Published: July 5, 2025
"The Franzoni Shipping Company is the one that built the Skizblaznil we traveled on, and it's one of the top shipping companies in the Republic."
Ryo explains this while riding in a carriage headed for the company.
"The chairman, Girolamo Franzoni, is said to be the brother of Bonifacio Franzoni from the Special Agency."
"I see. So, it's possible that information has been passed along from that connection."
"There is a possibility."
Ryo states the relationship, and Amon and Eto nod in agreement.
"But Ryo, do you think someone from such a prestigious company would meet with us on such short notice?"
"Fufufu, Nils, despite my appearance, I am the first duke of the kingdom. It was I who procured the Skizblaznil, so I am essentially a major client. There are no companies in this world that treat major clients poorly."
As planned by Ryo, the delegation soon found themselves guided to the Chairman's Office.
"Welcome, your grace."
"Chairman Girolamo, I apologize for the sudden visit."
It seems that even without an appointment, a major client like Ryo can be ushered into the chairman's office.
After exchanging pleasantries and discussing the recent status of the Skizblaznil, they got to the purpose of their visit.
"Actually, we are here to procure Mitril Ore."
"I see."
Ryo speaks forthrightly without holding back, and Girolamo nods with a smile, seemingly already aware.
"However, as you may have heard, the Mitril Ore was stolen last night."
"Yes, we have received such information."
"In fact, I just had a visit from Lord Barley, the chief advisor of the Republic, and I received permission to cooperate in the investigation. I do not yet have the official documents, but..."
"Hmm."
"As part of that, I thought about various possibilities, and if it was to be transported outside the Republic, it would likely be by ship."
"That is possible."
Girolamo nods in agreement with Ryo's speculation.
"Of course, I don't think the ships of the Franzoni Shipping Company would be used, but the Republic, being a maritime nation, has many ships available..."
"Indeed, there are not a few who engage in such nefarious activities."
"I would be grateful if you could pass along any information you receive in that regard. Ah, of course, it's fine after you've reported it to the Special Agency or Republic government. We share the same sentiments with them."
"If that's the case, I understand."
Ryo's suggestion was readily accepted by Girolamo.
"Our company receives information from all ports within the Republic."
"Eh? All ports? How many is that…?"
"There are one thousand seven hundred and twenty-nine ports, including fishing ports."
"What an enormous number..."
Ryo was understandably surprised.
He could see that the three members of Room 10 standing behind him were also astonished.
"Your grace is staying at the 'Doge Pietro', yes? I will inform you once we receive any information."
Inside the carriage returning from the Franzoni Shipping Company.
"He even knew where we were staying."
"Yes, indeed. The more excellent the merchant, the more they understand the importance of information. No, it might be more accurate to say that they instinctively filter and select information."
Ryo nodded at Nils's words.
"It’s not uncommon for a massive company to falter just because they overlooked the importance of information."
Ryo is an adventurer, not a merchant.
However, back on Earth, he was involved in management as an apprentice vice president.
The businesses, surroundings, regions, and clients he observed during that time... everything became a part of him... probably.
All those experiences have shaped Ryo into who he is today.
"Anyway, we've done what we can."
"That's right."
"Once we return to the Doge Pietro, let's have some cake."
"...Huh?"
"After doing what needs to be done, we wait while eating cake. I believe this is the right action to increase our success rate."
"I can't believe that."
Ryo states firmly, but Nils does not agree.
It can't be helped.
He won't let himself be unsettled just because his thoughts differ from others.