Published: January 17, 2026
Tran’s words were sincere, filled with a passion that inspired trust. Rosso told him that they would also work behind the scenes to have His Majesty the King of the Kingdom of Scuderia consider an alliance with the Fiesta Kingdom positively. Well, with the bold Dino En Zola Berlinate His Majesty, just seeing a large ship would probably be enough to get approval.
For the next two days, Tran was busy preparing for departure and didn’t have much time for conversation. Before they knew it, the day of Tran’s departure arrived, and everyone went to the harbor to see him off.
By the way, the coastal area of Tribute Town had changed significantly over those two days. The original pier for large ships still accommodated two vessels, but on the way to that pier, a dock for medium and small-sized ships had been constructed. Two prototype medium ships, custom-made by Van-kun, were moored there. I had tried to improve the shipbuilding techniques that Tran had taught me, but it didn’t go very well. It seemed impossible to catch up with a nation that had researched ships for hundreds of years.
“…I wish I could have learned more about ships,” I said during the farewell.
Tran smiled wryly and replied, “It’s alright. I promise to return swiftly to the kingdom with good news.”
“Really? Would it take about a month at the shortest for a round trip? If so, we need to hurry too.”
“Well, no, a round trip in a month might be difficult…”
I asked hopefully, but Tran laughed awkwardly and said so. What a shame.
“Sir Van, don’t say unreasonable things.”
“It will probably take us over a month to have an audience with His Majesty as well.”
Rosso and Panamera scolded me, and I nodded silently, accepting it. It was really disappointing, especially when there were so many exciting possibilities right in front of me. This feeling reminded me of when a sequel to my favorite childhood game was delayed by a year after I had been so excited about it. Though unavoidable, I hope the developers do their best. I’d pay double.
“All right, then! Set sail! Hoist the sails!”
“Yes, sir!”
Back on deck, Tran gave orders to the crew, and spirited voices echoed all over the deck. The Fleetwood, the pride of the Fiesta Kingdom’s navy, shone silver and looked truly special. It was incredibly cool.
“…Speaking of which, it looks cool shining silver, but since it’s a clear day, it might hurt our eyes. The sunlight must be reflecting terribly.”
“Huh? What was that?”
“Oh, nothing.”
Til asked again, but I just waved at the departing Fleetwood and laughed it off.
“…That was an amazing ship. I never imagined there was a country beyond the sea,” Arte said, watching the Fleetwood sail away with deep emotion. Panamera smiled at Arte’s words, crossed his arms, and spoke.
“Interesting. But eventually, that kind of ship will also be operated by our Kingdom of Scuderia… right, boy?”
Panamera said this to me, and I smiled wryly, shrugging.
“I’d like to say yes, but… without knowing what those metal plates are, there’s nothing we can do. We can imitate the appearance, but that’s about it.”
Hearing this, Rosso laughed, shaking his shoulders.
“Hahaha! Even being able to imitate and build a large ship like that is more than enough. His Majesty will surely be amazed.”
“Indeed… I never thought a ship could be built in a single day.”
Even Talga said that after hearing Rosso’s words.
“No, no. We’re always building forts and houses, after all.”
When I said that to Talga, dry laughter echoed.
“Hahaha… Just as castle carpenters can’t build ships, I thought that without knowledge and experience, even Lord Van wouldn’t be able to build a ship. Yet, you managed to create a prototype just by looking at it…”
In response to that, I sighed heavily with some dissatisfaction.
“In the end, it’s just the shape. But maybe it can handle coastal navigation…”
Muttering that, I suddenly had a good idea. That’s right. Let’s go to the capital city by ship.