Sword of Dawnbreaker

Chapter 725 - 724: Heading South

Winter is approaching, the temperature is dropping day by day, and the lush vegetation along the banks of the Gorgon River has already taken on a bleak appearance. There are fewer pedestrians on the roads along the shore, and only larger caravans occasionally appear by the riverside—mostly on the west bank.

The plains on the east bank are still desolate, on that scorched land, the wounds of war have yet to heal.

A low steam whistle resounded over the river, the steel-covered bow cutting through the waves, proudly advancing on the Gorgon River, leaving behind the sluggish old-fashioned cargo ships far behind. The "Highlander," a magic-conducting machinery ship navigating between the north and south, moved like a proud swan on the water, with its magic energy wingboard raised high in the cold wind, scattering starlike glimmers.

A young blond man wearing a dark blue woolen coat stood by the ship’s railing, gazing at the still desolate and ruined east bank of the Gorgon River, his eyes deep and slightly melancholic. A cold wind from the north caught up with this new mechanical ship, making the young man instinctively tighten his collar before turning back to his cabin.

Warm air greeted him.

The cabin’s furnishings were simple, yet neat and comfortable, with a small desk placed by the window, holding ink, paper, and pens.

The young man sat quietly at the desk for a moment, then pulled a letter from the side, picked up a quill, and began writing with a calm demeanor, sending words to a distant place:

"My dear Mountain Ridge Flower—

"The farther I am from home, the stronger my longing for you becomes. This journey is truly a first for me in life, I never imagined I could leave my homeland and come so far...

"...Though occasionally lonely, this journey remains interesting. I have seen many people and things, and after broadening my horizons, I realize how shallow my past life was. Many things in the distance cannot be learned from books, just as my father said years ago, the truly excellent playwright should have a memorable journey to break free from the decaying piles of paper and truly grow—though it’s a bit frustrating, Father actually did not support my trip...

"You know, he is a cautious person, and with age, he has become even more cautious in recent years...

"You probably don’t like listening to me talk about these things, so let me tell you about my travel experiences.

"Traveling by ’magic machinery ship’ is truly a novel experience. It’s hard to imagine how the mages and craftsmen of the southern borders created such a creation. It is a massive magical device, many of us live day and night in this gigantic magical device’s belly, traveling with it. If you ever have the chance, you should try it... even though the ticket is not cheap, I think it’s worth it.

"...The eastern bank of the Gorgon River is that battlefield, and seeing it, my inspiration and thoughts surge forward. What a breathtaking and grand war it must have been? Brave warriors resisted monstrous tides on scorched plains. Knights, soldiers, mages—each day they held their ground may have been more stirring than any old-fashioned knight’s tale...

"...Below me, in the lower decks, is a family from St. Soniel, who exchanged almost half their possessions for a ticket to the southern borders, intending, as the man of the house put it, to ’try their luck in the south.’ It seems many people on this ship share this sentiment. The capital of the Empire was established in the south, attracting many to seek livelihoods there. These people discuss their futures during fresh air breaks, sometimes even talk about their old hometowns’ lives. Most reside in the cheapest lower decks, though some, like me, are in the middle class decks, but all of us are searching for new opportunities...

"Dear, you can’t imagine what this scene feels like. I know, I know it isn’t as romantic or exciting as knight novels portray, but being amidst it fills me with an unprecedented emotion. So many people venture onto unfamiliar lands with hope. Many say this war disrupted the ancient and solemn order of kingdoms, but I feel something new awaits us ahead.

"I doubt you can comprehend it... it feels like the river wind blowing through the deck today—fresh, albeit icy, yet invigorating.

"Aren’t these things happening on the ship more apt to be put on the ’stage’ I have in mind compared to knight and princess tales?

"Always love you and missing you—Philem."

The young man wore a slight smile, carefully adding the last punctuation mark, then gently folding the letter and keeping it close. When the ship next docked, he could hand over the letter to the crew responsible for this matter, who would take it ashore. For the price of a silver coin, the letter could be reliably sent northward. Of course, if money was tight, one could opt for a cheaper option of ten copper coins, but they said it might get lost, which he wouldn’t choose.

Footsteps sounded outside the cabin, followed by a knock on the door. Philem got up to open it and found a young man with silver short hair, wearing a gold and blue silk coat and smiling with a sunny and cheerful disposition standing in the doorway.

This was his companion met on the journey, named Fendil, a northerner, an open and friendly friend with excellent manners. Philem didn’t specifically know where Fendil came from, but aboard this ship heading for the southern borders, they traveled together and got along well.

"Hey, friend," the silver-haired young man smiled, "lunchtime is about to begin—would you like to join me in the dining hall?"

"I’d be delighted," Philem also smiled as he walked out of the cabin, casually closing the door behind him, "I’m terribly hungry."

The two young men talked and laughed as they traversed the open deck, passed through enclosed corridors, and mingled with various companions riding this mechanical ship bound for the south.

Tall, taciturn men passed by them, a pharmacist from the north, carrying documents from the Craftsmen Association and an employment contract from a southern factory, although he looked stern, he was known to be generous.

An elderly couple walked the corridor, hailing from Bruntade, west of St. Soniel, supposedly watchmakers.

A few young men and women came up from the staircase wearing coarse hemp clothing, careful in their steps, yet their eyes twinkled with light when they spoke to each other. They came from St. Soniel, residing in the lower decks, carrying the tuition fee gathered from their families and a letter of academic recommendation signed by Grand Duchess Victoria, heading south to seek a new life.

There were craftsmen fallen on hard times, scholars pursuing knowledge, merchants seeking opportunities, and even old capital mages exploring Magic Guide Technology.

Some were wealthy, residing in luxury in the upper decks, while others were poor, scraping together enough for a lower deck ticket. Some bore missions, carrying orders from a wealthy merchant or a noble going south, while others were without options, fleeing like refugees and boarding the ship.

And this mechanical ship executing the "Cecil Order" was like a floating city on the Gorgon River, accommodating everyone in its massive belly composed of steel and wood, navigating the chilly river, carrying each individual’s dreams to the legendary land.

The hum of the machinery cabin reached from behind the corridor’s partitions, with magic crystals lamps illuminating the way to the dining hall. The young man named Fendil slowed his footsteps beside an uncovered rune device being repaired, seemingly curiously observing the self-operating magical machine, Philem’s voice sounded beside him: "Quite an extraordinary thing, isn’t it? They say these are everywhere in the south."

"I’ve heard the same..." Fendil smiled, "Tell me more about your idea. I’m genuinely interested..."

"Certainly, my friend, but you should also speak about your affairs, why are you headed south? Are you also searching for opportunities?"

"Ahaha... I was quite reluctant when I set off. It was my aunt’s letter that forcefully sent me over..."

"Oh? That sounds like your aunt is quite formidable. A single letter could get a stubborn person like you out the door."

"...Haha, indeed. Perhaps she’s the most formidable person in the north. We’re all quite afraid of her..."

The silver-haired young man laughed heartily, his cheerful laughter reminiscent of the rugged mountains of the northern parts, causing Philem beside him to laugh heartily as well.

A deep whistle echoed across the river, the cold winds of the Gorgon River seemed to part as the ’Highlander’ spread its proud wings, the steel-covered bow slicing through the waves, full of travelers seeking opportunities and futures heading south.

...

The crystal glass blocked the cold wind outside the window, and a fireplace beside it exhaled warm fiery light. The image projected by the Magic Web Terminal floated in mid-air, Victoria Wilder stood in front of the terminal, slightly bowing to the figure in the image: "Your Majesty, the third batch of craftsmen and young scholars heading to the southern borders has boarded the ’Highlander’ and departed. They all carry proof of credentials and are accompanied by guides and are expected to arrive at rocky ridges Harbor by Winter’s Approach."

Gawain nodded in the holographic projection: "Very good—by the way, your nephew is on this ship too, isn’t he?"

"...Yes, Fendil is on the ship," Victoria’s expression seemed to change slightly, but eventually settled into a rather indifferent calm, "I’ve sent him south to study. After all, as the future heir of the Wilder Clan, he can’t stop progressing."

"Don’t be too harsh on young people," Gawain laughed, "Besides, has there been any change in the situation in St. Soniel?"

"Everything is fine here. The Administrative Office is operating normally, and agents left by Director Amber are active in various places, settling many destabilizing factors and greatly advancing the work of rebuilding order. If all goes well, by next spring my presence here won’t be necessary."

"Hmm, the best outcome—you’ll be able to return north soon to personally handle things there—the stability of the Empire Northern Border is very important."

Victoria bowed deeply: "Yes, Your Majesty."

Gawain nodded in the holographic projection, then said: "Oh right, Maji is doing well here, Rebecca has become good friends with her, you needn’t worry."

"Thank you for looking after her," Victoria said, her expression still as cold and calm as ever, though sincere gratitude sparkled in her eyes, "Maji is my most trusted friend. I’m glad she’s able to be of help to you."

Gawain acknowledged with a hum, and then the atmosphere fell into a brief standstill and awkwardness.

When anyone converses with Victoria alone, the atmosphere tends to fall into a similar situation.

This Ice Duchess truly isn’t one gifted with words; her perpetually cold expressions often bring a chill to conversations, and once the business is concluded, only awkwardness remains between the conversers.

She is accustomed to this, but Gawain on the other end of the communication seemed somewhat unadapted.

Perhaps to find some topics to gracefully end the conversation, after a stretch of silence, Gawain suddenly said: "You’re not that young anymore... "

Victoria’s calm and indifferent expression instantly stiffened: "Ah?"

"Even though there’s Fendil, so you needn’t worry about succession, but have you considered settling down yourself?"

Victoria: "Your... Your Majesty?"

"You are only two years younger than Aunt Heidi, and you two have much in common; I recently urged Aunt Heidi that it’s time to settle down. Don’t mind me nagging—being somewhat of Snow’s friend, I’m obliged to look after his descendants..."

"Your Majesty, this matter... let’s not speak of it now," Victoria showed a rare trace of fluster, "I will consider my matters, I will!"

The Magic Web Communication was swiftly hung up from Victoria’s side, leaving Gawain sitting behind the desk, somewhat dazed.

Amber, standing by, couldn’t help but roll her eyes: "You’re getting old—from discussing business you could suddenly veer into urging marriage?"

"What’s wrong with discussing family matters after business?" Gawain appeared quite innocent, "And I only mentioned it casually."

Amber pursed her lip, seemingly wanting to mutter something further, but before she could speak, the office door was suddenly pushed open.

Aunt Heidi appeared at the doorway holding a large stack of files and walked towards Gawain.

Seeing that overwhelming stack of files in her hands, Gawain felt a dull ache in his forehead.

With the mentality of sharing his headache, he glanced up at Aunt Heidi and casually said: "Aunt Heidi, you’re not that young anymore either..."

Aunt Heidi froze, unable to even begin talking about the file’s business, before feeling a sudden chill over the back of her head...