Chapter 63

In the harbor district of the imperial capital.

We stood on one of the docks.

Before our eyes, a magnificent sailing ship with four masts and three decks swayed gently on the sea surface.

Yuri looked up at the ship and said,

"Upon closer inspection... it's quite an impressive ship."

"Yeah. According to the trade permit, it seems to have traveled to the western Volden Island and the eastern continent. It must have experienced many voyages on the open sea."

In terms of size, it can accommodate about three hundred people. The sterncastle is also high, and it's a ship that could be converted into a warship.

However, Elysia said,

"Given its size, it seems quite difficult to move..."

As Elysia said, a considerable amount of manpower would be required. With so many masts, even experienced sailors would need time to raise all the sails.

Then, Selena, who was munching on a bread from the imperial capital, spoke up.

"Hmm? Then, why not row? Everyone can row the oars together."

"Are you talking about a galley? For a ship of this size, it would require even more people than a sailing ship."

"In that case, we could leave it to the tireless armor race and golems, right?"

"There are people around... Well, it probably won't be noticed on the deck... But you never know what might happen at sea."

We might also have to rescue survivors. If we bring them on board and they see the armor race and golems, it would be quite a sight.

Selena said cheerfully, "I can do it alone!" but, realistically, a ship of this size can't be rowed by one person.

"That's reckless... Perhaps we should consider building a smaller ship. Have you ever built a ship, Yuri?"

"No... I think I could build a boat, though."

Yuri answered, but her expression suggested she wasn't very confident about even building a boat.

None of us have shipbuilding skills.

In that case, we should commission a shipwright.

However, building a decent ship would take quite a bit of time. Even a small ship would take about a month.

"Perhaps we should modify this large ship... but we lack the manpower to move it."

As I muttered, Elysia asked Yuri,

"By the way, Cyclops... are your companions still in the imperial capital?"

"We've already talked to the ones in the west. Lord Alex has also prepared the travel funds... but even if they hurry, it will take at least two months to reach the imperial capital."

"I see. In that case..."

Elysia turned to me.

"About recruiting those with the Dark Emblem... how did that go?"

"I spoke with someone I trust, but they lack the courage to go to an unknown place, especially one called the Demon Realm... Reina was the only one who said she would go immediately. The monastery where Tika and Nate came from also showed a similar reaction."

"Well, I don't think anyone would think the Demon Realm is a livable place..."

If Tiars became more famous, they might be more willing to consider it. But it wouldn't be right to force them to come.

"In that case, we'll have to manage with what we have."

"Let's do it! With the use of magical devices, we should be able to build a ship that can be operated with fewer people."

I nodded in agreement with Yuri's voice.

"Yeah. We have mithril. We should be able to build a good ship."

"Then let's start designing on the ship right away!"

We walked across the gangplank and boarded the ship.

Once on deck, Yuri placed a drawing of the ship's hull on a workbench.

"First, a magical device to send wind to the sails would be good. Not Selena's idea, but using gears and windmills to rotate the oars... We'll build a model and think of various ideas with our blue-haired race."

"That would be a great help."

I replied, and Elysia suggested,

"Also, let's consider building a teleportation pillar on the ship in case of emergencies?"

"In an emergency, we can teleport to the imperial capital or Lobrion to escape. If we run out of food or water, we can resupply immediately. That's definitely a good idea."

I nodded in agreement with Elysia's suggestion.

Yuri also nodded and began to incorporate the teleportation pillar into the ship's design.

"I'll think about the shape. Instead of a pillar, a thin board... Also, placing boards or shields with the 'Invisibility' and 'Dark Wall' enchantments at various points on the ship might be a good idea, right?"

"The 'Invisibility' will hide the ship, and the 'Dark Wall' will defend against enemy attacks. The only weakness is holy magic, but since the enemy is a monster, they won't use holy magic. Even if the enemy is human, it's rare for someone to use holy magic on a ship... This could make the ship practically invincible."

As I replied, Selena's eyes sparkled and she proposed,

"Invincible... what a great word! How about adding a tube that can release 'Inferno' at the bow!? A big burst of fire from the bow! It should be able to take down even a giant enemy in one hit!"

I imagined a dragon-like breath attack being released from the ship. For a giant monster, it might be a common occurrence.

"Hmm. Since the enemy won't show themselves and will be underwater, wouldn't it be better to add pillars that can release lightning magic from various points on the ship?"

Elysia sighed in exasperation at Yuri's suggestion.

"Really, you two... We can use magic, so we can handle the attacks. There's something more important, isn't there?"

At Elysia's serious tone, I, Yuri, and Selena all turned to her.

"More importantly, we should make sure Lord Alex can have a comfortable voyage! We absolutely need a bath that can rival Ars'!"

Elysia said emphatically, almost with a snort. I couldn't help but want to point out that it wasn't that important.

However, Yuri and Selena both exclaimed in admiration.

Yuri then muttered,

"We should also prepare a larger bed."

"Yuri, since it's for a prince, how about adding gold and silver decorations to the sterncastle?"

Selena suggested, and the three of them got excited, agreeing that everything was a good idea.

I was speechless with exasperation.

Well, as long as it can move and sail safely...

I decided to leave the design to the three of them and went to the bow to look out over Lux Bay.

Even now, many ships are visible. There must be about a hundred large ships.

But during normal times, more than ten times that number of ships travel through Lux Bay. And most of the ships currently in Lux Bay are warships.

Restoring peace to Lux Bay and heading to Mireas...

If we can restore the safety of the imperial capital's sea, it will contribute to the empire as a whole.

If it's known that I and my party, who bear the Dark Emblem, stopped it, the backlash against others with the Dark Emblem might lessen. We could go to Mireas with peace of mind.

However, if we defeat the enemy too flamboyantly, we don't know what Lux or Burius might do. We need to be cautious and quell this disturbance.

Besides, we don't even know what the enemy is...

A week later, after completing the ship's modifications, we set out for Lux Bay.