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The ducal territory of Jurnova lies far from the imperial capital.
By carriage, it takes about two weeks one way—meaning a full month for a round trip.
Just going there and coming back would consume most of the summer vacation.

That’s not worth it. Better not to return at all, honestly.

Fortunately, there is a faster means of travel: by ship.
By going upstream along the great river Cernov, which flows through the capital, and following one of its tributaries, one can reach the duchy. Incidentally, Jurnova’s lumber and other goods are transported back to the capital along this same route in reverse. Just as in Edo-period Japan and old Europe, rivers are civilization’s arteries—key to transportation and trade.

Still, since the journey goes upstream and the ship uses sails rather than engines like in my past life, it’s normally a rather long trip.
However, the Empire possesses ships that are far faster than ordinary ones.

The express vessel Lapidus.
Every crew member aboard is skilled in water or wind magic, experts trained specifically to make the ship travel at high speed. Several such express ships exist in the Empire, each assigned to a certain river basin; the one the Jurnova family always uses is the Lapidus.

Efficient and peaceful use of magic, I see. Though apparently the technology for magically propelled high-speed sailing originated in the Imperial Navy.

It’s like that robot vacuum cleaner from my past life. That, too, was a spin-off from military tech, wasn’t it? No matter the world, it seems humanity never changes—advanced technology always starts from the military.
Looking at the sleek, streamlined vessel moored at the riverside port, Ekaterina couldn’t help feeling a little guilty for being reminded of a round, flat robot that a cat would ride around.

“Ekaterina, are you afraid of ships?”

Her escort, Aleksei, asked as he saw his sister staring at the Lapidus.
Realizing she’d given the wrong impression, Ekaterina hastily denied it.

“No, Onii-sama. I rode one when coming to the capital, and I didn’t get seasick at all—it was quite comfortable. And since you’ll be with me this time, there’s nothing to be afraid of.”
“I see. We’ll be spending three days on this ship before reaching the duchy. If you ever feel unwell, tell me immediately. We can arrange another means of travel.”

“Yes, Onii-sama. I’ll do as you say.”

Onii-sama’s neon-blue eyes were gentle again today. Another day of being a doting brother—thank you very much.

Though honestly, there probably isn’t any faster way to travel than this express ship.

When my brother the duke returns to his domain, his key retainers—Novak, Aaron, and others—as well as attendants like Yvan and Mina, all accompany him. The attendants of those retainers come along as well. The fact that all of them can travel together is a major advantage of the Lapidus. They can even get some work done during the voyage—though Ekaterina would rather they rest, for the sake of avoiding any *death-by-overwork flags*.

In terms of safety, while law and order grow shaky outside the capital, most of the Lapidus’s crew are former navy men, and every one of them wields magic. Bandits are no concern.

The ship sails nonstop up the Cernov River, carrying everyone to the tributary that leads to Jurnova’s domain. With a three-shift system running 24 hours a day, it truly bears the mark of naval discipline.
As long as the weather holds, a journey that would take two weeks by carriage—counting the final leg to the main estate after disembarking—takes barely five or six days.

Moreover, it’s a vessel worthy of the duke himself, furnished with elegance and refinement. The interior, though simple for lightness, is tastefully designed. The cabins rival noble-class hotels in comfort, and the meals are excellent.
After all, this ship was originally built as a royal vessel for the Emperor’s own travels. The fact that the royal family now allows it to be rented out is remarkable—but of course, it was our grandfather Sergei who negotiated that policy.

The rental fee must be enormous, but considering the savings on two weeks of transport and lodging for the entire retinue, it might even balance out.

If the whole trip had to be canceled because of my condition, though, what would I do?
That would be unforgivable.
I must not let myself fall ill—I couldn’t possibly trouble Onii-sama. For the pride of a devoted little sister, I would stay healthy as a horse!

.

And so, carrying Ekaterina’s determination aboard, the express ship Lapidus departed.
It was a clear day. Under the bright summer sky, the ship glided swiftly—faster than any other vessel on the river, living up to its name.
Standing on deck with the river breeze in her hair, Ekaterina looked up at the deep blue sky. It reminded her of the prince’s hair and eyes—bright, profound, endlessly distant, and somehow filled with a sorrowful beauty, the color of summer itself.

“Ekaterina, it’s hot out there. You should go inside the cabin.”
“The river breeze feels cool and pleasant, Onii-sama.”

The empire’s summers felt more temperate than the muggy heat of Japan she remembered from her past life. Still, she knew that the capital’s summer was hotter than in the duchy. She couldn’t help feeling guilty as Mina stood beside her, shading her with a parasol.

“But if you’re worried, Onii-sama, I’ll do as you say.”
“Good girl.”

Aleksei smiled and took her hand.

.

They spent the time until dinner together in Aleksei’s cabin.
Yvan served fruit tea—a refreshing blend with citrus fruits. Aleksei held his hand over it, using his ice magic to chill it.

“Thank you, Onii-sama. It’s delicious.”
“I’m glad. If it pleases you, then perhaps my magic attribute isn’t so bad after all.”

…Considering that both that s̲h̲i̲t̲t̲y deadbeat and that rotten old hag had ice attributes too, that might be a little complicated for him.
Ugh, the thirty-something part of me really wants to pat Onii-sama’s head right now.

“The capital truly is vast. Even on such a fast ship, it seems we haven’t left it yet.”
“Yes. The city keeps spreading along the Cernov River. But this area is no longer officially part of the capital—it’s where the migrants have settled.”

She looked again through the cabin window. Indeed, the houses now visible were smaller and shabbier than the ones near the port when they departed.

“…I wonder if some of the Jurnova commoners who lost their homes now live here.”

Those struck by disaster—those whose aid had been embezzled and who could no longer live in their homeland.

“Perhaps. If they learn their homeland has recovered, they’ll return.”
“Yes, surely. I’ll do all I can, however little, to help them go back.”

If they had built stable lives elsewhere, that would be fine. But if they were still struggling, and saw hope of living better by returning home, they surely would.

“…You are so kind.”

Aleksei sighed softly.

“There are too many greedy people in this world. Even those already wealthy still steal shamelessly from those who can barely survive.”
“You’ve been fighting such people all this time, haven’t you, Onii-sama? That’s truly admirable.”

He was only eighteen, yet carried such authority—that must have come from countless real experiences.
Before, when I saw him speaking with the headmaster after the whole magical beast ordeal, I had thought that he sounded like a polite but intimidating boss. But now I understand—the difference in experience between them was vast.

Aleksei smiled faintly.

“When we return to the duchy, you will be its queen. No one will be allowed to defy you. Act freely, as you wish.”
“Onii-sama, you are the head of the house. I am merely your sister and servant.”
“Yes, I’m the head. Yet even as the head, I’m your servant—my dearest Queen Ekaterina.”

He took her hand and kissed her fingertips.

Internally, Ekaterina screamed. *Servant?! Onii-sama, do you know how that sounds?! That’s—no, stop it, brain!*

“I’m still just a student myself. This will be my first true stay in the duchy since inheriting the title. Many will see me as young and inexperienced—but I will never allow anyone to be disrespectful to you. I swear it.”

Ah, I see.
Ekaterina smiled sweetly.

“In that case, I’ll be able to judge their loyalty to you by how they treat me. If that helps you, nothing would make me happier. Onii-sama, during this voyage, please teach me all about the duchy—about the branch families and our vassals. Should anyone dares to look down on you, I shall never forgive them.”