Published: January 17, 2026
The dinner with Tran went on late into the night. Perhaps he had opened up quite a bit, because in the end, Tran and Panamera started a drinking contest, causing a big ruckus. By the way, Panamera was the winner.
I thought no one would be moving early in the morning. I planned to have a leisurely morning, but it seems I underestimated those heavy drinkers.
"Boy. Are you awake?"
"I was woken up..."
Panamera apparently came by first thing in the morning, and I muttered this groggily as Til hurriedly woke me. Outside the inn on the main street stood Rosso, led by Panamera with the Panamera knight order and royal guards in tow.
"Oh, Sir Van. I look forward to working with you today."
"Good morning, Marquis Rosso. I'll do my best."
"Hahaha! You look sleepy, are you alright?"
I rubbed my eyes and replied, only to be laughed at heartily by Rosso. Some of the knights were even sneaking smirks.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, I checked the rear. Even though we all went to bed around the same time, Espada and Dee aside, both Til and Kamushin were already up. Talga was even waiting fully dressed in armor, as if in formal wear. What the heck.
It seemed only Arte and I had been taking it easy since morning.
"So sleepy, Arte."
"Ah, yes. But I heard Lord Van was going to build a ship, so I woke early in excitement."
Arte said this with a bright smile. When a cute girl says something like that, there’s no choice but to do your best. Boys really are simple.
"Alright then. Let's build a ship so impressive Tran will be knocked out."
As I said this, clenching my fist, Espada cleared his throat and muttered softly.
"...This time, we need to hold back a little."
"Yes."
Espada's words snapped me to attention. That’s right. I almost started building a gigantic battleship like the Yamato.
"Y-yeah. Then let's build a ship modeled on Fleetwood like yesterday. Since Tran is with us this time, he can give advice as we build."
"That would be best. Also, instead of building continuously, we should take several small breaks."
"Ah, good point. We'll also be a bit more moderate with the mana power."
I listened carefully to Espada's advice and made a note in my mental notebook.
While we talked, Tran and the others arrived together.
"Good morning. Looks like everyone is here."
Tran greeted us, and Rosso nodded in response.
"Indeed. I’m relieved Tran doesn’t seem to have any lingering effects from last night’s drinking."
"I’d appreciate it if you’d not mention that. I never thought the day would come when I’d lose a drinking contest..."
"Hahaha!"
Perhaps thanks to the dinner party, the distance between Rosso and Tran had significantly lessened. Riding that atmosphere, Panamera and I were able to speak to Tran in a friendly manner.
"Tran, do you have any health issues?"
"U-um, Rear Guard Panamera... No, I’m fine."
For some reason, Tran seemed more intimidated talking to Panamera than to Rosso. I understand that feeling, Tran. Panamera is scary. She must have been a demon king in her past life, or maybe just a bully.
"Viscount Van, today you will show us the shipbuilding, correct?"
Lost in thought, I hadn’t noticed Tran looking my way. I nodded in response to his question.
"Yes. And I have a small request..."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"If it’s alright during the construction, could you give some advice?"
"Ah, that’s no problem at all."
Tran gladly accepted my request. It was a simple conversation, but considering the existence of our two countries, it was remarkable. After all, a key figure from the Maritime Nation Fiesta Kingdom was assisting with shipbuilding in another country. You could almost say a de facto alliance had formed, or something like that.
However, my interest lay solely in Fiesta Kingdom's shipbuilding technology.
Excited, we headed to the sea to gaze at the two large ships. On the right was Fiesta Kingdom’s Fleetwood, and on the left was Van-kun’s Prototype Ship No. 1. On Tran’s orders, since last night, the ship had been docked at Van-kun’s specially made pier, nicknamed Van-berth. By the way, the person who named it is still under investigation. Seriously, who was it that came up with “Van-berth”? I’ve only taught a few people that a pier can also be called a berth.