Volume 4 Chapter 21 There is Plenty Time to Think on the Ship
After that, His Majesty granted permission to visit the western continent again.
This happened around the start of summer, quite a long time later.
His Majesty said it took time to persuade the people at the center of the country.
Since the content could invite strong backlash from other countries with just one wrong step, there were many cautious people involved.
Meanwhile, the construction plan for the outer wall of Sartzstadt was also starting to move forward.
To begin with, workers gathered from various places were building a factory to produce a material called cement.
They mixed this material with water and added stones as aggregate to create concrete.
However, they needed to cut limestone from the mountains for the cement materials, and this limestone had to be fired in a kiln.
The fuel for this process is coke, which is made from coal through dry distillation, so a special kiln is required, and that coal comes from the western continent.
In short, without the supply of coal, the only things that can be done for the outer wall construction are building the cement factory and kiln, gathering cement materials, and leveling the site for the walls, but many adjustments will be needed.
"So, I'm counting on you."
"Ugh... I'm not good with managing people and money..."
"You should get used to it now. It will be useful later."
At the corner of Sartzstadt port, where a large ship was docked before its departure, I was trying to convince Lene, who was hanging her head in sadness.
Well, it's not really a convincing stage anymore, since we're just before departure.
There's nothing left to do but to let it go.
"Papa, I'm looking forward to the souvenirs!"
"Yeah! I'll bring something that will surprise Maria!"
It was a request from none other than Mariana.
I made a promise with a big thumbs-up to my sparkling-eyed daughter.
Next to me, Miloslaf was sighing, saying, "You're too soft on your daughter," but I ignored him.
"Count Huntwerker, please be careful. Losing you would be a big loss for the Beistein Kingdom, so act accordingly."
"Yes, I understand, Lord Reichner."
Lord Reichner's warning stuck with me, but I didn't plan to leave my family behind to die.
I intended to be extremely careful.
For this departure, Lene and I had taught our students, including Belle, a few recipes for the <Refined Magic Stone> to help them manage simple tasks.
Of course, the spell for the <Magic Stone of Great Absolute> is still known only to Lene and me, as its leaking information could lead to serious consequences.
"...Well, it's almost time for departure, so I'll be going now. I've asked Minori and the others to watch the place."
"Got it! Come back soon!"
Ai was really nervous, but unlike her, Minori and Suzu waved their hands lightly, not looking worried at all.
...Well, they probably were worried inside.
Since they didn't say they were coming with me this time, I think they are starting to become more independent from me.
It makes me a little sad, but they are both becoming great adults.
"Alright, let's go, Miloslaf."
"Yes, Master."
"Don't call me Master, it's creepy."
Just because Suzu passed the magic of being a servant to me doesn't mean I want to hear that word.
I've gotten used to 'Count' already, though.
But... it's strange that more than 2 months have passed since Miloslaf lost to me, and there's no sign of anyone coming from the Romanov Empire to help him.
When I asked about it, they said, "They probably didn't think I'd lose, so they're being careful." But still...
While thinking about that, I boarded the ship Neuvelt with Miloslaf.
* * *
Of course, the Neuvelt is a trading ship, so the crew's living quarters have only the bare minimum of functions, and I won't get to take a bath for a while.
Even cleaning my body is going to be tough due to the limited water.
Right after we set sail, the captain gave us a quick explanation about the ship, and then Miloslaf and I started exploring the spacious deck without getting in the way of the crew.
I heard the Neuvelt is over 60 meters long, but walking around, it felt rather narrow.
I guess that's understandable.
"Compared to your home, this place is hell. I blame you for bringing me here."
"Shut up, just deal with it."
I sharply silence Miloslaf, who is being very rude to the sailors living on the ship.
Sure, I also feel uncomfortable being stuck in a small space, but I can't say that out loud since I chose to be here.
"...Well, we have plenty of time while we're on board. For now, let's talk about what happens after we arrive."
I lean my back against the wall at the entrance to the cabin, starting the conversation.
We still have a long way to go, but I want to wrap this up early and hope Miloslaf points out any mistakes.
"Ah... I was supposed to investigate how to worship Lady Abnella, right?"
"That's right. The goal is to show that their faith is harmless and to help Beistein Kingdom and other countries understand that."
"Do you think it will go that smoothly...?"
Miloslaf chuckles with a hint of sarcasm, laughing through his nose.
Well, I don't think it will be easy either, but unless I take the first step, I can't reach the goal.
And without understanding, we can't continue trading.
I shift my gaze and look towards the back of the ship.
The figure of Sartzstadt is starting to shrink little by little.
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