A massive crowd had gathered in the clearing, leaving Eros deeply confused. Aren't we going to the Imperial Capital? Why are we stopping in our own backyard?

  He voiced his confusion, but Duke Lenka’s response only piqued his curiosity further. The Duke simply offered a knowing grin: "Just wait. It’ll be here any second."

  Sure enough, it didn't take long for the answer to reveal itself.

  A low, resonant whistle of a steam siren echoed from the heavens. A tiny black speck emerged from the fringe of the clouds, gradually expanding as it descended toward the estate. As it drew closer, Eros finally saw what it was.

  An airship?

  Duke Lenka slapped Eros on the shoulder, chuckling at his son's stillness. "Shocking, isn't it? I was stunned the first time I saw one. To think that without a shred of alchemy, using nothing but human craftsmanship, such a colossal iron behemoth could soar through the firmament... it's truly beyond imagination."

  Eros fell into a contemplative silence. How should I play this? Should I put on a look of utter disbelief to match the mood? Technically, it was just an airship. Though he had never seen one in person in his past life, he had seen thousands of images online. However, to indulge his father’s pride, he managed a perfectly timed expression of wonder. "This... is truly incredible!"

  Beside him, Undine’s mouth had already hung open in a perfect 'O' shape.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

  Eros couldn't resist. He reached out and nudged Undine’s chin upward to snap her mouth shut. Undine reacted instantly, swatting his hand away and shooting him a murderous glare. Eros merely gave a cheeky grin.

  Estelle watched her two "troublemakers" with a weary fondness and let out a light cough. "That’s enough, you two."

  The siblings instantly composed themselves, turning their attention back to the massive iron vessel as it made its final descent. With a heavy, metallic thud, the airship touched down and stabilized. The butler immediately signaled for the servants to begin loading the prepared luggage.

  As the crates were moved, Duke Lenka pulled his children aside for some final instructions. "Once you arrive in the Capital, go see your eldest brother and fourth sister first. They manage the clan’s affairs there. If you need anything, go straight to them."

  "I sent word via Shadow Crow a few days ago," he continued. "The ducal manor in the Capital should be cleaned and ready for you. You can move in immediately, though if you wish to stay with your mother’s family for a while, that’s perfectly fine too."

  Eros listened intently to his father’s ramblings and nodded. "I’ve got it, Father."

  The Duke felt a sense of relief regarding his son; Eros had been brilliant and sensible since he was a toddler. However, glancing at his daughter—who was vibrating with excitement and clearly hadn't processed a word he said—the Duke sighed.

  "Eros... take good care of your sister."

  Undine immediately bristled at the implication. "I will take excellent care of my younger brother, Father! Rest assured!"

  "Hahaha! Of course, I trust you completely, Undine," the Duke laughed, lying through his teeth without blinking.

  Eros didn't bother to expose her. Watching Undine stand there with her head held high and her chest puffed out in triumph, he just curled his lip inwardly. Whatever, bratty sister.

  As the final trunk was hauled aboard, Duke Lenka knew the time had come. The young hawks were finally leaving the nest to claim their own piece of the sky.