Chapter 7
They rode through the night, and by the time dawn was near, they reached a wide clearing after pushing through thick brush. Liberte saw nothing unusual, but the knights sighed in relief, saying they had finally arrived. Iseris stretched his massive frame and smiled tiredly.
“Faster than you thought, right?”
Liberte and Rosemary still looked puzzled. Smiling in satisfaction, Iseris raised his hand toward empty air. His blue earring glowed, the space rippled like water, and then melted away—revealing a great ship in the clearing.
“Welcome aboard Nortr’s airship, Your Highness.”
He bowed with exaggerated courtesy. The ship was large enough that one could board even on horseback, its sails fluttering though there was no wind. Liberte cautiously stepped aboard, followed by the knights.
Iseris told her she could rest in the cabins, then removed his earring and pressed it to the ship’s wheel. With a thunderous sound, the ship rose into the air.
“May I ask—what exactly is that earring?”
Liberte, curious, looked at Iseris as he put it back on. She had seen it flash before, once thinking it a trick of light, but after watching it just now, she had to ask.
“It’s called a Dragon’s Tear Stone. Supposedly made from a dragon’s tears, filled with magic. I don’t know magic myself, but it’s very convenient. Lets you talk across distance… and lets a ship like this fly.”
Liberte owned a few magical trinkets but wasn’t knowledgeable. Still, this was different: the ship really was flying. She leaned on the rail, gazing at the forest far below with excitement.
Iseris warned her not to lean too far, making her laugh. Rosemary laughed with her. The forest soon flowed away beneath them.
Iseris explained they would reach Nortr’s castle in about a week. A journey expected to take three months cut so short—it left Liberte astonished.
When she eagerly suggested this technology should be brought into the empire, he shook his head, saying it only worked within certain boundaries protected by a “barrier.”
Liberte felt it was a pity.
Soon she retired to rest as Iseris advised. The knights vanished with the horses, already asleep. Unlike sea-ships, the airship barely swayed, and lying in bed, exhaustion overwhelmed her. She fell asleep instantly.
***
When she woke again, it was deep night. Taking a sheet for warmth, she stepped onto the deck. At this high altitude, the air was cool. Stars glittered as if they might fall from the sky.
Dim lanterns, lit by magic, did little to challenge the endless starlight.
At the bow, she noticed a tall shadow leaning against the rail.
“Sir Levitt?”
Startled, Iseris turned quickly, about to bow, but she stopped him with a gesture and moved to stand beside him. The breeze brushed past their ears. A river glimmered below in the moonlight.
“You’re not resting?”
In a relaxed shirt, Iseris smiled at her. She returned a faint smile and looked ahead over the endless sea of forest.
“Beautiful, isn’t it? This is my favorite sight.”
Liberte nodded. He explained that whenever returning home, he always came out at this time just to watch.
Indeed, it was worth it. She glanced at him, and he leaned on his chin, watching the starry horizon with a bright expression.
“Sir Levitt, what kind of place is Nortr?”
At her question, Iseris chuckled. “I may not be objective—I love it there. But it’s beautiful. The people are kind and simple.
Winters are harsh, but summers are especially lovely. The sunlight reflecting off the snowcaps and into the forests… you can’t help but fall for it.”
She murmured, half-smiling, “You really do love Nortr.”
“Well, yes. It’s my home. Hunting monsters can be hard, but it’s all I know. And when the villagers thank us, it feels worthwhile.”
His sharp eyes softened. Liberte thought of her own childhood—her father carrying her to see villagers’ smiles. If she had ruled a domain, she wondered, would she feel the same way?
“And what of your Duke?”
Her sudden question caught Iseris off guard. He turned his eyes toward her but saw no hint of her thoughts. Unsure what answer she wanted, he spoke honestly.
“He’s… admirable. Even as a man, I think so. He’s who I most want to be like. Born talented, but never neglects training. Thoughtful, diligent. I’m sure he’ll treat Your Highness well.”
He looked at her with a shy smile. Liberte only nodded silently, lost in thought. Iseris shrugged.
“Well, you’ll see for yourself soon enough.”
***
A week later, at dawn, the ship descended into a secluded clearing by Nortr’s castle. Several people waited there.
The ship touched down slowly. Iseris disembarked first, knights following with the horses. He knelt before the man at the front.
“Iseris Levitt, with two knights, reporting back from the capital.”
The man nodded, then turned to meet Liberte’s eyes, bowing gracefully. Liberte returned the gesture, wishing she had a dress to look more formal—but circumstances hadn’t allowed it.
“I am **Yuraha Restid Frosta, Duke of Nortr. I greet Princess Liberte Somia Crois. Forgive me for not receiving you in person.”
At last—the true duke. He raised his head and smiled warmly. Liberte studied him. Just as Iseris had said—nothing about him matched the terrifying image of Nortr’s warlord.
Even at this early hour, he looked pristine. His long hair, tied with a wide blue ribbon, shone white as snow.
His pale blue eyes, soft as a winter lake under morning sky, curved kindly as he smiled. The Duke of Nortr was a man of gentle bearing and beauty.
“You must be tired after such a long journey. A place has been prepared for you in the castle to rest.”
He bowed slightly again, then turned to the knights, granting each of them a week’s leave. Alexis whispered to Rosemary that they would take the horses to the stables, and just like that, the heavy atmosphere scattered as if blown away. Liberte smiled faintly—it seemed unreal.
She and the duke both watched the knights depart until even their shadows vanished. Then the duke turned back, still smiling softly.
He excused himself, promising to meet her again at dinner. Bowing once more, he departed.
A modestly dressed maid stepped forward to guide Liberte and Rosemary to their chambers. As they followed, Liberte glanced back. Even from afar, she could see—the Duke was still standing there, smiling.
