However, the impossible soon became reality.
The large bird circled the cement plaza, gradually descending in altitude. Haufford could clearly see the driver peering out from inside. The artificial object was larger than a carriage, and he simply couldn't comprehend how something so heavy could float in the air like a bird.
Other renda also shared the same thought.
When the iron bird roared past overhead, many workers even knelt down, assuming a prayerful posture.
Even a miracle could hardly be more impressive.
"Your sister, Andrea, is on it," Haufford Quinn added at this moment, "and the departure date mentioned in her letter was yesterday."
It took Haufford a long time to understand the meaning of the word "yesterday."
The instant he realized it, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.
Thousands of miles away, arrived in a day?
Now, this critical point no longer exists—his father's words echoed in his ears, and only at this moment did he realize how ridiculous his previous thoughts had been.
One after another, the artificial iron birds glided to the ground. When Andrea stepped out of the cockpit, Haufford couldn't wait to greet her.
……
A welcome feast specially prepared for the Graycastle witches was held in the royal palace of the castle. Although no nobles were notified to attend, the news of the visiting guests descending from the sky quickly spread throughout Glow.
Too many people had noticed this extraordinary scene.
After lunch, Haufford finally found an opportunity to be alone with his daughter.
To his relief, this time she was at least willing to call him father.
"Are you leaving this afternoon?" Haufford asked, somewhat reluctantly.
"Before sunset, we must rush to the Cage Mountain border to join up with the First Army," Andrea nodded. "If it weren't for the fact that this is everyone's first cross-border flight, the Seagull should have arrived in one day—in that case, there wouldn't even be time for a meal."
Crossing two kingdoms in one day! Even though he had already learned about this incredible mode of transportation from his daughter's previous letters, these words still shocked him. Although he had previously admonished Haufford for not recognizing the changes in Graycastle, he himself was not much better. Haufford sighed inwardly before stroking his chin and saying, "You guys actually made such a big commotion on purpose, didn't you?"
Andrea finally revealed a hint of a smile, "You saw through it?"
"I always felt that the plane didn't need to circle for so long before landing," Haufford said helplessly. "With this, I'm afraid the people in the southern district have heard its roar. Of course, it's an excellent reminder to those nobles who have been a little restless recently."
"That's just one consideration. Another point is to reassure the people," she shrugged. "I heard that traces of demon beasts have also been discovered within the borders of Dawn. If we can let those residents know that the Graycastle army also possesses flight capabilities, panic won't spread so easily."
"It's indeed a multi-benefit approach. Did the Northern Pearl come up with it?"
"No, it was Princess Tilly."
When mentioning the name of the Wimbledon's eldest princess, Haufford noticed a hint of pride unconsciously revealed in his daughter's eyes, as if she felt honored to be associated with her. It seems she has indeed made good friends in Neverwinter, Haufford thought. He nodded and changed the subject, "By the way, have you really not thought about inheriting my position?"
"Why are we talking about this again?" Andrea raised an eyebrow. "Didn't I say that I'm not interested in the Dawn throne? Are you not satisfied with Haufford?"
"He's a qualified nobleman and has a flair for business. If it's just the title of Earl, I don't think there should be any problems," Haufford shook his head. "But the problem is that Haufford, like other nobles, places too much emphasis on profit. Many people in the family can't understand everything I've done. They don't understand that the current sacrifices are for the better consolidation of the family's position."
Since he became the Lord of Dawn, the Quinn family's mindset has changed more or less,
and the adopted son is no exception. In the past, Haufford would never have dared to say in front of him that you don't seem like the Lord of Dawn, but like a subject of Roland Wimbledon. Either someone is instigating him from behind, or he already considers himself the next king.
The word Your Majesty is indeed intoxicating, but power hides equal risks behind it. He doesn't want Haufford to follow in Anpei's footsteps.
And there was another point he didn't mention, which was that with Haufford's identity, it would be difficult to convince the other two major families.
In fact, the Rossi and Tocat families are willing to support him largely because those two heirs are willing to serve Andrea.
"That's something you need to solve," Andrea said indifferently.
"If you're not willing to take over for me, then I'll have to break the throne and pass it on to the other two families to share," Haufford said with feigned regret.
"Are you willing to do that?"
"What's there to be unwilling about?" he said half-jokingly and half-seriously. "I can save myself a lot of trouble then. After the war is over, maybe I can move to Neverwinter City to keep you company and enjoy my old age."
This wasn't just an off-the-cuff remark. If Roland Wimbledon wins the Battle of Divine Will, will he still maintain the existence of the Four Kingdoms? Haufford didn't think so. The Quinn family was able to get to this point purely because of the opportunities of the war. If Andrea was on the throne, Roland might not take any action, but it would be hard to say if it were someone else.
As he said before, the "distance" used to maintain the balance had been broken.
Andrea stared at him for a long time, and ultimately didn't respond, but Haufford could feel that his daughter's eyes had softened slightly compared to the past. After a while, she finally said, "It's time, I should go."
"Remember to take care of yourself," Haufford resisted the urge to reach out and touch his daughter's head. "If you have time, I'll go to the front lines to see you."
"... You too." Andrea turned and left the room.
Haufford took a deep breath and leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes.
He hadn't forgotten the decision he had made a year ago.
To make up for the mistakes of the past, he was willing to spend the rest of his life.
……
Four hours later, the flying team safely landed in Thorns Town at the foot of Cage Mountain.
In less than two days, transferring through four cities and crossing more than a thousand kilometers - this unprecedented emergency support operation was destined to be recorded in history.
Iron Axe, Brian, Edith and others were already waiting for everyone's arrival at the airstrip. After a brief handover, the witches were invited into the war command headquarters located on the hilltop. From the solemn expressions of the staff officers, it could be seen that the current situation of the First Army was indeed not optimistic.
Iron Axe spread out a large map on the long table and nodded to everyone, "Next, I will explain the current battle situation to everyone."