Chapter 319: Let Me Explain! 2

I led everyone inside the ship. There was a bridge equipped with a captain’s seat on the deck, but I planned to save that for last.

“First is the lowest level. If we consider the deck as ground level, this would be the third basement level. There is a large timber running along the center of the ship’s bottom called the keel, which acts as the ship’s spine, and rocks serving as ballast are lined up on top of it. Also, there is seawater inside the walls of the hull to adjust the center of gravity when hit by waves.”

“Seawater inside the ship’s walls? Is that safe?”

Panamera asked worriedly, and I nodded in response.

“Well, I’ve designed it to prevent leaks, but since I haven’t operated it yet, I don’t know for sure. I believe that by having the center of gravity move in response to the shaking, the ship’s rolling will be suppressed.”

While answering questions, I continued with the explanation.

“The second level consists of cabins. There are bedrooms for the crew and guests, as well as a mess hall. Due to various circumstances, the kitchen is on the third level (the level just below the deck).”

“Hmm, is there no bathroom?”

“A bathroom is difficult. I installed a filtration machine to turn seawater into fresh water, but it’s not efficient enough to use water lavishly. I have to think about that area a bit more.”

“There is also the method of collecting rainwater and boiling it.”

“Ah, that’s a good idea. I will consider that as well.”

While exchanging such small talk, we returned to the deck.

“So, since the warehouse and materials are managed on the third level, loading and unloading from the ship should be easy. Now then, let’s move to the bridge.”

Leading everyone, I finally moved to the two-story bridge installed on the deck. I designed it to be spacious and comfortable while securing a high vantage point to overlook the distance.

Placing a hand on the steering wheel that had not yet been moved, Rosso let out a gasp of admiration at the scenery from the bridge.

“…It is truly surprising. To think such a ship was completed in a mere half-day.”

As Rosso said that and looked around the room, Panamera shook her head with a wry smile.

“Viscount Van’s magic never ceases to amaze me every time. Besides, this material is so sturdy that one wouldn’t think it was originally wood, and it won’t deteriorate. It will likely be a top-tier material for a ship.”

After saying that, Panamera glanced at Tran and his group. Already, Tran and his men were looking at us with expressions closer to fear than caution. On the other hand, Dee let out a regretful sigh.

“…This is my first time seeing such a ship. However, if such ships come to determine the outcome of the battlefield, swords might become unnecessary.”

To Dee’s regrettable words, I denied it with a wry smile.

“No, no, eventually close combat with weapons will be essential. Ballistae won’t always settle the score, and in ship-to-ship battles, there will likely be times when we board the enemy ship.”

I explained that to Dee. Hearing that explanation, Dee puffed out his chest and laughed.

“Oh, is that so! In that case, I shall keep honing my sword skills as usual! Wahahahaha!”

He is simple and clear-cut. Well, knowing Dee, he looks like the type who would eventually learn to cut ships in half, so there is no problem in having him strive in his training.

As we were laughing at that conversation, Tran walked over to us with his subordinates.

“…Viscount Van.”

“Yes?”

I turned around while answering my name. Looking closely, even while laughing, Dee had placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. Khamsin was also standing quietly diagonally behind me; the guard was flawless.

Feeling reassured, I turned my whole body to face Tran, who looked down at me with a grim face.

“…Looking at this construction, I can understand that you investigated our ship in detail. However, truly in one day? No, it wasn’t there at night… In other words, you built a ship in half a day?”

Even as he said it himself, disbelief was written all over Tran’s face. Well, naturally. I think the more knowledgeable one is about ships, the less they would believe it.

“Ah, just to let you know, this ship is a rushed prototype. I just roughly imitated the shape, so I was hoping to receive some advice from you, Mr. Tran.”

I honestly spoke my intentions and observed the changes in Tran’s face. I felt I could see colors of confusion and anxiety, not just doubt and caution.

Tran stared into my eyes silently for a while, but eventually, he sighed once and shook his head left and right.

“…Completely devoid of malice. If I am being deceived by Viscount Van with this, it just means that I, Tran Bronco, was a poor judge of character. I shall choose to think that.”

Tran muttered with a voice mixed with a sense of exhaustion, then laughed as if exhaling. Then, he looked at Rosso.

“Marquis Rosso. Is it correct to assume that this ship is the property of Viscount Van?”

“Hmm, yes. Since it could not have been created without Viscount Van, there is no mistake in recognizing it as Viscount Van’s property.”

When Rosso answered so, Tran nodded and turned back to me.

“In that case, Viscount Van. First, please give us permission to operate this ship with our own hands. We will actually move it and confirm its behavior.”

“You will cooperate with us!? Wow, thank you!”

“Hahaha… I am not a specialized designer, so please don’t get your hopes up too high.”