第８２７堀：嫌な視線 (Part1)
Chapter 827: Unpleasant Glares
Unpleasant Glares
Side: Taiki
"Oh my, they’re certainly glaring at us, aren't they?"
I stood on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier, observing the crew of the galleon sailing alongside us.
Yes, the ones shooting daggers our way were the high-ranking officers aboard that ship.
The common sailors were far too busy scurrying about to even spare us a glance, let alone be surprised. It was the officers—those who wore uniforms distinct from the rank-and-file—who were staring at the carrier with such hardened, hostile expressions.
"Well, it’s a natural reaction when you witness the capabilities of an aircraft carrier for the first time," Yuki-san remarked, standing beside me and looking down at the galleon.
A Nimitz-class carrier stands forty-one meters tall. Even accounting for the bridge and antennas, the flight deck itself sits about twenty meters above the waterline. In contrast, while some galleons are reasonably large, most barely reach ten meters to the deck, and even with their masts, they rarely exceed thirty meters. Furthermore, in terms of overall length, we dwarfed them completely. It’s no wonder they couldn't help but scowl.
"They were left in the dust in the blink of an eye, after all."
"On the contrary, I’d be surprised if a sailing ship could keep pace with an engine-driven, screw-propelled vessel. Since they couldn't catch up at all, they’re probably feeling quite prickly."
"True. According to the Prime Minister, they took great pride in their naval combat prowess. Being left behind like that... well, it’s only natural they’d be frustrated."
"This is troublesome. I wonder how much Prime Minister Aquamarine and General Lake can actually keep them in check."
"Perfectly? That’s likely impossible."
The officers on the parallel ship were glaring with genuine malice; it’s hard to imagine a simple conversation would lead to reconciliation. Still, dwelling on the negatives wouldn't get us anywhere, so I decided to try a bit of humor.
"Perhaps that glare is actually a unique, passionate expression of affection from the Sea-Cypho people, a way of saying 'let’s be friends'?"
"No. Unfortunately, such a bizarre method of expressing affection does not exist in Sea-Cypho."
"Oh, Prime Minister Aquamarine, General Lake."
I hadn't noticed, but the two leaders of the Sea-Cypho Kingdom had joined us, watching the galleon as well. Upon realizing they were being observed, the officers on the other ship immediately averted their eyes and busied themselves with their duties.
How blatant. The Prime Minister and the General seemed to sense it too, their faces tightening.
"Are these the ones who are also rebelling against you?"
"Yes. That is precisely why they are sailing alongside us. We gave no orders for them to do so."
"They are young, after all. They likely wanted to show off their own prowess by keeping pace. However, since they were left behind so easily, and they know we are only maintaining this speed to accommodate them, they are likely glaring out of sheer frustration."
I doubt glaring is going to improve their ship's performance, though. As I thought this, Yuki-san steered the conversation forward.
"Hmm. Let’s look at it from another angle. If we can persuade them, it would mean our cooperation and coordination with the Sea-Cypho military will proceed smoothly."
"…I understand the logic, but what do you think, General Lake?"
"Hmm. An interesting idea, but I find it hard to believe that such hot-headed youths would listen quietly."
I agreed with the General. If they were the type to listen to reason, they wouldn't be in open defiance right now. And given the circumstances—a nation on the brink of collapse, with these people actively opposing the policies of their own leadership—this would normally be a matter of treason, punishable by arrest.
However, Yuki-san didn't seem intent on crushing them from the start. We hadn't even spoken to them yet, and wiping them out now would only create a rift with the Sea-Cypho Kingdom.
"Well, I know it’s difficult, but we shouldn't give up on dialogue. You wouldn't want to lose two valuable warships for the sake of these young men, would you?"
"“……”"
Yuki-san had just delivered a perfect ultimatum. Between the loss of two warships and the task of persuading these fools, the choice was obvious. If anything, they might just be erased entirely. Yuki-san is the type who follows through on his words.
"Regardless, let’s try talking to them first. We can decide how to handle it after that, can’t we?"
"…Indeed. We must hold a meeting first."
"Yes. I shall return to land and gather the captains immediately. Though, for those currently stationed far away, it may take several weeks..."
"Let’s start with the captains currently at this naval port. We can explain things to those on duty as they return. How long would that take?"
"If it is only those currently on standby, we could have them assembled by tomorrow... no, the day after."
"…I see. We will need to provide a preliminary briefing here as well."
I just hope that "necessary briefing" isn't something terrifying.
"Then, please convey that."
"At once."
With that, we stopped outside the inlet and returned to the naval port via cruiser. Dressa, Vilia, and the others remained behind to manage the carrier *Lilishe*. The landing party consisted of Yuki-san, Deryu-san, Kirue-san, Sasari-san, Aslin and her group, the New Continent delegation led by Kagura, Eagil-san, and us.
The recent personnel shortage in Weed is truly becoming severe. Half of our group is comprised of outsiders. And more than half of the actual Weed members are the little ones like Aslin. It might be a bit of a provocation, but having so few members capable of handling negotiations is genuinely tough.
As I felt a shiver down my spine, wondering if I’d end up in a similar spot if I didn't start training our diplomats, our cruiser arrived at the port.
"Oh, the sun is setting beautifully over the horizon."
"Ah, you're right."
Come to think of it, it was already that time of day. We’d been so busy with one thing after another. Still...
"…Hmm. We’ve come a long way, haven't we?"
"Yes. I never imagined I’d be witnessing the sun sinking into the sea like this."
"It was worth the trip, wasn't it? We should take some photos to send to everyone. It’s a real sunset, after all."
Deryu-san and the others seemed to be enjoying this magnificent, grand sight. I wasn't raised by the sea, so this landscape felt incredibly beautiful, enough to steal my soul. As I gazed at the scenery, Prime Minister Aquamarine and the others approached us.
"No matter who they are, anyone seeing this sight for the first time is captivated by it."
"I can see why. It’s a magnificent view. But nature is harsh, isn't it?"
"Indeed. The sea has its beautiful moments like this, but once it begins to rage, it is entirely beyond our control."
That’s true. The sea—nature itself—isn't just beauty. It is always accompanied by the threat of disaster. The people of the Sea-Cypho Kingdom must have faced such disasters for generations.
"And yet, we have coexisted with it until now. It is the source of our livelihood. We do not wish to lose it. No, the day we leave the sea will likely be the day we are no longer Sea-Cypho."
As Prime Minister Aquamarine spoke, General Lake nodded in agreement. It seemed they were acutely aware of what losing the sea would mean for them.
"Then, to avoid that fate, I look forward to working with you."
"Yes. I look forward to working with you as well."