Published: January 17, 2026
Even though it was a prototype ship, it was still the completion of a large vessel. In this world, it was common sense that the day a ship was completed called for a party. So, I asked the marquis for a favor and had him reserve a popular restaurant in town, where all the main members gathered to hold a celebration for the completion. Yay, let’s party!
I received my favorite citrus-scented fruit water and eagerly stared at the fish dishes before me. Then, once everyone’s drinks were set in front of them, Rosso spoke up.
“…Now then, let’s begin the banquet. This time, we encountered new countries and new technologies that cannot be underestimated, even by our own nation. The investigations and research we undertook to make these our own surely brought much anxiety and hardship to everyone. However, with the completion of this prototype ship, I believe we have achieved a significant result. The actions we have taken have undoubtedly strengthened our country and become the driving force for a better future. Today, with this in mind, I want us all to share in this joy together.”
Rosso was saying something complicated, but I couldn’t look away from the steaming, delicious-looking dishes. If I didn’t eat soon, wouldn’t they get cold? Now was exactly the perfect time—the surface looked crispy, but if it cooled down, that texture would be halved.
While nervously gazing at the food, Rosso suddenly turned to face me.
“In particular, I want to recognize Viscount van nei fertio, who made a great contribution to overcoming the various hardships this time. The investigation and research of the ships of the Fiesta Kingdom, and the construction of this large ship… honestly, none of this would have been possible without you, sir van. Maybe it would have been completed someday, but it surely would have taken years… no, decades. Your achievements are enormous.”
“Huh? No, no, that’s not true at all. It’s thanks to everyone’s hard work,” I replied, instinctively expressing modesty in the Japanese way, while trying to guess the taste of the other dishes by their appearance. That one is fried, so it might be crispy. The inside is surely juicy.
As I seriously examined the dishes, Rosso smiled and picked up his glass.
“Well then, before the food gets cold, let us toast. Sir van, you will receive a reward after consultation with His Majesty… Now, cheers!”
At Rosso’s signal, everyone raised their cups and cheered. I immediately asked Til to serve me some food and took a bite.
“Delicious! This one! I’ve had the other dish before, but this is the first time for this one.”
I was surprised by the unexpected taste of the fried fish dish and exclaimed. The batter was crispy as expected, with a slight sweetness, but the texture and taste of the fish differed from what I imagined. Surprisingly, the texture was close to ham. Perhaps it was marinated, as a sweet and spicy flavor spread in my mouth alongside the elegant taste of the whitefish.
As I joyfully stuffed my mouth with the food, for some reason, laughter filled the restaurant. Looking around, everyone was staring at me. When did I become the center of attention? Embarrassing.
While I was thinking that, Rosso cheerfully walked over with a smile.
“This kind of banquet is a first for me in my life as well. Quite an interesting idea. I like it.”
“Is that so? For some reason, I feel embarrassed since everyone laughed at me.”
“Hahaha! Everyone admires you, sir van. It’s almost enviable.”
Pouting, I continued eating, while Rosso laughed happily and took a sip of his fruit wine. I noticed that, perhaps because there weren’t many chances to chat, many knights gathered around Havel, Ort, and the others. Since Rosso, Panamera, Arte, and I shared one table, knights naturally didn’t crowd over here.
Instead, the cute maid and the young knight who vigilantly guarded me even in such a setting were eating with Dee and the others at the next table.
“Kamushin, later let’s bring some meat to Mr. Radavesta as well. Maybe we can take Havel along too.”