Published: July 4, 2025
Day Eleven of Departure.
So far, the Transport Fleet has proceeded without any incidents.
In other words, during the three days when an attack was anticipated, nothing happened twice.
Today, an afternoon tea party is being held on the upper deck.
Though it's called a tea party, what is being served is coffee.
It is the special blend coffee from the Azure Orb Pavilion, brewed by Ryo.
Around the table today are Ryo, Abel, captain of the guard Ban Socks, and marine captain Rajatton of the Transport Fleet.
Rajatton took a sip and looked happy, but after a while, he frowned again.
Everyone understood that it wasn't because the coffee didn't suit his taste.
"As for the Transport Fleet's predictions, I thought that yesterday, the tenth day, would be the day with the highest likelihood of an attack."
"Yes, that's right. Now that we only have the fourteenth day left, we on the defensive side can concentrate our efforts solely there. That is not a favorable situation for the attackers. Therefore, the likelihood of an attack occurring in the middle is the highest. The next highest would have been the fourth day, when we were still getting used to the voyage... but..."
"Neither of them came."
Ban Socks confirmed this, Rajatton answered with the fleet's perspective, and Abel nodded.
Of course, arriving in the capital without being attacked is the best scenario.
That's true, but... it is certainly exhausting to always be on guard for a possible attack.
"Those three locations that are expected to be attacked, what criteria were used to determine them?"
Abel inquired.
As king, he hopes to gain even a little experience in naval battles that he lacks, so he is proactive in his questioning.
"Those three locations have islands scattered near the shipping routes that make it easy to hide an attacking fleet. It would be akin to having a terrain that is suitable for ambushes in land combat."
"I see."
Marine captain Rajatton explained using land combat analogies, perhaps because he recognizes Abel as a swordsman.
Abel seemed to grasp it easily.
"That's why the circular formation was considered."
"Linking formations? Ah, the fleet does indeed look like a ring. We don't particularly use that terminology in the Archipelago Sea Region, but your reasoning is correct. Those three locations have a high likelihood of being attacked from all directions, so the ships are arranged accordingly."
Preparing for ambushes is quite a task.
"Tomorrow, we will receive supplies in the City of Jushita, but we won't be able to disembark from the ship."
"Yes, I regret to inform you... The crew has no choice, but everyone else, including the princess and the members of the guard squad, must remain on the ship."
Captain of the guard Ban Socks confirmed this, and marine captain Rajatton nodded.
It seems that this was decided beforehand.
"If we disembark... there will definitely be unnecessary troubles."
Ryo muttered, anticipating a classic development typical of light novels.
Abel shot him a sidelong glance.
Ryo noticed and said, "Do you have something to say, Abel?"
"No, not really..."
In response to Ryo's question, Abel deliberately averted his gaze.
"If you have something to say, you should say it clearly."
"I just thought that you might want those kinds of problems to occur," Ryo said casually. "Don’t worry about it."
"How rude! I certainly don't want problems to arise that would cause trouble for many people!"
"And if it only inconveniences Ryo, would you be okay with that?"
"I wouldn't mind taking that on."
"Just as I thought!"
"Well, that kind of thing... it's more like a way to pass the time, or rather, a kind of coloring for life... or a change of pace..."
Ryo became flustered.
He doesn't want to involve others, but if it were just Ryo... maybe it wouldn't be so bad if something happened...
"No, if something happens, it won't just be Ryo-san's problem; the marine squad will have to take action too."
"Our guard squad will also be involved. After all, Ryo-san and Abel-san are adventurers commissioned by the Azure Orb Trading Company."