Published: January 17, 2026
Thanks to Rosso’s suggestion, the conversation with Mondeo was limited to nothing more than the story of making a small ship model three days later.
“Oh! How exquisite! This might mean our country’s shipbuilding techniques have been stolen,” Mondeo said, genuinely surprised, but with enough composure to joke about it. By the way, the ship model was indeed crafted with great precision, so his astonishment in that regard was a sincere reaction. However, he probably didn’t believe they could actually build a ship capable of ocean voyages.
Mondeo stayed for about a week after that. They managed to exchange a fair amount of information, and even putting the ship matter aside, it turned out to be quite a meaningful meeting.
Rosso also spoke about it with satisfaction.
“Well then, everyone, thank you very much. I certainly hope to visit this city again, so please take care of me,” Mondeo said.
“Yes, thank you as well!” they replied.
“Indeed. Please come again. We will welcome you warmly.”
After such greetings, Mondeo returned home. From the conversations they had, it seemed Mondeo was inclined to think that, if forming an alliance, the Solstice Empire would be the better choice.
Whether that was for the sake of the Fiesta Kingdom or for Mondeo personally was hard to determine.
“...Now then, can we start shipbuilding from tomorrow?” Rosso said immediately after seeing Mondeo off. His quick change in focus almost made me laugh.
“Yes, indeed. Havel's research has already made progress,” I replied, turning around to find Havel behind me giving a thumbs-up with a slight smile.
Even while Mondeo was still staying here, Havel couldn’t contain himself and built a deep pond in the lord’s manor’s backyard to create and study ship prototypes. Thanks to Havel’s persistent nature, an incredible number of prototypes had been made and tested.
As a result, a prototype that even Radavesta was satisfied with was completed.
“...After comparing the sounds, they’re almost the same. We haven’t heard it at sea yet, so I can’t say for sure, but it’s probably fine,” Radavesta said. I was so happy I couldn’t help but high-five Havel. Well, simply making ship models and going through trial and error every day was fun, but there’s definitely a sense of accomplishment when it’s done.
“Certainly, the depth of the grooves influenced it,” I said.
“Also, it was a big help that Mr. Radavesta came closer to re-examine it. After all, we found out some of the grooves are circular in cross-section,” Havel answered.
The patterns were more complex than expected, mostly square and triangular grooves. But some parts had a cross-section that was circular, making the groove width wider than it appeared from the surface. Without Radavesta’s abilities, we wouldn’t have known that.
Listening to my opinion, Havel nodded deeply and replied, “Indeed... To arrive at such a complex shape, this research must have been carried out for decades, not just years. It’s no simple matter.”
Though not a blacksmith, Havel showed deep respect for the shipbuilding techniques of the Fiesta Kingdom from a craftsman’s perspective. It seems skilled artisans are moved by exceptional craftsmanship.
Because of those days spent researching, Havel seemed eager to start building the ship immediately. Smiling wryly at his excited demeanor, I responded to Rosso.
“Yes, for now, let’s rest up to prepare for tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Indeed. Then I’ll have the meals prepared. Tell the chef to make it more sumptuous than usual today.”
“No, no, this is already more than enough... Really, the usual is fine.”
“Hahaha! I’ll tell the head chef. He’ll be glad.”
With that conversation, Rosso and I started heading back.
However, as we proceeded through the town, a knight on horseback suddenly came galloping from the direction of the lord’s manor. It seemed he had some report for Rosso. Feeling the tension rise, I waited for the knight’s report as he approached.