Published: January 17, 2026
Judging that our questions were finished, Rosso and Tran engaged in a routine exchange, reporting on supplies and the status of the ship. Once they deemed that sufficient information had been shared, Rosso ended the conversation and turned to face us.
“Now then, is there anything else?”
I answered immediately to Rosso’s words.
“I want to try riding the ship.”
Upon saying that, Tran’s eyes widened as he looked at me.
“...Are you trying to steal our technology?”
“Yes! If possible, I want to try building a ship myself!”
I answered childishly, and Tran paused for a moment, blinking, before bursting out laughing.
“Hahaha! No, I apologize. You said it so straightforwardly that it completely disarmed me.”
Tran began speaking in a rough tone, as if he had forgotten his usual formal manner. His bold personality was clearly showing.
“Is that not allowed?”
It’s a military secret, so it’s probably impossible. Thinking this, I asked again. Tran let out a soft laugh.
“I can’t reveal the details of our nation’s ships, but if it’s just to ride on one, that’s fine. However, only Viscount Van and his attendants are allowed to board.”
“Really!? Yay!”
I cheered with joy at Tran’s words. It was a genuine reaction. Panamera, however, puckered her lips in dissatisfaction.
“If the viscount may board, then as a count, I would also like to ride.”
When Panamera said so, Tran shook his head with a wry smile.
“Sorry, but you’ll have to decline this time. Viscount Van is simply curious and wants to see the ship, so I’m giving special permission.”
“Hmmm...! I guess there’s no choice... Then, at least please assign a few more guards to protect Viscount Van.”
“Hmm, guards, you say... If it’s just maids acting as attendants, I don’t mind...”
Tran showed clear hesitation at Panamera’s suggestion. It was obvious he didn’t want to show military secrets to anyone involved with the military. He seemed to believe that women and children wouldn’t leak any secrets.
That underestimation was a big mistake.
Without revealing any thoughts, I answered with a smile.
“Understood! Then I want to bring Miss Arte, Kamushin, and Til along! They all wanted to ride the ship!”
We boarded a small boat and headed out over the sea. Although the wind was calm, the boat rocked noticeably. It was likely because the boat was small. Kamushin, who was prone to motion sickness, looked pale and trembled.
“I-I never said I wanted to ride a ship…”
Muttering softly, Kamushin gazed longingly toward the shore. Even though it was a small boat, it was about four or five meters long. Tran, standing at the bow, probably didn’t hear him. Still, five of Tran’s sailors were aboard, adjusting the boat’s direction with oars on either side, while Tran, as captain, used wind magic to propel the boat.
The boat had a long, narrow shape like a canoe, but Tran’s skill with wind magic was so good that it sliced through the waves effortlessly as it glided over the sea.
However, no matter what, it still rocked.
“If it’s that big ship over there, the rocking won’t be as bad. Hang in there a little longer.”
“U-uh... A-alright…”
Kamushin, now called Blue Kamushin because of his pale face, said in a pained voice.
In about five to ten minutes, we arrived just beneath the large ship. Because it was capable of crossing the open sea, it was huge, and we had to look up to see it.
“B-big…”
Arte whispered in awe. Next to her was a maid-type doll, hastily made for this escort mission and the same size as Arte, strangely moving in sync with her operator.
I wondered how we’d get up to the deck, but four ropes suddenly descended from the deck. These were tied to four points on either side of the ship and lifted like a crane game.
This ascent was tough for Blue Kamushin, but he managed without getting sick. However, after reaching the deck, he collapsed to the edge, breathing heavily and staring into the distance, motionless.
Tran burst out laughing at this sight.