Chapter 336: [Another Perspective] The Kingdom of Fiesta's Decision

[Kingdom of Fiesta]

The existence of “fire cannons” capable of piercing even rock. Their range extends to several kilometers, and Mondeo claimed there were over two hundred of them just from what he saw. Faced with this, even the commanders of the various fleets, capable of hunting large magical beasts, were forced into silence.

“…So that is the reason the Solstice Empire became the hegemon of the Central Continent.”

Someone muttered with a sense of tension. Nodding to that, the purple-haired woman pointed to the upper part of the map.

“…It seems they travel back and forth across this strait between the Central Continent and the Western Continent. Although there are two countries in between, eventually the hands of the Solstice Empire might reach the Kingdom of Scuderia as well.”

“From what I hear, the Solstice Empire seems to hold the advantage.”

“…Forming an alliance with the Kingdom of Scuderia might be premature.”

Hearing Mondeo’s story, an atmosphere of awe toward the Solstice Empire spread through the room. Into this, Tran cast a doubt.

“Is this country called the Solstice Empire trustworthy? If they continue invading other countries like this, eventually this Kingdom of Fiesta will also…”

“…What of the Solstice Empire’s shipbuilding technology? Can they navigate the open ocean?”

“No, currently they only seem to navigate parts of the coast with medium-sized ships. However, the sturdiness of their ships is considerable, and there are no issues with their steering. If we were to provide our ‘Silver Armor’ magical tool…”

As the discussion among everyone became suddenly noisy, Mondeo casually stated his opinion. at that, several people sharpened their gazes.

“That will not do. The magical tool applied to our ships is the secret art of the Kingdom of Fiesta. That could very well become the cause of the Solstice Empire threatening our country.”

“Indeed. At most, we should establish trade. And even then, we must designate a point far away from our military bases.”

Mondeo’s opinion was flatly rejected, and the argument that they should not carelessly approach the Solstice Empire grew stronger. At this, Mondeo furrowed his brows in dissatisfaction.

“No, isn’t that judgment too cowardly? Conversely, we would be obtaining the Solstice Empire’s latest weapon, the fire cannons. Imagine it! A spectacle where every ship in the Grand Fleet of the Kingdom of Fiesta is equipped with the strongest weapon, the fire cannon! A force that need not fear any enemy, a force that could be called the Army of God, will be born!”

Mondeo stated his pet theory passionately. At this, everyone looked at each other.

“A weapon that reaches kilometers away…”

“If used from the sea, it means we can attack while moving.”

“That is, certainly…”

Hearing such voices, Mondeo lifted the corners of his mouth. However, one man called for a halt. He was a tall man. The man, in his early fifties, raised one hand and spoke a single phrase.

“Is it really wise to offer the greatest bargaining chip we possess just because we want weapons? In that moment, certainly, we would obtain the strongest fleet… but what about in the long run? Our country’s shipbuilding technology would flow to a powerful nation with that much landmass. If that happens, would they not build a grand fleet within a few years that the Kingdom of Fiesta could never hope to possess?”

When the man said that, Mondeo fell silent with a look of frustration. While everyone was paying attention to that man’s statement, the bearded man sitting in the chair groaned.

“…My younger brother, Doga. That thought is correct. However, it is too passive.”

When the bearded man said that and looked at the man he called Doga, Doga narrowed his eyes and nodded.

“I apologize for that. However, in that case, what are your thoughts, my King?”

Doga asked back. At that, the man called King raised his face.

“First, what is certain is that the Solstice Empire will continue to expand its influence, and eventually, it will likely try to become the hegemon of both continents. If that happens, eventually our country will be in danger too.”

When the King muttered that, Mondeo smiled as if he had gained support and interjected.

“Exactly! That is why it would be a wise policy to form an alliance ahead of time and ensure we are not invaded by becoming a friendly nation! They said the Solstice Empire only requests cooperation from countries that sought peace before fighting, and does not invade them. Some tax and cooperation will likely be necessary, but even so, it seems several countries continue to exist as they did before!”

Mondeo said that and pointed to four small countries adjacent to the Solstice Empire on the map. However, the one-eyed man quietly raised a voice of anger at that.

“That is akin to being a vassal state! We are the Councilmen and Fleet Captains of the brave Kingdom of Fiesta! How could we swallow a proposal so devoid of even a fragment of self-respect!”

“N-No, Councilman Dabad! That is not what I meant! I just…”

Mondeo hurriedly called out to soothe the one-eyed man’s anger, but the man called Dabad just crossed his arms and glared. Watching that exchange coolly, Doga shook his head left and right before shifting his gaze to the King.

“…King. Please, your opinion.”

Prompted by Doga, the King nodded shallowly and answered.

“I understand everyone’s opinions. Even taking those into account, I believe there is only one thing we must do.”

Prefacing with that, and looking around at the faces of everyone watching him, the King opened his mouth.

“What is important is information. We now understand the situation of the continents located to the East and West. First, investigate in detail what happened to the countries invaded by or subordinated to the Solstice Empire. We also need to contact the Kingdom of Scuderia again. Respond amicably to both countries, but never leak the secrets of our ships.”

When the King announced that, everyone immediately pulled back their chins and replied in affirmation.