第８３１堀：船は揺れる (Part2)
"That side is fine. She was psyching herself up just a moment ago. She’s sparred with the likes of Seraria, Shera, and Princess Stasia before, so her nerves are purely down to facing a large-scale force."
"Is that so? I suppose while Vilia has experience in one-on-one duels, she hasn't had much exposure to multi-person skirmishes."
"Even when she has, it was always against people she knew well, like Steve and the others. That might be why she’s feeling the pressure."
"Besides, she’s one of the officers in charge of the ship. She said she couldn't afford to make a fool of herself."
"It’s not like it would be the end of the world if she failed. Steve and his crew are there to provide backup. But I guess it’s a matter of her own pride."
She wants to prove she can handle the job on her own merit. Worrying about her overexerting herself is perhaps just the luxury of those in leadership positions. As I was mulling this over, a report came in from Milly.
"The mock battle is about to begin. The signal fire has been lit from your side."
"Ah, I can't really tell from inside the cabin. Well, we’re close enough to see each other, so it shouldn't take long."
"Indeed. Oh, Vilia and Hiiro have launched from the deck. They used the runway properly, too."
"…I mean, it is technically for fighter planes, after all."
"Does it really matter? It’s not like we’re using them for anything else right now."
Labyris had a point, but the image of them being launched like human cannonballs still stuck with me.
"Oh, by the way, what about Steve and the others who are escorting them?"
"They’re following right along."
"Good. I just hope they don't get too carried away."
If Steve and his squad started taking things seriously, our ships would be reduced to splinters in an instant. They have the equipment and the magical prowess to do exactly that.
"Steve and his crew are diligent when it comes to their duties. Speaking of which, you had them survey the waters yesterday—how did that go?"
"Ah, right, that happened."
"You didn't hear?"
"No, I heard, but there wasn't any useful information. The only silver lining is that the area is rich in marine resources. As for the monsters, we’re still in the dark. Then again, it was only a few hours of surveying over a single day."
The accuracy of the data was never going to be high. It was more like a casual hike than a serious expedition.
"I see. Well, at least we can look forward to some seafood dishes."
"True. I hope there’s something that goes well with alcohol."
"Agreed. I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of flavors fish from another world have to offer."
As the three of us were chatting, a thunderous *BOOM* echoed through the air.
"What was that? An explosion? Are they already engaging in magical combat?"
"My, I didn't realize there were mages capable of that level of power."
"Ah, it seems so. There’s a pillar of fire rising from the ship Vilia boarded."
"Hey, hey, isn't using explosives on a wooden ship a bit reckless?"
"Indeed. I wonder why they would do that? Is the ship going to be alright?"
"Um, from my vantage point, it doesn't look like it’s burning yet…"
*BOOM!*
The sound rang out again. Are they more reckless than I thought? Or is Vilia fighting that fiercely?
Well, this is our first naval battle in this other world. With magic as a weapon, the tactics are bound to be different from what we know. Just as I was thinking this, the ship lurched violently. The scenery outside the window shifted, and the enemy fleet came into view.
It was a ship from the Sea-Sypho side. The distance wasn't great, so it must be Maran’s fleet. As I watched, a fireball was launched from the ship, streaking toward the carrier *Lilishe*.
Ah, I see. There’s nothing more effective against an enemy wooden ship than a fireball-type spell. Though, the *Lilishe* is an iron-clad ship… and besides, a spell of that caliber…
*CRACK!*
With a sharp sound, the fireball shattered in mid-air.
"Oh, it’s functioning perfectly."
"Indeed. I thought equipping a carrier with a magical barrier was a waste due to the absurd mana consumption, but there’s a world of difference between having it and not."
"True. I can't speak for underwater, but we’ve confirmed it can deflect magical attacks from the surface."
"Do you have the load factor for the barrier?"
"I’m sorry, I wasn't involved in that part…"
"No, don't worry about it. I’ll ask Steve and the others later."
Just as we were talking, a deafening *CRASH* rang out, and the mast of the ship visible through the window suddenly snapped in two.
"They’re really going at it now. I was hoping they wouldn't break the ships too much…"
"Vilia’s safety is the top priority."
"True enough. After this, I’m sure this fleet, Maran included, will finally recognize Vilia and her team."
As I said that, watching the ships get battered to pieces, I couldn't help but worry about how I was going to handle the compensation costs.
At the time of departure:
"Hiiro, launching now!"
"Vilia, heading out!"
"…They’ve been watching too much anime."
And as for the ships—well, those who get seasick will definitely feel it. Especially on the smaller vessels.