In this era, constrained by the development of aviation technology, formal trans-Pacific passenger services did not exist.
Flying from America across the ocean to Japan was still considered an adventure for wealthy families seeking thrills.
And Douma and Kotoha were precisely such a wealthy family seeking thrills.
Several days ago, this husband and wife pair piloted the Eternal Bliss Company's latest model aircraft, departing from Seattle on the west coast of America.
First heading north to Alaska, then crossing the Bering Strait, afterward changing direction and traveling south along the Kuril Islands.
After traversing this long journey of over ten thousand kilometers, the two finally arrived at Tokyo Airport this evening.
"How about it? Doesn't that sound amazing?!"
In the lively izakaya, Douma quite naturally dragged over a stool and sat nearby, animatedly telling everyone about his thrilling trans-Pacific flight.
"Crossing the entire North Pacific without changing planes in one go—Kotoha and I are the first in human history!
Oh my~ After returning to America and having reporters cover this story, our Eternal Bliss Company's new civilian aircraft will definitely sell like hotcakes!"
"Ah, sorry to interrupt, Douma, but there's something I'm curious about."
With the already-drunk Shinobu leaning her head on her shoulder, Mitsuba raised her other hand and asked in confusion:
"You actually dared to fly a plane?"
For demons, this was a rather pointed question.
After all, in this era, aircraft construction was still quite primitive. Flying in a plane was nothing like walking on the ground.
In the narrow cabin, there was only a transparent glass window on top, with the blazing sun right outside.
When cloud cover shielded them, it was manageable, but if the clouds suddenly dispersed and sunlight poured down, a demon inside the plane wouldn't even have time to make an emergency landing before being instantly roasted to death by the sunlight!
Therefore, for demons, taking a plane was actually a very dangerous matter.
"The Holy Maiden asks an excellent question! Of course I didn't dare! So! I sat in the back seat the entire time, shielded by iron plates!
As for the important task of piloting the plane, that was completely entrusted to Kotoha!"
Facing everyone's confusion, Douma smiled and raised his hand, pointing to Kotoha—who was feeding hangover soup to the completely intoxicated Inosuke nearby.
"Kotoha?!"
In the kitchen not far away, Akaza—who had been quietly listening with perked ears—subconsciously called out.
"She can actually fly a plane?!"
As the most educated person present, Akaza was very clear how difficult it was to fly from the west coast of America to Tokyo.
Along this route of over ten thousand kilometers, the climate was extremely variable and harsh. The journey was filled with desolate islands, rarely any human settlements, and they would constantly encounter storms and dense fog.
And you're telling me now that the gentle and reserved girl I remember from over a decade ago could, while carrying one person, personally pilot the entire journey and safely fly this route?
What was even more shocking was that this girl only had vision in one eye!
What kind of joke was this!
Where did this superwoman come from?!
"Mm!"
Facing everyone's astonished gazes, Kotoha was first stunned, then nodded forcefully, somewhat shyly saying:
"Mr. Hakuji, don't judge by appearances, but actually all these years in America, I've personally piloted every aircraft model developed by Eternal Bliss.
The feeling of flying in the sky is truly wonderful, so before I knew it, I honed my skills…
Not just this North Pacific crossing either. Two years ago, I could already fly a plane carrying Douma around the entire United States~ How about it, isn't that amazing?"
[This girl, all these years, has completely been shaped by Douma…]
Looking at Kotoha before them—who grew more excited as she spoke and even actively sought praise—everyone internally sighed thus.
Who knew whether it was environmental factors or being too close to Douma…
"Indeed."
After silence, Mitsuba was the first to nod, simultaneously excited:
"Kotoha, next time you fly a plane, take me along too!"
Such a thrilling experience—she definitely had to try it too!
"No problem! Then when we return to America later, I'll take you back with me!"
"Oh! Shit!"
Just then, Inosuke also slowly woke up. Already dizzy from intoxication, he struggled to open his eyes and look at Kotoha beside him, full of confusion:
"Strange, why do I see my mom? Could I be so drunk that I've started dreaming?"
"What dreaming! Inosuke, mom really did fly back to see you this time!"
Hearing this, Kotoha corrected him very dissatisfiedly.
"Damn, this hallucination can actually talk back to me?"
Quite shocked by Kotoha's response, Inosuke raised his hand to support his forehead, subconsciously blurting out:
"Speaking of which, where is that guy Douma? He couldn't have appeared in this dream too, right?"
"Inosuke! Dad is right here!"
Seeing that Inosuke could actually remember him, Douma's eyes immediately welled up with tears, excited.
However, regarding his excitement, Inosuke directly chose to ignore it.
"This guy is really here too, looks like this is a nightmare… Forget it, whatever."
He raised his hand to grab the wine cup placed nearby and raised it unsteadily toward Kotoha beside him.
"Mom, cheers."
"Really! How can you keep drinking when you're already so drunk!"
Puffing her cheeks and scolding thus very dissatisfiedly, Kotoha nevertheless similarly picked up a wine cup from the side and, with very practiced movements, forcefully clinked glasses with Inosuke.
"Cheers!"
The mother and son simultaneously shouted excitedly, then simultaneously tilted their heads back and downed the wine in their cups, and finally simultaneously collapsed headfirst onto the table before them, unconscious.
The movements of this mother-son pair were so synchronized—clearly, similar scenes had occurred countless times in the past.
This scene directly stunned Kanao, who was sitting quietly nearby.
No, not stopping them was one thing, but what kind of mom drinks competitively with her son?!
"They got drunk again, as expected…"
Seeing this, Douma helplessly sighed. He reached behind him and pulled out a handheld camera, saying regretfully:
"I was thinking that since we finally reunited, I'd take a photo of everyone as a memento~"
"What does that matter."
Hearing this, Mitsuba smiled and said:
"No one ever stipulated that photos can only be taken of people who are awake, right?"
"Oh! The Holy Maiden is as wise as ever!"
Suddenly showering her with praise, Douma immediately picked up his camera and walked to the side, loudly calling out to everyone in the izakaya:
"Very good~ Everyone prepare~ All look this way, look this way~
Lord Michikatsu and Lady Amei too, quickly look over~
Ah, that young lady named Kanao, could I trouble you to help prop up Kotoha and Inosuke?
Yes~ that's right, just like that~ let them lean against the chairs~
Also Holy Maiden, don't forget that little butterfly sleeping on your shoulder drooling~
Lord Hakuji~ stop hiding shyly in the kitchen~ come out quickly~ everyone's waiting for you~"
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This story has ended in chapter 315, you can read on patreon.com/dzeref887 for faster access or wait until August to read on WebNovel until the story ends.