As Aiden and the others prepared to disembark from the ship, Edvard climbed to the bridge of his blue airship, Orion, and prepared to detach the rope connecting it to Aeliana. Meanwhile, Eldric made his way to the bridge of Aeliana, ready to lower the ship onto the sea's surface so they could sail toward the port.
The two airships, Aeliana and Orion, needed careful handling to avoid collision as they maneuvered. Edvard and Eldric communicated through the magic platform, coordinating the descent.
Eldric peered through the glass at the approaching island, its outline becoming clearer against the horizon. He activated the communication platform and spoke to Edvard.
"Edvard, wait for my signal to detach the rope. We're almost near the island. Also, steer east so we can head directly to the port."
Edvard's voice crackled back through the platform. "Understood."
Eldric placed his hand on the lever beside the mast, gradually turning it down. The lever controlled the magic engine, which regulated the amount of mana used to keep the ship airborne. As he decreased the mana output, Aeliana began its slow descent, much like a leaf gently falling from a tree. Edvard did the same aboard the Orion.
"Now, Edvard!" Eldric instructed.
With a swift motion, Edvard pressed a button, detaching the rope from Aeliana. He halted Orion's descent, creating enough distance between the two ships to prevent any mishaps.
Aeliana continued to descend, finally landing smoothly on the sea's surface. Eldric sighed in relief, a smile tugging at his lips as he admired the successful landing.
"Sigh, hahaha, it was just like landing a feather," he mused to himself.
-------------------------------------------------
Once both ships had docked at the eastern harbor of Baycoast Island's port city, Aiden and the others disembarked. Edvard jumped down from Orion and joined them on the dock.
*Tap tap*
Aiden, the first to step off the ship, had changed out of his usual attire from Moxi Island. He now wore a sleek black tuxedo, paired with a black dress shirt with a few undone buttons at the top, exposing his neck and a hint of his chest. His black shoes gleamed under the sunlight, and a black belt adorned with a golden sun emblem cinched his waist. On his right hand, he wore a golden ring that stored his possessions, including Rhitta, the Heavenly Lightning Sword, and his money.
Lora, walking beside him, noticed his new look and couldn't help but comment. "The clothes really do make the man, don't they, Saya?" she teased, winking at Saya, who was blushing slightly.
"We did a good thing when we bought these clothes for you, Aiden. You always wore those baggy battle clothes whenever you went out."
Aiden cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed. "Cough... Who said I don't wear formal clothes? I just thought these were more appropriate since we're traveling with royalty and all."
In truth, it wasn't Aiden who had picked out these clothes. It was Lorra, Saya, and the other girls who had given them to him as a gift during a shopping trip before they left. Aiden usually preferred loose-fitting clothes that could accommodate his transformation during battles, but the girls had insisted on something more refined.
Saya, standing behind Aiden, blushed even more as she admired his new appearance. The black tuxedo highlighted his striking features—his dark hair, and his green eyes, which gleamed like emeralds.
Eldric interrupted their moment, calling out, "Let's wait for the prince to come out, then we'll head to the prince's home."
Before Aiden could respond, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed from the harbor's entrance. The noise grew louder, signaling the approach of a large group. Aiden and the others turned to see a formation of soldiers in uniform, marching in unison toward them.
The soldiers halted in front of the ships, forming two lines and clearing a path. A knight, clad in dark red armor and mounted on a black horse, rode forward. The knight had the serious demeanor, his presence made more intimidating by the black eye patch covering his scarred right eye. His black hair and large beard added to his rugged appearance.
As the knight dismounted, he stood before Aiden and the others, awaiting the arrival of the second prince. It wasn't long before William emerged from the ship, dressed in a full crimson suit with black buttons, a black tie, and gloves. The royal family's crest—a white shield with a green eagle and a leaf—was prominently displayed on his left buttonhole.
"Thank you for coming to meet me, Marquis Matthew," William greeted the knight with a respectful nod. "I hope my uncle and I aren't causing you any trouble."
William's transformation from the casual adventurer on Moxi Island to a regal prince was striking. His new attire and commanding presence reminded everyone of his royal lineage.
The soldiers and knights, including Marquis Matthew, immediately knelt before him. "Welcome back to your home, Your Highness, Second Prince William."
William smiled graciously. "You may rise, my fellow knights. You have done well in awaiting my return."
Marquis Matthew stood and reported, "Your orders have been followed to the letter, Your Highness. It is our honor to fulfill your wishes. I also wish to inform you that Duke Sung's son is well and has been kept in the mansion."
The mention of Duke Sung's son, Anthony, who had caused trouble back at Aiden's mansion, reminded everyone of the man's arrogance. Marquis Matthew, however, seemed more focused on the present company and didn't the annoyance everyone showed.
As Marquis Matthew surveyed the group, his eyes lingered on Aiden. Recognition flashed across his face as he remembered seeing Aiden's face in the blacklist. Realizing who Aiden was—the 20-year-old supposed to be at the half-Saint level whose feats had stunned the continent—the Marquis was momentarily overwhelmed.
The Marquis felt a surge of excitement at the prince's connection to someone as extraordinary as Aiden. If he had known about Anthony's confrontation with Aiden, he wouldn't have hesitated to discipline the Duke's son, regardless of his noble status.
William noticed the Marquis's reaction and coughed, bringing him back to the present. Embarrassed, Marquis Matthew quickly composed himself and turned to the prince.
"Cough... As you wish, Your Highness. But before we proceed, I must share some important news with you."
William raised an eyebrow, noting the seriousness in the Marquis's tone. "Go ahead."
Marquis Matthew nodded and spoke with gravity, "Congratulations, Your Highness. Your older sister, Elise Lefia, is going to marry the crown prince of Kederawen Kingdom, Willard Julius."
William's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? Impossible!"
Lora, equally shocked, exclaimed, "What? Older Brother is getting married?"
Eldric, stroking his beard thoughtfully, added, "Hmmm, really? I wonder what King Harry is planning."
Aiden remained silent as didn't really care about this wedding but his curiosity piqued at the mention of Lora brother. What no one knew was that this marriage will affect not only the two kingdoms but the whole continent.
What does this marriage mean? What will happen during this marriage? and who is the one manipulating the strings behind the curtain?
Next Chapter: "I need to hear it from her".
Creation is hard, cheer me up! VOTE for me!
Like it? Add to the library!
Have some ideas about my story? Comment it and let me know.