Published: January 17, 2026
“...And so, there were these mysterious grooves carved into the bottom of the ship.”
As he made a small model of the ship, Radavesta traced lines along the bottom with his finger. Wasn’t there some charcoal? It would be easier if someone could draw it out.
While I was thinking that and searching for something to use as a pencil substitute, I caught a glimpse of Rosso’s stunned face. I think it had been about five minutes, but Rosso was still amazed by the existence of the apcaluru.
“...Talking with an apcaluru. And they’re a resident? To think I’d get to witness something like this...”
Seeing his fresh reaction, I realized that His Majesty hadn’t spoken much about the apcaluru’s existence.
“Ah, let me introduce you. Apcaluru, this is Mr. Radavesta of the Rada tribe. He’s the clan leader.”
“Indeed, I am Radavesta.”
After introducing Radavesta, he lowered his chin while holding a stone tablet and gave his name. After confirming that, I introduced Rosso to Radavesta.
“This is the Marquis of Porto Fino Rosso. He’s kind of like an impressive clan leader.”
“Oh, a clan leader, huh? Pleased to meet you.”
“Ah, likewise. If you like, please feel free to visit my territory anytime.”
Watching Radavesta and Rosso having that kind of conversation, I received the set of tools I had used for notes from Row.
“Mr. Radavesta, try drawing with this.”
“Hm? Oh, this is good.”
I handed over the pencil I’d made for this occasion, and Radavesta began drawing lines on the bottom part of the ship model. A pattern resembling grass motifs was drawn on the bottom, and everyone’s attention turned to that design.
“The grooves are symmetrical on both sides, and when the underwater currents are strong, strange sounds resonate.”
“Strange sounds?”
Radavesta lifted the ship model up so everyone could see it, pointing at the ship’s pattern as he explained. Somehow, I felt a sudden realization come to me.
“Could it be something like high-frequency waves that make your ears hurt, or low tones that resonate through your body?”
When I asked that, Radavesta folded his arms and pondered.
“...Certainly, it feels like that. The sounds were only high-pitched. Also, there was an odd vibrating resonance.”
Radavesta replied. Sound is vibration perceived by the ears. Vibrations have the same effect whether in air or underwater. Even sounds too high or low to hear are probably felt by the body.
If that’s the case, then these grooves might be producing high-pitched sounds audible to us and ultra-low frequencies imperceptible to hearing simultaneously. No, perhaps even ultra-high frequencies might be added, producing three sounds altogether.
“...These sounds and vibrations are suspicious. If you hear them, maybe aquatic demonic beasts won’t come near.”
It’s worth researching. Especially now that Radavesta has actually experienced it underwater. If we make several prototypes, it might be possible to replicate it.
While I stared at the ship model given by Radavesta and considered the materials in my mind, Rosso suddenly spoke from behind.
“...This is an astonishingly great achievement. Now I understand why His Majesty wanted to bring Sir Van into the investigation.”
At those words, I shook my head modestly.
“No, no, this is thanks to Mr. Radavesta’s skill. Besides, Kusala and the others are overseeing the interior, and Havel will help with making the actual prototypes from now on.”
The reserved Van-kun said this to convey that everyone except himself was working hard. By the way, if they praised Van-kun’s great achievements, he was ready to accept it gracefully. Come on, praise me.
“...No, that’s also due to Sir Van’s connections and strategy. No matter the cards you hold, it depends on how you play them.”
I was truly complimented. Naturally, I got embarrassed.
“Eh, that’s not true at all!”
Scratching my cheek with my index finger, I replied, and Arte and Til were smiling brightly.
“Lord Van looks happy.”