Published: July 5, 2025
Two days after departing from Von City.
The French Fleet, including Skizblaznil, entered the port town of Dazuru.
The port manager came to Skizblaznil, and Abel and Captain Paulina handled the situation.
As a result, Ryo accompanied Head Chef Kobatchi and the others for supplies.
For a brief moment, he felt the resentful gaze of Abel.
Three hours later, Head Chef Kobatchi and the others returned to Skizblaznil with a large quantity of ingredients.
At that time, Ryo was in high spirits, perfectly embodying the word "enthusiastic."
"Abel, I've gathered some amazing information!"
"Amazing information?"
"It seems that deep within the jungle of this town... ah, in the dense forest, there are underground ruins!"
"Underground ruins?"
Abel tilted his head in confusion at Ryo's excited report.
"Captain, have you heard of this?"
"Yes, it's a famous ruin in the western part of the continent. However, I believe it was sealed or something, and I couldn't get any further than the entrance."
In response to Abel's question, Paulina recalled.
"That's right! But that seal was broken a week ago… or perhaps even earlier. They confirmed that it is possible to proceed deeper now!"
"Like a discovery of new underground ruins?"
"What do you think? As a fellow adventurer, doesn't that excite you, Abel?"
"Well, it is exciting, but..."
Abel was concerned about the two individuals standing in a different direction from Paulina.
They were Zack Cooler and Scotty Kobuck, both squad captains of the Royal Knight Order.
They were Abel's escorts.
Both stood at attention, but they were listening to the conversation.
Ryo also noticed Abel and the two squad captains.
"Well, it seems that Abel can't go to dangerous ruins."
"Eh…"
"Don't worry. If we find any rare treasures, I'll bring them back for you, so just wait."
"Hey…"
Ryo said with a nod, while Abel's expression turned lonely.
"Abel, we're not here to play. We're here to establish a future trade treaty between the Naitorei Kingdom and the dark continent. Since you're the top of this venture and the king, you shouldn't act recklessly."
"Well, Ryo was the one who brought up the ruins in the first place…"
"Reporting is a common courtesy in the workplace. Since Abel is, in a sense, my superior, I had to provide proper reports. It can't be helped."
"That doesn't sit right with me."
Abel muttered and shook his head slightly.
But at that moment, Ryo realized something.
"This town is only docked for one night, isn't it?"
"That's right."
"If that's the case, we probably won't have enough time to explore the ruins."
"How large are those ruins anyway? What's inside? No, is there anything inside? It’s not like a dungeon, right?"
"Abel, you're being too eager just because you can't dive in."
"Isn't it okay to at least tell me that much?"
"I want to, but I don’t know anything at all."
"…Huh?"
"I don’t know anything at all."
"Hey…"
Abel sighed at Ryo's outrageous answer.
"I need to negotiate with Graham. I should say that I'd like to stay a bit longer to dive into the ruins."
"That’s impossible."
Abel flatly denied it without a second thought.
Ryo frowned in response.
Of course, Ryo understood that it would be difficult.
The fleet has its own schedule.
It wouldn't be possible to extend the stay based solely on one person's convenience.
However, consulting about it wouldn't cost anything.
"I’m going to the Papal Barge for a moment."
With that, Ryo ran off.
Graham was on the Papal Barge Archangel.
"That’s fine with me."
"…Huh?"
"There are many reefs in the sea routes ahead. While the navigators of this fleet are indeed highly skilled, it was suggested that we should hire a local pilot familiar with the waters to ensure perfection."
"I see."
"Finding such a pilot may take a bit of time, so… shall we extend our stay by five days?"
"Oh, please!"
Ryo's face lit up with joy.
Thus, Ryo's hopes were granted.
The next morning.
Ryo, Abel, and Scotty arrived at the Dazuru Government Office.
This time, Ryo was at the forefront, with Abel behind him to the right and Scotty to the left.