Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 146: Shadows of the Future

Hekate flops down onto one of the comfortable chairs in the airship's lounge, where everyone regularly gathers. It's a little boring without Daniel and the Dragon Empresses to stimulate her, even if it's usually teasing in Ryuogriar's case. But, regardless, she's far from alone.

Wenlianna is working on some drawings for new magic equipment, and Aramellianna is overseeing the lecture Haldestania and Bunnrimae are undergoing for their etiquette training. The Grand Duchess is still weakened and bruised, but Magnir is standing by her side, ensuring he's ready to protect her or evacuate her at all costs.

Seeing Wenlianna and Aramellianna reminds the young feldrok girl of a conversation that was had with Daniel, though maybe it's several conversations that all added together.

When Wenlianna excuses herself to go to the small micro-lab she has near the engine room, Hekate follows her.

"Wenlianna!" calls out the fox-eared girl as she jogs close.

"Oh! Hekate! Wh-What can I do for you?" asks the magic artisan.

"I... um... I was just... wondering something..."

"You were? Something I can help with?"

"Yes. Well, er... I mean, it's about you, so... um.." Hekate fidgets awkwardly, and the eldest Stalvaltan daughter looks around briefly. She perks up. "Ah! My room is just over here. Do... you mind if we head there to chat privately? Maybe it'll be easier to say."

Hekate nods gratefully, and she follows the brunette to her room. There, they both take seats to get comfortable.

"I won't rush you, so take your time."

"Thanks... I was just wondering... C-Could... Do you think... the dragons...?"

Wenlianna cocks her head, not knowing what Hekate wants. "Are you... worried about the dragons being the target of whoever attacked Mother?"

"N-No... Well, yes, but... I meant... They spend the most time with Daniel..."

"Oh... Hekate, I am touched that you are worried for me, but life happens. In the... hopefully off-chance that I'm infertile, perhaps we can find a solution. But, I think it's just one of those things."

Hekate slumps a little, flattening her ears in disappointment. Wenlianna quickly jogs over to sit with her, holding her to comfort the young empress. "I'll let you know first thing the moment I know."

Hekate nods in agreement. "Good. I just wish I could do something to help."

Wenlianna scoffs. "If it weren't for you, this airship wouldn't be nearly safe enough to protect us."

Hekate smiles. "I'm happy for that. So, then, how is the other thing going?"

"Other thing... Ah! You mean the emergency medical device?"

"Yes."

"With Great Aunt Reina having departed, we'll hit a bit of a snag. Miss Doephluev's magic is profoundly helpful, though. I'm not sure how or why it was forgotten, but the archoneldwyn... Their rune magic is some of the most complex and potent spells I have ever witnessed, short of the raw mana output of the dragons or you."

"But, what about... Will the curse affect it?"

"I... don't know..." admits Wenlianna softly. "Even if it works, I'm not sure how we'll recover him."

"Leave that to us," says Hekate proudly. "Xyreko has already tasked Daniel with finding ancient magic that can restore a soul back to life. So, as long as we can make something capture it,..." The young feldrok relaxes her posture to a gentle demeanor. "We'll be able to protect him for a change."