Tran's words were sincere, and there was a fervor in them that could be trusted. Rosso, here as well, informed us that he would be lobbying the King of the Scuderia Kingdom to consider the alliance with the Fiesta Kingdom more positively. Well, knowing the overzealous Dino En Tzora Berlineto, I wouldn’t be surprised if he gave the go-ahead just by seeing a large ship.
For the next two days, Tran was busy preparing for departure, leaving little time for conversation. Before I knew it, the day of departure had come, and we all went to the port to send him off.
By the way, the coastal area of Tribute Town had changed dramatically over the past two days. The large ship dock being built initially could still accommodate up to two ships, but along the way to that dock, a pier for medium and small-sized ships had been constructed, with two prototype medium-sized ships, specifically made by Van-kun, now moored there. I tried further improving the shipbuilding techniques Tran had taught me, but it didn't go as well as I'd hoped. It seems I can’t catch up to the shipbuilding technology of a nation that’s been researching ships for centuries so easily.
"...I really wish I could’ve learned more about ships."
As I said this in my farewell speech, Tran gave me a wry smile in response.
"It’s alright. I’ll return to the kingdom as soon as possible, and I promise to bring back a good answer."
"Really? You’ll be back in about a month at the earliest? If so, we must hurry too."
"N-no, a round trip within a month is difficult…"
I asked with hope, but Tran laughed awkwardly as he said so. What a disappointment.
"Van-sama, don’t say such unreasonable things."
"We too will likely take more than a month before we can meet with His Majesty."
Rosso and Panamera chided me, and I silently nodded in agreement. It’s really unfortunate, considering there are so many interesting possibilities right in front of me. This feeling reminds me of when I was a child, eagerly waiting for the sequel to a game I loved, only to find out it had been delayed by a whole year. It can't be helped, but I hope the developers will do their best to the limit. I’ll pay double.
"Alright, then! We set sail! Raise the sails!"
"Aye!"
Once Tran returned to the deck, he gave orders to the crew, and enthusiastic voices echoed all around the deck. The Fleetwood, the military ship that the Fiesta Kingdom was so proud of, glistened in silver, looking clearly special. It looked incredibly cool.
"...Come to think of it, it's a really cool silver color, but since it’s a sunny day, it might hurt my eyes. The sunlight must be reflecting off the ship like crazy."
"Huh? What was that?"
"No, never mind."
When Till asked me, I just waved my hand and smiled, pretending it was nothing while watching the Fleetwood sail away.
"...What a magnificent ship. I never thought there would be a country across the sea."
Arte said, seemingly moved, while watching the departing Fleetwood. Panamera smiled at Arte's words, crossed her arms, and spoke.
"Interesting. But eventually, that ship will also be operated by our Scuderia Kingdom... right, boy?"
Hearing Panamera’s words, I gave a wry smile and shrugged.
"I would like to say so, but... unless we figure out what that metal plate is, there’s not much we can do. We can imitate the appearance, though."
When I said this, Rosso, who had been listening, shook his shoulders and laughed.
"Hahaha! Just the fact that you can replicate that large ship is already more than enough. His Majesty will surely be surprised."
"Indeed... I never expected you to be able to build a ship in just one day."
Even Targa, who normally spoke with a dry tone, joined in with a similar remark.
"No, no. You’ve been building forts and houses, so..."
When I said that to Targa, a dry laugh echoed.
"Ha, haha... As castle carpenters can’t build ships, I thought even Van-sama wouldn’t be able to. But to think that you could make a prototype just by seeing it..."
In response to such comments, I sighed heavily in displeasure.
"In the end, it’s just the shape. Still, maybe we can manage a coastal voyage or something..."
I murmured this, then suddenly had a good idea. Yes, we should go to the capital by ship!
"That’s it! Let’s go to the capital by ship!"
I blurted out what I was thinking, and Rosso and Panamera turned to look at me.
"By ship, you say? That’s something I can’t permit."
"That’s way too reckless, boy."
The two of them expressed their disagreement with serious faces. I pouted and let my dissatisfaction show.
"Eh? I think His Majesty would be really surprised if we sailed to the capital..."
"You just want to surprise him, don’t you?"
I was told this with an exasperated look.
"We’re still lacking in the knowledge of how to operate the ship. It won’t be a proper voyage. If we’re not careful, we might even sink the ship."
Rosso added to the critique, and I had no choice but to fall silent. It seems I’ll need to get Tran back as soon as possible. By the way, considering the possibility of another envoy coming from the Fiesta Kingdom in the future, the large ship we made by imitating the Fleetwood was decided to be returned to the wood block for now. It’s doubly disappointing.
No comments:
Post a Comment