The Water Magician

The next day.

A delicious dinner, a comfortable sleep, and a tasty breakfast.

It was indeed perfect.

This inn did not betray any of my expectations.

Ryo came downstairs after lightly stretching post-meal.

"Your Grace Duke Rondo, the carriage is ready."

"Thank you very much."

I had already received the report that an appointment for a meeting at nine o'clock had been arranged for today.

This time, as the representative of the kingdom and the first duke, who might also be a guest, I decided to arrive properly by carriage.

Although, I was still wearing my usual robe.

Well, this robe never gets dirty, so it's always clean, so there shouldn't be any problem...

At exactly nine o'clock, I passed through the gates of the Franzoni Shipping Company.

About ten people were standing at the carriage drop-off to welcome Ryo.

"Your Grace Duke Rondo, we have been waiting for you."

The one who greeted me was Girolamo Franzoni, the chairman of the Franzoni Shipping Company.

The chairman himself came to welcome me at the drop-off.

It could be said that this was the highest level of hospitality.

"Ah, Girolamo, it has been a while. I apologize for this sudden visit."

"No, you are always welcome. Please, this way."

As before, I was guided to the Chairman's Office.

And, as expected, coffee produced in the dark continent was served smoothly.

"So... may I ask the reason for your visit today, Your Grace?"

Girolamo asked.

"Actually, I came to procure a ship capable of long-distance sailing."

"I see..."

Girolamo paused at my words.

However, from his expression, I could sense that he had already caught wind of this information.

Girolamo's brother is Bonifacio Franzoni, the director of the Intelligence Agency.

It was only natural that the reports from Captain Bangaan and Vice-Captain Amaria, who came to me yesterday, reached their superior, Director Bonifacio.

Given that, it would not be surprising if this information had made its way to Chairman Girolamo.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a problem even if the information had been passed on.

What Ryo would do would not change.

"Do you have any ships available for immediate sale?"

Ryo asked directly.

"I’m sorry, but for a ship capable of long-distance sailing, it would require a shipbuilding order to be placed first. There won’t be any completed ships available…"

Girolamo's words were as I expected.

From here on out, it was negotiation.

"I would like to use a ship that is currently under construction."

"That would be rather…"

Girolamo declined without changing his expression.

This was to be expected.

All ships under construction have an owner.

The schedule for completion and delivery is already determined…

If that ship were to be arbitrarily handed over to Ryo, it would become a matter of the company’s credibility.

"I am prepared to pay a suitable amount to the owner."

"I see."

Ryo initiated the conversation, and Girolamo nodded.

As far as the Franzoni Shipping Company is concerned, as long as the owner agrees, there would be no problem.

If the owner nods to the amount that Ryo guarantees and is willing to part with the ship, then it would be fine.

Or perhaps…

"I would also be fine with being introduced to a ship that has already been launched but for which the sailing schedule has not yet been decided."

Basically, ships used in maritime trade have no downtime as they are always on the go.

There may be cases where port schedules are decided months or even a year in advance.

If that were not the case, the amount of cargo accepted could not be determined.

In other words, if you go to the port and say, "Please sell me this ship," you are unlikely to be accommodated.

There are already planned operations determined up to months ahead.

However, there is one instance where schedules may be open.

That is for ships under maintenance.

Ships that have been taken up in dry dock, undergoing repairs and cleaning below the waterline, which can take months.

For such ships, there is a possibility to say, "Please sell it to me" and have it sold…

But Girolamo shook his head slightly and revealed the tragic truth to Ryo.