The Airship Circumnavigating The World

The next day.

-“Prince Ian and Prince Rabin strengthen their fraternal bond.”

-“Doicheun Empire concentrates forces once again near the Leman Federation border?!”

-“Nubea Kingdom proposes in-kind compensation for war reparations—Polia Royal Family rejects it.”

-“Massive wildfire in the western mainland—arson or natural disaster?”

-“Serial killer appears in the capital—police forces mobilized for pursuit.”

-“Massive airship launched from the Magnia Empire, currently traveling the globe—scheduled to arrive in Pullea this afternoon.”

As Ian skimmed through the morning newspaper, he noted that many things had happened. What most caught his attention, of course, was the article about the Fifth Prince, Rabin, who had attended the housewarming party the day before.

‘Fraternal bond, my ass. He just showed up at the party. What a fabricated load of…’

Ian was sure the journalist responsible had been bribed by the Fifth Prince. What also caught his eye was the news that the Doicheun Empire was once again massing troops at the border with the Leman Federation.

‘What’s that about? They haven’t even had time to recover their lost battleships, and they’re already moving troops?’

Though it was an inland matter and might not involve naval forces, provoking the Leman Federation could easily spark reactions from the central Moria Empire and the northern Noma Empire as well. Still, Ian dismissed it with a mental shrug—let them deal with it.

There was also a piece about the Nubea Kingdom struggling to pay reparations.

‘Seems they’re in a tough spot too. Trying to pay with goods now?’

Apparently, the king had rejected the offer. If they insisted on paying in kind, conflict might flare up again. Ian considered the possibility that he might be sent there too.

‘Could I even be dispatched, being part of the 1st Fleet?’

Technically, he belonged to a special detachment and wasn’t strictly bound to homeland defense—so it was possible. His thoughts drifted to another article: a large fire in the west, which had fortunately been extinguished by rain. Then came the shocking news that a serial killer was active in the capital.

‘Someone’s out there just murdering people?’

Truly, the world was full of crazy psychopaths. The fact that the police had been mobilized gave him hope they’d catch the killer soon. His gaze then fell upon a black-and-white photo of a giant airship launched by the Magnia Empire, floating majestically in the sky.

‘An airship circling the world, huh? This is clearly a display of imperial power.’

The Magnia Empire, largest in the eastern continent in both territory and population, was undoubtedly flaunting its technological supremacy. A world tour via airship was the perfect way to show off that they were number one.

‘It might be worth seeing.’

Since it was scheduled to arrive in the afternoon, Ian figured he might as well go see the massive ship floating in the sky. Just then, his steward appeared with a steaming cup.

“Warm honey tea, Your Highness. It should soothe your stomach.”

“I was feeling off from drinking too much last night. Thanks for preparing this.”

“Think nothing of it—it’s my job, after all.”

“Still, you helped the party run so smoothly yesterday. I’m counting on you next time, too.”

Ian took a sip. The hot honey tea warmed him, easing his stomach. The truth was, after the party, he had continued drinking with the officers well into the early hours. Everyone had been pretty drunk, and Ian had arranged for them to get home safely.

‘They might nag me for coming home late, but they can’t really complain—not after what I gave them. Heh.’

Each of them had received 50,000 grang, so any late-night drinking was easily excused. Though he suspected one or two might have pocketed the money and pretended otherwise.

While Ian was musing, the steward glanced at the newspaper on the table and commented,

“The city’s been in quite a stir due to that serial killer.”

“Have the maids go shopping in pairs, with an attendant. It’s too dangerous to go out alone these days.”

“Understood, sir.”

The steward was moved by Ian’s care for his staff. In his 25 years of service, he’d never seen a master like this one. He truly felt fortunate to serve such a kind lord.

“Also, I plan to go out around 10.”

“I’ll have the chauffeur prepare the car.”

The steward’s quick and intuitive reply once again affirmed for Ian the importance of having a steward. With a house, staff, and vehicle, life has become much easier.

As the hour neared 10, Ian changed into proper outing attire and stepped outside. In front of the now-functional fountain at the mansion gate, a sleek black car waited. Standing beside it, the driver bowed as soon as he saw Ian.

“Good morning, Your Highness.”

“Take me to Rune Park.”

“Understood. Please get in.”

The chauffeur opened the rear door. Once Ian got in, the door closed, and the driver took his seat, started the engine, and drove past the gushing fountain and across the garden before exiting through the main gate onto the street.

The car followed the road out of Orga Street and headed toward Rune Park, which was located along the river that cut through the capital. As they drove, they encountered heavy traffic.

“Quite the traffic jam. Everyone must be heading out to see the airship.”

“Ah, is that today? The airship thing?”

“That’s what they say. Let’s do this: drop me off, then go park and wait by the park entrance.”

“Very well, sir.”

Ian got out of the car and pulled his fedora down low. To avoid being recognized, he also raised his collar to hide his face. As he walked toward Rune Park, he saw many others heading the same way.

There were families, couples—everyone looked excited.

‘People really are curious about the airship.’

Well, so was he. Honestly, he had nothing else to do today, and this was the only interesting event. Compared to life in Korea, things here offered very little entertainment.

‘They don’t even have game consoles to kill time with.’

Without the advancement of electronics, replaying old games was out of the question. Thinking such thoughts, Ian soon reached the entrance of Rune Park and stepped inside.

Within the park, even more people were gathered. It seemed anyone in the capital with time and money to spare had come out. As Ian ventured further in, he saw that even street vendors had set up booths inside the park.

‘No matter the era, there are always people who know exactly where the money gathers.’

Thinking that, Ian continued walking until he reached a wide, open area. Some people had already settled into their spots. Seeing them, he looked around for a place to sit and spectate at leisure.

‘That spot looks good.’

On a sloped hill, many people had already gathered. There were a few open patches, and Ian was able to take one of them. As expected, no one seemed to recognize him. With his collar turned up high to cover his face, it was only natural.

‘Besides, there are so many people that no one’s paying attention anyway.’

While people-watching, Ian noticed that a large landing zone had been prepared in the center of the field. It looked like they had been contacted in advance and built it accordingly. A number of staff moved about, working and keeping people away from the central area.

‘Even the police have been mobilized. They should be chasing that psycho killer, yet they’re stuck here instead—how troublesome.’

As he thought this, the area filled up more and more, people pouring in until the field was completely packed. Easily more than 50,000 people were gathered. It was clear how much anticipation the airship had stirred.

‘To be honest, an airship is pretty unnecessary.’

They were slow, highly flammable, and extremely vulnerable to wind. Considering all that, developing airplanes made more sense than building airships. Just as Ian was thinking this, someone shouted:

“There! The airship is coming!”

Looking around, Ian saw several people pointing toward the sky. Following their gestures, he saw something approaching. What he heard first was the distinct engine noise of propeller planes.

‘Fighter planes?’

Indeed, several fighter aircraft zoomed overhead, much faster than the airship itself. Judging by appearance, they were clearly Polia Kingdom fighters. They must have been dispatched in advance for escort duties.

The planes performed a sweeping loop around the park before returning to formation.

‘Now comes the main event.’

Then, the main vessel began to appear. Moving slowly through the sky, its massive silhouette came into view. Despite all its drawbacks, one thing was clear—airships were colossal.

‘So that’s the Magnia Empire’s airship.’

The giant vessel, entirely painted white, now floated over the park. Its sheer scale inspired awe. Citizens of the Polia Kingdom stood frozen, entranced by the floating behemoth above them.

‘A definite display of imperial might.’

Even Ian, well aware of its many flaws, couldn’t help but clench his fists at the sheer scale of it. It felt like facing a giant wall. As he watched, the airship began to descend toward the landing zone at the center.

As it came down, thick ropes were dropped from its hull. Crew members below scrambled to grab them—each rope so heavy it took two people to hold steady.

The ship rocked as it descended. Just as they were securing the ropes and Ian was wondering whether it was about to land—suddenly, a strong gust of wind swept through.

Whooooosh—!

‘Oh no. Why wind now…?’

The sudden gust hit the airship just as it was landing, causing it to tilt sharply. People nearby gasped in shock as the giant vessel leaned off balance—and, unfortunately, in Ian’s direction.

‘Why is it falling this way!?’

He had just come to watch, and now he was about to get caught in an accident. Not that he was really in danger—he had psychokinesis, after all.

‘At that size…’

Unlike solid metal ships, airships were mostly hollow and much lighter. Since it was already floating, it should be easier to manipulate. Zzzzt—Ian activated his power, halting the incoming airship. The falling vessel stopped mid-tilt, suspended in place.

‘…Still ridiculously heavy.’

He realized it was heavier than expected. Fortunately, the airship’s propellers were working against the tilt, trying to stabilize the ship. His psychic force combined with the engine thrust to restore balance.

Gradually, the airship returned to its proper alignment.

‘Phew, that did it.’

It didn’t look too unnatural. Since wind had caused the tilt, it would make sense that another gust—or luck—restored it. Around him, the crowd was visibly shaken.

“W-We almost died, didn’t we?”

“That was terrifying…”

“Why did we even sit here?”

“Screw it, let’s move.”

The spectators near Ian quickly fled their spots. It had been dangerous. If Ian hadn’t been there, hundreds—perhaps thousands—might have been crushed by the falling ship.

‘Maybe I should move too.’

Ian stood up and began shifting to a new spot, thinking it would be bad to stay where people might start noticing him. Meanwhile, the airship, having narrowly avoided disaster, finally landed safely.

But what Ian didn’t know… was that someone who was meant to die that day… had just been saved by his intervention.