Princess's Struggle for Survival-Chapter 215: Charlotte Explanation on Airship

"Miss Lydia, it’s been a while. You look as beautiful as ever."

In the reception hall, hearing Astrid Calliste, known as the brightest gem of the Valeria Empire, compliment her, Lydia’s eyes curved into crescents as she replied softly, "Princess Astrid, you too."

Noticing the black-haired girl holding Astrid’s hand, her cheeks still showing a hint of shyness due to the surrounding guests, Lydia added, "Miss Livia, it’s been a long time."

She had often heard that Princess Astrid had a tendency for short-lived interests, perhaps growing bored with friendships quickly, as she had with her former close friend Sally, cutting ties without hesitation.

But now, it seemed Princess Astrid was surprisingly loyal, even doting on her adopted sister. Some rumors were truly unreliable.

"My father is attending the morning meeting and will arrive later. Princess Astrid, could you tell me about today’s arrangements?" Lydia asked.

Astrid smiled graciously and replied, "It would be my pleasure."

After a brief conversation, Astrid outlined the ceremony’s schedule. Hearing that the large covered structure outside was the magic airship, Lydia’s curiosity grew.

"Will I get to board the airship today?"

"Of course. Miss Lydia, you’ll even be able to see the entire Capital from the airship."

Hearing this, Lydia’s eyes sparkled, and she unconsciously grabbed Astrid’s hand.

"I’m looking forward to the test flight," the girl said cheerfully.

Who could resist the chance to look down on the city they had lived in for years, a city of gold and splendor?

Seeing Lydia’s excitement, Astrid felt a sense of relief at the girl’s innocence.

Such a naive yet well-mannered girl was rare. Minister Florence had raised her well.

"Allowing those without the ability to fly to conquer the skies, that’s why we’re researching this," Astrid replied softly.

After chatting with Lydia, Astrid noticed a plainly dressed young man nearby, an acquaintance from her past. She smiled and approached him.

"Lord Tristian, I heard you recently returned to the capital. How have things been?"

Hearing Astrid’s neutral, business-like tone, Tristian quietly stared into her eyes, those red orbs as calm as a cold, deep pool.

Since his return to the capital, Astrid had shown no reaction, as if she didn’t know about it at all.

"Thank you for your concern, Princess Astrid. Everything is fine."

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Astrid bid Tristian farewell and went to speak with others in the hall. Tristian watched the silver-haired princess, walking in high heels like a butterfly, and frowned slightly.

By 10:40 AM, a fleet of carriages arrived at the manor. Besides Emperor Hibbort, four ministers from the council were also present.

"Good morning, Father."

"No need for formalities, my dearest daughter."

To blend into the ceremony, Hibbort didn’t wear his stern emperor uniform but opted for a softer brown casual outfit.

The only symbols of his status were the jasmine-shaped emerald medal on his chest and the imperial scepter in his hand.

Gregor walked behind Hibbort, his expression calm. For now, he seemed to set aside his ideological disputes with Charlotte over magic devices, attending merely as a spectator.

Charlotte had actually built this thing...

Though his face showed nothing, Gregor’s emotions were complex. This wasn’t just about Charlotte fulfilling her promise in the imperial newspaper by creating a massive airship capable of conquering the skies but also about the political maneuvers involved.

Charlotte planned to have the emperor board the airship for a tour of the capital, meaning anyone who tampered with the vessel could be charged with attempting to harm the emperor.

Such an accusation, if proven, would be unbearable even for a prince.

Pondering whether this was Astrid or Charlotte’s idea, Gregor dismissed the former.

Astrid lacked the capability, and this move didn’t align with Lucas’s plans, there was no reason for them to fall out over this.

Attributing it to Charlotte, Gregor sneered inwardly and followed Hibbort into the reception hall.

It was a risky move, intimidating some while placing herself in extreme danger.

If anything went wrong, even if Charlotte’s Arcanist level mage abilities ensured a safe landing, it would be a significant blow to future developments.

But considering how the Empire monthly had already set the stage for this event, Charlotte was merely adding chips to the bet.

Meanwhile, Astrid received word that Charlotte had finished her preparations and asked her to bring the guests to the site.

Clearing her throat, she used a simple amplification spell to address the room.

"Everyone, the ceremony is about to begin. Please follow the maids to the manor’s exterior."

---

Fifteen minutes later, at the northwest corner of the manor, Charlotte had modified a magic workshop near the airship’s assembly area to ensure guests wouldn’t have to brave the cold.

Arriving at the scene and taking their seats, a black-haired woman in a violet gown and silver open-toe heels stepped onto the stage.

Charlotte looked at the gathered nobles, knowing this ceremony was crucial for the future of magic devices.

Her gaze swept over Gregor, paused on her good friend Elowen, and finally settled on Astrid, sitting elegantly beside her.

Steadying her thoughts, Charlotte began.

"First, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for attending this ribbon-cutting ceremony."

"I believe everyone here shares at least some interest in magic devices. As published in the Empire Monthly, through exploration and experimentation, we’ve discovered the boundless creativity of magic devices and sought to apply these sparks of wisdom to reality."

Charlotte didn’t need notes; her Arcanist level mage memory sufficed for this speech.

"Fourteen years ago, Lady Fanya laid the foundation for today’s magic devices by combining crystal stones, magic arrays, and carvings. Over time, we’ve indeed benefited greatly from this new discipline..."

"Lights replacing torches, kettles that heat water automatically, bathtubs that provide water, freezers that make ice cream effortlessly, these magic devices have added countless conveniences to our lives. No one can deny their value."

"Just as the universally acknowledged greatest mage, the spell creator Gemini, integrated Elders Speech into today’s common language, helping people master the ability to fly, we hope magic devices can build on this foundation to achieve even more..."

With that, the crisp sound of high heels echoed in the hall as Charlotte turned, revealing the transparent glass and the massive black curtain behind her.

"This is my answer."

As she finished speaking, the black curtain began to ripple from below, small gusts of wind lifting the fabric, faintly revealing the dark hull of the airship.

---------

Even before construction began, Astrid had given Elandor a few suggestions or rather requirements, asking him to increase the capacity and scale of the passenger cabin as much as possible based on the original plan.

She wanted to ensure that the airship could accommodate enough tourists and give them an overwhelming sense of awe in terms of its appearance.

Elandor implemented this idea while adding his own understanding.

As a result, when the curtain was lifted, the airship revealed to the audience was only the tip of the iceberg.

Gregor saw the giant object behind Charlotte, his pupils slightly contracting.

Originally, he thought that such a large piece of cloth was supported by several wooden poles, creating the grand scale before him.

But when Charlotte used a gust of wind to reveal the truth, Gregor realized how conservative his initial thoughts had been.

The massive airship towered over the banquet hall where the guests were gathered, even blocking part of the sunlight. The shadow it cast covered a vast area of land.

"This airship is 82 meters long and 21 meters wide, primarily made of ironwood, with metal patterns symbolizing the national flower of the empire embedded around it..."

Charlotte stepped aside, allowing the guests to better see the masterpiece they had spent over half a year creating.

"During takeoff, fire elemental crystals are used to heat the air, causing the gasbag to expand and generate lift. Wind elemental crystals are distributed around the airship to artificially control its trajectory, ensuring it doesn’t rely entirely on wind and currents like early sailing ships."

"The gasbag is made from the leather of the Sabertooth Wolf, which provides both elasticity and sufficient strength to prevent it from being ruptured by the hot air. The connection between the upper and lower parts of the airship is made from the tendons of the Magic Rage Bear and iron chains. These materials ensure that the airship won’t tear apart due to excessive driving force during normal flight, greatly ensuring the safety of the passengers..."

Charlotte’s gentle voice echoed through the venue, and all the guests turned their attention to the magical machinery behind her.

Hibbort gazed at this magnificent masterpiece of craftsmanship, his deep blue eyes flickering with contemplation.

Beside him, Gregor unconsciously furrowed his brow, forming a subtle contrast with the calm and composed Minister of Finance, Florence, who sat to the emperor’s left.

The older attendees could still control their emotions, but younger ones like Lydia were less restrained.

The young girl stared at the magical airship in the distance, her watery eyes filled with astonishment.

Even her hands, which had been clutching her skirt, unconsciously loosened their grip.

Although he had been prepared, Tristian was still struck with intense surprise when he actually saw this legendary flying beast.

He turned his head to look at Astrid, who was sitting in the corner.

She elegantly crossed her black-stockinged legs, her snow-white hand resting on her smooth chin, as if she were just an audience member rather than one of the creators of this airship.