Chapter 363: Panamera's Arrival

With Rosso’s suggestion, we limited our disclosure to Mondeo to merely mentioning that we had built a small model of the ship three days later.

“Ooh! How exquisite! It seems our country’s shipbuilding technology may have been stolen, indeed.”

Mondeo showed he had the leeway to crack such a joke while being genuinely surprised. Incidentally, since the ship model was truly crafted with precision, his surprise regarding that aspect was likely a genuine reaction. However, he surely does not believe we can actually construct a ship capable of open-ocean voyages.

Mondeo stayed for about a week after that. We managed a fair amount of information exchange, and even putting the ship aside, it was likely a quite meaningful conference. Rosso also spoke satisfyingly regarding that matter.

“Well then, everyone. Thank you very much. I certainly hope to visit this city again, so I look forward to our future dealings.”

“Yes, thank you as well!”

“Umu. Do come again. We shall welcome you warmly.”

With those greetings, Mondeo returned home. After many conversations, I feel that Mondeo likely believes it would be better to ally with the Solstice Empire. Whether that is for the sake of the Kingdom of Fiesta or for Mondeo personally is difficult to judge, however.

“……Now then, can I ask you to start shipbuilding tomorrow?”

Rosso said this immediately after seeing Mondeo off. I almost laughed at how quickly he switched gears.

“I suppose so. Mr. Havel’s research has already progressed, after all.”

As I replied and turned around, Havel, standing behind me, gave a thumbs-up with the corner of his mouth lifted.

Even while Mondeo was staying, we couldn’t resist; we dug a deep pond in the lord’s manor’s backyard to create and research prototype ships. Thanks to Havel’s perfectionist nature being unleashed, an incredible number of prototypes were tested.

As a result, a prototype was completed that even Ladavista was satisfied with.

“……I compared the listening experience, and I heard almost the same sound. I have not heard it in the sea yet, so I do not know for sure, but it will likely be fine.”

Being told that by Ladavista, I was so happy I involuntarily high-fived Havel. Well, simply making ship models and going through trial and error every day was fun, but there is a sense of accomplishment when it is actually completed.

“As expected, the depth of the grooves had an influence.”

“It was also huge that Mr. Ladavista got close and re-investigated for us. After all, we found out that some parts of the grooves were circular.”

The patterns were more complex than imagined. While there were many square and triangular grooves, some had circular cross-sections where the groove was wider inside than it appeared on the surface. This would not have been discovered without Ladavista’s power.

Hearing my opinion, Havel nodded deeply.

“Umu…… To arrive at such a complex shape, research must have been piled up for decades, if not longer. It is not a simple feat.”

Although not a blacksmith, Havel showed deep respect for the Kingdom of Fiesta’s shipbuilding technology from a craftsman’s perspective. Do craftsmen truly get moved by exceptional skill?

Having spent days researching, Havel looked like he wanted to build the ship right this instant. Giving a wry smile at the excited Havel, I replied to Rosso.

“Indeed. For now, let us restore our energy in preparation for tomorrow. I am looking forward to it.”

“Umu. Then, let us prepare the meal. I shall tell them to make it more lavish than usual today.”

“No, no, it is already more than enough…… Truly, the usual is fine.”

“Hahaha! I shall tell the head chef. He will be pleased.”

With that conversation, we headed back with Rosso.

However, as we made our way through the town, a knight came galloping on horseback from the direction of the lord’s manor. It was likely a report for Rosso. Feeling a rise in tension, I waited for the approaching knight’s report.

“Your Excellency! A guest awaits at the manor!”

“Mu? Was there such a plan? Who is it?”

Rosso tilted his head at the knight’s words. The knight straightened his posture and replied.

“It is Count Panamera Calera Cayenne! Furthermore, there is a message from Her Excellency the Count: she apologizes for not being able to contact us in advance, as she marched at the same speed as a fast horse!”

A message that sounded unbelievable coming from a knight was delivered, and Rosso burst out laughing.

“Hahaha! She hasn’t changed. As impatient as ever.”

Rosso laughed happily and headed for the manor again. I glanced to my side, and Arte was smiling.

“That’s just like Ms. Panamera, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

When I said that with a wry smile at the impatient Panamera’s actions, Arte replied while laughing happily. To Arte, she is probably like a mischievous older sister.

No, perhaps an older sister like a legendary leader of a biker gang or a Russian Mafia boss.

Thinking slightly rude thoughts, we returned to the manor, where Panamera’s party was lined up and waiting. Panamera stood elegantly without breaking a sweat, but her subordinates looked somewhat exhausted.

For this, I have no choice but to clasp my hands in prayer.