The dragonkin departed, taking with them a document representing the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the two nations, along with a series of commercial plans, diplomatic plans, and proposals for technological and cultural exchanges.
Official news of the diplomatic ties with the Holy Dragon Duchy soon appeared throughout the streets and alleys of Cecil City, in every province and city covered by the Empire's new communication network, on Magic Net broadcasts, and in the newspapers at citizens' fingertips. It became a topic of conversation over meals and tea in the days to come, an inspiration for merchants' investments in the months ahead, and ultimately the work that would occupy the Empire's governors and clerks for many years.
As the days grew warmer, the fields beyond the city had already turned green. The winds blowing from the plains and hills had long since lost their chill, leaving only the increasingly unmistakable scent of approaching summer.
A breeze swept across the broad airfield as a black dragon crossed the sky and landed smoothly within the area marked by white reflective paint. Flowing light rippled along the sides of its black steel armor, while waste energy accumulated during various limit tests continuously dispersed into the air through its lattice structure, forming an unstable vortex of rolling heat around the dragon.
Only after the vortex gradually dispersed did Rebecca, wearing a short white robe over her dress, and Sonia, dressed in a fitted pale-green hunting outfit, step forward to Maggie, who was lowering her head to inspect her equipment.
"Beautiful flight, Maggie!" Rebecca said with a delighted smile. "Especially that final burst of acceleration!!"
"But I still couldn't break through the 'Missile Limit,'" Maggie said regretfully, shaking her head. "It felt like I was only a tiny bit away, but during the final