Volume 4 Chapter 4 In the Far West, Unattainable Dreams Were Packed
The next day, I walked to the harbor with Lord Reichner.
More people than usual had gathered there, all gazing intently at the towering sight before them.
They're probably here for the same reason as us.
"Hey, looks like more folks are excited about this than we thought."
"Seems that way."
I replied to Lord Reichner's relaxed observation with a voice slightly higher than usual, unable to hide my inner excitement like the townsfolk.
Everyone is looking up at the large ship before us, cheering in their own way.
As for what we're doing at the harbor – we received a message via long-distance communication that a fleet that set sail 2 months ago towards uncharted lands would return to the harbor today.
So, we were waiting here, and they have safely arrived.
Yesterday, Lord Reichner came all the way to my house to inform me of this.
By the way, as a side note, the long-distance communication is made possible by a 'Refined Magic Stone' called 'Magic Stone of the Distant Bond' that Lene and I developed.
This allows us to send messages over distances that would normally take 3 days by the large ship.
Thanks to this, it's easier to communicate with the Capital City, but the high production cost makes it difficult to make more than a few at a time.
The top-secret method of making this revolutionary magic stone is known only to me and Lene in the Beistein Kingdom because it's so important.
Prime Minister Schnorr taught us the importance of controlling information, and we agree with it.
"Now, we should encourage the crew. Can we ask Count Huntwerker too?"
"Yes, of course."
I could never refuse a request from Lord Reichner, nor would I want to.
Being called by my family name in public feels a bit strange.
"You, take care."
"Papa, please do your best."
"Ah, thanks to both of you. I'll be going now."
With my wife and second daughter's support, I headed to the pier with Lord Reichner.
I wonder if they'll find something out there in the vast ocean.
I can't help but look forward to it.
* * *
"So, one crew member died during the voyage. That's a shame."
"Yes, but on an older ship, a long voyage like this would have cost more lives. It's thanks to our Lord for providing such a fine vessel. We're grateful."
After cheering up the crew, Lord Reichner and I were listening to the captain of the flagship 'Neuvelt' in a port facility.
It seems that traveling to unknown seas is indeed dangerous; one person passed away on board due to illness.
Lord Reichner nodded with a tearful expression of gratitude.
Then he glanced over at me.
"I didn't build the ship. You should thank the people who did. And the Count Huntwerker, too."
"No, I just gave one magic stone. It's not a big deal."
I almost said "ore".
Nobles have to care about their image.
It's annoying, but I have to be patient for Lord Reichner.
Lord Reichner said, "That's not true," and looked at me seriously.
I felt strong power in his eyes.
"Don't be so humble. Because of Count Huntwerker's magic stone, the ship could carry more cargo and more sailors. That saved their lives."
"Oh! Was it because of Lord Huntwerker's power! Then Lord Reichner is right! Because of that magic stone, we could make the voyage a success!"
Lord Reichner told me off, and I was speechless.
The captain said that, crying with emotion.
Was it that important?
Then maybe I should just accept the praise.
"...By the way, Captain. Did you find anything?"
Lord Reichner asked, and the captain leaned forward with a happy face, like he was waiting for this.
I can tell there was a good harvest just from his reaction, but it's a little too much.
"Far to the west, there was a culture we couldn't even imagine. We used a port as a base to investigate the area, and this is the map we drew."
The captain took a large piece of paper from his pocket and spread it out on the table in front of us.
From the conversation, this must be a sea chart.
The front side is drawn very carefully, so this must be the Beistein Kingdom side, the east side.
"It looks like you found a lot of islands."
Just as Lord Reichner said, there are many islands of different sizes drawn on the west side.
But at the far west, I can see a coastline stretching north and south.
This is──
"...Captain, is that land drawn at the edge here, a continent?"
The captain nodded confidently at my question.
After all, the coastline stretches large from north to south.
I can't read the sea chart, but I can understand the general shape from the drawing.
"Yes, that's right. There's a mark on that coastline──here, it was a port town called 'Teto.' It seemed culturally behind us, but it was a big town."
"Though it was tough since we couldn't communicate," the captain laughed.
Well, that can't be helped──
"I see. ...By the way, Captain, is the land north of this coastline cold?"
"Yes, it is cold. I've heard that in the Romanov Empire, there are places where the ground is frozen."
"...Hmm, I see.... Then──Lord Reichner, I have a suggestion."
After hearing the captain's words, I was satisfied with the answer I got and nodded.
I turned to Lord Reichner and made a proposal.
"...Count Huntwerker, is there really such a convenient magic stone!?"
"Yes. I can lend it to you for the next voyage. That way, it will be easier to do various things. What do you think, Captain?"
"That's a story I can't refuse! Please!"
The captain leaned forward eagerly and begged me for my proposal.
It's so intense.
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