Published: September 10, 2025
※2016/7/11 Typo corrections made.
This is Satou. When I hear "sailing ship," I’m reminded of a wonderful game where the actual sea charts change depending on whether you believe the reports or not. I used to stay up all night playing with friends to see which was more fun—a game about the Age of Sail or that one.
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“A ship~?”
“Master, we’ve spotted a ship in the distance.”
From the speaking tube of the sailing ship came Tama and Pochi’s report. The brownie at the helm lowered the control lever of the aerodynamic engine.
In response, the sailing ship’s altitude dropped, and with a slight impact and a splash of water, it landed on the surface.
“Long time no see, this ship too.”
“Yeah.”
It was the unfortunate ship we’d last used on the journey from the Forest of Boruenan to the trade city of the Shiga Kingdom—a ship that hadn’t been called into action since.
Though limited to low altitudes, because it was equipped with an aerodynamic engine, we couldn’t lend it out to others.
“I wonder if Hayato and the others are okay?”
“They’re fine.”
To Arisa’s worried question, I glanced at the hero’s status displayed on the map marker list and replied. No strange ailments or extreme fatigue were detected.
We were heading to Dejima Island to meet the hero.
At Mogeiba City, Lady Ritdilt of the palace knights (Templar Knights) shared some unsettling news that the hero might be being used in the king’s younger brother’s scheme, which made me a bit concerned.
Since today wasn’t a job for the Tourism Ministry, we came to Dejima Island not by airship but by sailing ship.
Entry into the Weasel Empire was banned, but since the official reason was “to ensure the safety of the airship and the princess,” I took a vacation and came on a private mission to “visit hero Hayato.”
The Tourism Ministry was wonderful in that we could take paid leave by the month. It’s a noble society or a fantasy world, but they’re surprisingly flexible.
By the way, the Tourism Ministry members were handling social duties on my behalf at the Pendragon mansion in the Royal Capital of the Shiga Kingdom.
Their main purpose was sharing non-classified information gained from their travels and promoting rare goods and cuisines from other countries.
Since I could meet them quickly at the Isolated Island Palace, it didn’t feel like we were very far apart.
Ms. Zena remained guarding the princess and Sera, but Miss Karina accompanied me for re-education.
“Man, it really rocks out here on the open sea.”
“It’s a small ship, so it can’t be helped.”
This ship only displaced about 100 tons.
It was quite small for an ocean-going vessel here.
“How long from here to Dejima Island?”
“About three hours, I think?”
“Ugh, that long?”
Arisa complained with a tired expression.
“If you don’t like the rocking, you can shelter at the Isolated Island Palace.”
“Yeah, I’ll do that.”
The brownies handled the sailing, so no problem there.
Since everyone wore sailor uniforms and sailor hats, it felt like chaperoning elementary school kids.
“Master, are there no tuna around here?”
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem so in this area. If you’re worried about tuna supplies, I can have a boat go offshore later.”
“Okay! Thank you!”
When I promised that, Lulu showed a radiant smile that rivaled the sunlight.
“Master, we’ve spotted a flock of birds off the port side.”
Liza looked at me, her eyes gleaming as if ready to flash.
She was surely waiting for permission.
“You can go hunting, but be careful not to get noticed by that other ship.”
“Yes, I’ll fly close to the sea surface.”
Carrying a spear in one hand, Liza sped along the water’s surface.
Since it was for fishing today, she also carried a throwing harpoon.
She switched to flight midway and was seen throwing harpoons at the birds.
It seemed she caught quite a few.
We planned to eat lunch on Dejima Island, so those birds would be for dinner.
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“Master, the sluice gate is opening.”