Chapter 64

"You're quite skilled, aren't you?"

"Since I don't have to worry about the wind, I can focus on the rudder."

Yuri answered as she steered the ship.

We are now on the deck of the Enetoa Guild's ship, the Mareas.

After the renovation was completed, we spent a few days training for the voyage. Yuri and the other sub-humans had become quite adept at handling the ship.

When Selena took the helm, she almost capsized the ship by going too fast...

In any case, we decided to head to Lux Bay for the investigation.

Just as when we left the harbor, all the sailors on nearby ships were looking at the Mareas.

It's no wonder. The Mareas looks different from its previous calm appearance.

Now, it has become a ship that is overly adorned with mithril and gold...

"Do we really need a golden lamp? Even the mithril plates and shields are understandable, but this?"

I said, looking at the large lamp at the stern.

It's so big that a person could fit inside. Inside, you can see a mithril pillar.

Yuri replied:

"The night sea is darker than expected, and it can also cast holy magic if necessary."

"I see... but it's quite conspicuous."

At the bow, there is a carved dragon's face. Its mouth is made of mithril and can cast fire magic, holy magic, and dark magic.

In terms of attack, defense, and appearance, it could be considered a ship fit for a prince... Personally, I would have preferred a more subdued look.

"Well, this might actually be more convenient."

Elysia nodded at my words.

"If the enemy is choosing which ships to attack, this ship will definitely catch their eye."

"Yeah... Probably because they choose ships that look like they're carrying valuables."

The ships being attacked are all those of the royal family and nobles. Some wealthy merchants' ships have also been attacked, but fishing boats have not suffered much damage. Recently, fishing boats don't venture far from land.

Selena muttered:

"They like shiny things... Kind of like crows."

"Probably not humans, but it could be the Demon King's army."

As Elysia said, the Demon King's army might be attacking ships to deal a blow to the empire's economy, or perhaps to steal valuables.

In any case, the only thing we know is that the enemy is hiding in the sea.

"There are many possibilities... In any case, let's head to the flagship of the Lux Defense Fleet. Virtus and the nobles should be gathered there."

After about thirty minutes of sailing south from the capital, we could see a large number of ships gathered.

A huge ship with a golden signal flag indicating the presence of a royal was visible. That's the flagship.

I switched to a small boat and had Selena row towards the flagship. Elysia and Selena were the only ones accompanying me.

When a folding ladder was lowered from the flagship, I climbed up to the upper deck.

About thirty nobles commanding the navy were gathered in front of me.

The nobles were all looking at a man.

"Restoring the safety of these waters is equivalent to restoring the safety of the entire empire... Gentlemen, please redouble your efforts."

Virtus's voice echoed, and the nobles cheered.

"Very good. As I mentioned earlier, a noble ship will soon be passing through these waters. It would be ideal to eliminate the threat before then... But even if that's not possible, protect the ship with the dignity of the imperial nobility – oh!"

Virtus seemed to notice me.

"Then, gentlemen, I'll leave it to you."

With those words, the nobles dispersed.

As I approached Virtus, the surrounding area was bustling, but no one paid much attention to me.

They seemed quite enthusiastic. Was it because Virtus's speech was good...? I only heard the last part, but it seemed safe.

"You're here, Alex."

"Yeah. But you were already giving a speech, weren't you?"

If that's the case, there was no need to call me here... Well, I just wanted to get the information the navy had.

"Indeed... But, Alex, let's decide on the investigation plan."

"...? Ah."

I felt a bit off that Virtus didn't respond about the speech, but I followed him.

Virtus headed to the stern and stopped in front of a large round table. On the table was a map of Lux Bay, with pieces representing the navy and carvings of the monsters placed on it.

The X marks scattered around likely indicate where the monsters attacked. They are mostly far from land.

"Yesterday, the transport ship of the Duke of Balania in the east was attacked. It was at this point southeast of here. It's close enough to see."

Virtus said, looking southeast. It's a distance the Mareas could reach in ten minutes.

I noticed that the surrounding ships had raised their sails. They seemed to be spreading out to search, rather than moving together. Some ships had already ventured far to explore.

I turned back to Virtus and asked:

"It's close... Was the Duke of Balania's ship alone?"

"Yes. They were complacent because it was a large ship. The ships that are attacked are always sailing alone. By the time the navy arrives to help, the ship has already sunk."

"Are there any surviving crew members?"

"Yes. There are few deaths, mostly those who couldn't swim and drowned."

"They don't steal anything, just sink the ships. But they seem to choose which ships to attack... Is it the work of the Demon King's army?"

"Without seeing them on the surface, it's hard to say."

"You're right... So, how do you plan to investigate the other ships?"

"We'll search by moving around."

I looked at the surrounding ships again. They were spreading out, not moving together.

As Virtus said, they seem to be searching thoroughly.

"At least, I think it would be better to search together..."

"Yes, but they know that if they stay together, the enemy won't attack. They will maintain a minimum distance to rescue each other."

Despite that, they seem to be spreading out quite a bit... Ah.

A ship heading south suddenly started shaking.

"Trouble! It's being attacked!"

All the sailors raised their voices in alarm. They rang the ship's bell to alert the surroundings.

But in the midst of this, Virtus said calmly:

"Let's head there immediately."

"...Yeah."

I returned to the Mareas and rushed to the aid of the attacked ship.