Winter was approaching, and the temperature was dropping day by day. The lush greenery on both sides of the Gorgon River had become bleak, and there were fewer pedestrians on the banks. Only a few larger caravans would occasionally appear on the banks, and most of them appeared on the west bank.
The plains on the east bank were still barren, and on that burnt land, the wounds of the war were far from healed.
A low whistle sounded across the river. The steel plate covered bow split the water and advanced on the Gorgon River with its head held high, leaving the slow old cargo ship far behind. The Highlander, the arcanotech ship that sailed between the north and the south, sailed on the water like a proud swan. The enchanted wings on the sides of the ship were raised high in the cold wind, sprinkling spots of light on the ship's side.
A blonde young man in a dark blue jacket stood by the side of the ship, looking at the still barren east bank of the Gorgon River, his eyes deep and slightly melancholy. A gust of cold wind from the north caught up with the new mechanical ship, and the young man could not help but tighten his collar as he turned back to his cabin.
A warm breath greeted him.
The interior of the cabin was simple, but clean and comfortable. There was a small desk by the window, and on the desk were ink, paper, and pens.
The young man came to the desk and sat quietly for a while, then he took a piece of paper from the side, picked up a pen, and with a calm expression, wrote a paragraph of words on the paper that was sent far away:
"My dear Flower of the Mountain.
"The further away I am from home, the more I miss you. This long journey was the beginning of my life, and I never thought that I could leave my hometown and come to such a far place …
"… Although it was lonely occasionally, this journey was still interesting. I saw many people and things, and after my horizons were broadened, I realized how shallow my life was. There were a lot of things that couldn't be learned from books. Just like what my father said in his early years, a truly excellent playwright should have an unforgettable journey, so that they could break away from those rotten piles of paper and truly grow up. But speaking of which, it was a little frustrating. My father actually didn't support my trip …
"You know, he is a cautious man, and as he grows older, he has become more cautious in recent years …
"I don't think you'd like to hear this, so I'll tell you what I've seen and heard on my journey.
It's hard to imagine how the mages and craftsmen in the Southern Territory created this kind of creation. It's a huge magic device, and many of us live in the belly of this huge magic device day and night, sailing with it all the way. If there's a chance, you should really give it a try … Although the ticket is expensive, I think it's worth it.
"… The battlefield is on the east bank of the Gorgon River. When I saw it, my inspiration and thoughts kept surging. What kind of soul-stirring and great war would that be? The brave warriors resisted the tide of monsters on the scorched plains. The Knight, the soldiers, and the mages. Every day that they held their ground was perhaps more moving than any cliché Knight story …
"… In the lower cabin below me is a family from Saint Sunil. They used almost half of their belongings to exchange for a ticket to the Southern Territory. In the words of the male owner, they want to 'try their luck in the South'. On this ship, it seems like many people are like this. The capital of the Empire is set in the South, attracting many people to seek a way out there. These people will talk about the future when they come out for a breather, and sometimes they also talk about their lives in their hometown. Most of them live in the cheapest lower cabin, and some like me live in the middle cabin, but we are all looking for new opportunities …
"My dear, you can't imagine what kind of scene this is. I know, I know it's not as romantic and exciting as Knight described, but when I'm in it, I feel an emotion that I've never felt before. So many people, with hope, are heading to a foreign land. Many people say that this war has destroyed the ancient and solemn order of the kingdom and messed up everything, but I feel that something new is waiting for us in front.
"I don't know if you can understand it, but it … is as fresh as the river breeze that I blew on the ship today. Although cold, it's invigorating.
"Compared to the story of Knight and the princess, isn't what happened on the ship more suitable to be placed on the 'stage' that I've imagined?
"The one who will always love you and miss you — Firme."
With a smile on his face, the young man carefully wrote the last punctuation mark, and then carefully folded the letter and put it away. The next time the ship docked, he could give the letter to the crew in charge of this matter, and let the crew take it to the shore. At the price of one silver coin, the letter could be properly delivered to the north. Of course, if he was short of money, he could also choose a "cheap letter" that cost ten copper coins, but it was said that he might lose it, so he would not choose that.
Footsteps came from outside the cabin, and then there was a knock on the door. Firm got up and opened the door. A young man in a gold and blue silk coat, with short silver hair and a bright smile, stood outside the door.
This was a friend he had made on his journey, a northerner named Fendill. He was a cheerful and friendly friend, and also had an outstanding upbringing. Firm did not know exactly where he came from, but on this ship to the south, the two of them traveled together and got along very well.
"Hey, friend," the silver-haired young man said with a smile. "It's almost lunchtime. Do you want to go to the restaurant together?"
"I'd love to." Firm also smiled. He walked out of the cabin and closed the door behind him. "I'm hungry."
The two young men talked and laughed along the way. They walked past the open deck, the closed corridor, and the travelers who were on this mechanical ship to the South one after another.
A tall and serious man walked past them. He was a pharmacist from the North, holding a certificate from the Craftsmen Association and an employment contract from a factory in the South. Although he had a serious face, he was a generous and good man.
An old couple walked past the corridor. They were from Brentard, west of Saint Sunil. They were said to be watchmakers.
A few young men and women were walking up the stairs in front, wearing rough linen clothes. They were very careful when they walked up, but their eyes were shining when they talked to each other. They came from Saint Sunil and stayed in the lower cabin below. With the travel expenses and a little hope of their family, they also had a 'recommendation letter' signed by Grand Duchess Victoria. They were also heading south to find a new life there.
There were craftsmen in dire straits, scholars in pursuit of knowledge, businessmen looking for business opportunities, and even old the Captical Mages who were looking for magical technology.
Some were extremely wealthy and lived in luxurious first-class cabins. Some were poor and shabby, barely able to make ends meet after pooling together a ticket for a low-class cabin. Some were on a mission, carrying the orders of a certain merchant, tycoon, or even a certain noble to the south. Some had nowhere else to go and left their homes, boarding this ship as if they were fleeing for their lives.
And this mechanical ship that carried out the "Cecil's Order" was like a miniature city floating on the Gorgon River, accommodating everyone in its huge belly made of a mixture of steel and wood. It sailed on the cold river, carrying everyone's dreams to the legendary land.
The buzzing sound of the mechanical cabin came from behind the partition in the corridor, and the magic-powered magic crystal lamps shone on the corridor leading to the restaurant. The young man named Fendill slowed down beside a rune device that was exposed due to maintenance. He seemed to be curiously observing this automatic magic machine. Firm's voice sounded beside him. "Incredible thing, right? I heard that it's everywhere in the South. "
"That's what I heard too …" Fendill smiled. "Tell me more about your idea, I'm really interested …"
"Of course, my friend, but you should also tell me about yourself. Why are you going to the South? Are you also looking for opportunities? "
"Aha … I didn't want to when I set off. I was forced to come here by a letter from my aunt …"
"Oh? Then it sounds like your aunt is a very powerful person. She can chase a stubborn fellow like you out with just a letter. "
"… Haha, indeed, maybe she's the most powerful person in the North, and all of us are afraid of her …"
The silver-haired young man laughed. His hearty laughter was like the rough mountains in the North, and it made Firm laugh as well.
A low whistle sounded across the river. On the windy Gorgon River, the 'Highlander' spread its wings like a proud swan. The steel plate covered bow of the ship split the water, carrying passengers looking for opportunities and futures to the South.
…
The crystal glass blocked the cold wind outside the window, and the fireplace spat out warm flames. The image projected by the magic network terminal floated in the air. Victoria Werde stood in front of the terminal, bowing slightly to the figure in the image. "Your Majesty, the third batch of craftsmen and young students sent to the South has left on the 'Highlander'. They all have proof and are accompanied by someone to guide them. They are expected to arrive at Rock Harbor on Winter's Eve."
Gwen in the holographic projection nodded. "Very good. By the way, is your nephew on this ship?"
"… Yes, Fendill is on the ship too." Victoria's expression seemed to change slightly, but it was still cold and indifferent in the end. "I ordered him to go to the South to study. After all, as the future heir of the Werde family, he can't just stop there."
"Don't be too harsh on young people." Gwen smiled. "Other than that, are there any changes in the situation in Saint Sunil?"
"The situation here is good. The government office is fully functioning. The MIB officers left by Director Amber are active everywhere, 'dealing' with a lot of unstable factors and greatly promoting the restoration of order. If everything goes well, I won't need to be here in person next spring. "
"Hmm, that's for the best. You can also return to the North as soon as possible to deal with the matters there personally. The stability of the North of the dynasty is very important."
Victoria bowed her head deeply. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Gwen nodded in the holographic projection, then said, "By the way, Maggie is doing well here. Rebecca has become very good friends with her. You don't have to worry."
"Thank you for taking care of her," Victoria said. Although her expression was as cold and indifferent as ever, there was sincere gratitude in her eyes. "Maggie is my most trusted friend. I'm very happy that she can help you."
Gwen nodded, and then the atmosphere fell into a short period of stiffness and awkwardness.
When anyone talked to Victoria alone, it was inevitable that the atmosphere would fall into a similar situation.
The Snow Duchess was not a person who was good with words. Because of her cold expression, she often made the atmosphere awkward during the conversation. Once the business was finished, there was only awkwardness between the conversationalists.
She was used to this, but Gwen on the other side of the communication seemed to be a little uncomfortable.
Perhaps to find something to talk about to end the conversation smoothly, Gwen suddenly said after a moment of silence, "You're not young anymore …"
Victoria's calm and indifferent expression suddenly became a little stiff. "Huh?"
"Although there's Fendill and you don't have to worry about the issue of an heir, don't you think about starting a family yourself?"
Victoria said, "Your … Your Majesty?"
"You're only two years younger than Heti. The two of you are too similar in some ways. I advised Heti a while ago that she should start a family. Don't think I'm long-winded. I'm more or less a good friend of Snow. I should take care of his descendants … "
"Your Majesty, this … this is not the time to talk about this." Victoria showed a rare hint of panic. "I'll think about my own matters. I'll think about it!"
Victoria on the other side of the communication was hung up in a hurry. Gwen sat behind the desk, a little stunned.
Amber, who was standing next to him, could not help but roll her eyes. "You're really old. How can the topic change to urging marriage?"
"What's wrong with talking about family matters after business?" Gwen seemed to be quite innocent. "And I'm just saying it casually."
Amber pursed her lips and seemed to want to mutter something, but before she could speak, the office door was suddenly pushed open.
Heti appeared at the door with a large pile of documents and walked towards Gwen.
Looking at the pile of documents in the other party's hands, Gawain felt a faint headache coming on.
He did not want to let himself have a headache, so he looked up at Heti and said casually, "Heti, you're not young anymore …"
Heti was stunned. Before she could say anything about the documents, she felt a chill behind her head …
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