第１８１０堀：海軍も準備万端 (Part1)
Chapter 1810: The Navy is Fully Prepared
Side: Dressa
"Honestly, these inspections are such a chore."
"Tell me about it."
Hiiro agrees with my sentiment.
It’s not just the training; we have to coordinate everything from maritime security to daily operations. For someone in my position, and for my subordinates, the hassle of rearranging our schedules to accommodate this party and the inspection is immense. In short, it’s a deviation from our usual routine, which makes it a breeding ground for mistakes.
Just as I’m thinking this...
"What are you saying? Confirming that the military is functioning properly is hardly a chore. If this port town and naval base are officially recognized, it could lead to the construction of similar ports across every continent and nation. This is the world’s first model case. It has the potential to go down in world history."
Vilia, having returned from the New Continent, delivers a stern rebuke.
No, I understand that, but still.
An inspection is meant to verify that the military is operating effectively and that the budget isn't being squandered. And while it might not be the "first in the world," Weed is unique in that it operates a specialized naval force. Other nations like Seasayfo or Zrable have what they call fleets, but they aren't specialized for naval combat. They essentially rely on pulling alongside an enemy ship to board them. They have some magical attacks, of course, but those are sporadic and largely ineffective.
In contrast, Weed has prepared a force capable of handling all domains—air, sea, and underwater—with aircraft carriers, escort ships, destroyers, and submarines. Our warships weren't just converted merchant vessels; they were built with the sole purpose of combat. The other nations want to see that. They want to absorb even a fraction of that technology. That is exactly why this is such a pain.
"I know, I know. Still, explaining things to these high-and-mighty types is exhausting. I’ve made the materials, at least."
I look over the documents the three of us prepared and the schedule for the day.
The live demonstrations are the real headache. We have to capture monsters beforehand, release them on the day of the event to show off our combat prowess, and demonstrate the fleet’s maneuverability—it’s inherently dangerous.
...It’s a hassle.
Vilia, knowing this, wears a troubled expression before speaking.
"...Since Yuki-sama and Seraria-oneesama are coming along for the inspection, I’ve been told we can leave the detailed explanations to them."
"That’s a relief. I wouldn't know how to handle a barrage of questions while trying to manage the fleet."
"The two of them might be fine with that, but as the fleet commander, I can't exactly stay silent, can I?"
If I couldn't handle that, I wouldn't be much of a fleet commander.
"Besides, there’s a lot of classified information involved."
We intend to disclose our aerial capabilities, like the carriers, to a certain extent, but there will always be those who pry into the specific specs. We’ve also set up an airport in Mikos’s hometown, so we have to coordinate that as well...
As I’m lost in thought, Vilia receives a notification.
"Dressa, Hiiro, Yuki-sama and the others have finished the hotel inspection and are heading here first."
"They’re ahead of schedule."
"It’s a good thing the hotel preparations went smoothly. Then, let’s alert the entire naval base. This is our final rehearsal before the inspection. The schedule change is good practice."
Just as the enemy won't always attack when you expect them to, allies often move in ways you don't anticipate. If I think of this as a way to gain experience, maybe these inspections aren't so bad after all. Though, I’d hate to do this every time.
With that, the word spreads throughout the naval base, and about ten minutes after the preparations are complete, Yuki and his group arrive.
"Welcome. Something like that, I suppose?"
"Are we doing a rehearsal?"
"Yes. I’d appreciate your cooperation."
"Understood. Let’s do it."
Seeing that not just us, but the soldiers have gathered, they immediately grasp what we’re trying to do and agree. Once I confirm this, I relay the order to the troops, and right on cue, the military band begins to play.
In Weed, this is standard. It’s not just for boosting morale; it’s a sign of welcome for dignitaries, and it shows that we have the luxury to perform such pageantry.
"So you were practicing this, too."
"Yes. We are a military, after all. It wouldn't feel right without music."
Even in my home country, we didn't have this many instruments, but we did have military bands. That’s how inseparable the military and music can be.
Still, that’s about as surprising as it gets for Yuki and the others. We guide them through the naval base, explain the chain of command, and show them how we track fleet movements from the command center. Then, we board an aircraft carrier to head out to sea.
We continue the tour inside the ship and explain the escort vessels, though we intentionally downplay the performance specs. There’s no need to reveal everything we’re capable of.
"By the way, will the demonstration at sea be alright?"
"As long as there are no irregularities, it should be fine. Assuming no massive monsters or large swarms appear from the deep."
"Nature is unpredictable, after all."
"It’s a difficult business."
Expecting nature to bend to our convenience is a tall order. But as Vilia says, if we don't overcome these challenges, humanity will never be able to advance into the sea. This is a step toward that goal.
Setting that aside, I remember something else.
"Speaking of which, I heard that in conjunction with this party, you’re planning to make a move in the town related to that disappearance case. How is that coming along?"
"Ah, I’ve left that to Seraria..."
"The preparations for that are proceeding steadily. We’ve arranged for Nina and the others to fly to the location with the Grand Master. On the day of the party."
"Wait? On the day of?"
I’m surprised by the impossible schedule, but I quickly understand.
"I see. To avoid drawing suspicion to your involvement."
"Exactly. The internal audit of the Adventurer’s Guild and the distress call confirm that a large organization is definitely behind this. They’ll be watching this party closely. After all, major powers are gathering, including Roschur and Gartz, who have already expressed interest in investigating. They might try to force their hand during the party. We’re prepared for that, too."
"Yes, I’ve already coordinated with the 'Idiot Princess' and the King of Gartz. In fact, Litea, Rumel, and Last are all in favor of this. None of us want a dark guild causing trouble right under our noses."