With the discussion about the future concluded, we returned to the topic of the ship.
"…Still, I’m curious about that silver exterior. How does it protect the ship from large magical beasts?"
His Majesty spoke these words quietly, and I sighed, shaking my head.
"Well, we’re still in the stage of making various assumptions… Honestly, if we could get the silver armor and the expertise to operate a ship across the open sea, this ship could sail right away. We could head for the Fiesta Kingdom or even make contact with the Solstice Empire ourselves…"
When I said this, Apelta shrugged and exhaled briefly.
"So, it’s not yet at a practical stage, is that what you’re saying? But, even if we started researching those technologies from scratch, it would take decades, wouldn't it? Ideally, we’d like to recruit experts from the Fiesta Kingdom here."
And just like that, Apelta predicted my thoughts and voiced them. Apelta, what an intimidating fellow.
As I thought this, I cleared my throat lightly and replied.
"Ahem… Well, yes, that’s right. In the end, if we conduct research on our own, we’ll need the budget, manpower, and time. But, if we could hire people who have already studied the knowledge and technology we need from a place that possesses it, it would be more efficient. However, I think it’s going to be difficult this time around."
I agreed with Apelta’s opinion, and he nodded in response.
"That’s true. Even just gathering information from neighboring countries on land is hard enough, let alone contacting a maritime nation across the vast sea. On the other hand, that maritime nation can contact us whenever it wants and engage in advantageous talks about alliances and trade. This relationship isn’t ideal. The captain of that ship, Tran, seems like an easy person to handle, but the ones managing the core of their country aren’t so simple. If possible, I’d like to form a five-way alliance before the Solstice Empire does."
"Just because we form an alliance doesn’t mean we’ll leak our most important secrets. What we can do is hire the Fiesta ship captain like a mercenary and borrow the ship to operate it. But that wouldn’t be very profitable."
His Majesty responded to Apelta’s words in a somewhat suggestive tone. He neither agreed nor disagreed with Apelta, implying there was something else he wanted to say. And if I wasn’t mistaken, that something seemed to be directed at me.
Maybe sensing the same thing, Apelta, after hearing His Majesty, glanced over at me. A bad premonition washed over me, and I looked at the two of them in turn.
"…What is it?"
When I confirmed this, both of them smiled sweetly.
"Please, Van Viscount."
"I never thought I’d entrust my country’s future to a boy around ten years old, Your Majesty."
"Indeed, absolutely. Hahaha."
The two laughed aloud after that exchange. It was so blatantly being passed off to me. No, no, the Scuderia Kingdom should be one of the world’s top nations. There should be researchers in all sorts of fields. It almost felt like, "Well, let’s leave the new invention to that genius boy Van-kun," with that kind of vibe.
Thinking about this, I looked up at the two of them with half-closed eyes.
"Ugh, I can’t do it either. If anything, I’d rather improve the ship and make one faster than the Fiesta Kingdom’s ships. With ballistae, there’s no recoil like cannons, so you can place them in any direction, and their handling should be much better. I really think we could fight like a moving fortress."
I casually shared the concept I had been thinking about with the two of them, and His Majesty tilted his head seriously.
"…Truly, what a frightening boy. What kind of mind do you have?"
When His Majesty said this, Apelta also nodded lightly.
"Fiesta Kingdom hasn’t obtained the Solstice Empire’s cannons yet, I believe. But Van Viscount, you’ve already thought about how to mount cannons on this kind of ship. From your analysis of the pros and cons, you believe ballistae would be more powerful, correct?"
After hearing this, the two exchanged a glance and began discussing.
"Indeed, Van Viscount excels at creating defensive equipment and weaponry. In that case, it may be better to leave the research on the silver armor to someone else."
"Hmm… If only there were two of Van Viscount, but that’s not possible. If we push him too hard, the country could falter… What a shame, but we’ll have to mobilize the researchers to focus on unraveling the silver armor."
"By the way, Your Majesty, I hear a new confectionery shop related to the Commercial Guild has opened in the capital. Since Van Viscount is here, perhaps we should prepare a reception?"
"Oh, that sounds good."
It seemed like they were whispering their plans, but it was perfectly audible to me. Ah yes, they were going to reward the overworked Van-kun. I’ll accept the overtime payment in sweets. Hopefully, a fruit cake would be included.
I had completely regained my good mood after overhearing their conversation, but I was left stunned by the words of His Majesty.
"I’ve always been concerned about how short Van Viscount is. You’re too thin as well. I’ll have a luxurious meal prepared for you."
Saying this, His Majesty raised the corner of his mouth. Who’s small and frail? I’ve been trained by Dee into a lean, muscular frame. I’d like to be called an athlete with a well-built body. I pride myself on my speed—no one can outrun me.
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