Published: July 5, 2025
The Skizblaznil Deck, after Graham and Stefania had left.
“We were held hostage at Skizblaznil during the negotiations.”
“That’s something that person excels at, isn’t it?”
“However, Abel minimized the damage through his negotiations.”
“I think Graham probably assumed from the very beginning that this was where we would settle.”
“What do you mean...?”
“That’s why he responded so quickly, right?”
“Sure enough.”
Ryo nodded as he recalled the events.
Then he remembered something else.
“Abel, even though it was a sudden offer, isn’t it a huge undertaking to go to the Fundebie Kingdom Fleet and the southern region?”
“Well, naturally, it’s a big deal.”
“It’s suddenly happening like this, and for the captain and the crew, the people doing the practical work, it must be even more difficult.”
“Don’t worry. I confirmed and got the captain’s agreement by last night.”
“What do you mean...?”
Abel said it as if it were obvious, and Ryo was surprised by that answer.
“Deciding to go to the southern dark continent without any groundwork would certainly be problematic.”
“That’s where Abel’s adeptness comes into play.”
“A king is supported by many people in that position. Therefore, one cannot ignore those who support them. If you think about it that way, it’s only natural, right?”
Abel replied as if it were obvious.
But Ryo understood.
Things like that can only be done if one can simulate the potential events that could occur in the future.
He inferred that there was a possibility of traveling to the southern dark continent with the Fundebie Kingdom Fleet, which is why he was able to check with Captain Paulina in advance.
“Huh? But while it might have been possible for Graham and the others to invite us, how did you know we were heading to the south?”
“The crew of Skizblaznil gathered information. Apparently, there are quite a number of vampires in the southern continent. They didn’t know if it was related to Marquis Shionka or the sleeping duke, of course.”
“I see.”
Ryo nodded.
Indeed, information is power.
If you have it, you can predict movements around you and take the initiative.
Ryo honestly thought that Abel was impressive.
At the same time, he realized that he still had a long way to go.
“I was just being manipulated by Graham.”
Ryo said regretfully.
Then, with a renewed determination, he lifted his head.
“I also need to learn about intrigue and stratagem.”
“...Huh?”
“From today onward, please call me Machiavellist Ryo.”
“Isn’t 'Machiavellist' related to that person named Machiavelli that Ryo often mentions?”
“You’re quite sharp, Abel; you remembered well. Yes, in my hometown, a Machiavellist refers to a person who will do whatever it takes for their goals, a practitioner of intrigue and stratagem.”
Ryo said this with a mischievous smile.
It was, however, a very exaggerated actor-like smile.
“I really don’t think you’re suited for that.”
“I, I know! But I have to at least try a little...”
“Well, good luck.”
Abel said.
The next moment, Kobatchi, the head chef, came out onto the deck and called out.
“Ryo-san, I made plenty of curry-flavored fried chicken for today!”
“Of course, you’re the head chef Kobatchi! I’ll eat a lot!”
Seeing Ryo genuinely happy from the bottom of his heart, Abel was convinced.
“Ryo is not suited to be a Machiavellist.”
“The power of a water attribute mage in the sea, I will show them thoroughly!”
On the Skizblaznil deck, a certain first duke raised his fist to the sky and declared that.
“The Fundebie Kingdom Fleet is our ally.”
The king, the duke's superior, gently admonished him, or perhaps he did not.
The Skizblaznil they were aboard was in the center of the Fundebie Kingdom Fleet.
It departed from Jerdan Port early that morning.
It was advancing alongside the flagship, the Papal Barge Archangel.
However, since there was sufficient distance between the ships, even if Ryo shouted a little, the other ships probably wouldn’t hear him.