Chapter 196: The Feast Aboard the Ship
“The capital is connected by waterways, you see.”
The transport ship was of considerable size. While it didn’t cater to the volume of passengers typical of a passenger vessel, it maintained a level of elegance sufficient to satisfy individuals of a certain status—a VIP transport ship.
This voyage’s cargo consisted of trade goods from the Forest Country (Lebresta) and the Afrasia United Kingdom: wheat, thread, cloth, salt, and alcohol. Recently, small dried fish had also been added to the list of items.
“We’ll take a break along the way, but we expect to arrive at our capital, the Beautiful Linda, in about ten days.”
“Is this waterway capable of accommodating a ship of this size without issues?”
“Indeed. Originally, there were only seven lakes and the rivers connecting them. In ancient times, we utilized these waterways to foster our nation’s growth. Over many years, we widened the rivers, reinforced the banks, and dredged the riverbeds. That was completed several decades ago.”
Tiariada Eremes, along with his wife Ereka, and their entourage were aboard the ship. Also present were the representatives of Paraiso, Alborea Heath and Alistarta Heath, accompanied by two additional attendants.
The remaining attendants of Paraiso were aboard the multi-legged tanks and the fusion reactor-powered vehicle, the Little Whale, trailing behind.
“Well then, it’s time to set sail. Is everything alright at the rear?”
“All clear. You may proceed with the departure.”
Tiariada confirmed Alborea Heath’s nod and signaled the captain on the bridge.
“Set sail!!”
The anchor was raised, and simultaneously, the magic tools installed on the ship began to operate.
The device, simply referred to as a magical blower, had a very straightforward mechanism. It contained a magic stone that generated wind, with a single hole for airflow.
To be precise, an air intake was also necessary, but its primary function was merely to push wind out from the back.
This magical tool was installed in dozens of units aboard the VIP transport ship.
“It’s moving.”
“Without this magical device, our nation would not have developed to this extent.”
The VIP transport ship began to glide smoothly. Due to the nature of the magical tools, there was no operational noise. Only the sound of the wind striking the water’s surface and the splashes it created could be heard.
Utilizing the extensive river system for transporting large quantities of goods was crucial. While navigating upstream would be challenging, moving downstream required no additional power.
“Moreover, it’s worth mentioning, even if it may be of little consequence to you. The horses exported from the Afrasia United Kingdom have also been a significant driving force.”
To ascend the river by boat, some form of propulsion was necessary. If the wind blew favorably from downstream to upstream, it was possible to sail with a sail. However, winds were often capricious, and rivers themselves were winding.
Thus, one would either row with oars or use ropes to pull the boat from the shore. The task of pulling from the shore was often assigned to horses.
“When the river’s current is swift, or when the cargo is heavy, or even when a ship lacks a blower, horse-drawn towing is still in practice.”
Recently, the number of imported horses had decreased, leading to a renewed focus on breeding within our nation, Tiariada explained.
It had been cheaper to import fully grown horses from the Afrasia United Kingdom than to raise them domestically. However, with the decrease in imports, they had no choice but to prepare their own.
“If your nation desires, we can resume horse exports. The towns are regaining their vitality, and we have the capacity to breed horses once more.”
“Is that so? Well, I’ll bring that up with the Council of Elders. We’ll need to ensure that the current horse ranches are not adversely affected.”
There exists a custom of vested interests. When nothing changes, one expects their income to remain stable, but when disruptions occur, people tend to harbor resentment towards the cause of those disruptions.
To be precise, it’s not entirely accurate, but it’s close enough.
When the previously declining number of imported horses increases, the suppliers within the Forest Country (Lebresta) will suffer from reduced shipments, leading to potential conflicts if adjustments are not made.
Naturally, this is a matter of little concern to Paraiso. Horse exports are not essential for the Afrasia United Kingdom; they would simply supply them if requested.
“The number of exports can be adjusted. If it seems like a concrete discussion is on the horizon, we can consider it.”
Alborea Heath brushed off the topic and activated his multi-legged ground mother unit, the Planter. The Planter was an all-terrain model, capable of operating in the river without issue. Designed to float when its ballast tanks were empty, it was also equipped with a simple underwater propulsion system. While it could walk along the riverbed, doing so would hinder microwave power supply, so it typically operated with its upper body above the water.
The Planter slowly submerged itself into the water. The multi-legged tank had already positioned itself behind the VIP transport ship. The draft was deep, with only the top barely above the surface, occasionally washed over by waves. The same applied to the following multi-legged ground mother unit and the fusion reactor-powered vehicle, the Little Whale. However, the Little Whale’s significant weight, due to the self-propelled multi-wheeled transport vehicle it carried on its expansive deck, caused it to sit lower in the water.
Regardless, the group had successfully begun their journey.
◇◇◇◇
Moving to the stern, Tiariada Eremes observed the Paraiso entourage, a cold sweat trickling down his brow.
The massive golems accompanying them were, of course, traveling with specialized transport carts and even followed them into the water. Their speed matched that of standard Lebrestan transport, and given their lack of strain, it was reasonable to assume they could move even faster.
As a diplomat, he couldn’t help but imagine the worst-case scenario. What if this group of golems were to invade Lebresta?
The roads had already been developed. They had been established. Could our military hold back these colossal golems advancing along the roads?
The image of defeating such a giant was one that the chief diplomat found impossible to envision.
If they were to breach our defenses and reach the Lanta River…
Using the well-maintained, wide, and deep waterways, the golem group would flood into our territory. The Lanta River led directly to the Beautiful Capital, Linda.
Above all else, the Afrasia United Kingdom, no, Paraiso must not become an enemy. This threat must be conveyed to the Council of Elders.
Tiariada Eremes vowed silently, clenching his fists.
The high-sensitivity sensors of the multi-legged ground mother unit, the Planter, meticulously observed his demeanor.
◇◇◇◇
The feast aboard the ship featured a whole river fish steamed to perfection, caught during the journey. Fresh herbs obtained from a small village where they docked for the night were rubbed onto the fish, wrapped in large leaves, and then roasted whole—a grand dish.
In addition, there were sautéed and stewed dishes, all generously featuring river fish.
“This is a local specialty from around the Lanta River. I hope you enjoy it.”
Whole fish steamed. Indeed, such a dish existed, and both Alborea Heath and Alistarta Heath nodded in appreciation. Alborea promptly uploaded the dish’s information to the strategic network, where it would be prioritized for processing. The fact that it was ideal for party meals indicated it was a format favored by Commander Eve.
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”
The VIP transport ship, equipped with magical blowers, moved at a considerable speed. As a result, they passed by developed port towns and docked at the small fishing village ahead. Naturally, there were no accommodations within the village. Thus, they would spend the night aboard the ship.
The villagers were taken aback by the massive golem group that had come ashore for maintenance. However, upon seeing the beast-eared girls who disembarked next, they were offered various tokens of goodwill (primarily food), easing their wariness and seemingly hosting a welcoming feast.
Thanks to the ample light provided by the light magic tools, the deck remained brightly lit. From the terrace adjoining the VIP room, one could look down upon the deck, where food and drink provided by Paraiso were being served, and the crew was celebrating the feast.