After finalizing the subsequent course of action, Lynn turned to Jonie and spoke.
"Although we've successfully evaded the Church's pursuit this time, we've also destroyed a crucial trade route. Once we reach Eiyeta Harbor, we might face some reproach. When that time comes, I'll take responsibility and explain everything."
Jonie suddenly realized the gravity of their actions, feeling a wave of unease. However, seeing Lynn's calm demeanor, she found some solace.
The two then began to ponder the potential troubles they might encounter upon entering Eiyeta Harbor and discussed possible countermeasures. Finally, Lynn hesitated briefly before speaking again.
"By the way... from now on, you should address me as Lynn. This is a new alias I've thought up. Now that I've become a wizard, it's best to abandon my old identity, lest it brings trouble to my family in the future."
...
The massive sail warship drifted on the sea for half a month before finally escaping the shroud of fog, revealing the silhouette of a vast island on the horizon.
"Hurry up, give it all you've got! We're almost there—Eiyeta Harbor is just ahead!" Lauder shouted, rallying the sailors, none of whom wanted to linger in the cursed fog any longer.
At that moment, Lynn stood on the deck, gazing into the distance as the ship gradually approached, the port city coming into clearer view.
However, a few nearby patrol ships swiftly closed in.
These ships looked quite peculiar—flat and devoid of masts or large sails. Instead, a tubular structure jutted out from the ship's hull, puffing smoke as it moved.
Steamships? Lynn observed them with interest, and Lauder, noticing his curiosity, offered an explanation.
"These alchemical ships are unique to the Land of Wizards. They're much faster than the sail warships we're on and are less affected by strong winds..."
As they spoke, the sail warship, escorted by several alchemical ships, slowly docked.
The sailors expertly lowered the rudder and gangplank, where a wizard dressed in a blue robe awaited them on the pier.
"It's been a long time, Theodore, my old friend!" Lauder strode down the ship, embracing the wizard warmly before turning to introduce the two people behind him.
"This is Lord Lynn, and Miss Jonie!"
"How rare! It's been quite some time since we've had visiting wizards here," Theodore remarked, his scrutinizing gaze lingering on the two for a moment before continuing. "But still, welcome to Eiyeta Harbor. I'm sure you'll quickly come to love it here."
"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Theodore," Lynn replied with poised courtesy, while Jonie respectfully bowed.
After a few pleasantries, Theodore turned to Lauder with a curious look. "So, old friend, why have you personally come this year? And why on a sail warship? Did something happen?"
Had he not spotted Lauder on deck using his alchemical monocle, the port's magic crystal cannons would have already fired.
"The situation might be more complicated than you think. We need to meet Master Hellram to explain it personally," Lauder said gravely.
The seriousness in Lauder's tone wiped the smile from Theodore's face, and he frowned. "Master Hellram isn't at the academy right now, but I can take you to him."
Understanding the protocol, Lauder instructed all the sailors to remain on the ship and await inspection before leaving.
Since the distance wasn't far, they chose to walk rather than take a carriage, following Theodore into the city.
The inner city of Eiyeta Harbor was entirely distinct from anything within the Empire. The black asphalt roads were clean and smooth, and the wide streets could easily accommodate three carriages abreast. Rows of white-walled, red-roofed buildings stood in neat alignment, while the roadside trees and flowers were meticulously trimmed, exuding a rich Western classical charm.
Although both Jonie and Lauder had visited the Land of Wizards before, they still found themselves awestruck by the sight.
Lynn almost thought he had traveled through time again. If the people of the Secaes Empire still lived in a squalid medieval state, the Land of Wizards had leaped forward to the 17th or 18th century.
"Ah, look over there. Isn't it beautiful?" Theodore said proudly as they walked down a cobblestone street leading deeper into the city, pointing to a large fountain and a collection of diverse sculptures.
"The entire Eiyeta Harbor was designed by Master Raphael, who is the most renowned architect and sculptor in the Land of Wizards."
He must be a perfectionist... Lynn mused silently.
Every building in Eiyeta Harbor was perfectly aligned, with no difference between the left and right sides. If one side had a decorative flowerbed, the other side would have an identical one!
But after witnessing the city's grandeur, Lynn began to understand why most wizards preferred to stay in the Land of Wizards. After experiencing such an environment, who would want to return to the filthy, chaotic, and stinking Secaes Empire?
Throughout their walk, Theodore boasted about every detail of Eiyeta Harbor, from the roads to the architectural designs, even down to the materials used for each sculpture, all while relishing the looks of surprise and awe on his companions' faces.
Whenever outsiders arrived, Theodore couldn't help but feel a deep sense of pride.
Lynn curiously took in the sights of this unique harbor city, his gaze sweeping over every building. This ancient architectural style was something he had only seen in black-and-white photos from the archives. Yet, he couldn't help but wonder—why were there so few people on the streets?
After entering the inner city, they had encountered fewer than a hundred people.
As he pondered this, a commotion suddenly erupted ahead. Lynn looked up to see a large crowd gathering in the central square, with more people joining by the minute.
"Is there some sort of festival today?" Lynn asked, his curiosity piqued.
Theodore opened his mouth to speak but hesitated. Finally, he shook his head with a resigned sigh. "No, it's probably just a farce."