Chapter 333: Overwhelming Advantage

In Earth’s history, once ships capable of open-ocean navigation were developed, the world changed so drastically that it was called the Age of Discovery. That has not happened in this world. The reason is simple: it is difficult to deal with large magical beasts on the sea.

Amidst this, the Kingdom of Fiesta has brought about a technological innovation and obtained the means for open-ocean navigation. Furthermore, it is currently a monopolistic technology that likely only the Kingdom of Fiesta possesses. In other words, the colonial rule practiced by various nations during the Age of Discovery will be possible only for the Kingdom of Fiesta. Although the Kingdom of Fiesta is still at the stage of investigating what lies across the sea, they will eventually realize the utility of their own ship technology. If that happens, there is no doubt that if we do nothing, the Kingdom of Fiesta will come to rule the world.

In contrast, we might not even have a complete map of the land-connected continent. We are in a state where there are no means to obtain information about the neighboring continent other than through the Commerce Guild. In other words, regarding knowledge of world affairs, there is a high possibility that the Kingdom of Fiesta holds hegemony.

Considering all that, I tried to answer in my own way.

“First, the Kingdom of Fiesta‘s advantage lies in its exclusive open-ocean navigation technology. Because of this, as long as a place faces the sea, they can transport large amounts of people and supplies to far-off places faster than any other country. Also, they can raid and loot coastal towns and villages with weak defenses. Since it’s impossible to defend every coast, they could escape while a large army is mobilizing to intercept them; they can essentially do whatever they please.”

“Gunu… I thought as much when I saw that ship, but it is a terrifying story.”

Nodding at His Majesty‘s impression, I moved on to the topic of the future.

“Considering the current situation, forming an alliance with the Kingdom of Fiesta is essential. And, we need to solve the mystery of the silver armor required for open-ocean navigation as soon as possible. What is needed here is, first, the cooperation of a first-rate blacksmith to determine the material of the silver armor. Next, we need to know what effect the silver armor has in the sea. Is it doing something special? I want to investigate those parts from underwater. To do that, one should accompany them on an open-ocean voyage at least once, but…”

As I was speaking my thoughts while twirling the pasta dish Till served me onto my fork, I suddenly felt the atmosphere in the room change and looked up.

Looking around, I felt everyone’s intense gaze.

“…As I thought, Viscount Van‘s power is necessary for the research of the ship.”

When His Majesty muttered that with a serious face, Panamera and Aperta nodded strongly.

“It seems so.”

When Aperta said that, Panamera shook her head left and right with a pitying expression.

“…Boy, even I cannot defend you here.”

Panamera spoke words I didn’t understand. No, no, what are you saying?

“Please wait a moment. Since it is ship research, I don’t think it has to be me. Rather, if you could take the Kingdom’s proud researchers, shipwrights, blacksmiths, and court mages on an open-ocean voyage…”

I tried saying that in a panic, but His Majesty quietly shook his head left and right.

“…In Viscount Van‘s territory, there were skilled Dwarven blacksmiths, were there not? And, if investigating the movement of the armor underwater, do you not have the Apcallus, known as a phantom race, as your subjects?”

“Ah~…………”

At His Majesty‘s words, I unintentionally found myself convinced, thinking ‘I see.’ Indeed, there are likely no other Dwarven blacksmiths, and one would hardly ever see an Apcallu. The only one possessing such suitable candidates in this wide world must be the benevolent genius boy lord, Van-kun.

But, I refuse.

I have to negotiate somehow so I don’t have to go on an open-ocean voyage.

“…Umm, I can’t leave my territory unattended forever, so going far away by ship is still a bit…”

When I tried to make that excuse with a wry smile that even I was aware of, Aperta nodded with a gentle smile.

“Ho. In that case, how about staying in Marquis Rosso‘s territory and being allowed to ride the ship for two or three days? If it is just that, I believe it will be finished in about a month.”

“One month…”

I instinctively looked up at the ceiling at Aperta‘s proposal.

To be blunt, I just want to go home and laze around. Building ships is fun, but the mystery of that silver armor won’t be solved easily. If that happens, it won’t be fun. Van-kun is not a researcher at heart; enjoying crafting is just right for him. Viva DIY.

“…That is true. In that case, I will handle the investigation necessary for the research, and if we can arrange it so that the subsequent research is left to the experts…”

I spoke thinking I could go home quickly if I didn’t join the research, but His Majesty nodded happily and spoke.

“Ooh, that is a great help!”

“If Viscount Van cooperates, there is no mistake.”

His Majesty and Aperta laughed together as if the ship was already finished.

“No, no, just the investigation, okay? Only the investigation!”

I tried saying that, but the two laughed together as if they didn’t hear me, and even clinked their glasses for a toast. Those sly old foxes (tanuki oyaji). They did that on purpose.