Chapter 309: The Maritime Nation, Kingdom of Fiesta
When the ship suddenly appeared at sea, the residents were apparently greatly surprised. However, once it was understood that it wouldn’t take hostile action, rumors spread through the travelers, and it is said that many people now come to see it.
In a sense, it has become something of a tourist attraction now.
“…A two-week sea voyage. If the ship’s speed is ten kilometers per hour and they travel eight hours a day, that’s eighty kilometers times fourteen, so over one thousand one hundred kilometers? If it’s five kilometers per hour, then about five hundred kilometers… It feels incredibly far, but it’s probably not a distance that spans between continents, right?”
Using the information I received, I unrolled a map in my head and imagined the distance from the continent to the island. To be honest, I don’t know the speed of sailing ships, so it’s quite vague. I merely assumed it would be between five to ten kilometers per hour, figuring it would be slower than a carriage.
That said, the existence of an island nation is interesting. In the first place, how did the people living there reach the island? Did the landmasses separate due to crustal movements long ago? Or were they people who rowed boats out into the sea at the risk of their lives and miraculously reached the island?
There are countless things I’m curious about.
“The messenger from the Fleetwood appeared three days ago. A messenger will likely appear again tomorrow or the day after. At that time, you should join the meeting.”
Rosso said this in a casual manner. It seems the Fleetwood occasionally sends out a small boat to Tribute to purchase necessary supplies. At those times, they also seem to pay their respects to Rosso.
“The person in charge of the Fleetwood is a man named Tran Bronco. The Kingdom of Fiesta is governed by a King and a Council, and it seems they aimed for this place in accordance with their decision. He said they are currently preparing for their return while investigating the vicinity.”
“As for Your Excellency, do you have an interest in this Kingdom of Fiesta?”
“Of course I do. However, thinking realistically, wandering the sea for days is too dangerous. Besides, they didn’t tell me the location of their own island. Reaching it would be difficult.”
While accepting Rosso‘s answer, doubts remain.
“…I really want to meet this Mr. Tran somehow.”
When I said that, Panamera smiled faintly.
“Has your interest been piqued? You’re finally starting to act like a boy.”
After that exchange, we parted ways with Rosso right there. This was because, upon arriving at the seaside, Arte and the others had started playing on the sandy beach. Normally, Arte should have formally greeted him as a Count’s daughter, but since there were many complicated discussions, we settled for a very simple greeting.
“Wow, they look like they’re having so much fun.”
“I was moved when I saw the sea for the first time too.”
Arb and Law were having such a conversation watching Arte, Till, and the others playing on the beach. Are you guys their uncles or something?
Meanwhile, the trio of Dee, Esparda, and Targa were seriously debating while looking at the ship.
“If Lord Van‘s ballistae were attached to that, it would be a threat to any country.”
“Since most countries have not built defense lines facing the sea until now, if invasion by ship became possible, we could attack unilaterally for several years… no, over a decade, until it was recognized and countermeasures were taken. The only thing that could oppose it would be the cannons owned by the Solstice Empire.”
“It is difficult to deal with even using magic. If you want to stop a ballista, even a stone wall wouldn’t be easy.”
“Also, the area to defend becomes extremely vast. It seems the Kingdom of Fiesta hasn’t been able to trade with the Solstice Empire, but if they obtain cannons, the situation would change completely.”
“Mumumu… The method of moving by sea. This will undoubtedly become one of the important tactics in the future!”
The three are passionately discussing the usefulness of ships from the perspective of war.
However, ships have several other excellent points. If that becomes possible, there is no doubt it will be interesting.
As I was thinking that, Panamera was looking at me with a meaningful face, arms crossed.
“…Boy. You’re thinking of something interesting again, aren’t you? Tell me.”
“You’re like a playground boss, Panamera-san.”
Smiling wryly at her direct manner of speaking, I answered while briefly explaining the concept I had been refining in my head.
“Boats used on rivers are used as a means to transport supplies, right? But since they couldn’t be used on very large rivers, I think the boats were small… But if we can move across the sea with a big ship like that, it means a tremendous amount of supplies can be transported at once.”
“…I see. That is indeed a threat. On the sea, you can transport supplies without being hindered by anyone. The same goes for soldiers. That ship looks like it could carry a hundred people. If so, a strategy of transporting a hundred mages to any desired location becomes possible.”
Hearing my words, Panamera‘s expression changed in an instant. She immediately realized the usefulness of the ship and seemed to have started examining its uses within her own mind. As expected of her instincts.
“The problem is whether we can build one or not.”
Glancing at Panamera, who was organizing her thoughts while muttering to herself, I shifted my gaze to the beautiful ship floating on the sea. If we had that ship, this Tribute would become the most important port town within the Kingdom of Scuderia. Not only within the Kingdom of Scuderia, but we could also create sea routes with the Kingdom of Yelenetta. Specialty products like seafood that couldn’t be caught until now would emerge, and if things go well, it could become a window for trade with the Kingdom of Fiesta.
For this, the Kingdom of Scuderia will need to obtain a large ship ahead of the surrounding nations, no matter what.
