Volume 4 Chapter 31 The Meeting
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The two black ships dropped anchor side by side off the coast of Suez in the evening.
There were more ships in the harbor than I expected. Two Triremes flying Turku Navy flags. Three big three-masted sailing ships and several medium ones from Venotia. And over ten ships with strange slanted masts and hulls like Celt longboats. What surprised me most were Chinese junk ships with their accordion-like sails—the kind I had only ever seen in high school history textbooks. One was as big as the Izumo, and about five medium ones were anchored nearby.
”Ming China’s Zheng He made his great voyages only because the Jiangnan people—who became the overseas Chinese—had been trading across the Indian Ocean for centuries.”
My high school history teacher’s face came to mind. Was something similar happening in this world? I had heard the Wan-Yan Empire on the eastern coast of the Central Continent was being destroyed by The Boltechino, but… these junk ships probably were not theirs. It was unsettling.
Besides, many small boats floated around that looked like merchant ships, but even they seemed uneasy. Nothing dared to come close to the black ships.
Looking toward the city, I saw low, square houses made of sun-dried brick, and the Scripture Church (mosque) with its smooth blue dome.
Once the ships stopped, the sea was calm with no wind, so we started moving things between the ships right away. We put cushioning made of cork scraps wrapped in nets between the two ships to dock them and set up a bridge for crossing.
”All men, lend a hand!”
At the Izumo Captain’s order, we started carrying coal sacks from the “Tsukushi,” which had been turned into an ocean transport ship. As we lifted the sacks, black dust flew everywhere. It was a terrible place to work. To avoid getting sick, I used a handkerchief as a mask.
There were also barrels of ale, jars of sauerkraut, rock-hard rye bread, bacon, and salt-cured foods like herring and meat. And we restocked thirty sticks of dynamite and thirty fixed-wing drones to launch them.
If we have to fight the Barbadia Pirates on the way back, I would like a bit more. But I am amazed they made this much dynamite in the short time since I set sail. Apparently, the “Tsukushi” still had twenty sets left.
Since every male crew member was on deck, the work was mostly done by sunset, but the middle managers had to finish the paperwork, and by the time we were done, it was late into the night.
”Shall we have a quick meeting?”
On Izumo Captain Birger Major’s suggestion, a small banquet was held in the Dining Hall for the officers of the “Tsukushi” and “Izumo.”
Because they could not gather enough people and wanted to carry extra supplies, the Tsukushi had given up sails and used only the engine. Her deck crew was half the size of the Izumo’s. The officers were only four: Captain Robert Major, and the heads of the Engine, Torpedo, and Maintenance Departments.
Of the four, I only knew Robert. But the head of the Torpedo Department, Eben Second Lieutenant, looked at me with a friendly gaze. I could not remember ever meeting her. The others were the Engine head, a heavy drinker like a typical Dwarf, and the nervous Maintenance head. I had probably never met them either.
They said the “Tsukushi” sailed straight from Kure, heading for Suez without stopping and even traveling through the night.
”Did no pilot come to guide you at the entrance of the Suez Canal?”
Fredys, the Deck foreman, asked. They replied that they had been flying a scouting fixed-wing drone and moving so fast that they did not notice any small boats coming near, so they just ignored them and entered the channel.
”We were saved thanks to that.”
Birger (Izumo) Captain scratched his head as he thanked them. Really, if the “Tsukushi” had not arrived, this ship would likely have been taken over. Even if not, I think nearly half the crew would have died.
”That is true. To think the Schweilitz Navy’s most advanced ship was about to be taken by simple pirates—that is no joke. Larry, head of the Torpedo Department, why did you not attack sooner with the self-destruct fixed-wing drone? That was a serious mistake caused by your bad judgment.”
”I… I understand, sir. Sorry for the delay in deciding,” Larry said stiffly.
”That is too much. If Larry had not noticed the ship running aground, who knows what would have happened?” Fredys Foreman defended him. “And his orders to each department afterward were clear.”
Izumo’s (Birger) Captain also stood up for him, and Robert took a drink of ale, looking unhappy. Just as the mood turned bad, the Tsukushi’s Torpedo head spoke.
”Larry is as unlucky as ever, is not he.”
”Captain Robert. We should share the future plan. My instinct says the Witch of the Black Forest (Hexa des Schwarzwalds) will arrive soon.”
”On this sea?”
”Yes,” the female officer nodded.
”Fine. Well, according to the schedule, Turku will start the hostage exchange talks between Amazoness and Schweilitz tomorrow, with Turku as the mediator.”
”If the exchange of the Amazoness princess, Nikaure, and Rosa goes well, we swap hostages, the ‘Tsukushi’ picks up Sonya and her team, and we return to Kure with the ‘Izumo.’ The problem is if the talks fail—if the hostage exchange does not happen.”
”The Amazoness pay to recover the bodies of their fallen soldiers on the battlefield. Especially now with their princess. Nine times out of ten, they will trade her for Rosa.”
While we talked about this headache-causing matter, there was noise from the “Tsukushi” side.
It seemed Major Sonya, the commander of the Magic Armored Division known as the Witch of the Black Forest (Hexa des Schwarzwalds), had arrived. A short while later, the Dining Hall doors opened, and Major Sonya entered with two women who seemed to be Mages.
”It has been a while.”
The female officer from the “Tsukushi” and Foreman Tatyana stood up and saluted right away.
”Good work.”
The Major thanked them, saluted, smiled at the female officer and Foreman Tatyana, and when she saw him, she bumped her small body against Larry.
’Have you met Louise’s child?’
’No, ma’am,’ Larry replied telepathically.
’She is cute.’
”Maria, do you remember this boy?”
”Grand Duke Fee!”
Maria shouted my old title with hatred and pulled out her rapier.
”Maria. Stand down.”
Major stood over me as I struggled to pull my arm away from Sarah.
If I leave Major, there is no telling what she will do. She is like a wild gorilla in a woman’s skin.
A beautiful one, though.
The three of us somehow sat down, and the discussion of our future plans began.
Starting at eleven o’clock tomorrow morning, the first hostage exchange talks will be held.
The place is the [Scripture Church] in Suez.
Participants from our side (Schweilitz) are Major Sonya, Captain Robert, Sarah Second Lieutenant, and for some reason, me.
Plus six members including Fredys Squad Leader as Interpreter and Kenze. Aside from that, up to ten soldiers are allowed on the [Scripture Church] grounds as guards.
Six members from Amazoness will also be at the table, with ten waiting nearby.
From Turku, acting as mediator, there will be three. However, the Turku side is stationing fifty soldiers on the grounds.
Next, the meeting was set to discuss the steps leading up to the handover.
”It is my first time, so I am not sure, but is not this kind of boring?”
Since I had not heard of any restrictions on questions, I spoke up.
”What do you mean?”
”The steps before the handover—it feels like a meeting about having a meeting, and I do not like it. Should not we start with the exchange terms?”
”Kid, this is not for you to interrupt. By following the steps, we can check what they want.”
Robert warned me, but something felt wrong.
”Does the boy have something on his mind?”
Major asked me.
I definitely had a nagging feeling, but I could not name it.
”No, not really.”
Unable to put it into words, I said that and fell silent.
After that, orders were given for those waiting on the ship.
Since it was unclear when the second or third talks would happen, we discussed the crew’s shore leave.
Finally, specific places and steps for our retreat were decided.
”Anything else?”
At Major’s words, I raised my hand once more.
”Um, I heard from the pilot we have been keeping, but the village elders told Amazoness to leave their base in Suez. Where are they staying now?”
”I hear they are on the Amazoness dhow anchored here.”
”A dhow?”
Fredys Squad Leader told me it is the ship with a mast leaning far forward, the most common type docked in this port.
”Turku has a rule of allowing ships from the Lemurian Sea (Indian Ocean) only as far as Suez. They are not allowed into the Inland Sea, and the only exception is the Amazoness dhow.”
”So it is just one of many dhows docked here? You have not found which one?”
Major’s eyes turned cold.
”Watch your tongue.”
Robert acted like he was reading the room, but Major meant something different.
”Are you suggesting we find it and sink the whole ship? That would certainly finish things faster. We do not share a border with Turku, so a bit of foul play should not cause direct problems.”
That was not what I meant to say.
The purpose of this mission is to kill Rosa.
”Would not they be on guard against that?”
Fredys Squad Leader joined in.
”Exactly. Even the pilot said, ‘You guys came to kill Rosa, did not you?’ The village elders are afraid of getting caught in the crossfire, so they are forcing Amazoness to close their base.”
Saying that, I finally understood.
What had bothered me about the talk agenda earlier.
”Um, the pilot I mentioned. His name is Francis Teach, and he said Rosa was a ‘grown woman,’ older than me. But Rosa is the same age as me. Since she is half-Dwarf, her build is square, her face is square. Because her breasts have not grown much, she looks younger than a human. She is quiet when focused, but basically she is selfish and too curious to sit still. There is no way she looks older than me.”
””What do you mean?””
Major and Robert asked together.
”The person they are showing as Rosa might be a fake, and for all we know, the real Rosa has already passed through Suez and is heading for the Amazoness country, Nymphai Kingdom.”
”So they are trying to drag out the talks? In the meantime, Rosa gets farther away, watches our situation, and comes to take back the captive princess?”
”At the very least, I think we need to confirm that Rosa herself is in Suez tomorrow. If she is not—”
”By force, then?”
Things were starting to feel dangerous.
—
Summary:
The black ships arrive at Suez, triggering a ship-to-ship transfer of supplies under tense conditions. A banquet intended to introduce the crews descends into conflict, with Captain Robert harshly criticizing Larry over previous tactical failures. The arrival of the mysterious Major Sonya and the sudden, violent resurgence of the character Maria escalate the atmosphere to a breaking point.
The protagonist participates in a high-stakes military briefing regarding a hostage exchange in Suez. Amidst strategic planning, the protagonist identifies inconsistencies in the intelligence provided by a captured pilot. He concludes that the person being held is merely a decoy and that the real target, Rosa, has already escaped.
—
Trivia:
The Tsukushi is operating on motor power only to maximize cargo capacity, unlike the Izumo which retains sails.
The Amazoness have been systematically closing their fabric shops in Schweilitz as a strategic lead-up to their kidnapping of Rosa.
Maria, once seen by Larry as an innocent girl, is a combatant with a mana capacity surpassing his own.
Sarah, Sonya’s companion, has undergone a notable physical change, specifically the removal of her facial piercings.
The protagonist’s skepticism regarding the negotiation procedure stems from his desire to move directly to tactical goals.
Major’s cold suggestion to sink the dhow ship highlights the ruthless nature of the mission.
The distinction between Turku’s maritime policy and the exception granted to the Amazoness dhow is a crucial piece of lore.
The physical description of Rosa (half-Dwarf, square build) is the primary evidence for the decoy theory.
Notes:
• Izumo – The iron-hulled ship serving as the primary vessel for the protagonist and his crew.
• Celt – In his twenties, this former tenant farmer and 303rd Unit militia leader is now a pragmatic, calculating Deputy Commander of the Town Guards—equivalent to a sergeant or officer—overseeing Strock Village’s fortifications. Dressed in simple work clothes, he quietly admires Teressa-san’s skill and serves as the village’s trusted gossip source, having earned his land with reward money. Once a sandal-maker and translator of Bours’s jargon, he maintains a careful working relationship with Larry while balancing political interests, embodying calm kindness beneath his disciplined exterior.
• Boltechino – An entity that departed from Rus, this explorer traveled to discover a continent that became the birthplace of shipping trade.
• Yan – Once a respected Larland General who dismantled its knighthood, this influential warlord now leads a powerful southern bandit army while besieging Trabius. Balancing a ruthless identity with restoration efforts, they navigate complex relationships with former allies, remaining a key political player.
• Al – Alberto (Al), a massive red‑haired man recently wed to Mary, lives near the Dish Basin. He’s a companion of Hans, helping intimidate and rally elders as a villager and leader.
• Birger – A rugged, middle-aged Royal Capital native with red hair and a wrestler’s physique, this Celt Royal Army Major and Admiral is the stern, disciplined Captain of the Izumo. A trusted advisor and Norden Sea navigation expert, he demands strict security compliance to protect his crew. While maintaining absolute authority, he often reacts with strained expressions to the protagonist’s behavior.
• Major – A commanding military officer with a sadistic inclination toward interrogation. She orchestrates the sessions and utilizes Telepathy to coordinate with her subordinates.
• Robert – Son of Lt. Col. Helbert, this Rus Intelligence Bureau Major and Captain of the Tsukushi is a pragmatic, manipulative enforcer of protocol. Dressed in a short winter dress and wool tights, he acts as valet, liaison, and royal messenger. Despite an unlikable, skeptical nature, he manages complex ties and leads a faction, believing the target remains in port. He frequently clashes with staff.
• Eben – A small-built Second Lieutenant with gray eyes, she serves as the head of the Torpedo Department and Engineering Squad leader on the Tsukushi. Known for her friendly demeanor, she shares a familiar relationship with Larry.
• Fredys – Izumo’s female Engine chief and deck crew chief manages logistics, leads female forces, interprets Turku. A protective supervisor with Inland Sea expertise, she is forceful yet pragmatic, defends subordinates, provides strategic briefings, and runs betting pools. A professional anchor, she adopts refined manners around Francis; rumored a shotacon.
• Schweilitz – The kingdom to which the protagonist is forced to return boasts towering academy spires and a full military arsenal—Royal Army troops and elite officers. Its ruler holds a captive the protagonist fears will be executed.
• Larry – A sixteen-year-old founder of the Fee Grand Principality and the story’s protagonist. Referred to as the century’s greatest eccentric, he navigates high-stakes political negotiations and military operations while utilizing advanced technologies such as drones and maintaining a pragmatic, emotionally detached outlook.
• Witch of the Black Forest – Hexa Death Schwarzwalds, the runt‑like commander of the Golem Battalion, is first labeled ‘runt’ by Larry. Known as Hexa Death Schwarzwalds, he appears at the chapter’s end, leading golems and gaining wary respect from his troops while Larry watches with cautious curiosity.
• Hexa des Schwarzwalds – Hexa des Schwarzwalds, also known as Hexa, is the Witch of the Black Forest—a powerful mage and healer with high authority, wielding strong magic and leading the Golem Battalion. She is sadistic in her golem use and has a past connection to Larry.
• Hexa – Hexa des Schwarzwalds, also known as Hexa, is the Witch of the Black Forest—a powerful mage and healer with high authority, wielding strong magic and leading the Golem Battalion. She is sadistic in her golem use and has a past connection to Larry.
• Nikaure – A beautiful Amazoness leader and tribe ambassador with a compact, muscular physique, dark skin, and sharp, restless eyes. She wears a royal blue gemstone on her forehead as a mark of her noble rank. Though she previously sought to purchase a Black Ship on behalf of her people, she now speaks with halting speech and is currently being held captive for a hostage exchange.
• Sonya – A Major in the Magic Armored Division who commands Golems and the Black Ship. She is a ruthless pragmatist and experienced strategist with a history of endangering Larry’s life while coordinating military operations through cautious, contingency-based planning.
• Nika – A fourteen-year-old personal maid to Teressa. Freckled, has wavy bronze hair, flat chest, and prone to mocking Larry. Lady’s maid and cousin to Terese. Educated free person with a prickly personality. Terese’s lady’s maid and cousin. Known for being sharp-tongued toward Larry.
• Rosa – A gifted young girl and student of Larry whose disappearance from Suez triggers a diplomatic crisis. Abducted from the Duke’s estate, she becomes the central focus of Larry and the Major’s search efforts amid rising political tensions.
• Mage – Elf mage and shut-in engineer who stands watch and manages the ship’s boilers.
• Tatyana – A sailor-suit-wearing, 31-year-old divorced mother of two from Viscount Bizan, this Magic Academy Assistant Professor serves as a Golems Battalion supervisor and Artillery squad leader aboard the Izumo. Loyal to her Captain and intimately involved with Katarina, she commands respect while training crew, coordinating defense operations, and finding the current lack of combat boring.
• Louise – A tall, rugged Jutland-born school principal and shipbuilding manager with short red hair and a guard-like build. This former 101st Golem Battalion Mage Lieutenant piloted a Type 95. Mother to the protagonist’s son and pregnant with his child, she is noted as a potential romantic partner, though their complex connection and her rumored past remain subjects of local gossip.
• Maria – Thomas’s wife, the second daughter of Ifens and Therese, is a strikingly beautiful Universal Church believer with exceptional mana. Formerly an innocent girl, she now possesses lethal combat skills and wild, gorilla-like strength. Injured and captured after her father’s failed assassination of the protagonist, she was coerced into the Magic Armored Division, nursing a deep grudge against Larry.
• Mar – A battle‑hardened veteran, clad in worn armor, uses door panels as shields and captures enemy crossbows; Larry’s comrade who teases him about his sister‑in‑law’s pampering, known as Martin to his companion Edmond.
• Fee – Larry Fee Getys is a 15-year-old reincarnated youth and titular Duke. Pragmatic and telepathic, this sharp-eyed young man leads the Getys household and rules Strock Village alongside Hans, Iffens, Teressa, and their maid Nico. While building a new nation, he enjoys prime whale meat and maintains crucial connections to Adolf and various underground networks.
• Sarah – Disciplined Elf Mage, Second Lieutenant under Sonya. Identifiable by linen-wrapped chest, facial piercings, pointed ears, long dark hair. Former Magic Corps commander partnered with Thomas, traveled with Larry, restrains protagonist Kenze. Controls Type 95 Golems, shares visual data via telepathy, served with him in Rus, deployed to Scripture Church. Meek personality with significant growth.
• Sara – A woman with numerous gold piercings in her ears, eyebrows, and nose, often wearing thick, aggressive makeup. She serves as the Second Lieutenant and Commander of the First Company.
• Kenze – A muscular, dark brown-skinned Amazoness with short hair, niqab, and slave attire. This former Takshurgan intelligence officer and warrior rejects slave treatment with a direct, artificial speech pattern. Recognized by fellow Amazonesses for sharp intuition, she serves as Larry’s loyal, teasing bodyguard alongside the Major. Using blinding speed, she fiercely protects her daughter Zaboo and allies Earnest, Pamela, Marie, Thomas, and Teressa.
• Ho – Ho is the family name of Oliver, a 17-year-old deck crew member and comrade of the protagonist. As a member of the military unit that defended Garao Village, the young man was ultimately murdered during a night watch, slaughtered alongside Marx-san.
• Francis – A dangerous prisoner with immense mana, this heavily tanned, red-bearded Suez Canal harbor pilot from the Barbadia Pirates wears filthy attire and speaks many dialects. He appears calculating and familiar, secretly plotting to hijack the Izumo. He served as pilot for a vessel carrying a girl believed to be Rosa and provided info about a girl appearing older than the protagonist.
• Teach – Francis’s family name.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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