Chapter 321: Rosso's Stratagem and Tran's Bewilderment

We moored the prototype ship to the pier and moved through the town of Tribute in a large group. Rosso and over a dozen subordinates. Panamera and about ten of hers. Furthermore, there was myself, Targa, Arte, Dee, Esparda, Till, Khamsin, and others, making about fifteen of us. And then Tran and his subordinates, totaling around twenty people… it was a large group resembling a great feudal lord’s procession.

By the way, the other knights had either returned to their inns or went out to eat on their own. As for Ortho and the adventurers, perhaps judging that our stay would take several days, they had gone out to the nearby mountains to hunt magical beasts.

That said, I was naturally worried about whether a shop could accommodate this number of people. However, this was the shop Tran had chosen. As expected of someone who regularly manages around fifty subordinates, the establishment was large.

“Wow, this is amazing!”

Seeing the large chunks of meat lined up in front of me, I stated my honest impression. They were huge lumps of meat, each about the size of a human head. It was hard to believe they were cooked through. However, the impact was magnificent, and the young knights were raising cheers of great joy.

Seated at the central table were Rosso, Tran, Panamera, Targa, myself, and Arte. The table was wide; normally it would seat eight to ten people. Using it with six people allowed us to be spacious and comfortable.

“Everyone, I shall pour the alcohol.”

“Thank you, Till.”

Although there were shop staff, Till volunteered to serve us herself. Thanks to her, the service at our table alone was attentive enough to resemble a noble’s dining party. Even if Till were about to make a mistake, Esparda was on standby at a nearby table, so I felt at ease.

Just as I was rejoicing in the fact that we could enjoy a delicious meal in a perfect setup, drinks were placed in front of everyone. Incidentally, sweet and sour fruit water was placed before me.

“Now then… To the prosperity of the Kingdom of Scuderia and the Kingdom of Fiesta.”

“Cheers!”

When Rosso spoke a few words with a glass in one hand, Panamera gave the signal for the toast. At that signal, everyone clinked their glasses together, making a sound. It wasn’t as rowdy as a tavern, but the atmosphere was still such that one wouldn’t think high-ranking nobles were present.

While glancing sideways at those exchanging smiles over drinks and biting into meat, Rosso took a sip of his drink and spoke.

“This is quite a rare experience… Do the common folk always have such lively meals?”

Rosso muttered that with a faint smile. It seems he doesn’t usually visit general eateries so casually. Which is natural, I suppose.

As I was thinking that, Tran’s expression darkened slightly as he spoke up.

“…Marquis Rosso. I wish to ask you just one thing. Why go to the trouble of showing us that phenomenal shipbuilding technology? It isn’t just to show off your power, is it?”

When Tran said that, Rosso nodded deeply.

“Of course not. Rather, it is because we wish to build a friendly relationship with the Kingdom of Fiesta.”

Rosso answered with composure. To that, Tran returned a shallow nod and glanced at me.

“…In that case, you showed us Viscount Van’s shipbuilding technology on purpose to gain our trust? If so, I would very much like to see the ship actually being built.”

It was a clear check. Hearing Tran’s words, the faces of several knights and crew members stiffened with tension. Rosso deepened his smile as if to brush away such an atmosphere and answered in a relaxed manner.

“Indeed. Lord Van’s power is magnificent. I would very much like for you, Lord Tran, to witness a glimpse of it and positively consider a relationship with the Kingdom of Scuderia.”

When Rosso said that, Tran furrowed his brows slightly and groaned.

“…I see. That implies you have that much confidence.”

When Tran said that and fell into thought, Rosso leaned his weight against the backrest and waited for a reply. This was the flow decided upon after discussing it with Rosso and Panamera. Well, they took a lot of my opinions into account, but at the core lies Rosso’s conciliation strategy.

Tran and the various captains of the Kingdom of Fiesta, who do not know other countries, must be seeking a reliable ally above all else. No matter where they aim for from the Kingdom of Fiesta to the surrounding continents, it takes several weeks. If there isn’t at least one friendly nation, supply replenishment will be difficult. They can’t just keep floating on the sea forever. For the same reason, they can’t fight on the other side of the ocean without friendly nations or allies.

When you put yourself in the opponent’s shoes and think, various moves become visible.

Amidst these options, the plan Rosso chose was to dare to reveal our hand and become an ally before the Kingdom of Fiesta could form an alliance with any other country.

In response, Tran made a somewhat complicated face.

“I am bad at thinking about things in a complicated way… Allow me to speak openly. If you can provide information on the Kingdom of Scuderia and other countries, as well as details on Viscount Van’s power, I will take the discussion of an alliance with the Kingdom of Scuderia back to my home country. As proof of good faith, I shall teach you corresponding information about my own country in return.”