TWOTCL

LXXll-74

“Your Grace, everything is ready. It’s time to depart.”

At that moment, a technician appeared from behind. Hadeon turned his gaze to the airship. The engine of the vessel they were about to board was already running.

“I’ll be there soon.”

Nodding, Hadeon fixed his eyes on Elysia, trying to detect any changes in her condition. However, she kept her lips tightly shut as she moved towards the airship. As she neared it, the immense wind blew her skirt and hair around.

Having overheard the entire conversation between Hadeon and Viscountess, Elysia gritted her teeth and forced herself to move forward. The intense emotions, mixed with her physical weakness, pushed her to the brink. Her vision blurred with pain, and she was overwhelmed by disappointment and despair. At the same time, an indescribable sadness engulfed her. With a heart clouded like paint mixed into a murky black, Elysia averted her gaze from him and stepped forward.

As she found the steps leading to the airship, she hesitated but then started as she saw broad shoulders ahead. Hadeon had approached and was supporting her shoulders. His presence shielded her from the wind’s resistance.

“Let go…! I can do it myself!”

Elysia shouted, feeling her heart lurch. She felt the stares of the surprised technicians around them, but she couldn’t hold back her emotions at that moment.

“Are you out of your mind? Get on board quickly before you get blown away.”

However, Hadeon didn’t release his hold on her shoulders and waist. He frowned as he ordered her harshly.

“I told you to get on board and shut up. Do you know where you are? Do you think you can do as you please here?”

With reddened eyes, Elysia glared at him fiercely before turning her head sharply in anger. She accepted his escort and boarded the airship safely.

Hadeon withdrew indifferently as soon as she sat down in her seat. Even this small action made Elysia’s emotions waver like waves. She tasted blood in her mouth, having bitten the inside of her lip. One thing was certain: if it weren’t for the immense anger she felt, she would have collapsed by now. Only her intense rage seemed to support her weakened body. Otherwise, she would have broken down thinking about the conversation Hadeon had just had with the viscountess.

“All airships are automatically piloted via magical compass and have predetermined landing spots. However, in case of emergency landing, I will explain the operation method. Adjust the pressure by turning this dial, and simultaneously press the pedal to reduce speed. And then…”

While Elysia sat, catching her breath in a seat that could fit about three people, technicians came forward for final checks.

Soon, the airship began to depart. The unfamiliar sensation of floating made Elysia grasp the chair with both hands, forgetting her earlier frenzy. With the surroundings open, the strong wind was almost too much to handle. Her golden hair flew wildly. Unconsciously, she looked at Hadeon. Standing at the instrument panel, he maintained an upright posture as if he had previous flying experience.