Battle War; Magic, Sword and Dragon

Air Ship's

"Avalon floating island or also known as Avalon paradise park. If true, this year's location is completely unexpected."

"I agree too. Could they have a special reason?"

Charlmilia doesn't know. Only the committee has the answer.

Avalon floating island is indeed very special. According to legend, the floating island of Avalon was actually a land that split apart and then floated in the air. The cause remains a mystery to this day.

A lot of research has been done to solve the mystery. But the place still hides its mystery as if it does not want to be revealed.

Some theorize that the floating island of Avalon has a magic field so unique that it makes the island float. There are also those who say about curses, the power of gods and much more.

But in the end no one knows the exact reason why the floating island exists.

"We have absolutely no idea what the committee is thinking. I heard that all Battle War venues are Dad's choice. Given who he is, we can only assume that the place was chosen because it has so much meaning to him."

"Do you want to say that this year's Battle War will be different from the year before?"

"...maybe."

He did not dispute that possibility. Moreover, right now they were familiar with a unique existence like Kuro.

At the thought of that, he remembered with the reason why they had to win the Battle War.

Charlmilia strengthened her grasp unconsciously. He wanted to say "stay a little more" to her.

"That's possible. We better think about how we got there. Fila, do you have any ideas?"

The floating island of Avalon is located quite far from the city of Areshia, which is about 500km. The distance from the capital is also not close.

Given that magicians could run for 100km for only a few hours with the help of magic, that distance was actually no big deal.

"Hm... What about an airship? We can go to the city of Amaria and then go to the city of Gehenna."

Gehenna is the closest city to the floating island of Avalon. More precisely, the city was indeed built near the floating island of Avalon.

Amaria is the closest city to the city of Areshia. The city was bigger and advanced, yet it did not have a magic school. And because many merchants who come to the city, transportation such as airships is available there even if only once every 2 days.

"That's not a bad idea. Airships can move faster than trains. To go to the city of Gehenna, it will take several days. But if I could I'd like something faster than an airship."

"If we can use the imperial facilities, maybe we can find something faster than an airship. Too bad we can't use it. The other option is to enlist the help of a witch who can use teleportation magic."

Travel by air boat can reach two more days depending on the weather. Although advanced transports such as airships began operating 20 years ago, their numbers are limited. Airships are also very dependent on the weather. In winters like this, the snow can fall quite heavily.

The most common way is with either a horse-drawn carriage or a Maltea carriage, but in this season the journey using the carriage will take longer. Then they also have to prepare themselves with their money.

"I don't mean to say that we can't get on an airship. In this situation our best option is to board an airship. For the teleportation witch, we don't know any of them at all."

"You're right, then?"

"The problem is that the number of airship tickets is limited and quite expensive. For money is not a problem, but if we don't hurry, we'll run out of tickets. I think in this matter I will use my status as princess."

"Aahaha..."

Fila just smiled wryly. For the first time he heard Charlmilia use her power as princess.

Charlmilia looks excited. There must be another reason why he's like that. For now, Fila will follow him.

"Then it's decided."

"Un..."

✡️♦️♦️✡️

The next day, Fila and Charlmilia prepare for their departure to the city of Gehenna, precisely the floating island of Avalon.

They carry necessary items such as change of clothes and daily necessities. Do not forget also the weapon in the form of a dagger as minimal protection. They can use Magic Beasts or Magic Arm, but it is allowed in case of emergency.

"Fila, is it all?"

"Attent. I'm checking for the second time."

While Fila does that, Charlmilia talks to Sagita and Gemini about what they will do as bodyguards.

"You know what you have to do, right?"

"That's not a problem. You can count on us, daughter of Charlmilia"

Charlmilia smiled with satisfaction. As a Holy Knight, he didn't have to worry about the two of them. He wanted their trip not to be too flashy (though it was difficult). Cooperation with both is needed in this matter.

Fila and Charlmilia wore their school uniforms. For Sagita and Gemini, they wear ordinary clothes that make them like ordinary women that are found easily.

"Charls. Everything is ready. Before that, is it okay if we don't say goodbye to them?"

Of course Charlmilia knew who Fila meant.

"Ugh. I think that's a very bad idea. I can imagine Kurober saying "you haven't left yet? We got there yesterday". Or something..."

"Ah... I get it."

They want to prove that they're growing and don't need Kuro's attention anymore, but that's another story when Kuro taunts them. It was like a nightmare.

Then surely 'that guy' knows too. It made them even more humiliated after the challenge given to them.

"We'd better get going soon."

Fila nodded. He understood it better they were quick than to talk about unnecessary things.

The four of them went to the city of Amaria by horse-drawn carriage. Gemini and Sagita serve as coachmen.

The train they rented was a normal car that was not too luxurious. This is in addition to aiming to avoid attention, they also do not want to be the target of robbers or bandits.

Robbers could be said to be quite rare to find in the empire. Besides they will be immediately exterminated, most security is quite strict and criminals will be immediately sentenced to death if convicted of serious crimes such as murder. Many say it's a cruel punishment, but it's effective at making people afraid of crime.

Another factor why the crime rate in the Houou empire was quite low was because they were not in any shortage of food or finance. Most of the people have a decent life. And if you do not have a job, residents simply go to the nearest government office to ask for a job that suits their expertise.

Of course the system in the empire could not be said to be perfect, but almost all the people in the empire felt quite satisfied with what is now. Then the imperial policy that will never attack other countries makes the citizens feel calm because there is no need to fear war.

Unfortunately another story if another country attacked. The Empire would unhesitatingly use all the available strength to defend and defeat the enemy. In history has often been recorded many countries that try to do it, but what happens is exactly the opposite.

"...ah. snow is falling."

Charlmilia looked towards the window. Snow slowly fell covering the land and bringing a cooler wind than usual.

The scenery that became all white gave its own impression on them. It reminded them of the evidence that time had passed.

"I play snow every year for a while. This year it seems like I can't do it."

Fila leaned her head against the window. He was so enjoying the view.

"Ahaha.I didn't expect you to have that side. You can play snow next year. Right now there's something important we need to do. "

"really. We can't back down with the decisions we made in this year's Battle War."

Battle War time held in mid-winter is also a factor that they take into account.

3 Weeks later is the time when snow falls heavily. Even frequent snowstorms are quite disturbing and dangerous.

Then the worst is that the floating city of Avalon has the highest snowfall rate compared to other regions. Not only fighting with other participants, they also had to fight with the weather.

"We have to be really prepared. This was also an opportunity because the power of the fire magician would drop in a season like this."

"Fila, you're being too serious. You have to remember we can't underestimate Laila."

"I never underestimated him. I just want our chance to win bigger than one percent."

"...you're right."

One percent is a small number, but that number is enough to give them a win.

Then the trip had no significant problems. Occasionally they saw a six-legged white rabbit known as the Light Snow Rabbit. They were harmless and their flesh was often hunted for food, but they were extremely agile even for the witches. This is the reason that makes their meat quite expensive.

"I can catch them if I want to, but I can't bear it at all."

Of course for adventurers, their faces had absolutely no meaning except the source of money.

"I see what you mean. They're so funny. Unfortunately their white fur will fall out in the summer. It makes your current feelings disappear without a trace."

A few hours later they arrived in the city of Amaria. From far away they could already see a stark difference when compared to the city of Areshia.

In addition to a special place for landing airships, the city of Amaria also has a gold mine located not far from the city. This makes the economy of Amaria better than the city of Areshia even though it does not have a magic school.

Then in addition to gold, the main commodity of the city of Amaria is jewelry. Because the source of gold is close, many residents work as miners and artisans.

As usual, when they enter the city, they must show their identity. Because they didn't want to show off, they didn't mention there was a princess in the carriage. Instead, Sagita and Gemini only mention the identity as bodyguards escorting the general's daughter.

They're not at all flashy.

The knight guarding the gate saw within the carriage, and they instantly understood what the two meant.

"I didn't think at all about creating a fake identity or a pseudonym like Kuro"

"Your face is well known throughout the empire. It's just that you do it."

"Ugh... I didn't think about this at all. Being the princess doesn't make you live quietly."

In the end they entered the city of Amaria without any problems. They wanted to head straight for the airship port, but they still had plenty of time before leaving.

They went down to a luxurious inn not far from the port. They had already booked a room in advance, so the process was quicker.

At the sight of Charlmilia, the inn receptionist instantly knew who their guests were today. He just drove her to the best room.

"Ha... I know being the princess is the center of attention, but this..."

The Charmilia had no choice but to sigh when they saw the luxurious rooms they occupied. This is not the room they rented.

The rooms they had rented before were just ordinary rooms with one bedroom. They purposely used the inn to rest before the airship departed. They could have done it on an airship, but once again the status of Charmilia became a problem.

"You cannot expect to get the same treatment in the city of Areshia. And maybe I should tell you this, but there's a rumor going around that the townspeople are getting notice to treat you like normal. It's done so it doesn't stress you out."

"W-What...?! I just heard about it for the first time!"

Charlmilia panicked and was shocked. He heard something extraordinary.

He then glanced towards Sagita who was accompanying them in the room with a question mark filled gaze. But Sagita just turned his head in the other direction as if the answer he had given.

"It's lies... "

Charlmilia immediately limp. This was something he had never expected before. He remembered that the schoolmates also treated him with respect at first, but suddenly they treated him as usual.

If it's rethought, it's not normal unless someone does something. It seemed that he had to rethink the treatment he had received and the affection from Sei even though they were not parents connected by blood ties.

"But it is for this reason that we ask Gemini for help to find a useful magic tool to disguise. You can't come out until he arrives."

"Ha... I hope nothing strange happens later."

"Charl, I hope you never say that. Kuro said, it caused the flag to be triggered."

"Flagged? What'sthat?"

"Either... I don't understand either."

Soon after, Gemini arrived with some things. There are many options they can use. The magic robe that made the aura of the wearer become thinner, the Shadow Cloak. A bracelet that has the function of changing hair color and there are even herbs that change sex for several hours.

"...I understand bracelets and robes, but isn't that a pretty dangerous potion?"

"Oops, sorry princess. It was a personal item and had absolutely nothing to do with the mission. I just wanted to offer because I thought you were interested in trying it."

"..."

Charlmilia could see the thin smile Gemini was trying to hide. He had absolutely no idea what he was thinking by giving away a strange item.

In the end they chose to use a bracelet. Charlmilia's hair color became sea blue. Fila became a blonde. To be more convincing, they change their hairstyle so that it looks like someone else.

"It's a good magic tool. With this I won't be found out."

Charlmilia looked happy when she saw herself as different from the person she had always known. It was as if he saw someone else.

"For the sound I think it's not a problem. Now I understand why Kuro likes to go undercover."

"Your husband, I got a good idea. What happens if Kuro sees our appearance?"

"""That's a bad idea!!"""

"Who!!"

Charlmilia did not expect to get a reply from three people at once.

But how else. Kuro is able to recognize Alva and Alvi who look so similar. With just a different hair would instantly make Kuro recognize them.

♦️♦️♦️

After lunch, the time the plane left arrived. The four of them climbed up quickly after giving away the tickets.

The port of an airship is a special place that resembles a basement. Passengers can directly board the deck, but the main body of the airship is in the underground section.

In addition to the tickets, the passengers were also checked whether they were criminals or not by a magic tool that showed criminal footage or wanted people.

Of course, this method is not entirely effective if faced with a magician who is able to create Magic Arm or Magic Beast freely. To counter this, each airship would be supervised by several Knights.

The shape of the airship itself is not much different from sea ships, but the striking difference is the presence of a wing on both sides of the ship that will stretch if it has been lifted in the air. In addition to the ship's engines being on both sides, there are also being on the rear with larger sizes that serve as the main thrusters and engines. Its shape at a glance resembles a seashell shell that emits wind element magic particles.

"Cabin number 7. This is our place. Princess Charlmilia. Please come in."

"Thank you."

Their cabin could be said to be special for VIPs. Large room with bed and bathroom. Then with minimal equipment, but luxury. It was as if they had entered a hotel.

But there's one problem.

"There are only two beds. Sagita and Gemini sleep on the left. Me and Filaakan are right."

"Um. We told you we don't need anything like that, daughter Charlmilia."

Gemini refused.

"We are both your guards. There's no need to treat us like this. We can sleep on the floor anyway." Added.

"And I've told you many times to be ordinary if there's only four of us. I understand it's your job, but I also think that if the treatment of me was meant to keep my distance from me, I was wrong?"

"..."

"..."

Both of them did not argue and put on complicated faces.

This topic had been discussed many times, so they knew where this conversation was going. Gemini and Sagita cannot change their treatment.

For them it is a mission and a big responsibility. Escorting a member of the imperial family was a great honor that was impossible to bestow for a second time.

Then if they could be raised to be bodyguards, then they could also be replaced. They couldn't have done something that made the honor disappear.

"Charls.. "

Charlmilia. He's capitulating.

For now.

"alright. Then I command you to sleep there. You guys seem to like me doing things I don't want to."

Charlmilia's face was really upset.

Then after the announcement from the captain of the ship, the airship began to leave the land towards the sky horizon.