Volume 2 Chapter 16 the New Ship Was Unveiled, but Its Role Quickly Came to an End
The magic stone I received from Mr. Thor was completed 3 days later, and the new ship's trial run was immediately conducted.
The bricks loaded as temporary cargo had been lightened as expected, and it was decided to be announced as the new ship's main feature.
Nine days later, a launch ceremony was held, and thus, we, who were invited, were visiting the port.
Belle is staying behind for training, and my sisters are away on a business trip as adventurers.
"Even though it's not a large ship, it's a mid-sized ship with significantly improved functionality, so it's getting a lot of attention."
"Yes, that's right."
This time, it is a mid-sized ship, but it is a prototype for the construction of a large ship that will be used for trade with the north and east of the continent, and exploration of the unexplored west.
If the operation of this new ship goes well, it will lead to the construction of a large ship, and Sartzstadt will once again become a maritime hub.
Still... Lene's been acting strange lately.
I mean, she does her work properly, but... she seems absent-minded and sometimes wanders off.
Even today, she just stares blankly at the ship with vacant eyes and nods at me occasionally.
"Hello, you two. You did a good job this time."
Lord Reichner, who had just delivered a congratulatory speech as the lord, came to us as we were leisurely watching the ship.
"Lord Reichner, hello. Thank you for the invitation."
"You're welcome."
Lene, who had been worried, greeted me properly.
The gesture felt somewhat awkward, though.
"No, no, we can't overlook inviting the two key figures behind the new ship. Was it the 'Magic Stone of Featherweight'? Thanks to that, the weight of the ship's cargo has been reduced by 48%."
"On the contrary, we now have to be careful in its operation."
I replied with a wry smile.
Certainly, the ship had become lighter thanks to the 'Magic Stone of Featherweight', but it became too light.
When there is no cargo, the ship's weight is only half of what it originally was, which could cause it to tip over.
As a result, we found ourselves needing to add ballast as a counterweight.
For this occasion, we are urgently using sand as ballast, but in the future, when constructing larger ships, it seems they will incorporate a system that allows for easy injection and expulsion of seawater into the ship.
"Ah, by the way, I heard from the merchant guild that you are hoping to purchase the property you are currently renting."
"Yes, we want to place various equipment for increasing the production lines of Enchant Magic and Alchemy, but we can't do that with a rental property, so that's why it came up. You certainly have your ear to the ground."
"Well, that's because I'm a lord. Technically, the land you live on is also mine."
As he said this, Lord Reichner chuckled, lowering the corners of his eyes.
That's true; while we are renting the land from the merchant guild, that is merely a proxy arrangement.
Ultimately, it belongs to Lord Reichner.
"To speak frankly, I would like to help you with your purchase, but I have my position as a lord to consider. I doubt it will happen, but if the merchant guild demands an unfair amount, feel free to let me know at any time."
"Thank you. Your kindness alone makes me happy."
Even a corrupt lord would casually use unfair influence, but Lord Reichner is not like that.
But when you really consider the discord with those around him, it's truly fortunate to have someone treat us so fairly.
"Oh, it seems we're about to set sail. Then we'll meet again at the mansion sometime. When that time comes──"
After glancing at the harbor, Lord Reichner leans in towards us.
A secret conversation, you say?
Ah, I understand.
"...We need to talk about the stampede."
"...Yes, that's right."
Since reporting about Cattle Village, Duke Hoffman hasn't contacted us.
However, being prompted by Lord Reichner like this means things are going in a bad direction.
Lord Reichner said "See you then" and walked towards the ship.
In the end, Lene hasn't spoken since our first greeting.
She's just staring blankly at Lord Reichner,
"Hey, what's that?"
Hearing that voice, I turned my gaze towards it, and a sailor on the pier pointed to the bow of the ship.
"...That's!"
My shout wasn't an exaggeration; coiled leisurely on the bow of the newly built ship was a golden tentacle.
The tentacle slowly but surely wrapped around the bow, and a creaking sound began, audible even from here.
There's no doubt about it, that's the same tentacle Ferron was controlling.
Which means...
"The Dark Mage is here...?"
As the tentacle crushed the bow of the ship, the harbor quickly descended into panic.
Immediately, Lord Reichner took the lead and began giving evacuation orders, as expected of him.
"Lene, we need to get on the ship...Lene?"
I called out, but Lene, who should have been next to me, was gone.
No, she was there.
She walked in a wobbly, uncertain manner, heading in the opposite direction of the boat.
"...Something's not right."
From the way she was acting, it seemed like Lene was under someone's influence.
Should I head towards the boat or follow Lene?
For a moment, I hesitated──
"This feels like an invitation. Fine. I'll go."
Taking a deep breath, I turned my back on the boat and started following Lene.
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