A few days later. The conference room of the Upperhills Workshop. The 22nd meeting on 'Doubling the Airship's Operational Radius' was in full swing.
The atmosphere was tense.
"No matter how many times I run the calculations, it's impossible!"
The senior researcher from the School of Wind Element Magic pointed at a pile of papers and spoke.
"At best, we can extend the operational radius by 1.5 times. That's the limit."
The researchers from the School of Ideal Gas Magic also shook their heads.
"That's right. Anything more is impossible unless we improve the weather measurement devices."
The specialists from the 'air' department looked toward the 'metal' department.
"That's not feasible."
The dwarf technicians and metal mages showed their reluctance.
"To accommodate the alternative circuit you've designed, the airship would have to be larger. That would increase the load on the floating stone. It's the dilemma of a reverse cannon launch."
"So you're saying the efficiency drops."
"Right. The current design is the best we can do."
The meeting was at a standstill.
"... At this point, the only way is to bow our heads to the imperial family and..."
"Now?! Can you say that in front of Her Highness the Princess?"
"..."
"I..."
Just then, a Wind Mage declared with grim determination.
"There is only one way."
"... What is it?"