Chapter 412: Information from Other Nations
In the end, it turned out that the ship I built still couldn’t go out into the open sea. Currently, it could only be used like a castle wall to keep small aquatic magic beasts from approaching. Other than that, the only major event was seeing Pista’s excitement hit the roof upon riding a large ship for the first time. His childlike joy truly warmed my heart.
Setting that aside, the shipbuilding research was at a complete standstill.
While I was agonizing over the ship’s development, a guard came running up to Rosso and whispered something in his ear.
“Oho, that is…”
Rosso listened to the report, widened his eyes slightly, and looked at me.
“I am told an envoy from the Merchant Guild has come to visit you, Viscount Van. Viscount Van, we will also sit in on this, do you mind?”
“Ah, that’s fine. Who is it?”
“Apparently, it is someone named Apollo. Do you know him?”
“Oh, Mr. Apollo! It’s been a while.”
Following this exchange, Rosso conveyed a few words to His Majesty, then asked the guard to send the messenger. Immediately, a single carriage headed our way from the town.
“Oh, Mr. Apollo!”
“It has been a while!”
Apollo approached us with a smile, waving his hand. He stopped the carriage a short distance away, looked at Rosso, and then froze upon seeing His Majesty and Aperta.
“Oho. Apollo of the Merchant Guild, is it? It has been a long time.”
“My, it has been since the war with the Yellinetta Kingdom, has it not?”
As the two of them said such things upon seeing his figure, Apollo bowed, looking humbled.
“I never expected His Majesty to be here… Lord Aperta as well, I am glad to see you are both doing well.”
Giving a frank greeting that hardly seemed fitting for addressing a King, Apollo looked at everyone in turn before finally looking at me.
“I may have arrived at the perfect time.”
At those words, I tilted my head and asked back.
“You mean it’s better that His Majesty is here? Did something happen?”
It didn’t seem to be a talk about new business. I sensed that atmosphere from Apollo’s tone. I wasn’t the only one; Rosso, His Majesty, and Aperta felt the same.
“It seems you have some interesting information?”
His Majesty said in a low voice, and Apollo tucked his chin and opened his mouth.
“Yes. This is information acquired by the Merchant Guild, but there is a nation on a maritime island called the Fiesta Kingdom. And I hear they have made contact with the Scuderia Kingdom, the Yellinetta Kingdom, and the Solstice Empire.”
“…There is no mistaking that information.”
When Rosso nodded as if confirming, Apollo answered with a serious face.
“Yes. It seems the Fiesta Kingdom conducted a second round of investigations, but the only nations they intentionally appeared before again in the same locations were the Scuderia Kingdom and the Solstice Empire.”
“…In other words, the Fiesta Kingdom’s attention is focused on two nations: ours and the Empire. It would be fine if they form alliances with both, but if they intend to ally with only one, it will be a troublesome matter.”
His Majesty stated this looking annoyed. Although it was something we had anticipated, there was no doubt we were at a disadvantage when compared to the Empire.
The Merchant Guild side seemed to share this opinion, as Apollo did not deny it.
“Yes. Based on information gathered in various countries and investigation results from our guild’s personnel on the Central Continent, it is highly likely that the Fiesta Kingdom is seeking resources and considering expanding into the Western or Central Continent.”
“…I see. They want a backer for that. That is a very realistic story.”
“It is unknown how large the Fiesta Kingdom’s island territory is, but their resource reserves certainly cannot match those of a major power. Considering that, the Solstice Empire does seem to have the upper hand.”
When His Majesty and Aperta said that, Apollo nodded and continued his story.
“That is the problem. Indeed, the Fiesta Kingdom seems to have sent envoys not only to the center of the Solstice Empire, but to the north and south as well, so it is currently believed they are making overtures to the Solstice Empire.”
At this information, His Majesty and Aperta exchanged glances. Then, Aperta furrowed his brow and opened his mouth.
“…Information on the Central Continent is valuable to us, so we are grateful, but is it alright for you to casually share such important information?”
When Aperta asked that, Apollo smiled troubledly and shot a quick glance at me.
“We do not take sides with any specific country. Therefore, it would help if you thought of this as just a topic that happened to come up while discussing business.”
As Apollo said that and laughed, His Majesty lifted one corner of his mouth, forming a powerful smile.
“I see. In that case, I shall share some interesting information with you as well, strictly on the level of idle chatter.”
After saying that, His Majesty turned his eyes to Panamera and me.
“The other day, Count Panamera and Viscount Van succeeded in repelling a Hydra, known as the King of the Sea.”
“Eh!? Repelled a Hydra…!? That is a magnificent feat that would be difficult even for the Solstice Empire! If we can convey this story to the Fiesta Kingdom, we might be able to pique their interest…”
To the astonished Apollo, His Majesty nodded and looked at Panamera.
“Of course, we have proof as well. By all means, why don’t you go confirm it for yourself?”
“Proof, you say? Could it be, a Hydra scale…!? If so, I would very much like for our Merchant Guild to purchase it…!”
Thinking he might be able to acquire a super rare material, Apollo said such things excitedly.
It goes without saying that, shortly after, a scream of sheer shock echoed throughout the entire town.
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