Published: July 4, 2025
"Based on the calculations from the wind and ocean currents, we will arrive at the Autonomous City of Kubevasa in ten days."
Captain Myun of the first ship explained this to Prince Lyun and the negotiation team leaders, including Ryo and Princess Shio Fen.
"I heard it would be two weeks, but that's quite fast," Ryo remarked.
"Yes. The ocean currents at this time of year can be predicted, but the winds can be quite variable, so I provided the standard schedule," Captain Myun replied to Prince Lyun's inquiry.
Prince Lyun held a significant position as a royal, and it was fair to say he was quite high-ranking.
However, he spoke to Captain Myun with a remarkably polite tone.
Captain Myun himself was once one of the admirals leading the Darwei Navy.
Because of that, he was highly regarded by the emperor.
One could say that Captain Myun is one of the emperor Tsuin's most trusted men of the sea.
Due to this, no one would treat Captain Myun disrespectfully.
"Men and women of the sea seem really cool, don't they?"
"Yeah, I suppose so."
After the explanation regarding the schedule concluded, Ryo and Abel engaged in a casual conversation.
"Abel, what do you think about becoming an admiral after you resign as king? You could lead the Naitorei Kingdom Navy and conquer the seven seas!"
"I don't get it."
"The former adventurer and former king, yet in reality, he would be Admiral Abel leading the unrivaled kingdom navy! Doesn't that sound cool?"
"Who would the unrivaled kingdom navy fight against? The hypothetical enemy, the Debuhi Empire, doesn't even have a navy."
"Right, the enemy is... the Kraken army!"
"Yeah, that’s a loss."
Abel shook his head slightly.
"It can't be helped; we'll just make it the Sardine army instead."
"What’s that…"
"It’s like a bait ball… you know, those little fish swimming in schools?"
"Those from after we defeated the Kraken, when we caught seven of them with the USS Neil Anderson's 'arm' on our way back."
Abel remembered that incident too.
"Putting aside the unrivaled, I hope we can eventually head out to the southern seas of the kingdom."
"Right? Once we return to the kingdom, it's the Ministry of Ocean Affairs, right? We should inspect that place."
"Inspection…"
"There must be nobles or officials engaged in wrongdoing. We can confiscate their assets and pocket them!"
"Yeah, if we confiscate, it will only go to the national treasury. It definitely wouldn’t end up in the first duke's or the king's pockets."
"Ugh… I guess legal reform needs to come before the inspection. That corrupt first duke will take everything!"
"Is it really okay to label oneself as corrupt?"
Even far from their homeland, the king and the first duke were always discussing how to improve their nation.
This is surely what it means to govern a country.
... Yes, surely.
Captain Ruyao and the friendship proof no. 2 came into view for the two of them.
Seeing this, Abel asked, "Hey, Ryo."
"What is it, Abel?"
"I've been curious about that friendship proof no. 2... why is it moving?"
"Eh?"
For a moment, Ryo didn't comprehend the meaning of Abel's question.
"Well, Ryo's golem could only move within and around the Rondo Mansion, right?"
Yes, it received magical power from the water magic stone installed in the mansion, allowing it to move only within that area... which was quite expansive and entirely included the Lyun Princely Residence.
But here, they were on the sea.
Not even in the 'Central Yellow.'
"Oh, I see. Abel, you remembered well."
Ryo was impressed by Abel's memory.
People tend to have vague memories about things they aren't particularly interested in...
"Friendship proof no. 2 has currently transitioned to a standalone type."
"Stand…alone?"
"Self-operating, I guess? Actually, it's fitted directly with a water magic stone."
"Oh, that leftover one Ryo had."
Abel nodded at Ryo's explanation.
Among the three magic stones extracted from the sardine-type monsters, two were used at the Rondo Mansion, and apparently the remaining one was fitted into the second unit.
"Therefore, friendship proof no. 2 can operate anywhere."