Chapter 90

I went to the brigade commander's office and explained the situation to Brigadier General Altsar, showing him the ring.

"This is the ring that the so-called old man Josef, also known as the Great Chromberg, gave me."

"A ring!?"

For a moment, Brigadier General Altsar's expression became girlish. As expected, she's still a girl, so she's interested in jewelry.

But this one is quite dirty...

"It's not something that will meet your expectations."

"I know. I'm not expecting that from you."

Why are you sulking? Let me serve in the military. You're a troublesome princess.

"Come on, hand it over quickly."

It's good that she extended her hand, but what's with the back of her hand facing up?

"Sir, I want you to look at the inside of the ring..."

"Hmm."

Not "Hmm." You're sulking again. This is difficult.

I took the small, soft hand of the brigadier general, turned the palm up, and placed the ring on it.

"Here it is."

"A, ah. Yes. Well, this is quite... "

The brigadier general blushed and said something incomprehensible, but quickly regained her composure.

"Wh-what!?"

She wasn't calm at all. Now she's surprised.

"Hey Yui-nya!? No, Yui-na! Co... This ring, did you really receive it from that old man!?"

She's stuttering too much.

I didn't understand why the brigadier general was flustered, but it seems to be an important ring.

"There's no mistake. However, he didn't tell me anything about the origin of the ring. Or rather, I didn't ask. I apologize."

"It can't be helped. Only those who have met the emperor know what this is... Wait, you have met the emperor, haven't you? And multiple times."

"Yes."

The brigadier general glared at me.

"Then you must recognize this ring, right?"

"Sort of... I don't really remember."

"...You're really only interested in military matters, aren't you?"

That's not true. I just don't have an interest in jewelry.

The brigadier general, while repeatedly examining the ring, explained.

"This is one of the treasures symbolizing the emperor's authority, the 'Ring of the Overlord.' It is said to be worn by all emperors throughout history. The blessing inscribed on the inside is said to have sacred power, protecting the empire from all external enemies."

"Is it a superstition?"

"Of course. Just look at the current state of the empire."

I thought maybe there really was magic in this different world, but apparently not.

Brigadier General Altsar carefully wiped the ring and read the ancient script inscribed on the inside.

"It says, 'By the grace and trust of the supreme Filnia, I am the king of kings among the five fingers.'"

Good, my interpretation was correct. Ancient script is useful.

The brigadier general frowned and examined the ring multiple times.

"It can't be a fake, can it? But the craftsmanship is extremely exquisite, and the gems look real..."

That old man gave me a complicated ring.

The brigadier general placed the ring on the desk and sighed deeply.

"There are some points of concern regarding this ring, but I'll have the scholars of our house discreetly investigate it. What we know now is that your 'grandpa' is involved in the emperor's disappearance."

"That old man was hired by the Duke of Bruges, so it's likely that the emperor's disappearance was orchestrated by the Duke of Bruges."

"We can't say for sure, but it's probably the case. At the very least, the Great Chromberg has practically declared it."

Since he gave me this ring, it must mean something.

"It's not definitive proof to condemn the Duke of Bruges, but at least it means we don't have to suspect the Dukes of Jihenburg and Mildor. ...Of course, if this is real."

I can't help but be suspicious.

On the other hand, if the ring is a fake, it would mean that someone who is very familiar with the imperial family prepared a very sophisticated imitation. Of course, that old man is not familiar with the imperial family, so it would be impossible for him to forge it privately.

Brigadier General Altsar chuckled and put the ring in a small box.

"I'll keep it for now. I'll consult with Lord Haffen."

"Thank you."

"Yes, leave it to me. By the way..."

The brigadier general suddenly turned to the window and started mumbling.

"I prefer silver to gold. I like blue and green gems."

"Huh?"

I'm being glared at again. What was that, a roundabout request?

I saluted and decided to go to the brigade headquarters' accounting department to check my savings balance.

* * *

【Pirate Duke Haffen】

The Kingdom of Agan, located to the north of the Schwaider Empire, is also a naval power competing for dominance over the Blood Sea.

63 warships of the Agan Navy were gliding southward on the sea. All of them were large battleships equipped with numerous gun ports.

Leading the Agan main fleet is the famous Admiral Rujal. Known for sinking two enemy ships simultaneously while serving as a captain, he is called the "Two-Headed Shark of Agan."

The white-haired old admiral, with his battle-hardened staff, declared:

"I hear that the emperor of Schwaider is missing. This is a good opportunity to put an end to the detestable Schwaider fleet. If we don't capture the port before the army, it will be a disgrace to our navy. Remember this well."

"Hai!"

Just then, the outlines of ships appeared on the horizon. A fleet flying the naval flag of the empire was rapidly approaching.

"Sir Rujal! We've been spotted by the enemy fleet! The flag is of the Medilen family! 37 ships, all medium-sized battleships!"

"Medilen has declined. They can no longer maintain their fleet."

Admiral Rujal laughed arrogantly.

"Naval power is the power of the guns. With their medium-sized ships, their firepower is only half of ours. Let them be reduced to sea scum. Close in!"

"Sir, the enemy fleet is turning to present their port side. They are opening their gun ports."

"Probably a desperate warning shot while turning. How pitiful."

The next moment, his flagship, the Pergalia, was shaken by a tremendous explosion.

"What, what's happening!?"

"We've been hit in the bow, a direct hit!"

"How can this be! Is it a grounding!?"

Admiral Rujal shouted.

"We are well beyond their maximum range! They can't hit us at this distance without showing their side!"

But the explosions didn't stop. The ship was shaken repeatedly.

"We've been hit twice! One hit is near the waterline! The flooding can't be stopped!"

"Seamen, don't panic over seawater. Calmly make emergency repairs! If the flagship falters, we can't fight a fleet battle!"

The captain of the Pergalia shouted at the bellowing Rujal.

"Sir, let's take some distance!"

"No, if we turn now, we'll expose our side. Split the fleet and approach from both sides! Distract and attack their firepower!"

It was an abnormal situation not found in any tactical manual, but Admiral Rujal did not lose his fighting spirit. The "Two-Headed Shark" was not a title given lightly.

However, a few minutes later, Admiral Rujal was felled by a hail of shells.

The flagship Pergalia was bombarded by the high-speed fleet of the Medilen family and sank without even being able to bring the enemy within range.

All of Agan's ships were either sunk or captured, with none returning.

As a result, the King of Agan would receive the news of the total destruction of the main fleet from the Medilen side.