Chapter 498

Chapter 498: Minister of Maritime Affairs

We were in the port town of Hanma, located in the southwestern part of the Empire.

The reason was that we were heading to the Albatro Duchy from there.

However, it is possible to reach the Albatro Duchy by land.

When I was entrusted with Leo and the ambassadorship, the plan was to go even further, to the Rondine Duchy.

So, we needed a ship. In other words, even though we could choose the land route this time, we deliberately chose to go by sea.

The reason for this…

“What a big ship…”

“The new flagship of the Imperial Navy, Kaiser Alphonse. Named after the first emperor, it’s said to be the strongest military ship in the history of the Imperial Navy.”

It certainly looked the part of the Imperial Navy’s flagship.

As a flagship, its size stood apart from other ships.

Its majesty was overwhelming, and fitting for a ship bearing the emperor’s name, it was intricately designed.

Decorated in gold and blue, the ship’s body was sleek. Anyone who saw it would undoubtedly be captivated by its beauty.

The Minister of Technology, Kyuba, who was involved in its design, has called it a masterpiece.

With the technical support provided by Rondine, it seems to have achieved performance that sets it apart from existing military ships.

Its appearance, as well as its performance, are top-notch.

And the reason this ship was docked here…

“Are we going to the Albatro Duchy on that ship?”

“That’s the decision. We have to board it, whether we like it or not.”

I scowled openly, and Finne tilted her head.

She probably didn’t understand why I was so reluctant.

“Do you dislike ships?”

“I don’t dislike them. I just don’t like the idea of heading to the Albatro Duchy on that ship.”

“Idea?”

“Yes. I deliberately minimized our escort. To avoid provoking the Albatro Duchy. The Albatro Duchy is leaning towards the Empire since Leo and I dealt with the Sea Dragon, but that’s mostly the younger generation. The elder statesmen, centered around the Duke, still favor the Kingdom. They have a long history of friendship. That’s why we’re going there, to change their mindset.”

“I see. So while we’re trying not to provoke them, heading there on that ship might end up provoking the Albatro Duchy.”

I shook my head at Finne’s response.

She gets fifty percent for that.

Sure, it dilutes the reason why we reduced our escort. We should just use a regular ship instead of a military one.

But the main problem is that the Albatro Duchy is a maritime country, while the Empire is a continental one.

The Imperial Navy is formidable. It has never lost to the navies of the Kingdom or the Empire. But essentially, both are continental countries. Their main force is their army.

On the other hand, the Albatro Duchy is a maritime nation. Their main force is their navy. It’s their lifeline, and its strength sets it apart from other countries.

The Empire developed the Kaiser Alphonse with technological assistance from Rondine, a similar maritime nation.

Even though the Imperial Navy may be a step or two behind in quality, let alone quantity.

In other words, heading to the Albatro Duchy on this ship won’t provoke them.

It might have been different if they could have mass-produced it given more time, but it’s just a newly built ship.

The impact one ship can have is limited.

Why were we sent to Rondine as goodwill ambassadors as a reward for the Knight Hunting Festival?

That’s because the Albatro Duchy is a threat.

Rondine, which can contain the Albatro Duchy, will become an important partner in the future. That’s why we were sent.

Our plans may have been disrupted due to various troubles, but the essential point remains the same.

The Empire can’t contain the Albatro Duchy at sea.

This was made clear in the previous war with the Kingdom.

The Imperial Navy couldn’t capture the Albatro Duchy’s ships that were supplying the fortress.

“These guys never learn, really…”

“Do you want to change the ship now?”

“If that were possible, it wouldn’t be a problem. My father’s policy is clear. He wants to rely on Albatro and Rondine for maritime power from now on. If we can’t win, we’ll use them. It’s a wise strategy, but it also means someone will lose out.”

“The Imperial Navy…”

“That’s right. They’re already complaining about the lack of budget. This ship was almost built to vent their dissatisfaction. If they don’t show their presence here, they won’t have a future. That’s why they’re pushing this flagship on us this time.”

The Imperial Navy has produced results.

But due to the Empire’s location, naval battles seldom determine the outcome of a war.

Furthermore, building ships is expensive.

If we can borrow the power of other countries, there’s nothing better.

The Empire’s overall strategy is to place allied countries to the north and south, and prepare for strong countries to the east and west.

This was the conclusion reached by my father and the chancellor.

It must be frustrating for the navy, but it’s the best strategy under the current circumstances.

They can struggle all they want, but I wish they wouldn’t drag us into it.

“I think it’s about time you put on a smile.”

Sebas, who had been silent behind me, spoke up.

Looking ahead, a man stood in front of the flagship.

He looked to be in his late fifties and was very tall.

With a resolute look on his face, he was waiting for me.

It was Giresberger, the Minister of Maritime Affairs.

He was the de facto head of the Imperial Navy.

He was also the one who, in collaboration with Minister of Technology Kyuba, led the construction of this flagship.

“Prince Arnolt, we’ve been waiting for you.”

“Minister Giresberger. What a magnificent ship. It’s so stunning that it’s hard to take my eyes off it. I’ve heard from Minister Kyuba that it’s the strongest ship in the Empire.”

I smiled and extended my right hand for a handshake with Giresberger.

Finne, who was standing next to me, was dumbfounded by my quick change of demeanor, but I couldn’t afford to pay it any mind.

“Indeed, Your Highness. Do you understand?”

“I’ve been interested in ships since I became an ambassador. It’s rare for me, but I’ve read a few books about ships.”

“Your Highness is a bookworm. This ship, which has been given the name of the first Emperor, carries the future of the Imperial Navy. It will surely become a powerful tool for you.”

“I expect it to be so. Leo is planning to attack the Kingdom. The obstacle to that plan is the fortress we failed to capture in the past. We can’t fully capture it from the land. In order to cut off its supplies, I’m heading to the Albatro Duchy. If we’re going to capture it, we’ll need the power of the Navy. I would appreciate your support.”

“Of course. We’ll capture the fortress on the honor of the Imperial Navy.”

“Thank you. I’m sure Leo won’t forget this favor.”

Giresberger was a man who rose through the ranks of the Navy.

Until a short while ago, there wasn’t even a position such as Minister of Maritime Affairs.

The Navy used to be under the Minister of Military Affairs.

However, the Minister of Military Affairs would never be selected from among the Navy officers. They are a minority.

That’s why Giresberger persuaded my father to create a ministerial position to oversee the Navy.

All for the sake of the Navy.

That’s the kind of man Giresberger is.

Therefore, he didn’t show interest in the succession dispute. There are hardly any situations where the Navy would be useful.

However, the situation has changed.

The candidates for the next emperor have been narrowed down to two, one of whom is planning to attack the Kingdom.

Capturing the fortress requires the power of the Navy.

That’s why Giresberger came to see me off.

I could have voiced that there’s no point in going on the flagship, but doing so would have cost me Giresberger’s support.

To Giresberger, those who value the Navy are worthy of becoming the Emperor.

If I don’t show friendliness here, he might join forces with Erik.

“If you’re talking about favors, we’re the ones who should feel indebted. Thanks to your statement that you needed a few escorts, my proposal to at least have a powerful ship was accepted.”

“I didn’t intend it specifically, but I’m glad I could help.”

I smiled while inwardly cursing about unnecessary things.

I reduced the number of escorts to apply silent pressure.

Sending two such easy-to-capture people is because we trust the Albatro Duchy.

Are you aware of what will happen if you betray that trust? Silent pressure.

This pressure will suppress the radicals in the Albatro Duchy. The Empire’s sword, which is currently facing the Kingdom, could turn towards the Albatro Duchy.

That’s why I brought Fine. Whether it’s actually possible or not, her presence alone is enough to make them think it could happen.

That’s why fewer escorts were fine. In case of an emergency, I’m there.

Everything should have been perfect, but the appearance of this flagship has ruined it all.

I don’t know how the Albatro Duchy will react now.

As I was sighing inwardly, Giresberger quietly leaned in closer.

“Your Highness, we have a guest waiting for you inside the ship.”

“……Understood.”

The fact that he chose to tell me here means that the guest wants to meet in secret.

Who would want to meet in such a place? I wonder.

TL’s Notes

Early chapter since tommorow is early work day…. yipee

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