Chapter 131: Pervert
In preparation for the impending naval battle with Castilia, I have arrived in the Duchy of Transylvania with my retinue. There was no time for leisure, but we made a stop in the capital city of Brussel.
Of course, Princess Caroline is accompanying me. It’s a convenient opportunity for her to visit her homeland, and I also need to pay my respects to King Valram.
Transylvania, though a small nation, boasts lush greenery and a delightful landscape. While agriculture and dairy farming thrive, our journey along the Tsurube River revealed an array of waterwheels and windmills, harnessing natural energy for light industry.
Truly, a land of abundance. Ideally, I would love to explore further, but time is not on our side.
The king’s residence, constructed of brick, takes the form of a triangular castle with two imposing spires. Rather than a fortress, it resembles a grand manor, exuding an old-world charm.
Perhaps the absence of a formidable fortress signifies a peaceful country.
Brussel, the capital, features orderly red-brick buildings. Clearly, the cultural influence of the neighboring Lanct Duchy, via the Tsurube River, is strong.
A quaint ‘Little Lanct’ if you will. Abundant water sources support well-organized plumbing. Green and culturally rich, it strikes a harmonious balance.
As we entered the castle, a man of regal bearing emerged, clad in opulent crimson robes. His brown hair crowned with a golden circlet, a dignified beard framing his face. King Valram Transylvania Orania.
In this world, a rare king who genuinely loves his people. Before me, he kneels with grace. 「Ah, the hero from Silesie. No, perhaps ‘King General’ would be more fitting?」
「Father-in-law, as I am wed to Princess Caroline, please address me as your son-in-law.」
Despite being the king of a small nation, this man’s humility knows no bounds.
He might even prostrate himself if given the chance. Unlike Duke Emehart, who acts with calculated intent, this man’s sincerity is genuine.
His wholehearted respect and unwavering loyalty make him formidable.
「Never did I imagine offering my daughter to hero-sama, but such grand gestures were not on my mind. Instead, until this day, I have ruled this land in place of hero-sama. Please accept this crown and staff…」
「Wait, asking me to govern the country would be quite troublesome. Caroline and I have already decided what to do in the future.」
Finally, Caroline, dressed in blue, descends from the carriage.
This father is too earnest for my taste.
「Father, it’s been a while.」
「Ah, Caroline, are you well? I trust you haven’t offended hero-sama.」
Well, your daughter has been quite audacious in our chambers even to our queen.
But that’s partly my fault, so I won’t mention it.
「Father, after consulting with hero-sama, we’ve decided that if we have a child, he shall inherit the duchy.」
「Indeed, that’s commendable. Until that day arrives, I shall govern as regent.」
「Well, that day may not come anytime soon, so I entrust it to you. Father…」
「Very well, leave it to me.」
Though the idea of abdicating the duchy to me was not a mere jest, it’s a closed chapter in my mind. Yet King Valram Transylvania Orania earnestly assumes the role of regent.
An unwaveringly noble king—he’s just too serious. I appreciate his goodness, but he remains a bit challenging.
「Please rest in our modest castle and recover from your journey.」
「I’d love to, but duty calls—I must assist the United Kingdom of Britannia in their battle against the Castilia Kingdom.」
「A grand naval battle, you say? Perhaps our duchy should contribute warships as well.」
Indeed, that’s the crux of it.
The Silesie Kingdom’s naval vessels consist of merely two armed merchant ships, the cogs. If we add Transylvania’s reinforcements to the mix, it might inadvertently shift the focus of the battle toward the duchy.
Moreover, after I decimated the duchy’s knight order, their war funds were likely strained. A naval battle would require arming even merchant vessels, incurring substantial costs.
While I’d appreciate assistance during a critical moment, actively involving Transylvania in this war would be unwise.
「No, I’d prefer that the duchy’s naval vessels remain safeguarding our ports. Whether we win or lose, having a home port intact is crucial.」
「Understood. My apologies. Considering the duchy’s financial situation, we’ve diligently prepared and maintained the two cogs from the Silesie Kingdom that you entrusted to us.」
「That will suffice. King Valram, occasionally spend time with Caroline and your family in peace. This naval battle will likely conclude swiftly.」
「Your consideration is much appreciated. I pray for your success, hero-sama.」
With the noble King Valram’s farewell, I made my way toward the harbor town where the kingdom’s two ships were docked.
※※※
At the mouth of the Tsurube River lies the maritime gateway to Transylvania—the port town known as ‘Pervert’.
I’d heard about such amusingly named places in the news, but why, of all names, did it become a significant port city?
This is one of the less pleasant aspects of our harsh real fantasy.
Though it’s a bit late to point out, I seem to be the only one feeling awkward whenever I hear ‘Pervert’—a name that sounds perfectly ordinary to the people of this world.
「Finally, we’ve arrived in Pervert. It’s often referred to as the duchy’s second city. They specialize in woolen textiles, importing sheep’s wool from Britannia. A prosperous city.」
「Is that so?」
Indeed, even Lyle-sensei mentioned that hearing the name ‘Pervert’ still makes one feel a bit awkward.
As for me, I am not Pervert.
Well, perhaps that’s not entirely accurate.
「Actually, the region near Nanto in Silesie is closer to the war zone, but it’s a harbor controlled by local nobles. Instead, we might consider following behind the United Kingdom of Britannia fleet and engaging in long-range attacks, then swiftly returning.」
「Since this is my first naval battle, let’s proceed with caution.」
Despite Lyle-sensei’s brilliance as a military strategist, naval warfare differs significantly from land battles due to its unique challenges.
Upon arriving at Pervert’s harbor, I was introduced to the esteemed Admiral Jean, commander of the illustrious Silesie Kingdom fleet.
「King General, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Jean Darlan.」
「No need for formalities…」
Admiral Jean, with his hat removed and his posture straightened, was a burly man with unruly black hair and a ruddy face reminiscent of a bear. Despite his title, his attire consisted of a casual white shirt similar to that of a sailor.
「Ha-ha-ha! Don’t be fooled by the title ‘naval admiral.’ I’m merely a captain for our two ships. Each vessel has a crew of twelve sailors, totaling twenty-four. Including me, there are twenty-five of us—the entire Silesie Navy.」
「Understood. Well, I don’t understand much about ships, so I’ll leave it to you.」
「I may not excel at other matters, but when it comes to ships, trust me with everything.」
With a hearty laugh, Jean, whose rotund belly jiggled, exuded a gentle and reassuring presence. Perhaps he’s someone dependable, despite his appearance.
「At what time can we set sail?」
「As soon as we finish loading supplies like water and food.」
And so, let us embark upon the sea of battle.
※※※
「According to the plan, we should be around here.」
「Ho-ho-ho! Our allies’ ships are nowhere in sight.」
Admiral Jean, relaxed and jovial, made this observation. But is it really wise to remain so calm?
「King General, please remain calm. Such occurrences are common at sea.」
「Is that so? Well, there’s no use panicking before the battle.」
The two Silesie fleet ships continue southwest from the harbor town of Pervert.
Originally, we were meant to rendezvous with the United Kingdom of Britannia fleet in the southern seas of Silesie to intercept the invincible fleet of Castilia. However, locating our allies’ ships proves challenging.
Navigating a rendezvous at sea is no easy task. Sometimes, even enemies attempting to collide end up passing each other like fools.
If we fail to meet up and the war concludes without us, it would be troublesome. But then again, perhaps I’m overthinking it.
Suddenly, a fleet of remarkable speed approaches, riding the tailwind. These ships are smaller than our Silesie cogs but incredibly swift. Over twenty high-speed vessels surround us in no time.
「Admiral Jean, are they our allies?」
「Yes, they bear the white field with a red bend—the Britannian Navy. Remarkably fast ships, aren’t they? My first time seeing them though.」
By the way, the Silesie Kingdom’s flag features a blue field with a white lily, while the Castilia Kingdom’s flag has a red field with a gold horizontal stripe. The latter is associated with the ominous motto ‘Blood and Gold’.
At sea, flags are our only means of identification, so national flags hold great significance.
The fleet of high-speed ships promptly approaches our vessel.
「Cog boat, please stop your ship!」
No, we’ve already lowered our sails.
Ladders are thrown over, and a young officer with glossy black hair and a black beard boards our ship.
He wears a black jacket adorned with gold-thread embellishments over the white naval uniform. The admiral’s hat features a gold crown emblem.
「From the Britannian Navy, I presume?」
「Yes, I recognize you as part of the Silesie contingent. I am Arthur Britannian Artorius.」
Arthur Britanian Artorius is the monarch of the United Kingdom of Britannia.
Are you saying that the king himself jumped in from a fast boat?
「Are you ‘King’ Arthur?」
「Yes, indeed. And you might be Sawatari Takeru-dono from Silesie, I presume?」
Adjusting his admiral’s hat, Arthur, the youthful man, offers a wry smile. He’s still quite young—probably in his mid-twenties. A rugged lion of a man.
「To recognize me at a glance, you truly have keen eyes.」
「Well, when I see a knight boldly wearing shining armor at sea, I can’t help but think of none other than Silesie’s hero.」
Given that he wears an admiral’s hat, I assumed he held some authority, but I never expected ‘King’ Arthur himself to leap aboard our small boat. Yet he’s remarkably light-hearted, quite different from the dignified Arthurian king I had imagined.
「Calling me bold, huh? Perhaps because armor makes swimming difficult if one falls overboard.」
「Exactly. Wearing armor on a ship is a behavior reserved for knights with unwavering resolve. Truly delightful that two rulers meet for the first time on a warship without any formalities!」
Arthur, his black hair dampened by the sea breeze, extends his hand with a smile, seeking a handshake. As we clasp hands, he even pulls me into a shoulder embrace. He’s remarkably affable for a king.
Of course, in this harsh real fantasy world, Arthur is likely different from the legendary King Arthur in my world. Nevertheless, he possesses a similar kind of cheat-like charisma.
His dual title as ‘King’ is fitting.
A charismatic ruler who united the four nations of Britannia into the United Kingdom of Britannia. His black beard and innocent smile make him instantly likable.
I’ve taken a liking to him at first sight.
「Britannia is a friendly nation to Silesie, so it’s no trouble even with just two ships coming to assist.」
「Currently, we’d welcome any allies, even if it’s just one ship. We’ve even requested reinforcements from the pirates we’ve subdued. Having Silesie’s hero as an ally is reassuring. It will boost our soldiers’ morale. Thank you.」
「But that ship you arrived on, ‘King’, it looks unfamiliar.」
Admiral Jean mentioned not having seen it before, so I inquired further. I lack knowledge about ships, so I’m curious about this new type.
「Yes, it’s the latest high-speed schooner. Although it appears small, it features a vertical sail system, which significantly enhances maneuverability. We prepared it specifically to face Castilia’s invincible fleet. If we can’t win in numbers or size, we’ll overwhelm the enemy with speed.」
「I see. It’s an impressive vessel.」
While the latest high-speed schooner might have tactical uses, I find it unnecessary. Even if it’s fast, its small size means it can’t carry cannons.
「Is that the rumored ‘cannon’ on board?」
「Yes, indeed. It’s smaller, but if the shots hit, I believe it can sink enemy ships.」
「Very reassuring. Our Britannian Navy plans to engage the enemy in battle formation while the high-speed schooners execute special surprise attacks, surrounding the enemy’s flagship. As for the Silesie Navy, fight as you see fit.」
Implicitly, it’s still just two ships. They don’t count as significant forces. Despite his friendly demeanor, ‘King’ Arthur is undoubtedly a hero king of a nation. He’s likely assessing our strength with a pragmatic eye.
Well, allowing them freedom of action would benefit us too.
「Agreed. Castilia is our common enemy. Let’s work together to defeat them.」
We shake hands firmly once more, but as relations between nations, there’s always some calculation involved. Since this is our first battle, I don’t intend to exert all our efforts.
For now, let’s observe the naval prowess of the United Kingdom of Britannia and Castilia Kingdom.