Time passed quickly, and the weather grew colder. The Christmas show was a huge success! Everyone loved the stories, songs, and especially the fireworks.
Luckily, the snow was not too heavy for the show, but the next day, it began to snow heavily. They were snowed in for most of January. Alisa passed the time by writing, singing, and crafting with Katie and the kids.
Poor Al had to brave the weather to visit the people of Kanta at least once a week. He became a postman for Alisa and Kirin, delivering letters back and forth. Al regularly checked in on the progress of the hot air balloon and other inventions. They were coming along smoothly.
The winter was brutal, but it passed quickly for Alisa and the family since they stayed busy. Spring was around the corner. As the weather warmed, Alisa and Katie were busy making preparations for Alisa's wedding. Alisa had added a few touches from the Kanta tribe when she made her bohemian-inspired wedding dress.
Once the weather warmed enough for people to return to normal, the town began to function again. The bakery was a welcome return to their normal routine. Alisa made a trip to the bakery to put in her order for the wedding cake. Sia and her daughter were both thrilled to be able to help Alisa with her wedding cake and offered to cater the wedding for free!
She was overwhelmed by how nice and welcoming the people from this novel world were. They had accepted her as one of their own. Alisa finally felt like she was home!
Back in Stanarussi...
Now that the weather had warmed, Alexander Blanchard prepared his new flying machine to set off on his long journey across the sea. Although Count Silas had been generous in providing all the resources needed to finish the flying machine, it was a double-edged sword.
He had provided all the money and resources needed for Alexander's work, but would make frequent visits to check on the progress and rush him to finish. He was not a patient man and was not known for his good temper. Alexander hated his sister more with each visit.
He was more than ready to leave and bring his sister back, even if he had to tie her up and drag her against her will. Honestly, he had no idea what had possessed her to give her the idea to escape. If it were up to him, he hoped that she had died like their father did when he tried to solo-pilot the hot air balloon.
Unfortunately, if she died, he would be left alone to pay back the Count. The debt was too large to return the money, so his only hope was to find Elisabeth alive and bring her back.
As well as completing the improved version of the flying machine, he also invented a few new gadgets. One was particularly useful in blowing up other objects. Alexander packed a few knock-out gas bombs and a few explosives, as well as plenty of rope.
The improved flying machine could be piloted easily by one person, due to a new, more efficient fuel method. After the machine was loaded with the essentials for the journey, he boarded and left on his journey towards the other continent.
He planned to start his search in Annalaisas and gather information until he found her. A giant hot air balloon was very eye-catching, and he knew there would be plenty of people to ask for information.
Count Silas was generous enough to give Alexander extra money to help him on his journey. It was considered a bride price, and he would not be expected to return it unless he could not find his sister.
To some, this may seem generous, but Baron Alexander knew that the Count was cold and calculating. He knew that Alexander was in too much debt to be able to pay him back. If he could not return with his sister, he would not be able to pay back the money. He would be forced to repay the Count with his only possessions, including his home and title.
This was further motivation for Alexander to find his sister. His title and livelihood depended on it! His pride would not allow him to work as a commoner, so his only option was to succeed.
After half a month, Alexander had crossed the sea and arrived in Annalaias. He stopped at the first village to gather information. The people stared at his new flying machine, but he noticed that they were not as surprised as he imagined they would be. That was promising.
Once he landed and staked the flying machine down in a field outside of town, he began to talk to the nearby villagers. He tried to be as friendly as possible to come across as friendly and hoped to gain their sympathy.
"Hello, good sir, have you seen a similar flying machine to this one, but smaller and more round?" Alexander asked a well-dressed man. The man, Duke Orla's right-hand man, noticed the seventy percent similarity between this foreigner and Lady Alisa.
He must be a relative. Reginald thought to himself. He greeted the foreigner with utmost respect. "Good day, my lord, yes, I have in fact seen a similar flying machine with a lady and a hired bodyguard."
Alexander's eyebrows raised at the mention of this new bodyguard. He was unaware of the other person who escorted his sister, but it was a good sign. Hopefully, this man kept her safe and left after escorting her.
He feigned anxiousness as he replied, "Thank you, good sir, I pray, do you know where she is now? My sister ran away from an arranged marriage, and I am looking for her to bring her back home. I have been worried sick for months."
Reginald was shocked to learn that Lady Alisa had run away from an arranged marriage. Duke Orla would be interested to learn about this new information. He decided to invite Alisa's brother to meet the Duke. It was customary for foreign nobles to visit the local nobles when passing through their territory.
"I apologized, my lord, but I am but a humble servant to the Duke. I am not privy to the information you seek. However, I would be honored to escort you to meet my master. He would be very interested to hear more about Lady Alisa and her family." Reginald bowed as he offered an invitation to the Duke's mansion.
Alexander accepted the invitation and boarded the carriage. How lucky it is that the first person he asked about Elisabeth has information. He hoped that the Duke would be able to help him further.