第９８７堀：先を見る (Part1)
**Chapter 987: Looking Ahead**
**Side: Shou**
*Swish, swish...*
It was a pleasant night, filled with the rhythmic sound of the waves.
I was currently aboard an aircraft carrier, crossing the sea. It was my first time venturing out onto the ocean, and I had found myself getting a bit carried away with excitement during the day.
"I had heard that sea voyages were incredibly grueling, but this ship is different. I barely feel any swaying, the interior is comfortable, and the food is delicious. It is a truly fulfilling journey; I feel no threat to my life whatsoever."
Usually, I knew from the reports of sailors that a sea voyage was always a brush with death. That was only natural, as one’s survival depended entirely on the ship. If you fell into the sea, you were typically devoured by monsters. Even if you weren't attacked by monsters, the land was far away, and you would likely exhaust yourself and drown. Even if you didn't fall overboard, if you were stranded at sea, you would eventually starve or die of thirst due to the lack of supplies. It was an environment completely different from land.
However, this aircraft carrier owned by Weed was fundamentally different. Everything was perfectly provided for. It could truly be called a mobile fortress on the sea.
As I was thinking about such things in the corner of my mind while making my daily report via the radio...
*"...It is nice to hear such cheerful reports every single day. Why is it that I cannot accompany you? Ah, perhaps I should have been the one to go in the first place..."*
A resentful, grumbling complaint came back over the radio. The owner of that voice was...
"Your Majesty. As I have answered many times since the other day, it is not permissible for you, the Emperor, to take the lead in visiting remote lands for the first time. Your person is the nation itself; I cannot allow you to be exposed to danger so recklessly."
Yes, it was Emperor Eupia of our Great Zulable Empire. This had been the state of things for the past few days—ever since I announced that I would be boarding an aircraft carrier to head to the Sea-Cyphos Kingdom to formally pay my respects to them, the Haire Church, and Weed. I am sure the Emperor understands that it is impossible for a sovereign to visit a new land without any prior investigation, but...
"Besides, we have Aslin-dono and the others acting as ambassadors to the Zulable Imperial Capital, do we not?"
Perhaps out of consideration for the pouting Emperor Eupia, Yuki-sama had gone out of his way to leave behind Aslin-dono and her close companions as ambassadors in the capital. Well, given the appearance of the main members, I had also left behind Deryu-dono, who could pass for an adult, so there shouldn't have been any issues.
*"...Those Aslin and the others talk about Sea-Cyphos, Haire, and Weed every single day. I cannot help but want to go and see them myself."*
"I have heard that story many times as well. Or rather, I have received reports that Emperor Eupia yourself have been prying information about Weed out of Aslin-dono and the others?"
*"Naturally. This is a nation capable of building a massive iron ship like an aircraft carrier. A king who is not curious about the state of such a country is merely a fool. As a result of such proper intelligence gathering, I am saying that I should be the one to go. With Aslin and the others as my guides."*
"That is why I have told you repeatedly: I must visit and confirm the situation on the ground first."
Ever since this Emperor met the people of Weed, I feel as though her guard has been let down. She used to be much more dignified, intelligent, and strong-willed, but it seems she has begun to match her current appearance... or so I feel.
*"Hah, who is the one getting carried away? Shou, aren't you the one who is even worse? Aslin and the others have been sent video data of your situation, so I know, you know?"*
"What!?"
I had no idea that was being done!
*"However, do not resent Yuki-dono. I only had him check if you were performing your duties properly. My, my, but it is truly wonderful to see you having such a good time. Ah, he didn't send me any of your blunders. I merely asked him to send me footage of you looking like you were having fun. There was no malice in it at all."*
*Ugh.* If there was no malice, I couldn't argue with that. It was true that Yuki-sama had taken photos and videos as a memento, but to think they were being circulated to the Emperor... What a blunder.
...Right, let me compose myself.
"Phew. In other words, if I ask, you can record photos and videos and send them over."
*"Tch. You changed the subject quite blatantly."*
"No, I have been saying it from the start. It is a very comfortable voyage. It is self-evident that I am enjoying myself."
*"You always have an answer for everything. Very well. As you said, while they won't lend out the magic tools themselves, it is true that they will show you photos and videos if you ask."*
"And that information is immediately delivered to Aslin-dono in the Zulable Imperial Capital. That is wonderful."
*"Indeed. It is something I have long desired, but I never imagined it would be this convenient to have information sent so instantly, despite the great distance. Or to be able to speak like this, for that matter."*
"Yes."
I think about it again: this radio and the magic tools Aslin-dono possesses are incredibly useful. If we could provide these to every front line, regional army, and border count, imagine how convenient it would be.
"This technology to share information instantly is, indeed, necessary for our country."
*"Indeed. I agree with that. In fact, those who know about the radio are pestering me to get their hands on it by any means necessary."*
"I am glad to hear that everyone around us understands its value. Then, as originally planned, I will make the radio my top priority in negotiations."
Yes, what our Great Zulable Empire desires most from this visit is to secure these radios, which allow for instant communication over long distances. It is not that paying respects to Sea-Cyphos or the Haire Church is an afterthought, but in the upcoming clash with the Hain Empire, this is something our military absolutely must have. We would not lose even as things stand, but this would reduce our casualties, and it would also be useful for the intelligence gathering and countermeasures against the Great Deluge that Yuki-sama brought to our attention.
*"I am counting on you. If possible, if we could also obtain those magic tools that Aslin and the others have—the ones that can send text, photos, and videos..."*
"I understand. Being able to send text and photos is extremely useful. The problem will be the price to obtain such tools..."
*"Do not, under any circumstances, offer something excessive. Weed likely already understands the extent of our resources. Offering a price we cannot keep will only damage our credibility."*
"I am aware. However, Weed has hinted at the Great Deluge, and if we leverage that well in our negotiations, the Queen of Weed should not say no."
*"She is the wife of that Yuki-dono. Do be careful not to let your guard down, will you?"*
"I need no such reminder."
I have seen the extraordinary level of Yuki-sama's abilities many times in our discussions and negotiations. He is not merely a figurehead; he is someone who possesses the true strength of a leader. It is impossible for me to let my guard down against someone whom such a person calls his Queen.