Thanks to Tran’s advice, Van’s specially made large ship, number two, secured an overwhelming level of stability compared to the first one. Well, since Tran and his experienced crew were the ones operating the ship, I wasn’t sure if they could maneuver it the same way.
“Oh, this is amazing!”
“Young man! I didn’t expect it to be like this! What incredible speed!”
Rosso and Panamera were gleefully cheering from the roof of the ship’s bridge. It seemed like they had returned to their childhood selves, thoroughly enjoying the experience.
“It’s fast! It’s like a cruise ship! Whee!”
Of course, as the creator, I was having more fun than anyone. Even though I, the genius boy Van, was just a ten-year-old handsome boy, when I got such an exciting new toy, I couldn’t help but enjoy it to the fullest.
By the way, the ship’s speed was truly beyond expectations. I had imagined the speed to be like that of a bicycle, considering it was a sailboat, but this ship was likely going around 40 kilometers per hour. It might even be capable of speeds over 50 kilometers per hour. On top of that, the ship didn’t rock nearly as much as I thought it would.
“Wow, the wind feels so good!”
“Ships are amazing...!”
Til and Arte were also holding onto the handrails set up on the roof, cheering. Kamshin remained silent but was clearly enjoying himself, his eyes sparkling as he gazed at the scenery.
“Viscount Van! It’s time to return to Tribute! We’ve drifted too far!”
“Ah, alright! Please do!”
After responding to Tran, who was steering the ship, the ship made a wide arc and headed back toward the town of Tribute.
“…I added side wings for stability, so it’s a bit harder to turn, but the cruising speed in a straight line is comparable to or even better than the Fleetwood. If we face a country with underdeveloped shipbuilding technology, this will give us a massive advantage.”
Having handed the wheel to one of his subordinates, Tran came over and shared his thoughts. Indeed, this was astonishing technology. Not only was it innovative for transporting materials, but as a fighting force, it was unbelievable. With Van’s ballista, this ship could become a moving fortress, traveling at over 40 kilometers per hour.
With everything done up to this point, the only thing left was the exterior designed to protect against large aquatic magical beasts. If the ship could reach these speeds, we might be able to escape from such monsters. But it wouldn’t be a perfect means of evasion.
While heading back to dock the ship at Tribute’s pier, I relayed this to Tran, who was giving orders to the crew.
“Tran-san, can you tell me about that metal exterior?”
Upon hearing that, Tran fell silent with a serious expression. It seemed this was something he couldn’t talk about, after all.
It was really disappointing, but I couldn’t help it. I made a face like I was about to cry, hoping to get something out of him.
“…Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. I’ve been asking unnecessary things…”
“Ah, no…”
I tried to provoke him into confessing, but it seemed futile. To think that my crying tactic wouldn’t work on this terrifying man, Tran.
“Thank you for today. If possible, I’d like to have dinner together again tonight,” I said.
“Ah, yes. Of course,” Tran replied, looking like he was thinking about something.
His response made me wonder if my sad, genius, boyish face had finally stirred some guilt in him. Perhaps it was his sense of duty that had been triggered by the sight of Van’s sorrowful face.
Joking aside, there was still hope that I could be taught some valuable knowledge. With that thought in mind, we returned to the town of Tribute. This time, at Rosso’s request, we all gathered for a dinner party at his mansion. Eating out in town was fun, but enjoying a meal at a noble’s mansion with top-tier service was something else. The chefs, who were Rosso’s pride, would be serving the best dishes, so I was looking forward to the food as well.
However, since the dining hall at the mansion couldn’t accommodate a large number of people, the dinner party consisted of only six people: Rosso, Tran, Panamera, Targa, Arte, and myself. As my attendants, Til and Kamshin stayed behind at the dining hall, while Dee, Espada, and the rest of the crew ate at a local restaurant.
The dinner party progressed in a solemn yet cheerful atmosphere, and we all enjoyed the delicious food. What was this? A soft fish with a crispy surface. It was incredibly tasty.
As I was thinking that, Tran spoke up with a serious expression.
“…Marquis Rosso, may I have a word?”
“Hm? What is it?”
Rosso responded, and Tran quietly answered as everyone turned to look at him.
“…I’ve been asked by Viscount Van to speak about the ship’s exterior.”
“Oh, the magnificent metal exterior? Van hasn’t made it yet, has he?”
Rosso nodded in acknowledgment of Tran’s words. Well, it wouldn’t make sense to just mimic the shape and create it; that’s probably why Van hadn’t made it yet.
As I listened, Tran looked at me apologetically before turning to Rosso.
“…According to our country’s laws, I cannot discuss that exterior. Normally, we must avoid letting our shipbuilding techniques leak to other countries, but I judged that I could justify sharing the minimum necessary knowledge about Van’s magic in order to understand it. However, the exterior is a different matter.”
“Hmm… That’s very unfortunate,” Rosso sighed as he spoke.
Tran raised his head with a serious expression.
“…To be honest, I trust you, Marquis Rosso, and the rest of you. I’m open to forming an alliance. So, I’d like to bring this matter to Fiesta Kingdom’s king and council and propose it.”
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