Chapter 308: The Concept of Ships and the Marquis's Territory

“I have heard the story from the messenger who arrived ahead of you. You came to see the ship, correct?”

Told that by Rosso, I nodded in response.

“Yes. I heard there is a ship that crossed the ocean. I would very much like to see it.”

When I told him that while looking him in the eye, he returned a smile. It wasn’t a mocking smile, but rather a gentle smile like an old man looking at his grandchild.

Maintaining his smile, Rosso waved one hand and spoke.

“You are honest, Viscount Van. So honest that it actually worries me a little.”

At those words, Panamera let out a breathy laugh and nodded.

“…Isn’t he? However, precisely because he is such a rare noble, walking alongside him is enjoyable.”

Panamera stated an impression that made it unclear whether she was praising me or not, and Rosso smiled wryly at it as well.

“Hmm. Normally, I would think the most likely outcome would be getting crushed early on by a powerful noble, or being skillfully used and exploited. Fortunately, the Viscount is greatly favored by His Majesty. There likely isn’t anyone who would openly oppose him.”

When Rosso said that, Panamera nodded deeply.

“There will likely be major battles in the future as well. The Viscount’s abilities can be expected to be highly effective precisely in large-scale warfare. Viscount Van will grow even greater.”

“…I am nothing but envious. My territory, which only possessed the role of a defensive wall against the Kingdom of Yelenetta, will conversely lose its presence little by little.”

In contrast to Panamera’s cheerful tone, Rosso spoke with a sigh. I felt the tension in the room increase at Rosso’s words.

As I was wondering what to do, Rosso raised the corner of his mouth into an imposing smile.

“Of course, my Rosso Marquis family does not intend to remain as we are. While fulfilling our role as a defensive wall against the Kingdom of Yelenetta, I shall dispatch thirty percent of my military forces from now on. I will show that I can perform work that does not pale in comparison to Lord Panamera.”

When Rosso said that, Panamera nodded deeply and smiled.

“That is wonderful. I shall look forward to the day I can witness Your Excellency’s power. By the way, if you are willing, would Your Excellency care to accompany Viscount Van? I believe you will see something interesting.”

“…Hmm. Something interesting, is it? I do like those kinds of stories. However, I do not think you can approach the ship easily.”

“Eh? Can’t approach?”

When I inadvertently interjected at Rosso’s words, he returned a nod without looking particularly angry.

“That is correct. After all, the ship is not docked on land.”

Taking Rosso and his attendants along, everyone headed to the coast. Of course, it wasn’t developed as a port, and parts where rocks were exposed in the sea and pure white sandy beaches spread out. And in the vast expanse of the sea, there was the figure of a huge ship. It was a large, silver-colored ship. It seemed to be floating about a hundred meters from land; perhaps it had dropped anchor. Judging by the gloss, it didn’t look wooden, but maybe they just plated the outside like armor. It had a metallic appearance but looked like a sailing ship. It had many white sails and was beautiful.

“Since it crosses the open ocean, I was hoping for a steamship or something, though…”

A big ship. That in itself is full of romance. However, since it seems cannons have been developed, I was also hoping for the utilization of steam. Thinking realistically, I feel like it took time to discover the use of steam even in Earth’s history.

In that case, it wouldn’t be strange if this were the world’s most cutting-edge ship currently.

Thinking that, while I was gazing at the ship simply as a tourist, Panamera peered into my face with interest.

“What is it, Boy? You aren’t making a fuss, which is rare.”

Being told that by Panamera, I shook my head.

“No, I am very excited. Since His Excellency Marquis Rosso is next to me, I am simply exercising self-restraint.”

“What is with that wording?”

When I brushed it off, Panamera snorted and laughed.

Looking at that from the side, Rosso crossed his arms and smiled.

“…You are close, almost like siblings. It seems you have built a good relationship.”

“If anything, I feel like I’m the older brother…”

I tried to deny Rosso’s statement reflexively. At that, Panamera, standing on the other side, turned only her face toward me.

“Did you say something, Boy?”

“No, nothing.”

When I straightened my back and replied, Rosso burst out laughing.

“…No, pardon me. Now then, shall we return to the main topic? It is not as if I have been doing nothing since that ship appeared.”

Saying that, Rosso disclosed the information about the ship.

The ship’s name is the Fleetwood. Its length is approximately one hundred meters. As expected, the material is primarily wood. It appears they have plated the outside with metal. Apparently, it took nearly two weeks to reach Tribute across the sea. And what is surprising is the owner of the ship. The country’s name is the Kingdom of Fiesta. Surprisingly, it was an undiscovered maritime nation.