Magi Craft Meister
Chapter 676: Navy Flagship
On the same evening, a grand party was held in the hotel’s main hall.
While the previous one had been an internal affair, this time it was a large-scale party involving not only the town’s dignitaries and guards but also laborers, and even hotel employees.
A podium was set up at the front, and first, Prime Minister Jung Fowles gave a brief speech, followed by Minister of Magi Technology Degauss and then Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magi Technology, Christoph, who also addressed the gathering.
Next, the Prime Minister took the podium again and announced that they would be recruiting a few crew members for the ship, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
“The captain, officers, and sailors have been decided, but we also plan to recruit technicians and others from the general public. We hope that those who do not consider themselves as part of our country’s pioneering efforts will step forward. Registration will be open until tomorrow morning.”
This was based on the belief that public opinion was also somewhat important.
Once that was done, the party officially began.
“Now then, let’s celebrate this auspicious day with a party!”
Since it was a standing-party format, attendees mingled with each other all around.
Among them, Elsa was particularly popular.
“Elsa-sama, I am Delicel Rabado, the mayor of the neighboring town, Suar. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Elsa-dono, I am G.o.dronas Berntzam von Narlad, the leader of the 2nd Squadron of the 1st Knights dispatched for escort duty this time. A token of acquaintance.”
“Elsa-dono, please accept my cup.”
“Elsa-sama.”
“Elsa-dono.”
“…”
“Excuse me, it seems the master is a bit tired. Please excuse me for a moment.”
Seeing Elsa’s weariness, Edgar quickly declined the surrounding attendees and led her out of the main hall.
The place they emerged into was the hotel’s garden. There was a s.p.a.cious lawn sloping gently towards Lake Wa.s.s, with the moon just rising in the sky, casting its reflection on the rippling surface of the lake like scattered gold dust.
“…Phew.”
As people came and went, offering wine, Elsa found herself slightly intoxicated. Her footing was a bit unsteady.
“… Entgiftung.”
To clear her head, she cast a detoxification spell on herself, returning to a state of mild intoxication.
With clearer eyes, she glanced through the window at the party venue.
Reinhardt was easily spotted, but Jin was nowhere to be seen.
“…Big grother Jin?”
She muttered his name almost as a soliloquy, not expecting a response.
“Elsa?”
A reply came from the darkness.
A figure approached slowly. It was Jin, accompanied by Reiko.
“What’s up, Elsa? Did you sneak out too? I’m not really comfortable with that kind of atmosphere either.”
Jin, though not as overwhelmed as Elsa, felt worn out from being approached by numerous people upon hearing the name of the Magi Craft Meister, offering conversation or pouring wine for him.
“The moon looks beautiful, doesn’t it?”
The moon shining over Lake Wa.s.s, though smaller than those seen from Earth, exuded a brightness distinct from the other stars.
“Yeah. Beautiful.”
The wind coming across the lake was chilly but pleasant on Elsa’s slightly intoxicated face. Concerned she might catch a cold, Jin began to take off his coat to offer it to her. And then…
“Father, Elsa-san, the night breeze can be harmful to your health. Please take these.”
Reiko thoughtfully brought two shawls. They were provided by the hotel.
“Oh, thank you, Reiko.”
“…Thank you.”
They expressed their grat.i.tude as they draped the shawls over their shoulders, feeling considerably warmer.
“Father, the moon is beautiful tonight, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, it is.”
Jin, Reiko, and Elsa gazed up at the moon for a while. Edgar stood behind them, silently accompanying them.
＊ ＊ ＊
The next morning, after finishing breakfast, Jin went to meet with the Prime Minister right away.
“Ah, Lord Jin, welcome. Christoph told me that you’ve been quite helpful in various ways. I appreciate it.”
“Yes, I’m glad we could contribute to the success of the ship.”
“So, what brings you here today?”
Realizing time was limited, Jin decided to get straight to the point.
“After the trials on Lake Wa.s.s are completed and the Bernstein sets sail, I plan to return to Loizart. As for what comes after that, I haven’t decided yet. I might return to Kaina Village or head to the Egelia Kingdom.”
The Prime Minister nodded.
“I see. You’ve served as a consultant more than adequately. Tomorrow, I’ll also return to Loizart to give a detailed report to His Majesty. I believe there will be rewards for you, including for Lord Reinhardt and Miss Elsa.”
Though Jin didn’t feel particularly in need of rewards, he wasn’t foolish enough to voice that sentiment.
“One last thing. When embarking on long voyages by ship, please ensure that vegetables or fruits, even dried ones, are prepared.”
“Ahh, I see… Bittamin, was it? That deficiency, right?”
Jin had provided this knowledge from the Führer. It seemed that it was being properly utilized in the Shouro Empire.
“Yes, that’s correct. That’s all from me.”
“Very well. It’s finally time to conduct various trials on the new ship. I’m looking forward to it.”
And finally,
“This is also something His Majesty the Emperor wanted me to convey directly to you, Jin.”
The Prime Minister prefaced his words with this explanation.
“For the time being, the new ship will be cla.s.sified as naval, but I want to ensure there’s no misunderstanding. Currently, only the military has the capability to operate large ships within our organization. However, in the near future, I intend to establish a new organization. Of course, it will be for peaceful purposes.”
“I see…”
“Please, make sure there’s no misunderstanding. This is merely a temporary measure.”
Knowing Jin’s aversion to conflict, the Prime Minister likely entrusted him with this supplementary explanation.
As Jin and the Prime Minister left the room together, they ran into Reinhardt and Elsa.
“Ah, perfect timing. It’s time for the trial voyage of the Bernstein. Shall we go see it together?”
“Yes.”
While yesterday was managed by the individuals who constructed it acting as temporary crew members, today marked the official crew’s first day aboard. However, it would primarily be a day of practice to familiarize themselves with operating the ship.
＊ ＊ ＊
“Attention!”
The captain of the newly constructed ship Bernstein was Rugalia Gascar von Alkois. He was the commander of the 3rd Naval Fleet of the Shouro Empire and had experience in naval combat.
And among the ten sailors standing in formation were also members of the 3rd Naval Fleet. They were all young and full of enthusiasm.
“As of today, this newly constructed ship, the Bernstein, shall serve as the flagship of the Shouro Empire’s Navy. You all are the esteemed first crew. I urge you to swiftly acquire seamanship skills and strive to contribute to our nation.”
This morning a.s.sembly took place near the dock. While the Prime Minister partic.i.p.ated, Jin and the others observed from a slight distance.
“Ah, so it’s truly becoming part of the Navy…”
Jin recalled the conversation he had just had with the Prime Minister.
“I truly hope they establish a public organization separate from the military in the near future…”
Then, he suddenly remembered Eckert Techres, the prominent merchant who was constructing a similar large ship in the town of Coupu in the southern part of the Celuroa Kingdom.
(Come to think of it, he mentioned they had already held their launching ceremony.)
Jin felt regretful that when they visited, the ship was destroyed due to sabotage by business rivals. In response, Jin had sent Altarf and Gainer, members of Quinta, to provide support.
(Which means, it must have been completed not long ago.)
That was the day Jin and the others began construction on the new ship, November 30th.
(Bernstein will surely pa.s.s through Coupu when heading to Potlock. They might encounter each other then. Perhaps I should go see it by airship…)
Jin felt a sense of antic.i.p.ation.
Meanwhile, the Bernstein set sail with its new crew on board. They had received basic training on operations and now just needed to get accustomed to the ship.
Among the new crew were magi engineers Clea and Generos, as well as shipwright Rodrigo, so they should be able to handle any unforeseen circ.u.mstances.
As guests, Magi Technology Minister Degauss and Undersecretary Christoph were also on board.
Since it was difficult to observe the training and test voyage from the sh.o.r.e, Jin decided to launch an airship. The Prime Minister eagerly joined them when invited.
Thus, Jin, Reiko, Elsa, Edgar, Reinhardt, the Prime Minister, and the steward golem responsible for navigation—seven in total—boarded the airship. Although slightly overweight, they compensated with gravity magic to avoid any issues.
Unaware of this, the Prime Minister simply thought Jin’s airship had a high capacity.
Leaving aside such matters, from the sky, they had a clear view of the ship.
“Oh, it’s quite visible. Thank you, Jin.”
“That’s fine, just make sure not to lean out too much and fall.”
“Understood.”
From about 50 meters above, Jin’s airship observed Bernstein’s progress.
“Jin, look at those waves, they’re quite significant.”
Elsa remarked.
“Yeah, that’s wave resistance for you. We’ll need to consider reducing it.”
Reinhardt added. From above, they could clearly see how the ship interacted with the waves.
The Prime Minister observed the ship’s operation, while Jin and the others focused on technical aspects.
Beneath them, the newly constructed Bernstein continued its navigation test smoothly.