第１６４５堀： 海を進むには船に乗るだけではない (Part1)
Chapter 1645: Navigating the Sea Requires More Than Just a Boat
Side: Yayui
"Say, Yayui. Do you know how to pilot a ship?"
"Pardon?"
I was in the middle of processing my usual stack of paperwork when Yuki-sama suddenly posed that question.
"Er, what exactly do you mean by that?"
I couldn't quite grasp his intent, so I asked for clarification, but...
"No, you know, a ship. A vessel. The things that float on water. Do you have any experience with naval warships?"
"Yuki-sama. I believe Yayui is wondering why you are asking if she can pilot a ship."
"Indeed. As Fiora-sama says."
"Ah, is that so? Well, it’s not a complicated matter, really..."
Yuki-sama stared up at the ceiling as he said this.
If it isn't a complicated matter, why is he agonizing over it?
Just as I was wondering what this was all about, he continued.
"It’s exactly as it sounds. But, as for the trigger... well, I heard something from the Adventurers Guild."
"The Adventurers Guild?"
"Yeah. Seraria and Milly, to be precise. Apparently, they were chatting about the current state of things while drinking last night. The topic came up: what’s going on with the Adventurers Guild, which still hasn't made a move? When I asked why, they said they couldn't call upon adventurers because they aren't in a state where they can head out to sea."
" " "Ah..." " "
Everyone, myself included, nodded in understanding.
I know that the port town's Adventurers Guild is targeting sea monsters, as I’ve participated in the monster appraisal events at the guild.
So, it stands to reason that if there’s no environment where those sea monsters can be caught, there’s nothing they can do.
"So, with that as the premise, the conversation turned to what kind of ship an adventurer would actually need to head out to sea."
"Indeed. Just having a ship doesn't mean anyone can navigate the ocean."
Fiora-sama is right.
A ship will float, but whether you want to move forward or return to shore, it’s meaningless if you don't know how to operate it.
Or rather, if anything...
"Even for high-ranking adventurers, if they aren't careful, they’ll capsize and die. They are severely underestimating the sea—or rather, the water itself."
I stated this clearly.
Do they think that just by launching a ship, it will automatically take them where they need to go and bring them back?
Besides, monsters that specialize in underwater combat exist.
One mistake, and it’s a matter of life and death.
"Well, I don't think the high-ranking adventurers are underestimating it that much, but it comes down to the selection of the ship itself."
"True, and then there is the question of how to procure such vessels."
Yuki-sama and Prof-san discussed the matter calmly.
Ah, so that’s why. I finally understood the flow of the conversation.
However...
"Yuki-sama, given the flow of this conversation, you’re suggesting that I should be the one to pilot it, but is this really a matter for us—or rather, for you—to be involved in?"
As Orelia pointed out, shouldn't the selection of what adventurers use or don't use be up to the Adventurers Guild?
I personally find the idea of involving Yuki-sama in this quite absurd.
"That’s the thing. It is indeed an issue for the Adventurers Guild, but before that, as a port town, we also need to use ships with appropriate safety standards for fishing."
"I understand what you are saying, but aren't adventurers and the fishing industry different?"
"They are, but there’s no guarantee that monsters won't appear. If we’re going to build ships, wouldn't it be better to have ones that can withstand monster attacks? And if we have to prepare separate vessels, that increases costs. The idea is to investigate those aspects as well."
"I see. Certainly, if the ships used by the Adventurers Guild and the port town differ, the operation methods will change, and it will create issues for the production system."
So that’s it.
I had thought that for the fishing industry, cheap ships would suffice, but I realized that they aren't guaranteed to be safe from monsters.
Naturally, better performance is preferable.
Of course, there’s a budget to consider, but if it’s possible, I’d want the best.
"So, the question is whether to separate them or go with a single customizable type. It became necessary for the lord's side to investigate it. After all, I am the one responsible for the operation of this port. And when it comes to someone skilled at ship handling, you, Yayui, were the first candidate that came to mind. The rest would be from Dressa’s side."
"Indeed, requesting the military would require a different set of procedures."
"I understand the situation. The rest depends on Yayui’s answer..."
As Prof-san said this, everyone’s gaze turned to me.
My answer was already decided.
"Yes. I understand. I would be happy to cooperate. Though, this is my first time with a ship, isn't it? I don't know if I’ll be able to pilot it well."
"Well, you’ll get used to it, and we’ll be discussing how to structure the manuals and testing criteria, so it will be fine."
"Is that so? Then there is no problem."
With that settled, we all arrived at the port town’s fishing harbor.
There were buildings that looked the part, but there was no sign of life.
However, the lights in the office were on, and two staff members emerged as if to welcome us.
"We have been expecting you. We are the ones entrusted with the operation of this fishing port."
They bowed their heads.
"Nice to meet you. I assume you’ve heard from Sisua and Sona; this will be a state-run fishing port, so I imagine it will be a heavy burden on you both. It’s the first time we’ve dealt with the sea, and I’m sure the personnel are all amateurs, but I’m counting on you."
" "Yes!" "
The two of them responded firmly to Yuki-sama’s words.
They seem like capable people.
"Now, about the ships—can we get started right away?"
"Yes. Please, go ahead."
"Eh? These two as well?"
"Yeah, if they don't know about the ships, what are they supposed to do?"
That is certainly true.
It would be impossible for the people managing the port to operate it without knowing about the ships.
"And Yuki-sama, where is the ship you are considering?"
"Ah, wait a moment."
Yuki-sama walked toward the pier, and we followed him.
Despite it being a pier, it wasn't that there were no ships at all; a small wooden boat was floating there.
"Have you two been on this boat?"
"Yes, we have ridden it a few times."
"We originally handled ships on the river, so we can manage the steering, but unlike a river, the sea has large waves, which makes it quite difficult."
That’s true; the sensation of the sea is completely different from a river.
"With a small boat like that, the open sea is..."
"The open sea?"