Published: January 17, 2026
About twenty crew members from Tran’s ship, the Fleetwood, came aboard the prototype vessel. I watched as they expressed surprise, adjusting the sails and checking the movement of the steering wheel.
“Lord Van, if the mast beam can be made somewhat movable, the sail’s angle can be adjusted. It’s a small change, but it will make a difference in fine movements and stability.”
“Like a yacht, huh? Is that because of your wind magic?”
“Lord Van, the pulleys used for raising and lowering the anchor should be improved. With these, no matter how strong one’s power is…”
“Huh? Dee managed to pull it up alone.”
“Ha ha ha! Well, it makes for a good workout!”
“Is she some kind of monster…?”
With all this, Tran gave advice on the finer details, and I took notes. Tran was more proactive than expected in inspecting the ship and offering suggestions.
“Also, several mechanisms to prevent flooding are necessary if water enters the ship. For a ship this size, if the first and second floors flood completely, it should still manage not to sink. However, if flooding reaches the third floor, there’s nothing that can be done.”
“I see. Ah, by the way, what do you do if the hull gets a hole?”
“As an emergency measure, we use earth magic to seal it. Once the flooding stops, we quickly patch the hole with repair materials.”
“Oh, with magic…”
I took notes while hearing these unexpected answers.
“Additionally, it’s difficult to judge without seeing underwater, but the ship lacks stability against lateral waves. It’s likely that there are no side fins—flat boards—attached near the hull bottom. Adding side fins stabilizes the hull. Larger boards improve stability at high speeds but slow down turning.”
“Oh, I see! That really would stabilize the ship!”
“…You two seem pretty engrossed, but shall we head back soon for dinner? The sun’s about to set.”
While walking through the ship for the third time with Tran, Mr. Panamera called out to us. Looking around and checking the deck, everyone was watching us with wry smiles. Apparently, we had been too absorbed to notice our surroundings.
“I-I apologize. Then, let’s return to Tribute. Ah, Mr. Tran, would you like to join us for dinner?”
“Dinner, you say?”
“I found a delicious restaurant! Well, actually, it’s the only one I know so far…”
Inviting him to dinner, Tran laughed cheerfully.
“Ha ha ha! In that case, we seem to know Tribute better. There’s a great meat restaurant a little outside town.”
“Really! I always thought Tribute was all about fish dishes, but meat sounds good too! Let’s go there!”
Just as we happily agreed to Tran’s suggestion, Rosso approached with a wry smile.
“Hmm. I’d thought to invite you for dinner at my estate, but it seems Sir Van has a knack for getting along with Rear Guard Tran. If you don’t mind, may I join your dinner as well?”
“Eh!? The marquis dining out at a restaurant!?”
I took a step back in shock. As I stumbled back in surprise, Panamera shrugged with a dissatisfied expression.
“I’ve had meals with the young lord at ordinary eateries before. I feel there’s some discrimination in the difference with your excellency.”
“My apologies!”
I reflexively apologized. Still, as he calls himself an upstart, Panamera isn’t very noble in manner. He’s more like a mercenary group chief or a mountain bandit leader. I can easily picture him leading knights and drinking heavily at taverns. Rosso, on the other hand, appears to be a pure-blooded noble. I just can’t imagine him eating in the same places as commoners.
“Hmm? Young lord, are you thinking something impolite? My intuition…”
“W-Will you join us too, Mr. Panamera!? There’s meat! And alcohol, right!?”
“Ah, yes. The selection of drinks is rich, and my subordinates spoke well of it…”
Panamera eyed me half-lidded, so I quickly turned the conversation to Tran, who read the atmosphere and responded.
“You’re not diverting the topic, are you, young lord?”