We docked the prototype ship at the pier and moved through the town of Tribute in a large group. There was Rosso and his subordinates, about ten people. Panamera and her team of ten. Then, there was me, Targa, Arte, Dee, Espada, Til, Kamshin, and about fifteen others. Lastly, Tran and his subordinates, a total of around twenty people. It had become a large procession, much like a feudal lord’s parade.
By the way, the other knights had returned to their inns or gone to have a meal. As for Orto and the others, it seemed they decided it might take a while, so they had gone hunting magical beasts in the nearby mountains.
Still, I was concerned whether such a large group would be able to enter the shop. But, as expected, the restaurant Tran had chosen was large. Given that he usually commands a group of fifty subordinates, it was no surprise.
“Wow, this is amazing!”
I couldn’t help but voice my honest thoughts when I saw the massive chunks of meat lined up in front of us. Each piece of meat was almost the size of a person’s head. There’s no way it’s fully cooked. But its sheer size was stunning, and the young knights were in high spirits, cheering and clapping.
At the center table were Rosso, Tran, Panamera, Targa, Arte, and me. The table was large, one that would typically be used by eight to ten people. It was spacious enough for six of us to sit comfortably.
“Everyone, I will serve the drinks,” said Til.
“Thanks, Til.”
Although there were waiters at the restaurant, Til had volunteered to serve us himself. Because of this, our table received service fit for a noble gathering. If Til ever made a mistake, Espada was nearby, ready to step in and help.
We were all glad to be enjoying such delicious food, served under such perfect conditions. Soon, drinks were placed in front of everyone. As for me, I was given a sweet, tangy fruit water.
“Well then… to the prosperity of the Scuderia Kingdom and the Fiesta Kingdom,” Rosso raised his glass and said.
“Cheers!” Panamera signaled, and everyone clinked their glasses together. Though not as boisterous as an izakaya, there was still an atmosphere that didn’t quite seem fitting for a gathering of high-ranking nobles.
Smiling, we exchanged our drinks, and as others began devouring the meat, Rosso took a sip of his drink before speaking.
“This is quite a rare experience… do the common people always have such lively meals?”
Rosso said with a smile, as if pondering. It seems he doesn't often visit regular eateries so casually. Which is understandable, I guess.
As I was thinking this, Tran spoke up, his expression slightly darkened.
“...Marquis Rosso, may I ask you one thing? Why are you showing us such incredible shipbuilding techniques? It’s not to flaunt your power, is it?”
When Tran said this, Rosso nodded deeply.
“Of course. In fact, we wish to build a friendly relationship with the Fiesta Kingdom,” Rosso replied, oozing confidence.
Tran gave a shallow nod and glanced our way.
“...Then, to gain our trust, you’re showing us Van’s shipbuilding technology? In that case, we’d like to see an actual ship being constructed,” he said, making it clear he was testing Rosso.
Several knights and crew members visibly stiffened at his words. Rosso, however, smiled wider, shaking off the tension, and answered in a calm tone.
“Indeed, Van’s skills are remarkable. I do hope you can see some of that firsthand and consider a positive relationship with the Scuderia Kingdom moving forward.”
Rosso’s words seemed to bring a moment of contemplation from Tran, who furrowed his brow.
“I see… So, you have that much confidence in him.”
When Tran spoke like that, Rosso leaned back comfortably in his chair, waiting for his response. This had been decided after discussions with Rosso and Panamera. While they had taken my opinion into account, the core of it was Rosso’s strategy for appeasing them.
People like Tran and the captains of Fiesta Kingdom, who were unfamiliar with other nations, were likely seeking reliable allies above all else. No matter where they went, whether it was the Fiesta Kingdom or beyond the surrounding continents, it would take weeks to reach their destination. Without a friendly nation to rely on, resupply would become impossible. Staying afloat at sea without stopping was simply not an option. Similarly, fighting without allies on the other side of the sea would be a perilous endeavor.
Understanding this, I could see how Rosso’s plan came together. His strategy was to lay his cards on the table and secure an alliance with the Fiesta Kingdom before they could form one with another nation.
Tran, however, looked increasingly conflicted.
“I’m not one to overcomplicate things… so I’ll be straightforward. If you can share with us information about Scuderia Kingdom and Van’s capabilities, we will bring the matter of an alliance back to our homeland. In exchange, we will also share some of our own information.”
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