Chapter 62

"Why did you suggest something unnecessary?"

As soon as we stepped out of the emperor's chamber into the corridor, I had pinned Virtus against the wall.

In response to my questioning, Virtus hurriedly answered.

"W-wait! There's a deeper reason for this!"

"A deeper reason? If you hadn't said anything, I could have gone to Mireas as planned. Why did you push for me to investigate Lux Bay instead?"

"You didn't think I would agree so easily, did you? That's why—"

"You intended to get me to agree to the investigation in exchange for my going to Mireas. I understand you were preparing a bargaining chip without my permission. But the emperor accepted it smoothly without any conditions. There was no need for that..."

"Indeed, you are correct."

Virtus spoke in a playful yet polite manner and nodded.

Using me as bait to lure out the monsters in Lux Bay. If possible, to have me killed by them... The emperor must have thought this and appointed me.

But was that what Virtus was thinking?

Now, Virtus is also a party who must go to sea. I doubt I can get to the bottom of his true intentions...

"Did you make some kind of promise?"

"Y-yes... There's a ship I absolutely don't want to sink. That's why I thought you and your subordinates—"

"You mean you think we can defeat the monsters?"

"Maybe you're just overestimating me, or maybe it's just talk."

I can't see into Virtus's heart.

However, I was also concerned about the sea monsters. If it only troubled the royal family and nobles, it might be fine, but ultimately, it's the common people who operate the ships. If it benefits them...

Even if I concede a hundred steps, it's not a task I would mind taking on.

However, these are monsters capable of sinking massive ships used by great nobles. In my previous memories, the navy couldn't even determine their true nature, let alone defeat them. I don't know if they attack from underwater, but they are undoubtedly a very troublesome opponent.

It would be better to prepare and head out...

In the harbor district, there's a ship from the Enetoa Guild that we reclaimed from Thoreas. It was originally intended for the trip to Mireas, so perhaps we should modify it. If we make it sturdy, it might be useful for other purposes as well.

"...Virtus, this time, it's a favor."

"...I'm going to the site too. Cut me some slack."

"No. If you find any good land around the capital, keep an eye out for it... and leave the navy's morale visit to you."

"Huh? Aren't you coming with me?"

"I'm going on a different ship. As my father says, I'm not suitable for morale visits... I might even cause dissatisfaction. If you go alone with the emblem of the Pantheon, everyone will be genuinely happy."

Hearing this, Virtus cautiously asked.

"Alec... are you angry?"

Virtus and I are still children.

Perhaps he thought I was angry because I was speaking seriously with a serious face.

"I don't intend to be, but if you ask if I'm angry or not, I'm definitely angry."

I answered with a look of exasperation and stared straight into Virtus's eyes.

"I asked you before, can I trust you?"

"I won't lie... Besides, it will be good for you too. I promise."

"Good for me?"

"Yes, good... Look forward to it."

"I trust you even less now..."

"Don't say that! You'll definitely like it! So, don't be so angry and come for the navy's morale visit! It will definitely be a good thing!"

I looked at the unusually confident Virtus with a blank stare.

"...How is it a good thing?"

"T-that's... a secret!"

Is this just talk, or is it really a secret?

"Whatever... I'm curious about where the navy and other nobles will investigate. We can't investigate the same place, after all."

"That's good. Anyway, once we complete this request, something good will happen for you too!"

I sighed deeply and answered Virtus.

"...It doesn't matter anymore. The sailors and fishermen around here are definitely troubled."

"Y-yes. For the good of the world and the people, let's defeat the monsters together."

"You, for the good of the world and the people, huh?"

"What are you saying! I always think for the good of the world and the people... and for my own... I mean, for my brother, you!"

"Which one is it? Anyway, let's meet at sea."

And with that, I parted ways with Virtus.