Chapter 35

When Viela was summoned by Director Drescher, she was first taken to the development department's room. There, the upper echelons of the Magic Bureau had gathered, and at the center were failed magical artifacts, intentionally overlapped with different types to cause failure, and other items that had failed in development.

She was ordered to deactivate them, and with a light analysis of the magical formulas through her magic, she quickly deactivated each one. The people of the Magic Bureau looked at her with shining eyes, praising her as the most talented in deactivation among the young. They also informed her of the poor situation at the expedition site.

After borrowing a boundary division uniform that was easy to move in and preparing herself, Viela headed to the square where the divine beast knights were waiting.

"Such a magnificent griffin..."

There, waiting for her was a male griffin, larger than Albertina, and a middle-aged knight with a gentle demeanor.

"Ah, you're here! I'm Gerald Hessen. I've been assigned to transport you, so please take care of me."

Hearing his name, Viela's body stiffened. Even she, who was unfamiliar with social circles and didn't even accurately recognize Lucash, knew this was a big catch. The former head of the divine beast knights, now the supreme commander overseeing all knights, including the palace knights. The only superior of the hero Lucash.

"Why is the supreme commander doing the transport!?"

"Your fiancé requested it. He wanted the best griffin rider to transport you. I was the best among the remaining griffin riders. I'm happy that Lucash is becoming kinder to his colleagues and griffins!"

Gerald laughed heartily but soon became serious.

"In the worst-case scenario, if we need to exchange the stone tablets, the danger level will increase, so I want Lucash to focus on combat. Even the excellent Clement will have a heavy burden as a leader with fewer experienced supporters. I will likely take overall command, so I want to see the situation beforehand."

"I see."

The place they were heading was a region within the country where many monsters lived, known as the expedition hell due to its extreme elevation changes. Viela realized that whether or not she would replace the boundary stone there would determine her magical skills and fate, and her tension grew.

"Viela, it might be difficult not to be nervous, but focus on your skills and experience. It's good to sort out your feelings while flying."

"...Yes."

"Then let's depart immediately. Do you want to ride in the back or the front?"

When she rode Albertina before, the back made her feel like she was going to die. So she chose the front and was carried in the same way.

Lucash had done the same, and Gerald's arm wrapped around Viela's stomach as the griffin took to the sky, bringing her back closer to him. Despite the awkwardness, she didn't feel particularly embarrassed, realizing that it was because of Lucash that she had been conscious of being touched.

(I wonder how Lucash is doing now?)

If they had to replace the stone tablet, the expedition period would be extended, and Lucash's break would be further delayed. Even he, who trained daily and had extensive experience, said the expedition was tough.

(I want to end the expedition and give Lucash a break. For that, I need to deactivate the collapsed magical formulas.)

With this strong awareness, her anxiety lessened. Viela felt a surge of determination and looked toward the sky where Lucash was.

While resting at the local knight dormitory and moving, they received a message and entered the airspace of the expedition site two days later in the morning. On the mountain slopes, boundary stones were lined up at a distance. They confirmed that the Skiamaus, a type of monster, came out of the forest but quickly retreated, proving that the boundary stones were working properly.

However, when they looked deeper, they saw many dark gray dots, indicating a group of Skiamaus wandering near the border. In the sky, griffins were flying and diving close to the ground.

Next, they shifted their gaze to the domain hall at the foot of the mountain to check the ground situation. The surface was dry and exposed, with no vegetation. The road, made for people and horses, was paved with stone slabs but was a steep incline, winding to make the slope less steep.

(If we can work systematically and slowly, it would be one thing, but I don't want to think about replacing the stone tablet while being afraid of monsters.)

Viela shuddered at the thought of the worst-case scenario, imagining herself being involved in the stone tablet replacement.

"Are you still scared of landing?"

Gerald chuckled, misinterpreting the cause of her shudder. Viela wanted to deny it, but the word "landing" made her tremble again. She couldn't hug Gerald directly, so she screamed every time they landed for a break. She couldn't get used to it.

"Please, slowly."

"Hehe, just kidding. I always land as slowly as possible. Here we go."

Before she could prepare herself, the griffin shifted to landing mode. It circled the domain hall twice to signal their arrival and then landed in the back square where other griffins were gathered.

The divine beast knights, who had been tending to their partners, quickly lined up to welcome Viela and Gerald. Lucash was there too, and he immediately ran to them. Seeing her fiancé after three weeks, Viela's heart thumped.

"Supreme Commander Gerald, thank you for your cooperation this time."

"Of course, I couldn't leave this to the young ones. Don't worry. More importantly, support your fiancé. She seems weak when landing. Her steps are always unsteady."

"Indeed. I heard her screams clearly. Viela, come here."

Lucash opened his arms to catch her. Since Gerald's griffin was larger and higher than Albertina, the help was appreciated, but Viela hesitated. Seeing his face reminded her of the bet with Duchess Helmina Ambrosius and made her conscious of the possibility that Lucash might have feelings for her, so she turned away.

(Why can't I look at Lucash's face properly?)

While she was confused, Gerald had already dismounted. The griffin, which didn't like carrying others without its partner, shook its back, urging her to get off quickly.

"Kyaa!"

Losing her support, Viela lost her balance. Frightened by the fall, she reflexively threw herself into Lucash's chest. Strong arms wrapped around her back and the back of her knees, catching her firmly. She ended up in a bridal carry.

"Are you okay?"

Lucash's deep, rich voice sounded close. She had heard his voice near her ear before, but this time it was even clearer. Convincing herself it was because it had been three weeks, Viela tried to calm her rapidly beating heart.

"Yes, thank you."

As she tried to get down, Lucash tightened his arms in a bridal carry, ignoring her.

"Lucash?"

"Sorry to involve you, Viela. I will definitely protect you, so please lend me your strength."

His voice was filled with determination. When she looked up and met Lucash's eyes, she saw a flame of fighting spirit in the cold depths. Looking around, she saw the other divine beast knights nodding strongly, their pride as knights who protect the weak evident.

The sense of security covered her anxiety and tension. Feeling the joy of being needed, she felt motivated.

(With Lucash and the others so serious, I can't be shy. Now, I need to focus on deactivating the magical formulas. I've deactivated more formulas than anyone else in the technical department!)

Viela changed her mindset and nodded firmly.

"I'll deactivate it. Let's return to the capital together."

"Sure. When we get back, let's celebrate with some good wine."

"Yes! I look forward to it."

Viela's smile made Lucash's expression soften.