Volume 4 Chapter 54 The Chairman
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Crass fools.”
The Dwarf standing next to me—the one who’d addressed Rosa as “Professor”—muttered with distaste. His gaze was fixed on three medium-sized ships approaching from upstream.
”That the Dwarf military, is it?”
”Academic Council’s, actually. Ships belong to the police, though.”
Police?
”We gonna get arrested, then?”
”Don’t you worry. Police are just ferryin’ those Academic Council types.”
So we weren’t facing fines or anything.
”This Academic Council—what’s their deal?”
”Regulation-happy nuisances, the lot of ’em.”
Originally, Dwarven technology started with metalworking. If one workshop’s technology became too strong, other workshops would collapse—along with the skills and people they were training. That’s how a culture of sharing technology grew.
Over time, people started to respect each other’s skills, inventions, and findings, and institutions were set up. The Engineering Academy, a research and development group, was one such institution. Besides training people, it was created for basic research not tied to making money, costly technology development, and managing projects that needed many different skills.
”At first, the Academic Council was created as an advisory body to fairly allocate budgets, you see. But two hundred years on, they’ve become a foolish council that does nothing but impose regulations for money, forgetting all Dwarven pride, they have.”
I could sort of understand that.
This middle-aged man beside me was practically telling me to ram straight into those Academic Council and police ships, but that wasn’t happening.
”Reverse engines. Stop. Drop anchor,” I called through every speaking tube. The other ships were coming up in a parallel line, evenly spaced. I didn’t know what they wanted, so I decided to stop our ship. About fifty meters ahead, the Izumo came to a stop, white foam swirling at her bow.
”Wooooow!”
The passengers from last night raised cheers of delight at the maneuver. Why were Dwarves so childlike?
When the Izumo stopped, the three ships slid past our sides. During that pass, however, our guests and the other vessels exchanged angry shouts in a language I didn’t recognize.
”They want us to dock at the third pier,” Darran said after the ships had passed.
Wait—that shouting wasn’t a fight?
”Nah, they were goin’ at each other with everything they had, they were. But one of the police gave an order, see.”
Apparently, the police had dispatched ships but remained neutral.
I couldn’t understand these people. If we didn’t need to stop, then don’t come at us in formation.
The Izumo turned around and backed up to the farthest pier on the river’s right side. The passengers went wild again at a move only a black ship could make, and Roland, the Dwarf bridge leader who had done it, got a big round of applause.
”Thank you.”
I extended my hand to shake with Darran, who’d served as our pilot, but he refused.
”Telepathy and mind-reading are strictly forbidden, they are. Especially with people like you.”
Now that I thought about it, every Dwarf should have some mana and be able to use telepathy, but none of those who came aboard had asked to shake hands. Also, they all wore long sleeves, and half wore thin gloves even in this weather.
”People like us?”
”People with technology, like. You shake hands with someone like that, you might be readin’ their mind, tryin’ to steal an advantage. Against Dwarven pride, that is—you’d get cold stares for it, you would.”
So that was the situation.
While I was impressed, the passengers disembarked with smiles and words of thanks.
They weren’t bad people, I thought. But exhausting.
Once the Dwarves had left the ship, three important-looking men with armed soldiers came from the end of the pier. Some of the passengers who had left were yelling at them, but the soldiers stepped in and pushed away anyone trying to grab them.
”I am Wadok, Chairman of the Kingdom of Kush Academic Council.”
The important official introduced himself with considerable condescension.
”Pleased to meet you. I’m Larry Fee Getys, Second Lieutenant and acting Captain of this vessel, the Izumo.”
With arrogant people, stay humble. This was new for me.
”Hmph. We’ve heard about this vessel. In consideration of future matters, you’ll be accompanying us.”
Something felt wrong, but I couldn’t say no. When I asked to bring my men, they said only two could come.
I wanted to bring Kenze, but she was nursing and couldn’t come. So I chose Roland, a fellow Dwarf and my bridge leader, and Maria, the Artillery squad leader with the highest fighting ability. I left Fredys, the deck crew boss, in charge with orders to keep everyone on the ship until we knew what was happening. I told Katarina to never launch the fixed-wing drone—I didn’t want her showing it off more than needed.
I carried the letter from Kakuka Saba, Queen of the Amazons, and the Treasure Sword from King Philip IV of Schweilitz.
The building that looked like the royal palace sat on a low hill, but it was far away.
”They’re gonna make us walk all the way there?” Maria grumbled from behind, clearly unhappy. It was a big building, and even though it looked close, we would probably have to walk thirty minutes.
After a short walk from the port, we reached the main road. The palace was at the left end, the harbor at the right. I thought that important guests’ ships should be docking at that harbor—the pier where we had left the Izumo seemed plain compared to it.
But instead of going to the palace, our guard turned and walked toward the harbor. I had a bad feeling—and sure enough, we were led into a three-story brick building on the street.
No, no, no—this was clearly not an audience chamber for a king.
”Um… where is this, exactly?”
”The administrative building of the Kingdom of Kush’s premier technical research institution,” the Chairman replied, puffing out his chest.
As an office building, it had people doing paperwork at the counter and many more working at desks in neat rows.
”And my audience with His Majesty the King?”
I asked because this was clearly wrong.
”Hm? You may be acting Captain, but a mere Second Lieutenant cannot possibly have an audience with His Majesty, surely?”
Damn—I regretted mentioning my rank.
”But—”
”Are you claiming the Chairman isn’t good enough for you?”
As I tried to object, one of the Chairman’s lackeys—a lean Dwarf—spoke up with threatening tone.
”Know your place, Second Lieutenant!”
The second lackey joined in.
Great. I’d gotten caught up with troublesome people. What now?
As I was thinking that, I sensed something unsettling behind me.
”Haaaahhh—know my place? You people know yours! I don’t care if you’re Chairman or secretary or whatever—we’re here representing the Kingdom of Schweilitz! You lot aren’t even on the same level! Shit!”
Apparently, Maria had been stewing in frustration without my knowledge. She raised her voice—loud and rough enough to draw every gaze on the ground floor of the administrative building.
Refreshingly fierce, but even with their rudeness, this was between countries. Wasn’t she going too far?
”Wh-wh-what are you saying, you insolent human!”
The skinny lackey raised his palm toward us.
Was he really going to attack us with a fireball?
”Try it,” Maria snarled.
With her shout, I felt a flash of white light and heat from behind—just for a moment. I turned around. She had raised her right hand toward the ceiling. She had just made a fireball. And it was huge—so hot that the plaster ceiling had turned brown over a large area and was still smoking.
Maria certainly had far more mana than Kai. With her fireball at full power, the soldiers guarding the officials were already scared.
”What was that about being human?”
Maria closed in on one of the lackeys who’d been scared senseless by the display.
”Squad Leader Maria, that’s enough.”
As her superior officer, I tried to restrain her. She shot me a glare that suggested she might turn me to ash too.
This was bad. I quickly took her wrist.
’Where are you planning to give birth? You don’t want to stay here because of your recklessness, do you?’
Maria’s belly was now quite prominent. She probably had less than three months left before delivery. If she wanted to give birth in Schweilitz, considering the distance, we had almost no time to spare.
’Tch.’
She clicked her tongue telepathically and quieted down.
”Chairman.”
The Chairman was clearly scared of Maria. I called to him—he was a Dwarf, he should have been braver.
”This letter was given to me personally by Kakuka Saba, Queen of the Amazons, with instructions to deliver it to His Majesty here. And this box is a gift from our own King Philip IV to His Majesty here.”
I explained what we were carrying.
”And what of it?”
Bad attitude. He seemed scared of Maria but ready to argue with me.
”Please arrange an audience with His Majesty. If that’s impossible, we’ll be returning home at once.”
”Go ahead.”
He was all bravado for no reason, his lackeys forcing strained smiles.
”Is that so? In that case, we’ll stop by the Nyunpai Royal Capital Ram on our way back—I’ll report to Her Majesty the Queen that the Chairman obstructed us and prevented delivery of the letter to His Majesty.”
Petty, yes—but what choice did I have?
”Hmph. I don’t find it amusing to kowtow to some Amazon. Do whatever you please.”
The Chairman had become flippant.
That was a problem. Even if I couldn’t meet the King, I wanted to see Rosa.
But my words got no results. With Maria’s pregnancy and Kenze’s child, going back now wasn’t the worst choice. Fine—I’d go back. I turned toward the entrance—
”Associate Professor!”
That nostalgic title. That voice.
Rosa was standing there.
I was so happy my knees almost gave out. Her face had been square and her body box-shaped, but now she seemed softer.
”What are you doing here?”
”I brought a letter and gifts for His Majesty here.”
”Then wait just a moment—I’m taking a carriage to the palace, so we can go together.”
Talk about a lucky break. Almost too lucky.
”Professor Rosa? Who is this?”
A woman who appeared to be her guard stepped forward. Her build was distinctly different from a Dwarf’s.
”He was my Professor. Associate Professor Larry Fee Getys.”
At that, the guard swiftly positioned herself between me and Rosa, dropping into a low stance and resting her hand on her sword.
This woman was an Amazoness.
She had no jewel hanging from her forehead, but her waist was narrow.
”Professor, this man’s current name is Larry von Fee. Also known as Sámi I. He is likely here to kill you.”
”That’s not it. I have brought a letter from Queen Kakuka Saba of the Amazons. If you read the contents, you will see that is not the case.”
The woman stared intently at the letter I was holding, then relaxed her combat stance.
”It is indeed Her Majesty the Queen’s letter, but I cannot easily believe this. Professor, please keep your distance from this man.”
Well, I suppose that reaction was understandable.
”Hmph, no need to worry. These people say they are returning to their country immediately,” the Chairman interjected.
I wanted to tell him not to complicate things further.
”When we said we wished to deliver Her Majesty Queen Kakuka’s letter to His Majesty, this Chairman here refused us an audience, saying something about how it was unpleasant to show deference to Amazons or some such nonsense.”
”Is that true? Did you, a mere Chairman, attempt to block correspondence between heads of state?”
As expected, the Amazoness grew angry at the Chairman.
”Shut up! This is not a matter for an Amazoness like you to meddle in!”
Things were getting interesting, but there was no point in staying longer. We decided to go to the palace ourselves. I called Maria and Squad Leader Roland, told Rosa we would walk to the palace, and left the building.
”Both Dwarves and Amazons are full of weirdos,” Maria said.
I wanted to tell her that she belonged in that category too.
Along the way, the carriage Rosa was riding in stopped for us, but we declined to join her.
After that, we were kept waiting for a little over an hour. As I sat on the fence of a flower bed outside the gate, a short Dwarf in a suit came running toward us.
”Excuse me, are you the ones who arrived on the black ship?”
When I confirmed it was us, we were immediately ushered into the palace’s main hall with top priority.
His Majesty the King’s name was Chuma XIV.
He happily accepted the shabby Treasure Sword from Schweilitz and was greatly pleased upon reading the letter from Her Majesty the Queen.
”So, you will teach us about ships propelled by steam without using wind, correct?”
”Yes. However, I can only teach for ten days.”
My words made his expression cloud slightly, but he said it could not be helped and granted permission.
Additionally, much to our delight, they allowed us to use their large-ship-compatible dry dock for maintenance.
We moved the Izumo into an artificial inlet, blocked the water with boards, and drained it manually.
That said, we lined up many so-called Archimedes screws—cylinders with spiral plates inside—and it only took two days to complete the drainage.
I was too busy with lectures to help much, but apparently, they removed barnacles, corrected distortions, and repainted the tar.
Rosa also said that repairing the right forward craft engine was impossible.
For ten days, I gave lectures on ships propelled by screws turned by steam turbines.
Unlike the Izumo, they do not use mana circuits, so control is difficult and the drive system is complex. Nevertheless, the large tiered lecture hall that could seat a hundred people was always packed, including standing room. There were not only Q&A sessions but also frequent on-the-spot debates.
Dealing with Dwarves is exhausting, after all.
Once everything was finished, thanks to His Majesty the King’s arrangement, we were provided with coal, drinking water, and food free of charge.
Also, many Dwarves advised us to head north along the west side of the Southern Continent when returning home.
They said the sea area on the east side, where we had arrived, had strong currents from the north, but if we went to the west side, we could ride the northward current all the way to the equator.
We decided to take their advice and circle the Southern Continent (the African continent) clockwise.
However, not everything went smoothly.
Rosa refused to return home.
”Are you absolutely determined not to return?”
”It seems the water here suits me.”
She didn’t seem to think she might be killed if she returned to Schweilitz, but her resolve was firm, so I gave up on persuading her.
If I were to face a military law tribunal over this matter, I would go to the New Continent early to look for rubber.
On the day of departure, not only Rosa and her new students but also His Majesty the King came to see us off.
A band was even prepared on the pier, and as we sounded the steam whistle and pulled away from the shore amidst their lively performance, many people waved to us.
In response, the deck crew climbed the masts, and others came out onto the deck to wave back.
Also, Rosa had let slip some words about the fixed-wing drones, but since no one believed that machines could fly, she looked disappointed. So, after leaving port, I flew five of them in formation for her.
”You told me absolutely not to fly them,” Katarina complained.
But I told her we wouldn’t be coming back here anyway, and I was flying them for Rosa, so she reluctantly agreed, saying, “Well, I suppose it can’t be helped.”
As for the Chairman of the Academic Council, he was a problematic figure, and since he had been involved in diplomacy this time, he was forced to resign taking responsibility.
However, due to a lack of suitable personnel, it seems one of his lackeys took his place.
”The Academic Council has a two-hundred-year history. I do not wish to abolish it, but if there are problems due to opaque money flows, I might cut it off sharply.”
The King had said that.
If that lackey was chosen, he would likely expose his flaws immediately, so it might disappear sooner than expected.
Perhaps the King had chosen him with that very outcome in mind.
—
Summary:
Larry’s diplomatic mission to deliver letters to the King of Kush is obstructed by Chairman Wadok and his lackeys, who dismiss him due to his low military rank. Maria’s aggressive display of firepower intimidates the bureaucrats but escalates tensions, forcing Larry to threaten reporting the obstruction to the Amazoness Queen. Just as he decides to abandon the mission and return home, Rosa appears and offers to take him to the palace via carriage—but her Amazoness guard immediately perceives him as a threat.
—
Trivia:
The Dwarven technology-sharing culture originated from fear that dominant workshops would cause others to collapse, taking their techniques and talent with them.
The Engineering Academy was created for basic research unrelated to profit, costly development, and diverse-project management—not just talent cultivation.
The Academic Council was originally an advisory body for fair budget allocation but became a regulation-happy institution focused on money over two hundred years.
Dwarves avoid handshakes with technology-holders because physical contact enables mind-reading and telepathy.
Maria is visibly pregnant with less than three months until delivery, which is the real reason Larry restrains her aggression.
Larry was formerly Rosa’s student and holds the title Associate Professor—a title Rosa still uses for him.
The Izumo performed a reverse docking maneuver that only a black ship could execute.
Chairman Wadok refuses to “kowtow” to the Amazoness Queen, reflecting political tension between the Dwarves and Amazons.
The Amazoness guard immediately perceives Larry as a threat upon learning his identity.
Notes:
• Rosa – A genius dwarf-human hybrid engineer and former student of Larry, this Naval Academy professor designed the Izumo and fought in the Fifty-Third Defense Battle. Kidnapped from Suez by Amazonesses to build black ships, her technical expertise is a major geopolitical threat. Now sought by Larry and the Major, her safe return is the primary motivation driving current negotiations and regional tension.
• Izumo – The iron-hulled primary vessel, named and personified as a character herself, who loyally carries the protagonist and his crew throughout their journey.
• Darran – A knowledgeable Dwarf pilot for the Izumo who served on the return journey, acting as a local informant and guide. He refuses handshakes with technology-holders due to Dwarven customs regarding telepathy. Well-versed in regional geography, fishing, currents, trade, and customs, he translates merchant speech and explains local goods. Before departing, the crew thanks him and gives him gifts.
• Roland – The Izumo’s Dwarf bridge squad leader is a competent, cautious, and indispensable navigator responsible for weather assessment and technical sailing advice. He once impressed passengers with a reverse docking maneuver. Identifiable by his practical nature, he is gay and lives with Fredys and a young boy. He uses telepathy, once explaining his purchase of a stimulant tonic through it.
• 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.
• Wadok – Chairman of the Kingdom of Kush Academic Council. He is condescending and dismissive toward Larry, but intimidated by Maria’s display of power.
• Larry Fee Getys – Larry Fee Getys is a Strock Village youth and military researcher dealing with mobilization and personal dilemmas. Born to a Bizan noble family of rugged warriors—including Hardy, Denis, and Teressa—he was raised by aunts Alisa and Monica. Court officials used his academy-recognized lineage to clear him of guilt. He inherits a rugged warrior appearance, holds forest lands, and leads his village.
• Captain – The middle-aged commanding officer of the Izumo is outwardly calm, experienced, and traditional, masking a ruthless, pragmatic leader who prioritizes vessel survival over subordinates and civilians. While rarely reprimanding his men, he will execute deserters. Bebel reports directly to him, holding orders to return to Kure should the protagonist fail to return from their mission.
• Getys – Larry Fee Getys is a rugged Strock Village youth, military researcher, and village leader who inherits family forest lands. Born to the Bizan noble Getys clan—including father Hardy, brother Denis, and sister Teressa—he was raised by aunts Alisa and Monica. While his noble lineage clears him of guilt, he constantly grapples with mobilization duties and deep personal dilemmas.
• Larry – A dark-haired, weary 16-year-old reincarnated Second Lieutenant, this cynical, analytical youth is the Schweilitz Navy cruiser Izumo’s Acting Captain, chief engineer, and Associate Professor. A Mana user and Fee Grand Principality founder, he carries Saba’s letter and Philip IV’s sword. He distrusts superiors and protects Rosa while dealing with trauma from Henrietta’s death and past wives.
• 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.
• Katarina – A voluptuous, 30-year-old Izumo flight squad leader, Chief Researcher, and volatile telepathic Mage with mission authority. While maintaining formal decorum, she serves on night watch, handles drone operations under strict no-launch orders, and is a playful, sexually confident partner to the protagonist. Intense and complex, she pressures subordinates, wants to mercy-kill Larry, advocates for Gida’s promotion, and shows keen interest in a medicine boat’s stimulant tonic.
• Fredys – Izumo’s pragmatic section chief and deck foreman reports to the acting captain. Carrying a clipboard, this experienced coastal sailor handles logistics, discipline, and captives with blunt, military crispness. Despite a past with slavery and social awkwardness, she’s an indispensable advisor. Related to the Ullmans via uncle Torge, she lives with Roland and a maintenance assistant.
• Kenze – A muscular, brown-skinned Amazoness and former Takshurgan operative with a dragon tattoo, this lethal crew member, guardian, and hesitant artificial-speech interpreter is deeply bonded with the protagonist. Instead of going ashore with Larry, she stayed to nurse her newly laid egg and larva. Weakened by nursing demands and a dislike of Tete’s root vegetables, she worries about returning to the sea.
• Maria – This strikingly beautiful, six-month pregnant Amazoness is a Universal Church bridge mage, Suez crew member, and Artillery Head. Daughter of Ifens and Therese and widow of Thomas, she has massive mana and gorilla strength. Sharp, cynical, and unpleasant, she questions others’ reasoning while protecting her commander, leveraging Princess Nikaure’s memories, and controlling her charge, 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.
• Schweilitz – This kingdom, featuring towering academy spires and a full military arsenal of Royal Army troops, forces the protagonist to return. Ruled by a king involved in a hostage exchange, this political power holds a captive feared for execution. It also ordered the confirmation of Princess Rosa’s corpse, driving a scheme that the Queen has caught onto.
• Philip IV – The monarch whose authority the protagonist invokes to secure Princess Nikaure Saba’s release. Referred to as “His Majesty.”
• Kakuka – The authoritative and decisive Queen of the Amazons features short black hair and tan skin. She maintains a dignified, pragmatic demeanor during strategic negotiations, carefully balancing her kingdom’s interests. She eagerly seized upon the protagonist’s proposal to utilize Dwarven technology and later entrusted Larry with a letter to deliver.
• Philip – Philip, King of Schweilitz, is the same individual as King Philip the Fourth. The protagonist serves as his representative during an audience with Queen Sámi. He sent a prestigious treasure sword as a official gift from Philip IV to the Fee Grand Principality.
• Saba – A surname belonging to Nikaure.
• His Majesty – The King of the realm possesses an expressionless, Noh mask-like face, rarely showing emotion except for brief amusement during trials. He holds absolute authority over the kingdom, presiding over high-level deliberations, giving the final word on legal transitions like duels, and maintaining supreme command over all military missions and strategic troop deployments.
• Kai – An ash-covered, 20-year-old Dwarf Mage and Bridge Leader accompanying Roland. Recognizable by her translucent white hands, sturdy body, and high regenerative resilience, she has a strong sex drive and unstable mana lower than Maria’s. A capable Izumo crew member and peerless combat mentor with a mysterious past, she loves teasing protagonist Rhein and fueling a romantic betting pool.
• Ram – Mentioned in context of the Amazoness Royal Capital and male-bride encounters.
• Sámi – A reincarnator from Japan, now a political figure caught between nations. He suffers from headaches and maintains a sardonic, self-deprecating internal voice even in dangerous situations.
• von – The noble particle ‘von’ indicates high social standing and ancestral roots connected to territorial estates within the Sabaski lineage. It marks the noble bloodline and full names of Annerose von Bülow, Walter von Riedel, and Marc von Harritz, establishing their shared aristocratic identity and familial relationship within the Kingdom.
• 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.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply