Chapter 159: Rollout
「So, the launch ceremony for the Black Cedar Warship is on track, isn’t it?」
「Yes, the first ship was constructed based on the captured galleon, so it seems we can complete it faster than expected. As for the second and third ships made from the black cedar wood you provided, it will take a little more time.」
Sherry, standing in for Lyle-sensei, had taken refuge in the cluttered office strewn with documents.
Given the sensei’s degrading condition, Sherry had accumulated responsibilities as the logistics officer. Logistics, when distilled, was akin to mathematics, making Sherry the most suitable candidate. Both military and civilian personnel were in short supply.
Apologies for burdening Sherry, who was already busy.
The Britannian forces besieged by Castilia’s invincible armada desperately needed reinforcements. But without ships, what could we do?
Ideally, they’d want as many ships as possible, but we can’t afford such luxury for now.
Ship construction takes time. Currently, we had only one decent homeport and shipyard at our disposal. We are not the U.S. Navy; monthly aircraft carriers were nothing but a dream.
The Silesien Navy had a few armed carrack ships and two cog ships. Currently, they were tirelessly transporting provisions to the autonomous city of Aslo.
With the famine on the Sway Peninsula gradually subsiding, perhaps we could also deploy a few cog ships or smaller galleys from Aslo for the upcoming war. Yet, challenging the invincible armada to a large-scale naval battle was still impossible.
While there were strategies to gather more ships, we needed to buy time. To avoid worrying the ailing Lyle-sensei, I would also give my best.
「Sherry, about those new explosive shells…」
「Ehto, during the initial field tests… there are safety concerns.」
Explosive shells—modern projectiles containing gunpowder that detonated upon impact—had been attempted.
However, despite creating the basic form, intricate processing proved difficult. The resulting defective weapons were prone to misfires or accidental explosions due to the volatile gunpowder inside.
「Let’s test them in actual combat. Don’t worry; this time, we won’t load them into cannons. We’ll use them directly.」
「Directly?」
「Yes, well, I have a plan. Prioritize supplying the navy with these bombs. Gather as many as possible and transport them to the port of Pervert.」
「Understood. If it’s your command, I’ll send as many shells and gunpowder as needed. Thanks to your marriage to Princess Eleonora, financial issues have been resolved.」
「By any chance, are the Am-main funds also being used for constructing the manufacturing facility?」
As I raised an eyebrow, Sherry gave a thumbs-up for her resourcefulness.
Truly, she spared no effort.
「When in need, open the in-laws’ treasure chest! That’s what they say.」
「What a harsh saying. Sounds like a home invasion robbery.」
「Nonsense! It’s an investment. The more we can extract from them, the better. Besides, we can withdraw as much as needed. Our immediate funding problem is solved. With our advanced technological capabilities, once the assembly line is set up, production will be straightforward. And don’t worry; Duke Emehart, who supported us, will have our back.」
「I suppose so…」
Well, the demand for new ships and ammunition might continue.
Our purse strings were tight. If it came to it, we’d have to rely on Duke Lanct as well.
「So, there’s no shortage of ammunition. However, if we prioritize naval supply, it may weaken the legitimate Germania Imperial Army’s logistics support.」
I pondered for a moment… But they were probably fine. Dyson’s threat was no longer there.
The new Germania Empire lacked leaders, knights, and mages. We’d stationed troops with Herman in the fortress city of Dunburg, and now General Mainz would handle the mop-up operations.
「No problem. Prioritize tactical supplies for the navy.」
「Understood.」
It seems like Sherry’s report is over so when I was about to leave, she grabbed me by the hem of my shirt.
「What’s wrong? Is there something else to report?」
「Can’t I receive a reward for the completed ships?」
Wait, did we promise that?
While I felt the shipwrights deserved credit for completing the ships, Sherry was working incredibly hard, so it wouldn’t hurt to give her a reward.
Sherry’s silver hair was disheveled, and she looked genuinely busy. I hadn’t mentioned it because I didn’t want to disturb her, but perhaps I was also becoming a bit too preoccupied. Even during wartime, occasional breaks were necessary.
「How about we take a bath together, Sherry?」
「Yes, gladly.」
For now, I’d wash her hair or something.
Sherry wasn’t exactly averse to baths like some dwarf girl, but she tended to neglect personal matters when busy. I needed to find an opportunity to invite her.
※※※
「Hmm…」
「What’s the matter, oniisama?」
Children grow up quickly. In the short time I hadn’t seen her, Sherry seemed to have grown again.
Specifically, she’d gained a bit of height and was more feminine. Even though she was still roughly the same size as Silhouette, her chest was more pronounced than her.
Or perhaps Silhouette just lacked chest power.
It made me feel a little melancholic.
「If you keep thinking impolite thoughts, even the gentle Queen Silhouette will get angry.」
「Sherry, can you read minds now?」
I was surprised. Was there really magic like that?
「Half of it is just intuition. Last night, Queen Silhouette seemed to spend some quality time with you. When you think of women, your gaze tends to shift to the upper left. From that, I deduced that you were comparing our chest sizes.」
「You’ve read my mind based on eye movements alone. You can call yourself Detective Sherry. Oh, but how do you know about the harem?」
The inner palace is a restricted area with limited access.
However, when it comes to the bath, I have allowed slave girls and maids to use it during open hours with permission.
But the innermost chamber of the inner palace is a private space, and even Sherry, the favored slave girl, is not allowed in. Even the maids who come to clean are restricted, so much so that Sharon makes the beds herself.
「All the girls love gossip, so if Steriana-san or Oracle-san casually mention who spent the night with you, it will spread like wildfire.」
「I see.」
How utterly embarrassing.
My romantic affairs are well-known even within the royal castle. I need to have a word with Ria and Oracle later.
「Gathering and analyzing information is part of my job.」
「You’re too reliable. Alright, let’s get into the bath quickly.」
There’s no hiding anything from Sherry.
Bathing with her, who is transitioning from a small girl to a young woman, is starting to feel awkward.
She probably knows everything I’m concerned about. Whether it’s challenging or not, it’s becoming too much to worry about. I’ll relax in the bath and leave the complicated thoughts for later.
※※※
「It’s quiet today.」
「I’ve taken measures to ensure that.」
As I lather up and wash Sherry’s soft silver-blonde hair, we talk. I quite enjoy washing the hair of the slave girls. It’s a chance to see rare hair colors like silver, gold, and reddish-brown.
Sherry’s idea of the ‘Cleaning in Progress’ sign has effectively kept people away. To think such a simple idea could prevent the typical scenario of running into other girls in the bath—she’s a genius.
I never even thought of that. Well, I’m just an ordinary person…
Having let my guard down, I hadn’t noticed that an unexpected guest had slipped into the bath while I was immersed in my thoughts.
When I turned around, I finally realized who was there. Startled, I couldn’t help but make a strange noise.
「Whoa!」
「What’s wrong? You scared me, oniisama.」
Sherry said, her eyes closed as she was still covered in soap bubbles.
「No, it’s fine. There’s just someone unusual in the bath.」
「Someone unusual?」
It was Are, the dragon maid. Perhaps her semi-long blue hair made her blend into the water vapor, making her presence go unnoticed.
But wait, it was strange that I hadn’t noticed her. Her blue hair stood out, and her black-brown dragon horns peeked through. Even though her large dragon wings were folded, they were still visible.
Could it be that she had silently entered while I was leisurely washing Sherry’s hair?
Are’s thick limbs were covered in rough dragon scales, so you’d expect a heavy, clunky sound when she moved. Yet, mysteriously, there was no sound at all. Was it her skill or some biological mechanism akin to a cat’s stealthy footsteps? I’d have to observe more closely next time.
Not wanting to frighten Sherry, I quickly scooped up some water to rinse off the soap. Now that Sherry could open her eyes, she immediately went to complain to Ale.
「Didn’t you see the ‘Cleaning in Progress’ sign?」
Are, with her dragon horns, wings, and limbs, was usually intimidating to regular people. But Sherry wasn’t easily intimidated. And Are seemed unfazed by whatever Sherry said—she didn’t even bat an eye.
「I saw the sign, but I could tell the hero was here by the scent.」
「Scent? Do I smell that bad?」
I couldn’t help but sniff my own arm. I only smelled soap, but maybe dragon maids have a heightened sense of smell.
「You don’t smell bad, onii-sama. You have a comforting scent, like my father.」
「No, Sherry, that’s not exactly a compliment.」
I sighed, and Sherry hugged me, pressing her nose into my neck. I felt somewhat placated.
Wasn’t Sherry’s father a down-and-out gambler…….?
I’m only twenty, but to be told I smell like a father…
At least when I’m at the royal castle, I bathe every day.
「Hero’s scent isn’t unpleasant. It smells of blood and gunpowder.」
「That’s quite hardboiled. The idea of still smelling like blood is really disturbing.」
The literary expression of blood-stained hands that won’t come clean. Soap should wash it away, but perhaps dragon maids can sense even the faintest traces.
「I was observing something rare, but since I’ve been discovered, can I come over?」
「Rare? No, wait, don’t come over here.」
With a splash, she stood up from the bath and walked over. I realized she probably meant the rare sight of using soap. Despite blending in so seamlessly, maybe the bath itself was a novelty to her.
She was completely naked, her ample chest bouncing as she moved. Quite large, though not as much as Ria’s, but similar to Princess Caroline’s. Her breasts were perky and firm.
Her sharply toned abdomen and soft, childbearing hips drew my gaze, captivating me with their beauty. Her hair, along with the hair below, was naturally blue. Such exotic traits made me marvel at the beings of this other world.
The grotesque blue dragon horns, wings, and thick limbs contrasted with the radiant, healthy body of a beautiful girl, creating an oddly striking yet natural aesthetic. It was a sight that could only exist in a fantasy realm, and I found myself captivated by it.
Despite her bold display, when I stared at her, she blushed and shyly covered her chest with her large hands.
「What’s this? You seemed so unfazed, but you’re actually embarrassed?」
Her demeanor was so detached that I felt a bit relieved to see she had a normal girl’s sense of modesty.
「Yes, don’t stare so much. My body is a bit awkward and ugly, isn’t it?」
「What? What’s ugly about it? Are you talking about your chest?」
Seeing her cover her chest, it seemed obvious. When she nodded, I realized she was indeed referring to that. To me, her figure looked perfect.
「My comrades used to mock me, saying those big lumps of meat hanging from my chest got in the way of flying and fighting. They stopped after I became the strongest warrior on the island, though…」
「Hmm.」
What should I say to that?
Generally, I think bigger chests are better, but saying that would undermine my wife, Silhouette.
「Do you dislike women with big chests, Hero?」
I do like them, but judging women by their chest size isn’t right.
Denying large chests, on the other hand, would imply I’m against my wife, Ria, which is also problematic.
「Isn’t it fine? Breasts are for feeding children. Bigger is probably better for that.」
Avoiding a direct answer, I intentionally shifted the topic to a neutral, positive view.
This was a politician’s tactic, and I, too, am a ruler of sorts.
「Really? Then that’s good to hear.」
She stopped covering herself with her large, blue-scaled hands and pushed her chest forward as if daring me to look.
No, this isn’t good. I wished she had kept them covered.
Her sense of modesty seemed misplaced. Perhaps it’s a cultural difference.
Well, if she wants to show off, let her. It’s not worth making a fuss over now. We do have a mixed bathing culture, after all.
There’s a reason why I’m so composed today.
Last night, after spending intimate time with Silhouette, Caroline ambushed me, and I was thoroughly drained until morning.
It’s a usual occurrence, but both of them were particularly serious this time.
According to Oracle, the expert on such matters, Sharon also shows signs of pregnancy, which means only these two, Caroline and Silhouette, don’t have children among my wives in Silesie’s inner palace.
With both a queen and a duchess carrying the weight of their nations, it’s a problem if they fall behind in the ‘nightly competition’ I couldn’t refuse their earnest advances and fought until dawn.
So, today, I have a sense of calm.
At this moment, no matter how beautiful or well-endowed, I can confidently say I won’t react to anybody other than my wives’.
「I’d be happy if you could wash me with that foamy stuff.」
「…Fine, just for today.」
She initially tried to lather the soap herself, but her large, scaly hands couldn’t manage it well. Watching her struggle, I realized that dragon maids are indeed a troublesome species.
Since washing her face and body seemed difficult for her, I decided to help.
「I’ll wash her hair, Sherry. You take care of her body.」
「Eh! Wasn’t today supposed to be my reward?」
True, but I can’t exactly wash her body myself.
「I’ll give you a special reward later, so help me out.」
「Oh, alright, onii-sama…」
Amidst all the banter, Sherry proves to be quite caring. She eagerly lathers a small towel and begins washing Are’s body.
「By the way, those are quite magnificent horns.」
Two dragon horns sprout from Are’s azure hair. As I scrub diligently with soap, I can’t help but wonder if they’re alright. They’re thick, robust, and a rich shade of dark brown—impressively large.
「Indeed. These grand dragon horns are one of my few points of pride.」
「Hmm.」
As I gently comb through Are’s now silky blue hair, I consider that there must be other aspects worthy of boasting.
Sherry once explained that dragon maids, especially those with sizable wings and horns, receive high acclaim.
「Oniisama, did Are-san propose marriage to you?」
「That’s right. You caught on quickly.」
Sherry’s deductive skills are remarkable.
Even though she didn’t participate in the battle near the capital, she observes as if she were there.
「Dragon maids only give birth to females. They seek husbands for breeding purposes. Are-san’s appearance is all about finding a suitable partner. You understand the rest, don’t you?」
「Ah, I see. Understood.」
Sherry’s extensive knowledge of dragon maid ecology, likely gleaned from the sensei’s study, puts me—an adult—somewhat to shame. I should study more.
「Alright, let’s rinse.」
「Hero, what is? My body….」
I chuckle inwardly. What’s with Are? I let the warm water flow, deciding that I’ll have to reward Sherry later. It’s too late to chase Are out so I allowed her to stay.
「Relax and warm up in the tub.」
「Hero Takeru, do you desire me? If so, that would be quite convenient.」
Wait a minute. Didn’t I already decline this?
Even if you cozy up, I’ll remain indifferent. If she won’t get in, I won’t bother. I’ll just let her do as she pleases.
「Sherry, I’m coming in.」
「Oh, yes, onii-sama!」
Even though she was already washing herself, Sherry made sure to rinse off properly before entering. She’s a good girl. I made sure to remind Are about the importance of rinsing off before entering the bath. It’s important to teach proper manners from the start.
As soon as I entered the hot bath, I felt relaxed. Sherry slipped onto my lap as usual, but I didn’t mind. It’s a familiar routine.
But then there was Are. Though she had learned the rinsing ritual, she naturally snuggled up to me as if it was her right.
「We’ve only just met, Are. Why are you so comfortable around me?」
「Even with a woman this inviting, hero remains indifferent.」
「That’s right, I’m indifferent. Because I’m already married!」
It’s a bit harsh, but I’ve learned my lesson from numerous encounters in this harsh fantasy world. Giving in to every temptation would be endless. It’s crucial to draw a clear line.
Thanks to Sherry, I understood the reason behind Are’s suggestive behavior. I’ve resolved not to take any more wives.
「I know the hero already has wives. Dragon maids are fine with polygamy, so that’s not an issue.」
「No, the issue lies on my side.」
Even with her pressing her ample chest against my back, I remained resolute. Absolutely, resolutely…
Seeing my struggle against Are’s overwhelming chest assault, Sherry stepped in to help.
「Are-san, please don’t tempt onii-sama so much!」
「It’s none of your business, little girl.」
In response, Sherry stood up in the bath and confronted Are. Small as she was, she stood her ground, her eyes meeting Are’s without flinching.
「It absolutely matters. You see, there are already six wives of onii-sama in this castle.」
Are nodded.
「Eleonora from the Duchy of Lanct is also one of his wives, making her the seventh. And it doesn’t end there. Many others, including Acting General Sarah and us slave girls, are waiting for our turn to marry onii-sama. There’s a long queue of prospective brides!」
「R-really? The hero is very popular.」
Are looked stunned.
Well, I’m just as surprised as she is.
「Once we come of age in a few years, the number of wives will double exponentially. We’re even budgeting for an expansion of the inner palace. We can’t have anyone cutting the line. If you wish to marry onii-sama, Are-san, you’ll need to take a ticket and wait your turn.」
「Ahem, that’s right. Sorry, Are, but you’ll have to wait.」
Sherry had likely put on this act to make Are give up.
By making such an exaggerated claim, it ironically made the lie more believable. Sherry is indeed reliable.
Are seemed to lose some of her enthusiasm, shoulders drooping as she thought deeply. Instead of arguing, she quietly accepted the situation.
Perhaps Are, despite her fierce appearance, is more reasonable than she seems. This might mean that keeping her as a bodyguard won’t cause trouble.
「Then, how about we postpone marriage for now? If I could just be physically united with the hero, that would be fine. One time won’t hurt, right?」
Are, after some contemplation, mumbled her proposal.
Why does she sound like she’s making a huge concession? And for the record, it does matter!
「That would be cheating. Absolutely not.」
「Cheating is no good…」
Are’s forwardness suggests she could indeed become a source of trouble. I’ll need to find some way to keep her in check.
However, Are is not just stronger than me; she’s stronger than our strongest warrior, Louise.
I might have got myself into trouble.