Chapter 54
“What I’m Curious About Now”:
I also started subscribing to newsletters. When the maids were talking about newsletters, I showed some interest, and Lady Nox recommended a proper daily newsletter.
After reading a few issues, I understood why people enjoyed it. Big and small happenings from around the world were delivered in a stylish, elaborate style.
This morning, when a maid brought me the newsletter, a thin piece of paper fell to the floor. I picked it up—it was an advertisement.
“The Trending – Airship – Skyway, rising with the station opening!”
Beneath the flashy typography was an illustration of the airship. There were effects all over, like fireworks bursting.
The detailed and ornate drawing immediately caught my eye. The deck looked like a ship floating at sea, but the underside was rounded—different from ordinary sea vessels.
Even just by looking, I could tell there were countless passenger cabins. Large crystals were regularly embedded along the bottom. They must have been connected to magical engineering, I thought.
Magical engineering… Damon had once mentioned that Owen was importing airships from the Kingdom of Lorneis. It seemed this was the very airship he’d been talking about.
Airships were fascinating, so even though it was an advertisement, I slipped it into my notebook for later.
I thought I’d forgotten about it eventually, but I wasn’t the only one fascinated by airships.
Ever since the day I first saw the airship ad, the ducal residence was buzzing with talk of airships. Walking down the corridors, I constantly overheard the maids chatting about them. Butler Mason and Lady Nox would occasionally bring up airships to me.
Even though I didn’t leave the Arsen capital, it seemed as if the entire city—or perhaps even Owen itself—was already lifted by the excitement of airships.
Damon’s letters, which came regularly, were filled with airship stories. He mentioned that airships were common in Lorneis, and now that an airship station had been built in Owen, exchanges between Owen and Lorneis would increase.
The airship clearly stirred Damon’s heart, as he had a keen interest in foreign cultures and novelties. The airship I had glimpsed before and the one in operation were different, and unfortunately, the station opening didn’t coincide with the ambassadorial schedule.
A few days later, Damon’s letter came with ten boarding tickets enclosed. I was startled counting them. Ten tickets?
— When I went as an envoy to Owen, an earl I met sent them. He’s involved in magical engineering and remembered my interest in it! —
Damon added that it was probably also to maintain the favor of the prince of Rundra. Since he himself couldn’t go to Owen, he was sending me the tickets instead.
Ten tickets—he was quite generous.
I spread my fingers and counted the people I could think of: Cedric, the two knights of the kingdom, a few servants who had been especially interested in the airship. Surely some of those assisting Cedric would want to go as well.
First, though, I needed to ask Cedric if he wanted to board the airship.
With the envelope holding the tickets in hand, I headed to Cedric’s study.
“Duke, it’s me!”
I knocked and called out, and shortly after, Cedric opened the door.
“Good afternoon, Princess.”
“Good afternoon, Duke! Are you working? Are you busy right now?”
I tried to peek past Cedric’s shoulders into the room, but he was so tall that even lifting my foot slightly didn’t help.
Cedric turned his body to brace the door with his back. Thanks to that, I could see the interior of the study.
“I’m not busy, but I am in the middle of work. It should be finishing soon. Would you like to come in and wait?”
“Yes! Thank you!”
I passed by Cedric, who was holding the door with his back. Baron Hudson, the steward, stood, bowed, and placed tea on the table. The aroma of lemon tea wafted up from the cup.
“I’ll sit and wait! I hope I don’t disturb your work.”
“Princess, you are no disturbance.”
Cedric returned to his desk. I sat elegantly, drinking tea in full adherence to Rundra kingdom etiquette, while also quietly observing the study. I tried not to turn my head too much.
The room was lined with bookshelves everywhere. Not a single painting or decoration hung on any wall. It was an extremely practical space—completely Owen-style, completely Cedric-style.
Then I glanced in the direction I truly wanted to see. Cedric Deyerton, Duke of Owen, ruler of Bennetton, head of the Deyerton family, and master of the residence where I was staying.
Cedric lowered his head slightly, letting his uncombed black hair fall forward. Between the strands and the golden rim of his glasses, I caught a glimpse of his cherry-colored eyes. Focused. The same expression he sometimes had when reading next to me.
Our eyes met. By now, I no longer felt awkward; I was already used to this from the times he had visited me during my illness.
Instead, I lifted my hand and waved gently from side to side. A signal that I was waiting patiently.
While Cedric kept looking at me, Baron Hudson slid documents across to him. Speaking softly, he exchanged words with Cedric and received a few signatures.
Hudson then excused himself, leaving the two of us alone. Cedric rose and sat across from me.
After taking a sip of freshly poured tea, Cedric looked at me. I slid the envelope over—it was thick.
“Have a look.”
Cedric checked the tickets inside the envelope. I continued.
“These are airship boarding tickets!”
“Yes, ten tickets.”
“Prince Damon sent them.”
“Please be sure to convey my thanks to Prince Damon.”
Then Cedric tucked the envelope into his lap. I nearly gasped. Why was he taking them? I meant to invite him along. It seemed he misunderstood the tickets as being his.
“Oh, yes…”
I could have explained that the tickets were mine and I was merely offering him to come along, but that would have embarrassed him. Embarrassing your conversation partner is not polite. I decided to let it be for now and bring it up at the right moment.
Cedric looked out the window and then suggested a walk. The timing was perfect—just after noon, the sun angled pleasantly.
We walked along the fence within the ducal residence. Autumn roses were budding, wrapping around the fence. The crisp wind rustled the leaves, casting shadows we walked across.
“By the way, Duke, about that airship…”
“I’ve never seen an airship. Thanks to the prince, I’ll have a good experience.”
“Yes…”
Cedric said it cheerfully.
Later, when I tried to mention the airship again, Cedric remained bright and composed. The more I hesitated to ask him to go, the more I gave up. I decided to just enjoy the walk. The crisp weather made it perfect. A fine day, a fine companion—no need to insist on airships today.
As I admired the rose bushes along the fence, I suddenly realized Cedric wasn’t beside me. I turned to see him standing with one hand covering his face.
“Duke, why aren’t you walking?”
“Princess, is there nothing you’re curious about now?”
I thought carefully… and one thing came to mind. The view of his study, so orderly and fitting for him.
“Why isn’t there a portrait of you in the ducal residence?”
“Is that truly what you’re curious about now, Princess?”
Of course, the thing I was curious about was Cedric’s portrait.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Hahaha, Princess.”
Suddenly Cedric laughed loudly. He covered his eyes and mouth with his large hands, laughing heartily. I had never seen him laugh so openly and quickly approached him.
“What’s so funny?”
Cedric didn’t answer, continuing to laugh. Through the gaps in his fingers, I could see his smiling face.
The long eyes narrowed slightly, the corners of his mouth curved beautifully—it was far more charming than I had imagined. Seeing Cedric laugh made me laugh as well, and I joined in.
