New World

"Your Grace, what do you mean by this!? You absolutely must not!" Jaine cried out instinctively.

What he wanted to say next was, Have you lost your mind?

But even if he had a hundred times the courage, he would not have dared say it aloud in public.

"Why not?" Aurora looked at him. "Because it's dangerous? And when has any exploration ever been without danger?"

Jaine was left speechless.

The Duchess turned her gaze toward everyone present. "Our forebears crossed the boundless Endless Sea and the Raging Sea, thick with thunder and storms, to open up sea routes. They witnessed undersea volcanoes and hidden currents and whirlpools, and they fought giant sea beasts. The casualties paid along the way were impossible to count, but they also allowed The Empire's power to reach every corner of the world!"

"These sea routes brought us immense wealth, technology, and the resources of all World Island. They turned The Empire into the flourishing nation it is today. But that does not mean we can stop moving forward and rest for a while, because others have not given up on catching up! We cannot stand still because of danger, nor can we indulge in comfort because we occupy high positions—I, as the one leading the way, have even less reason to shrink back at a time like this!"

"This is by no means a rash undertaking. There are ways to avoid suffocation and cold, and we are The Empire's elite. Most of us are far stronger than those Bloodkin scum. If even they could return alive, what do we have to fear?"

At that, she spread her arms. "Everyone, this is an adventure destined to be recorded in history. It represents mankind's first step onto land beyond this world. It is far more significant