The Water Magician

Unwavering focus.

There couldn't be a more appropriate phrase to describe Ryo's mindset over the past few days.

Of course, he is eating.

He is also getting a reasonable amount of sleep.

Even while eating, his mind is entirely on the ship.

When he sleeps, even in his dreams, it’s all about the ship.

On the fourth day of his endeavor, Ryo finally arrived at an understanding.

“Hehehe... Mr. Neil, I figured out what you were trying to do. It's astonishing, but you were aiming to load ballast water, weren't you? So that's how you plan to maintain balance... It’s a wooden ship, but with the magic and alchemy connected to Fai, it’s certainly possible. What’s truly frightening is that you, Mr. Neil, came up with such a concept...”

Ballast water refers to the water taken on board a ship to stabilize it, adjusted according to the amount of cargo.

The method of loading stones to stabilize a ship has been well-known since ancient times on Earth.

In recent years, it has shifted to using water, as water is easier to adjust than stones. However, what Neil Anderson was attempting was to control not just the location of the taken-on water but also its shape using alchemy.

Indeed, the placement of ballast water is not unheard of, especially in submarines... but the idea leading to that is terrifying.

Ryo finally grasped it, and from there, things moved quickly.

He directed the engineers to complete the blueprint and arranged for the necessary materials through a top-tier inn, including magic stones.

Once everything was in place... he finally brought it up to Chairman Girolamo.

“Please sell me that ship.”

Chairman Girolamo took a breath before responding.

“Understood. However, there are conditions.”

“Conditions?”

“Please allow us to inherit the newly redrafted blueprints and the alchemy magic formulas. Originally, that ship was being built as a new vessel for our trading company. Construction stopped because Lord Anderson left... Therefore, selling the ship itself is fine. However, when we build anew in the future, I would like to utilize the new path derived by your grace. What do you think?”

Girolamo's eyes were earnest.

Ryo had no particular issue with that.

“Very well.”

“Oh!”

“So, how much will you sell that ship for?”

“The material costs and labor up to this point have been quite substantial. However, if we deduct the portion that will remain in the blueprints... how about one hundred billion ducats, or one hundred billion florins by Central Nations standards?”

“I’ll take it.”

It was an immediate decision.

A clipper ship of that caliber for one hundred billion florins is certainly not expensive.

...Probably.

“I’ve heard that ship will be used for maritime exploration with other Western Nations, especially France. In that case, it would be better if the crew were not from the Republic, right?”

“Ah, certainly.”

Ryo nodded at Girolamo's words.

To operate such a clipper ship, a capable crew is essential.

Both in number and skill.

“It would be best to ask the crew from the neighboring Gosron Duchy, who learned navigation in the Republic. Gosron Duchy has produced many popes throughout history, so they have established a very good relationship with the Western Church. Moreover, it is a rare country that has never waged war against the Republic, despite being a neighboring nation. Therefore, the Duchy’s citizens are not treated roughly in either the Republic or France, while still possessing solid navigation skills. If you’d like, our trading company can mediate this for you.”

“Oh! Please do!”

It was truly a fortuitous opportunity.

“Once launched, let’s navigate to Gosron Port and outfit the ship there. During that time, the Duchy’s crew can get accustomed to it. Your grace, I think it would be good for you to stop by Gosron Duchy before returning to the Holy Capital. The effects of the Holy Seal Certificate issued by the church are overwhelming in that country.”

“I see. That’s good information. Thank you.”