Chapter 725 — Southward Bound

And this mechanical ship, executing the "Cecil Order," was like a miniature city floating on the Gorgon River, holding all of them within its vast belly of steel and timber, sailing over the chill, gusty waters, carrying every soul's dream toward that legendary land.

The hum of the engine room came through the partition behind the corridor, and the arcane-crystal lamps, driven by magic, lit the corridor leading to the dining hall. The young man named Findil slowed his steps beside a rune device left exposed for repairs, seeming to study this self-operating magical machine with curiosity, when Firm's voice sounded at his side: "Incredible thing, isn't it? I hear they are everywhere in the south."

"So I have heard as well..." Findil said with a smile. "Tell me more about that idea of yours—I am genuinely interested..."

"Of course, my friend. But you ought to tell me of your own affairs as well—why are you going south? Also to seek opportunity?"

"Ah-ha... I was hardly willing when I set out. It took a letter from my aunt to drive me here by main force..."

"Oh? Then your aunt sounds a formidable woman, to drive a stubborn fellow like you out with a single letter."

"...Ha ha, true enough. She may well be the most formidable person in the north—every one of us is rather afraid of her..."

The silver-haired youth roared with laughter, and that hearty laugh was like the rugged mountains of the northern marches, drawing Firm beside him into laughter as well.

A low whistle resounded across the water. On the chill, gusty Gorgon River, the "Highlander" spread her wing-panels like a proud swan, her steel-plated prow splitting the waves as she bore her passengers—seekers of opportunity and of the future—southward.

...

Crystal glass shut out the cold wind beyond the window; the hearth devoured and gave back a warm glow; the image projected by the arcane-network terminal floated in midair. Victoria Wilder stood before the terminal and inclined her head slightly to the figure in the image: "Your Majesty, the third batch of craftsmen and young scholars bound for the southern realm has departed aboard the 'Highlander.' All carry their credentials, and guides travel with them. They are expected to reach Bouldersharbor by the Winterfall Day."

The figure in the holographic projection, Gao Yan, nodded: "Very good. By the way—your nephew is on that ship as well, is he not?"

"...Yes, Findil is aboard as well," Victoria's expression seemed to shift a little, but at last settled into a faintly cold composure. "I have ordered him south to study. After all, as the future heir of the Wilder family, he cannot simply stand still."

"Do not be too harsh on the young," Gao Rong said as he rose. "Beyond that—has anything changed in the situation at Saint Sunil?"

"All is well here. The civil administration hall is operating entirely normally. The Military Intelligence Bureau agents left behind by Director Amber are active everywhere, having 'disposed of' a great many destabilizing elements and greatly advanced the work of restoring order. If all goes smoothly, by next spring this place will no longer require my personal oversight."

"Mm, that would be best. That way you can return to the North as soon as possible and handle matters there yourself. The stability of the Empire's northern frontier is of the utmost importance."

Victoria bowed her head deeply. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Gao Yang nodded within the holographic projection, then said, "Oh, that's right. Maggie is doing well here. Rebecca has become quite a good friend to her, so there is no need for you to worry."

"Thank you for looking after her," Victoria said. Her expression remained as cold and indifferent as ever, yet deep in her eyes there was genuine gratitude. "Maggie is my most trusted friend. I am very glad that she can be of help to you as well."

Gao Yang gave a murmur of acknowledgment, and then the atmosphere lapsed into a brief stiffness and awkwardness.

Whenever anyone conversed with Victoria alone, the atmosphere was inevitably apt to fall into such a state.

This Duke of Ice and Snow was truly not a person skilled with words; indeed, because her expression was always so cold, she tended to chill the air in any conversation. Once the business at hand was finished, nothing remained between the speakers but awkwardness.

She was accustomed to this, but Gao Yang, on the other side of the communication, seemed not quite to have adapted.

Perhaps in order to find some topic with which to bring the conversation to a smooth close, Gao Yang was silent for a moment and then suddenly said, "You are not so young anymore..."

Victoria's calm, placid expression stiffened for an instant. "Huh?"

"Even though you have Fendil and need not worry about the matter of an heir, have you never considered starting a family yourself?"

Victoria: "Your... Your Majesty?"

"You are only two years younger than Hedy. The two of you—in some ways you are far too alike. Not long ago I urged Hedy as well, saying that when it is time to start a family, one should start a family. Do not think me long-winded. I was, after all, a good friend of Snow's, and I ought to look after his descendants..."

"Your Majesty, this matter... this matter need not be discussed at this moment," Victoria said, revealing a trace of fluster, a rare sight indeed. "I will consider my own affairs. I will consider them!"

The arcane-net communication was cut off by Victoria on the other end, somewhat hurriedly. Gao Yang sat behind his desk, looking rather dazed.

Amber, standing nearby, could not help but roll her eyes. "You really are getting on in years. How does a conversation drift all the way to urging marriage?"

"Having a bit of small talk after finishing the business—what is wrong with that?" Gao Yang looked rather innocent. "And I only said it in passing."

Amber pursed her lips, seeming as though she wanted to mutter something more, but before she could speak, the office door was suddenly pushed open.

Hedy appeared in the doorway, clutching a great stack of documents, and walked toward Gao Yang.

At the sight of that great heap of papers in her arms, Gao Yang felt a dull ache begin to throb at his temples.

In the spirit of not suffering a headache alone, he looked up at Hedy and said casually, "Hedy, you are not so young anymore..."

Hedy froze. Before she could even get to the business about the documents, she felt a chill run down the back of her head...