Chapter 195: Various Ships
In the middle of the giant bed in the harem, big enough for ten people to sleep comfortably, I woke up. Light streamed in through the curtains, indicating it was either late morning or already afternoon.
「Ugh… I haven’t slept this well in ages.」
I felt a deep sense of satisfaction from having slept well, a natural recovery rather than one forced by potions.
It might feel a bit guilty to rest while everyone else was busy with the kingdom’s official duties, but overworking and collapsing would be worse.
Sometimes, indulging in a long sleep is necessary.
Ria and the others who had slept with me were no longer in the harem bed.
They had gotten their rest while I was attending the international conference.
The only one who indulged in sleeping late with me was Sherry. I was grateful to Sherry, who had stayed by my side to keep my other wives from disturbing me. However, something seemed off about her.
「Ha… ha…」
Her cheeks were flushed, and her breathing seems labored. Muttering something under her breath, I quickly jumped up in concern. 「Are you alright, Sherry?」
「Fu… fu… oniisama.」
「Are you okay? Are you feeling unwell?」
「Uh, yeah… I’m feeling a bit… off.」
It seemed yesterday’s extreme doping wasn’t good for a child after all. I panicked, unsure of what to do.
「Does something hurt?」
「I’m just feeling a bit itchy… ha…」
「Should I call someone? Or maybe, how about drinking a recovery potion?」
「No recovery potion! It won’t help. Instead, please rub my stomach, oniisama. Hurry…」
Recovery potions don’t alleviate fatigue, and considering her condition resulted from the dragon liver pill, natural healing might be necessary.
Despite her appearance, Sherry was a genius with a deep understanding of magic.
Despite not having magical power, Sherry, who can think of using magic stones as cannonballs, must have some intention behind this. For now, I’ll follow her instructions.
「I see… like this? 」
「Yes, that feels good. I’m starting to relax. 」
Since Sherry has changed into her nightwear to make it easier to sleep, slipping my hand inside her clothes is simple. Since treatment is also called care, perhaps the magical doping that has disturbed her condition can be eased by human touch.
「But, um… are you feeling worse instead? 」
As I touch Sherry’s soft abdomen, it begins to radiate heat.
「I’m fine… this time, please rub a little higher. Higher, a bit more, right there! Press harder… ahh. 」
「That’s not your belly; it’s your chest, isn’t it? 」
I can feel her heart racing wildly through her soft skin. This is clearly arrhythmia. The pounding in her chest isn’t normal. Her breathing is heavy too—shouldn’t I call a medical expert?
「Come on, you said to press harder! If you do, I’ll definitely feel better. 」
「Ah, okay…」
I try to rub gently, avoiding her soft chest as she instructed. It feels a bit troubling, but since this is medical treatment, I focus on the heart massage and try not to think too much about it.
「Ugh… your hands are frustratingly clumsy… Now, lower… go lower with your hands. 」
「Like this…? Say, Sherry, are you really in pain? 」
I’m relieved that she’s directing me to her abdomen instead of her chest, as that feels less troubling.
「My stomach feels ticklish. If you rub it, the tickling will go away. Please do it rhythmically, in a circular motion.」
「Like this…?」
「Yes, that’s much better. Onii-sama, you’re good at this. Now, please focus on my lower abdomen.」
「Like this?」
「Ah, that’s perfect. Stronger there, and just a bit lower.」
「Lower?」
「Yes, a bit lower, and rub strongly!」
「Lower… Sherry, are you messing with me?」
Going lower than her abdomen would be inappropriate, logically speaking. Sherry, with flushed cheeks, kept insisting I go lower, which was troubling.
「I’m serious. Does this look like I’m joking? It really tickles and it’s uncomfortable, I’m telling the truth!」
「Well, whether it’s true or not…」
「Onii-sama, if you do this, I’ll get better immediately. Please, I’m begging you, just a little more.」
「Wait a minute!」
She gripped my arm tightly, making escape impossible. I tried to pull my hand back, but she pulled me with surprising strength, causing the bed to creak.
「Onii-sama, please! I’ll even use my reward privilege right now!」
「Even so, I can’t do that!」
No matter how cute Sherry’s pleading was, this was a line I couldn’t cross. I firmly refused.
This futile tug-of-war continued until Sherry compromised, allowing me to rub her back and bottom instead.
「Ah, Onii-sama, I feel better now. Yes, that’s good. If you keep rubbing for another thirty minutes, I’ll feel completely better.」
「Well, that’s good to hear…」
When it comes to these situations, Sherry becomes incredibly demanding, insisting on rhythmic strokes here, strong massages there, and endless requests to be held from behind and patted. I ended up giving her a thorough massage for a full thirty minutes.
After Sherry felt better, I realized too late that if massaging was all it took to help her, I could have called someone else to do it. Regardless, I resolved to be cautious with dragon liver pills as they seem dangerous, especially for children.
Even though I should have felt rested and energized, I found myself slightly weary again the next morning. However, seeing Sherry in a good mood after having my undivided attention, even for a short while, made it all worthwhile.
※※※
By the time I got up and changed into formal attire, it was already late afternoon. After a quick meal, I headed to the palace courtyard just as the ‘airship’ returned from dropping off our guests.
Yes, an airship… A flying vessel landed slowly in the courtyard of the Silesie Palace. It might still be too old-fashioned to be called an airship, but with its elliptical balloon and suspended gondola, it certainly looked the part.
To be honest, the gondola that the airship could carry was still quite small, able to accommodate ten passengers at most. However, it was far better than having Kaara and Oracle carry a floating basket. The small airship’s gondola provided just enough space to maintain some dignity while transporting foreign envoys.
The balloon of the airship was filled with hydrogen, produced by electrolysis of water. Ideally, helium gas would have been safer, but it was not found on the Yura continent. The problem with hydrogen is that it’s flammable. When ignited, it can explode.
The famous incident of the Hindenburg airship catching fire due to static electricity and exploding into flames comes to mind. A dragon’s breath or fire magic attack would be catastrophic, making it unsuitable for military use due to its low safety.
For safety and to facilitate smooth movement with wind magic, it is a rule that either Kaara or Oracle must be on board as captain.
As it stands, without assistance from flight magic, the airship is hardly usable. Given the historical rapid transition from airships to airplanes, it’s clear that, even if constructed well, airships have limited practical utility for civilian use.
Thus, plans for balloons and airships had been in place for some time, but actual production had been postponed until today. The purpose of this prototype was for a demonstration to the ambassadors of various countries.
I know well that the speed of rumors travels much faster than the airship itself. By spreading the word among the ambassadors that Silesie has flying ships, we can elevate our nation’s prestige.
A dream vehicle that allows ordinary people to fly through the air, not just seasoned dragon knights or advanced mages. The ambassadors from each nation, witnessing this new technology firsthand, would be astonished and would surely speak of Silesie’s technological advancements back home, advocating for strengthened friendly relations.
A silhouette, regal in her dazzling dress, descended the gangway of the airship. She had been escorting the diplomatic delegation from the Germania Empire since this morning.
「Silhouette, thank you for your hard work.」
「Of course, it is expected of me as Takeru-sama’s wife.」
With the Eura Continental Alliance Conference concluded, I should have been in the position to see off the representatives returning to their countries, but that responsibility had been left entirely to Silhouette and Prime Minister Nicola.
It seems that Prime Minister Nicola is currently escorting the royal nobles of our neighboring country, Roland, via the airship. Regardless of the practicalities, my official role is still that of a royal consort, meaning that the queen and the prime minister oversee Silesie’s official diplomacy.
I understand the importance of dividing responsibilities.
However, as I leisurely rest while Silhouette and the others are busy representing the country, I can’t help but feel a bit guilty.
「I always burden you with my troubles.」
「Oh, but I am enjoying my role as queen. If what I do brings happiness to you, Takeru-sama, as your wife, then I am delighted to do anything.」
It’s sad that I have nothing to reward Silhouette for her noble words. I gently embraced my accomplished wife and kissed her.
「Once this is over… I’ve said it many times, but I want to spend some leisurely time together, just the two of us.」
「Yes, please give me plenty of that, especially since we haven’t had time together. I look forward to it, but for that, the world needs to remain peaceful.」
As she said this, Silhouette chuckled softly.
Meanwhile, hydrogen gas was being filled into the airship.
I felt it was a bit unfair to leave all the diplomatic work to Silhouette. It was about time for me to step in. Once the two airships returned to the capital, I planned to accompany the delegation to the port of Nant, which faced the sea.
※※※
We were to transport the ambassadors of various countries by airship to the port of Nant. Of course, it wouldn’t just end there at the port.
From the city of Nant, which was being renovated as the only international trade port of Silesie, we would send the ambassadors back to their home countries aboard black cedar warships. Although I had mentioned that it would be fine to send the Revenant and the ambassador from Castilia as well, they seemed to have felt embarrassed enough to make their own way to the port and return home on their own ship.
While it was a bit of a detour to move them to Nant, there was little choice, as the airship couldn’t reach the United Kingdom of Britannia. Although Kaara and the others assured me that the airship could manage even if it lost gas, an emergency landing over the ocean would be quite problematic.
Despite the detour, with wind magic, we could expedite travel by sailing ships, so we would reach Britannia Island in less than a day, keeping the delay minimal.
Passing through the Ereson Strait and via the autonomous city of Aslo on the Sway Peninsula, reaching the port of the Kingdom of Rastore, deep within the Germania Sea, could easily be done in another day.
Thinking about it this way makes the Eura continent feel small.
The sight of black cedar warships, along with the grandeur of galleons capable of venturing into the open sea, astonished various nations. It’s not a bad idea to showcase Silesie’s formidable naval power to the coastal countries.
Of course, when promoting peaceful diplomacy, it’s essential to demonstrate not only military strength but also cultural richness. While we aren’t quite at the level of luxury cruise ships, we are preparing the interiors of our black cedar warships to eventually serve civilian purposes while welcoming dignitaries from various nations.
The ship’s cabins are adorned with exquisite velvet drapes and decorated with artwork brought in from the Duchy of Lanct. Ideally, I wanted to have everything sourced from Silesie, but the quality of the art from Lanct was simply superior. Even the dishes and vessels for serving food are made from Lanct’s fine porcelain.
The wine glasses are crafted from the expensive glassware renowned in the Papal State of Ravenna. However, they are filled with quality wine and brandy, both specialties of the city of Nant.
Silesie is truly an agricultural nation. What matters most is the contents, not just the vessels. I want the ambassadors from various countries to thoroughly enjoy the delicious food and drink, leading to expanded trade relations.
To achieve this, I put thought into the dishes I would serve.
Today’s menu mainly features fresh seafood from the ocean, and I’ve devised a new cooking method. Seeing King Arthur of the United Kingdom of Britannia heartily enjoying the meal brought me joy, prompting me to approach him.
「Arthur, are you enjoying the food?」
「Absolutely! As always, Silesie cuisine is delicious, but this shrimp and these clams are exceptionally good!」
「I’m glad to hear that.」
「Even the simple vegetables have a richness of flavor I’ve never tasted before. This… the sauce is different, isn’t it? What kind of seasoning are you using?」
「This dish uses oyster sauce.」
「Oyster sauce?」
「I’m using a concentrated broth made from dried oysters… Does that make sense?」
「Is this really dried oysters? I thought I recognized the flavor from somewhere, but I can’t believe oysters can have such a rich and deep taste. I’d love to know how you did it…」
Oysters are also a specialty of Arthur’s home country, Britannia. In fact, I used the dried oysters he had gifted me.
Making oyster sauce is a bit of an elaborate process. I concentrated the broth from boiled salted oysters, adjusting the thickness with wheat flour, while adding green onions, ginger, and sugar for seasoning. It took quite a bit of effort to perfect that recipe, so I didn’t want to share it easily.
「When you condense the essence of the oyster, you get this result. Let’s just say it’s a secret sauce from the Sawatari Company.」
「Hmmm, as expected of the hero of Silesie, Sawatari Takeru. I’m pleasantly surprised that even the food can astonish me. If it’s a secret, I can’t expect you to share it easily. Alright, I’ll place a large order right away! I’ll have my chefs study it as well.」
Many ambassadors, like Arthur, were impressed by the oyster sauce and made substantial orders. If oysters from Britannia Island were bought to produce oyster sauce, it could turn into a new trade item.
「Speaking of which, Arthur, how does the pilaf taste?」
「Yeah, this also has the flavor of oyster sauce. It’s quite good!」
Desperate for him to enjoy the rice, I made a pilaf using Silesie shrimp and clams, flavored with oyster sauce. Though pilaf is French cuisine, the concept of frying rice is beloved across many cultures.
Using oyster sauce to stir-fry the rice seemed to suit the palates of the people from the Eurans, and finally, they were able to enjoy it. I hope the countries in the southern regions will take the time to cultivate rice, though it might take a while.
It would be nice if, one day, people in the northern part of the continent could enjoy rice as a staple, but it seems like there’s still a long way to go for that. Well, that’s something to look forward to in the future.
As I enjoyed a meal with Arthur after a long time, sharing wine, a sudden series of drumbeats echoed through the air. I wondered what was happening when I spotted Nicholas in the middle of the ship, half-naked and surrounded by numerous muscular priests, all wearing headbands and fervently beating drums.
「Nicholas, where the hell did you come from?」
When did he arrive? I hadn’t even noticed he was on board. Wiping the sweat from his brow, Archbishop Nicholas addressed me with exuberance.
「I heard it was the glorious stage of the Silesie hero, so I traveled all the way from Germania to offer my blessings! Soiyassa!」
With drumsticks in hand, he struck a dramatic pose. What does ‘soiyassa’ even mean?
「…Did you really come all this way just for this?」
「Hahaha! Please, don’t mind me. A celebration cannot begin without me, soiyassa!」
「You say it can’t start, but it’s already nearing the end…」
「Hey, hey! Don’t worry about that! I can cover a thousand miles in an instant with holy magic. Soiyassa!」
Seriously, stop with the ‘soiyassa’! If you fly in so casually, it’ll undermine the impressive flying ship I’ve built!
Feeling exasperated, I looked at Archbishop Nicholas, showcasing his magnificent silver wings with his muscular back turned towards us. Is it really acceptable for such high-level holy magic to be wasted on something so trivial?
To begin with, the Demon Dragon King appeared in your territory, right? I could understand if you couldn’t make it in time to defeat it, but your entire church is busy purifying the demon dragon’s remains!
So why are you here, casually joining the party at the end?
Ignoring all my various gripes, the drums played by the Neo Homotestants echoed vigorously. Nicholas skillfully twirled his drumsticks in time with the beat.
I could understand that the Homo Archbishop could fly, but where did they get those big drums and those burly priests? Oh right, there was a large cathedral in Nant. Had the local priests boarded the ship without my noticing?
It seemed that the influence of the Neo Homotestants had reached even the church in Nant. A sense of unease spread in my chest…
Despite my worries, the chaotic drumming by these passionate men only intensified the atmosphere, making it a hit with the diplomats from various nations. I could hear the high-ranking officials praising, 「Is this the famous Northmark Grand Drum? Impressive!」 and 「As expected of Archbishop Nicholas, soiyassa!」
The luxurious and refined shipboard party was completely overshadowed by a festival atmosphere. The excitement from the audience was almost terrifying.
Hey, Asama, could you do something about this?
The bizarre festivities, which were celebrated as a normal ritual honoring the goddess, left me perplexed about the sensibilities of the Eurans. No matter how outrageous the actions of the Asama Church officials were, their veneration only seemed to deepen each time.
I couldn’t help but suspect that the Asama Church was using some form of brainwashing magic…
Plus, it was clear that they were trying to take all the good stuff for themselves. The Homo Archbishop is simply insufferable.
「Well, it’s the final day. If everyone’s having fun, I suppose anything goes!」
The trade we aimed for seems to be going well, so the details don’t matter today. I’ll let things slide for one day of raucous celebration.
If they’re that popular, we should start manufacturing and selling taiko drums in our country!
「Come on, join us, brave hero of Silesie! Soiyassa!」
「Oh, come on… Soiyassa!」
「Whoa, the hero’s joining in too! Soiyassa!」
「This dance is wonderful! Soiyassa!」
The audience erupted with cheers as I countered Nicholas’s mysterious pose with a reckless Awa Odori dance. Some of the Eastern ambassadors tried to imitate us, which only added to the laughter.
I’d had a bit to drink, and everyone was happily intoxicated by the ship and the wine, so I was fully in the spirit of things. At this rate, it seemed the Silesie Kingdom’s newly opened maritime routes would spread the bizarre teachings of the Neo Homotestant festival across the entire continent of Eura.
It could very well be a new change rippling across the world.