Published: January 17, 2026
"How’s the ship? Do you think you can get it moving?"
"Hmm... I’ve learned how to set the sails, but actually maneuvering it seems difficult. It’d be better to practice on a smaller ship first."
"So, unless you’re used to handling ships, it’s hard to predict how it’ll behave? And since we can’t gather many wind magicians, it’s quite challenging."
As Dee was confirming the ship’s operation while directing everyone, Kamushin came running over. Was it that the large ship was easier to handle, or had Kamushin finally gotten used to it? He ran across the deck wearing his usual expression.
"Lord Van! Lord Panamera is coming this way! His Majesty is with him!"
"What? Has the audience already ended? I wasn’t even called."
Surprised, I moved across the deck and looked toward the land. Sure enough, alongside the carriage carrying Panamera, there was another luxurious carriage. Beside it, the flag bearing the crest of the royal family was flying.
"I wanted to surprise them by moving the ship, but that wasn’t possible. What a shame."
I muttered this, and Dee nodded seriously.
"We must somehow gather capable people. But the wind magicians... what should we do about them?"
"Yeah, it’s tough."
While exchanging thoughts with Dee, Panamera, His Majesty, and Prime Minister Aperta climbed aboard using the ladder attached to the ship’s side.
"Your Majesty, it’s been a while!"
"Hmph! Viscount Van! Even though you came all the way to the capital city for the first time, why are you the first to head to the shore?"
"Ah, sorry about that."
"Mm."
His Majesty said this with some displeasure, but nodded at my apology and soon turned his attention to the ship itself.
"Oh, this is incredible...! It looked huge from afar, but stepping on board, it’s ridiculously massive!"
"Hmm, to think there’s a nation operating such ships... it’s quite a threat."
His Majesty and Aperta expressed amazement at the vastness of the deck and size of the masts as they toured the ship. Panamera walked over to me, glancing sideways at the two.
"I offered an audience, but after hearing about the ship, His Majesty and Lord Aperta immediately came from the castle. We haven’t even properly discussed the Maritime Nation Fiesta Kingdom or this large ship yet. What shall we do?"
"Then how about we hold a ship tour first and talk on the bridge afterward?"
"Hmm, that sounds good. Indeed, neither His Majesty nor Lord Aperta have seen such a large ship before. It might be best to show them the ship first to explain its usefulness."
"Alright, I’ll take His Majesty for the tour."
After confirming the plan with Panamera, I moved toward His Majesty. Approaching him and Aperta, who were watching Dee fold the sails, I spoke.
"Your Majesty, Lord Aperta, shall I explain the ship to you?"
"Oh, Viscount Van! That would be much appreciated!"
"Please do."
They readily agreed with delight.
"Then, let’s start from the third floor. Viewed from the deck, it’s like the first basement level. This area is for storing cargo..."
As I explained the ship’s facilities and functions, I guided His Majesty and Aperta through the interior.
The ships of the Fiesta Kingdom were well-thought-out, and except for the absence of a bath, it was more than enough. Well, if there was a water magician, you could fill the water tank and take a shower.
"...And this is the structure of the Fiesta Kingdom’s ship."
After finishing the tour, I led everyone to the rest area on the ship's bridge and explained the last scenario where the ship was operated.
His Majesty listened quietly, then let out a heavy sigh after hearing everything.
"...This is beyond what I imagined."
At His Majesty’s words, Aperta nodded solemnly.
"Indeed. To think it could move faster than a carriage... and if it could attack while moving, nations without ships would be helpless."
"This would mean placing magicians in every coastal town and village. But relying on magicians has its limits. Our country has Viscount Van’s ballista, and the Yelinetta Kingdom still has remaining cannons..."