The first-class cabin aboard the Gracia was exceptionally luxurious. Rainer had the entire spacious room to himself, and he could look down over the land through the observation deck. It was quite an indulgence.
Contrary to the expected jolting, the airship's journey was remarkably smooth, as though traveling on level ground. Rainer did not know whether that was due to the first-class cabin's design or simply how airships were.
The trip from Torondo to Wagner Lake took about half a day. Rainer was able to enjoy a top-tier lunch there: pan-seared beef ribs, tender and juicy; rich cream of mushroom soup; soft bread; and fresh vegetables. It was no worse than the food this young nobleman had once enjoyed at home, at least according to Rainer's memories.
After lunch, Rainer rested for a while and read some recent news. Then, accompanied by the long blast of the whistle, the Gracia arrived at the port of Wagner Lake.
The moment he disembarked, Rainer could sense the magical aura permeating the air. Among the pedestrians moving through the port, many were mages dressed in robes. The gold trim on their cuffs represented their rank. Unlike the First-Circle Mages most commonly seen around Crescent Academy, the mages here were mostly at the level of three circles. Clearly, Mercury Plain had rather high standards for accepting members.
"Are you here to try your luck too?"
Just after Rainer finished the disembarkation procedures, a man in a double-breasted formal suit approached him.
"Try my luck?"
Not understanding what the other man meant, Rainer was somewhat puzzled.
"Huh? I thought you were here like me, seeking an opportunity."
The man smiled, unconcerned, then extended his hand. A single gold stripe on his cuff stood out conspicuously.
"My name is Peter. I've just advanced to First-Circle Mage."