Published: January 17, 2026
In Earth's history, once ships capable of long-distance ocean voyages were developed, it marked the beginning of the Age of Great Navigation, and the world changed dramatically all at once. However, in this world, that transformation has not occurred. There is only one reason for this: dealing with large demonic beasts at sea is extremely difficult.
Amid such circumstances, the Fiesta Kingdom has achieved a technological innovation that grants it the means for long-distance ocean navigation. Moreover, this is likely a monopolistic technology possessed only by the Fiesta Kingdom at present. In other words, only the Fiesta Kingdom can conduct colonial rule like those seen during the Age of Great Navigation. The kingdom is still in the phase of investigating what lies beyond the sea, but eventually, they will realize the usefulness of their own ships’ technology. When that happens, it’s certain that the Fiesta Kingdom’s dominance will come to pass if no one intervenes.
On the other hand, even maps of the contiguous continents here are probably incomplete. Information about neighboring continents seems only available through the commerce guild. In terms of understanding the global situation, the Fiesta Kingdom is highly likely to seize hegemony.
Taking all that into consideration, I’ve come up with my own answer.
“First, the Fiesta Kingdom’s advantage lies in its monopolistic long-distance ocean navigation technology. With this, as long as the kingdom faces the sea, it can transport large numbers of people and goods farther and faster than any other nation. It can also raid and plunder coastal towns and villages with weak defenses. Since it’s impossible to guard every coastline, people will likely escape while the main forces are on the move, allowing the kingdom to act with impunity.”
“Ugh… I thought the same when I saw that ship. It’s a terrifying prospect.”
His Majesty nodded in agreement with that sentiment, then moved on to discuss the future.
“Considering the current situation, forming an alliance with the Fiesta Kingdom is essential. Also, we must urgently unravel the mystery of the silver armor necessary for long-distance ocean navigation. What’s needed here is, first, to enlist the cooperation of a top-tier blacksmith to identify the material used in the silver armor. Next, we must investigate what kind of effect the silver armor has underwater. Does it exhibit any special movement or properties? We want to examine these aspects from beneath the water. To that end, it would be wise to accompany a long-distance voyage at least once...”
As I twirled my fork through the pasta that Til had served me and voiced my thoughts, I suddenly felt a shift in the atmosphere and looked up.
Looking around, I felt everyone’s intense gazes.
“...As expected, Viscount Van’s skill is indispensable for ship research.”
When His Majesty muttered this seriously, Panamera and Aperta nodded firmly.
“That seems to be the case,” Aperta said, while Panamera shook his head with a look of pity.
“...Boy, even I can’t protect you,” Panamera said something I didn’t understand. What on earth was he talking about?
“Wait a moment. Since it’s ship research, I don’t think I need to be involved. Rather, it would be better if the kingdom’s renowned researchers, shipwrights, blacksmiths, and court magicians accompanied the voyage…”
I hastily said this, but His Majesty quietly shook his head.
“...There is a skilled Dwarf blacksmith in Viscount Van’s territory. And if you want to investigate how the armor moves underwater, you have the Apcaluru, the illusory species, among your subjects as well.”
“Ah...”
Upon hearing His Majesty’s words, I suddenly understood. Indeed, there’s probably no other Dwarf blacksmiths, and Apcaluru are rarely even seen. No matter how vast the world is, the only person with such ideal personnel must be the benevolent genius young lord, Van-kun.
But I must refuse.
I have to negotiate so I won’t have to embark on a long-distance voyage.