visible below were waving, saluting, and seemed to be welcoming us.

“Now that you mention it… the roads in Vinesdora are quite clean, aren’t they?”

Even looking around the entire city, the roads weren’t piled with snow or frozen. Though other places—like the gardens of houses—were a different story.

“Indeed. During winter, the snow can be melted and channeled into the gutters.”

King Eberhart answered with a smile. So the roads have something like a snow-melting function, huh. A fitting preparation for a northern Magic Kingdom.

And so—we guided the Sirius toward Vinesdora’s Royal Castle.

“Shall we dock at the square in front of the Royal Castle?”

“Yes, that would be best. I’ve already arranged for it.”

King Eberhart nodded at Elliot’s words as he handled the navigation.

After all, Zadias and others had unceremoniously docked the Airship right next to the Royal Castle and aimed the cannons. Even considering that he was the former Crown Prince, that behavior was questionable.

At the main gate, the dignitaries of Silvatoria were already present. The elders of the Seven Houses from the Sages’ Academy seemed to be lined up there as well. Or rather… it looked like almost all members of the Seven Houses had gathered.

Could it be that they were all waiting here to welcome us?

“Quite an enthusiastic welcome.”

“Indeed. Theodore is returning. And with Old Sigmund, Princess Stephania, and Adriana together, such a welcome is only to be expected.”

King Eberhart smiled at Old Sigmund’s words.

True enough. Many of us have deep connections with Silvatoria.

The magnificent Castle, the orderly cityscape. The towering Tower of the Academy. It’s been a while since I last saw Vinesdora. And so, the Sirius approached the square, gradually lowered its altitude, and came to a stop there.

Well then, let’s prepare to disembark. I need to greet everyone, after all.