Published: July 4, 2025
Chairman of the Azure Orb Merchants' Association, Bandersh.
He is a well-known merchant in the City of Manyamia, so much so that anyone who doesn't know him is considered an outsider.
As the fifth-generation chairman of the Azure Orb Merchants' Association, he operates the Azure Orb Pavilion, which is said to be the most admired inn in Manyamia. It is rumored that his trading ships conduct business even with countries across the continent.
The Azure Orb Merchants' Association, led by him, is one of the top merchant associations even in the Komakyuta Vassal Kingdom, while consistently maintaining its headquarters in Manyamia since its founding.
Now in his fifties, Bandersh has become more seasoned in his business acumen.
It is said that if you intend to live in Manyamia, you should never make an enemy of this man…
Yet, this very man was angered by Commissioner Remengesas.
Of course, Bandersh did not shout.
However, it was clear to anyone that he was furious.
“Commissioner… no, Lord Remengesas. I will ask you once more. You do understand what you are saying, do you not?”
With that question, Commissioner Remengesas swallowed hard.
In the capital, he was known as a stubborn and resolute administrator even willing to speak directly to the feudal lord, but at this moment, he felt as if he were about to be crushed under the pressure.
“Ah, Lord Bandersh… I believe I understand.”
“If there are more than two hundred people besides the crew, the only ship currently docked at our association is the Vashteque. You are asking me to provide that ship, correct?”
“Indeed…”
“I can provide the ship. However, it goes without saying that we cannot set sail on just the ship alone. We need crew members to operate it. Moving a special ship like the Vashteque is impossible for those who are not familiar. It can only be operated by the crew from our association. In other words, you are saying that you want them to cooperate with the government, correct?”
“Um… yes…”
“Knowing that the Sujay Kingdom Navy will come to attack, are you asking the crew to risk their lives?”
“No, that is not it. That is not it at all, Lord Bandersh. Of course, I will also dispatch escort ships from the stationed navy in Manyamia. We will also send three hundred marines… one hundred on the Vashteque and two hundred on other escort ships. That is how we will protect them. I am not saying this with the assumption that they will die.”
Commissioner Remengesas explained to Chairman Bandersh.
What he was saying was indeed true.
He was not the type to ask civilians for assistance without the intention of protecting them.
However, he had to acknowledge that the likelihood of an attack was extremely high.
Naval battles in the Archipelago Sea Region were traditional affairs.
While there might be minor attacks using bows and magic, full combat occurred once ships engaged in boarding.
The battles often took place on deck, where opponents boarded each other's vessels and fought with swords or daggers.
Since most combat took place on the deck, spears were not commonly used, making it not too different from land battles.
That is why differences in numbers and individual combat abilities became more pronounced.
Marines accustomed to shipboard combat were indeed strong, and both the marines of the Komakyuta Vassal Kingdom and those of the Sujay Kingdom were said to be elite troops.
“We will take every possible defensive measure. I will dispatch twenty ships from the stationed navy in Manyamia. Please… can you accept this?”
Commissioner Remengesas bowed his head.
As he looked down, Chairman Bandersh pondered.
(The Commissioner is not lying. It is true that he wants the transfer to succeed. Those surrounding the princess likely demanded that they would not board unless they were on the same ship. However, there is no ship available that can accommodate that many people from the Manyamia government. Even searching the city, only ours is available… It is practically impossible to reject a request from the government, that much is clear. I understand that… but…)