Henderson Scale 1.0: An ending becomes impossible to reach due to a fatal derailment.
Since the Henderson Scale 1.0 of Volume 3 was an addition by Lord Drift, this is a commemorative continuation.
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4811fg/67/
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4811fg/74/
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4811fg/124/
This is the continuation of Lord Drift’s route from the aforementioned chapters.
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There was a grand banquet. Numerous round tables stood in the hall, their surfaces laden with sumptuous delicacies that were the result of great extravagance, labor, and ingenuity, creating a scene of utmost opulence.
It was horrifying even to contemplate how many gold coins had been budgeted for this event, and the venue itself was no less astonishing. It was situated hundreds of meters above the ground, offering a glittering view of the Imperial Capital below, its lamplights shining brilliantly in the distance.
Floating in the sky, the venue was officially referred to as “Thelresia,” named after Thelresia Hildegard Emilia Ursula von Erlstreich, the famous “Frail Emperor,” who had once been known throughout the empire. This ship, which bore her name, was an “Expeditionary Air Cruiser” that the Threefold Empire had constructed at enormous cost, equivalent to two years of their military budget.
Equipped with six closed-loop magical circuits and a “Magically Enhanced Helium Bladder,” the fortress of magic capable of flight could, without resupply or maintenance—though provisions for the crew were excluded—carry out operations for up to three years. It was a marvel of modern engineering, set to play a vital role both in the empire’s interior defense strategies and as a diplomatic liaison to foster ties with foreign nations.
This majestic behemoth, as it paraded through the air, unambiguously showcased the technology and military prowess of those who controlled it. Furthermore, equipped with an “Observation Ballroom” designed into the hull of its modular structure, the ship served as a gracious hostess, capable of inviting its guests into a leisurely journey through the skies, all the while maintaining proper decorum.
In times of war, the observation ballroom could be dismantled—in practice, this would take anywhere from three months to half a year—and transformed into bomb bays or dragon stables, allowing the ship to fulfill its role as a mobile fortress. Thus attired for war in its maiden voyage, the young lady was currently on the path of her first deployment.
In the future, this ship would serve under the banner of the empire alongside its sister vessels, conquering skies far and wide as the empire’s first mass-production-capable long-distance air cruiser. But tonight’s maiden voyage would not be just another leisurely flight.
Held in celebration of this vessel’s inaugural public launch—a grand event where it would officially take flight across the night sky—the banquet was a commemoration attended by figures of high importance.
Having already heard the words of blessing from the current Emperor and received a detailed explanation of the ship’s specifications from Professor Agrippina du Staal, the lead developer, the opulent ballroom, elegant enough to rival any part of the Imperial Palace, had now settled into a serene banquet of delight.
All the attendees were key figures involved in major affairs of the empire. Surrounding the emperor, one could see the smiling faces of counts, powerful lower aristocrats—many of whom, despite their lower rank, held financial influence that surpassed their upper-class counterparts—and other dignitaries. Dancing gracefully in harmony with the beautiful music were the distinguished youths of influential families. Even the children gathered by the windows, endlessly fascinated by the mesmerizing view of the distant world below, were all born of the empire’s proudest lineage.
There were others present too—those not of the Nobility—such as the heads of powerful guilds, prominent traders, leaders of banking syndicates, master craftsmen whose skills were essential to future construction projects, and many more. Should this ship, by some misfortune, fall from the sky, the very survival of the empire could be thrown into jeopardy, for everyone here was indispensable.
Amidst such illustrious company, however, one beautiful lady found herself at a loss.
She was a stunning woman, her platinum blonde hair, radiant and luxurious, flowing down her back, adorned with the grandeur of a fashionable gown that bared her shoulders. Her soft, melancholic gaze carried just enough moisture to captivate any man, and when she let a wistful sigh pass her lips—ones so enticing that even a ripe fruit would blush—many a man had been willing to cast aside all shame and throw themselves at her feet to erase her sorrow.
Though she had always used the fleeting beauty of the Human Race to deceive even the Long-lived Species, the beauty’s exterior showed no sign of such scheming. She had come tonight with high expectations, but found them somewhat unmet.
Among the gathered gentlemen, there was none who caught her eye, leaving her to quietly entertain herself in a distant corner at the innards of a wine shop. Though she was unmarried and could consort without guilt, there was a distinct absence of men worthy of even a single night’s encounter, and she let out an almost imperceptible sigh.
Sitting a seat away from the lady, someone quietly took a seat. Quietly and almost without notice, the figure moved with elegant grace, a subtle but inviting sweetness wafting from him. The scent was by no means unpleasant; rather, it gave a gentle uplift to her disposition and caught her wandering gaze.
A spark returned to her weary eyes.
“Excuse me, do you have any amber wine? Ideally, something from the main islands?”
“Certainly, we have just what you’re looking for. This is a renowned vintage from the central northern islands.”
“Hmm, it does look fine. Still, I wonder… which would taste better, adding water or ice?”
“Depends on your taste, but I would recommend trying it first as is. Since it’s a long-aged brand, tasting it raw and then enjoying its changes adds to the charm.”
“In that case, I’ll let you guide me. Could I have a glass?”
“Understood.”
As the amber liquid was poured into the illuminated glass, the man, clearly a sorcerer, seemed to revel in admiration of its hue.
The sorcerer’s long hair was combed intricately with a single lock falling to one side. His golden hair, braided like a crown, exuded an intoxicating charm, even in his perfectly composed appearance. His brilliant blue eyes, sparkling like the sapphire adorning his chest, could have been swapped with any gemstone in value.
Even with his well-honed physique, clearly not typical of a mage, he was an epitome of grace—albeit some might say, he’d have been perfect if slightly taller. His robe, a deep azure fabric undoubtedly of Eastern origin, was tailored by some of the finest seamstresses in the Imperial Capital.
Though the woman was unfamiliar with the sorcerer community, she decided this companion was adequate for the evening.
Such elegant clothing wouldn’t be afforded by a mere researcher. Being present here at all suggested a person of considerable standing—likely a professor, or possibly even a noble with lands.
“Hmm… good. The oak barrel aroma paired with a touch of honey-like sweetness gliding over the tongue… The aftertaste feels like biting into a seasonal fruit.”
The sorcerer smiled after savoring the drink, prompting the woman to take the usual approach. To attract a man fond of alcohol, one could play ignorance in matters of drink.
“Are you very knowledgeable about wines?”
“Hmm? Ah no, I just enjoy them.”
“Don’t be modest. I don’t know much about alcohol, though I do feel like having a sip tonight. Could you recommend something good?”
Having naturally shifted closer, she subtly adjusted her posture to ensure her movements were graceful but not ostentatious. Calculating the way her dress would flow with her movement, she skillfully exposed just enough of her neckline—not vulgar, yet certainly enough to catch the eye.
Most men, after such a display, would have greedily admired her enchanting figure, but curiously, the sorcerer showed no reaction, merely resting his chin on his hand, pondering quietly.
Somewhat surprised, she watched him instruct the wine shop steward to prepare a drink. Without comment, the steward prepared a tall glass, mixing a few wines before adding carbonated water—a cocktail, it seemed, quietly popular among the noble connoisseurs.
As she recalled the hours lost listening to a lecture on cocktails at some forgotten banquet, similar to this disappointing evening, her thoughts drifted. At that time, as today, she had reluctantly approached someone unworthy of her attention and endured the endless speech with great reluctance.
“Here, something a woman unfamiliar with alcohol should find pleasant.”
Contrary to her own unpleasant memory, the sorcerer offered the drink without divulging its name or origins, merely encouraging her to taste.
With one sip, she was delighted. The alcohol was mild yet satisfyingly smooth, sliding down the throat with a refreshing burst of flavor that won her over instantly.
“Ah, that I like.”
Apparently pleased by her response, the sorcerer gave a refined smile, causing her cheeks to flush faintly with embarrassment after such a long time. It felt as if there was something peculiar about the way this man carried himself, something she hadn’t encountered in a while, and her usual rhythm was slightly thrown off.
As time passed, there was no immediate offer of a second drink when the glass was nearly empty, and their time continued in an exchange of conversation, the woman initiating conversation with the otherwise silent man.
When questioned about his drinks, the sorcerer simply shared, in short answers, what he liked and perhaps recalled a fleeting anecdote when probed further.
Every suggestion he made was perfect for her palate, though he shared little more than the name and preparation. Never did he elaborate on the origins or stories behind the wines he recommended, contenting himself with brief explanations after the fact.
When she complimented him as a professor, a remark she believed any man would find gratifying, he merely chuckled, modestly dismissing his lofty position with a simple “merely a distant member of an esteemed family.” Probing about his associations yielded no results beyond an ambiguous mention of a fondness for animals.
He shared little about himself, asked little about her. Yet their conversation was surprisingly engaging, full of wit and culture. Gradually, the woman began to feel something stronger for this enigmatic man, one who seemed as difficult to understand as magic itself.
As she toyed with her tongue in the sweet taste of wine, contemplating how best to approach him, their private space was suddenly broken.
“Master, where did you disappear to… drinking again, I see?”
“Ah, caught me.”
The young woman, magnificently dressed, had golden hair and blue eyes, reminiscent of the sorcerer’s but not quite alike due to the paler hue of the former and the darker, somber blue of the latter. Her attire, though modern, was more eccentric, featuring ruffled frills and pleats, creating a sugary elegance that was unmistakably unique to her. If it wasn’t for the ceremonial staff she carried, typical among mages, one might have mistaken her for anything but.
“Lord Raizenitz is looking for you, he wishes to see your formal attire.”
“Hmm… isn’t this enough? I came dressed in something appropriately uncomfortable.”
“That won’t do. Lady Remhildt is dressed too… It might be worth talking to her tonight.”
“Hmm…”
“Besides, I saw Lord Schupongheim mingling with the gentlemen but you’re supposed to be his escort.”
“Ah, understood… Honestly, my disciples are clever. They understand me all too well.”
“…And what about our agreement for you to teach me more about the ship?”
“Not that pouty expression.”
After slightly lamenting his glass, as if reluctant to leave, the sorcerer seemed to come to a resolution. With a single gulp, he finished his drink and rose with the same grace as when he arrived.
“Excuse me, my companion for the evening has arrived. I wish you a pleasant night.”
Taking the young woman’s hand, he turned back to the lady with an apologetic bow.
“Uh, at least your name…”
Realizing her own pleading tone as she stood up impulsively, she felt as if she needed to secure his identity before losing the chance forever.
However, the man merely smiled, giving no answer.
What remained were only playful words about his love for animals and wine.
Watching him leave, she comforted herself, thinking there was still time. The banquet would last until morning, and surely, they would meet again somewhere.
But the opportunities did not arise. She searched during breaks in her social engagements and spotted him a few times, but each occasion proved futile.
The first time he was in a corner conversing with what appeared to be a ghostly apparition, a semi-transparent woman, in a cheerful yet eerily dim manner.
The second time, he was amicably sharing drinks with another woman with golden hair, making any interruption impossible.
The third time, he was on the dance floor, patiently guiding a young girl. His gentle steps made it clear she was a pupil, not a relative.
Finally, as the night drew to a close and the crowd began to thin, the young girl he’d been with earlier left the dancers and approached the servants serving the drinks.
Thinking this was her last chance, the woman moved to call out to him.
But she was overtaken by a figure that moved gracefully past her.
A tall, lithe woman dressed in a shimmering night gown, dyed a polished black, whose flowing black hair added to the elegance of her attire. Her amber eyes sparkled like genuine gemstones under the soft lighting, exuding vibrant beauty and vivacity.
Seemingly aware of her approach, the sorcerer turned to create a stunning tableau with the unexpected visitor.
Not toward her, who had wanted to call out first, but to the black-haired stranger.
“Ah, my friend.”
“Ah, my friend. Have you come for our last dance?”
“Indeed, since you’ve been an excellent shield tonight, I thought it only appropriate to offer my gratitude.”
“Is that so? Having you dance makes it all worthwhile.”
With natural, unforced ease, the couple took their place in the waltz as if it was their destiny.
And alone, once more, was the woman who had missed her chance.
The grand whirl of couples captivated her, especially the pair that danced with such elegance.
She gasped, startled.
Had the black-haired woman sent her a look, perhaps even a mocking one?
When the dance ended, the banquet concluded with a few final speeches, allowing the guests to return from their enchanted sky voyage.
The woman’s foreboding proved true—she would never encounter the courteous sorcerer with golden hair again, regardless of the events she attended, whether grand banquets, gatherings of the Magic Academy, or sophisticated salons.
Still, she was not the type to daydream about a fleeting first love for long. In due time, she put aside her missed opportunity and secured the best possible match, leading to a happy marital life.
But every banquet she attended reminded her of the joys of mixing drinks, a habit she could not break, enjoying it until she could no longer partake.
—
[FACTS] The Thelresia-class Expeditionary Air Cruiser became a historical milestone for the Threefold Empire, setting the foundation for all future long-range airships. The research and development were funded with two years of the empire’s military budget, undergoing continuous modifications and serving as the backbone of the air force for over a century, with a total of 29 units built.
Despite concerns from the Privy Council over the propriety of naming a vessel after a living individual—”If it sinks, wouldn’t that be disrespectful?”—the name was officially accepted due to the personal approval of those involved, based on the Emperor’s suggestion.
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