Companion

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“So…” (Yuri)

When I finished talking about the situation, Cuff and Harold shut up.

“It’s because of your lineage, so it can’t be helped.” (Cuffe)

Cuffe said it with a difficult face.

“It can’t be helped to worry since this is restricted to you. I’ll take it easy at best.” (Cuffe)

“You have to think about the possibility of dying.” (Harold)

When Harold said so…

Cuffe smacked his tongue.

“Are you a fool?” (Cuffe)

And he added further.

“Haa?” (Harold)

“As for the limbs, if the head died, you don’t have to think about it.” (Cuffe)

“I am not with you. So, shut up.” (Harold)

They were in the fighting mood. They couldn’t get along well.

“You both make sense. Well, listen.” (Yuri)

When I said so, both of them shut up.

“What Cuffe said is normal, but it’s no wonder that Harold is worried. Therefore, I write a will and leave it to Father. If I don’t do this or give it to him before I die, it will become a source of contention.” (Yuri)

‘It’s a mystery why I should seriously think about inheritance at this age, but there is no doubt that I should do it.’

“So, don’t worry about it, alright.” (Yuri)

When I said so, they didn’t say anything, but both nodded.

‘This is especially with regard to Harold. Since Eisa-sensei is involved, it is better to make him feel relieved. In some cases, it is normal for Harold to worry since the vow is tied up for the rest of his life after I die.’

“The problem is the operation while I’m away. Cuffe should be fine. Except for Harold’s part, do everything at your discretion.” (Yuri)

“Understood.” (Cuffe)

Cuffe nodded with that reply.

‘What a reliable man.’

“Harold. When can the third ship be completed?” (Yuri)

“Ah… uhm.” (Harold)

Harold bent his upper body and looked at the ceiling, as if counting the days in his head. He was thinking for a while.

“One week later.” (Harold)

“I see. Then, bring it on the next round trip. First, bring the second ship to Suomi and go to the Island of Aisa.” (Yuri)

“The Island of Aisa?” (Harold)

“Yes, just go there and explore again.” (Yuri)

Harold looked a bit unpleasant.

‘He doesn’t seem to be reluctant though. The third ship is currently being built in the Republic of Albio, and it is an exploration ship. It is a compact ship with all three masts in vertical sail, and it can be operated by a small number of people in exchange of speed.’

‘The lack of high speed means that it will take a long time to go far, but if the manpower required for the ship is reduced, the cruising range will rather increase. The reason is that the consumption of food and water which becomes a part of the shipment is reduced. In other words, it’s the difference between a small car that has good fuel consumption and can travel a long distance, or a large car that has poor fuel consumption but can travel fast. In this situation, the former is better.’

“Is there really a new continent?” (Harold)

Harold seemed unhappy with my decision. When I looked at Cuffe, he didn’t look at Harold but he seemed to agree with him.

“Yes… I’m sure.” (Yuri)

I said without confidence.

‘Even if the shape of the continent is so similar to the Earth so far, it would be rather abnormal without the Americas. But, that’s all I know, and it’s not a confirmation. There’s no way to confirm it, so it’s unavoidable for them to be skeptical.’

“…Is it something that I have to do now?” (Cuffe)

Cuffe asked.

When the second ship was still under construction, he departed from the Island of Aisa on my order. However, it ended up being a miss. He couldn’t find a good continent.

It was bad that I didn’t give detailed instruction, but according to the nautical chart, Harold went to Caribbean Sea in a smooth wind, and came back when the food and water supplies became low. He couldn’t find any of the islands, so there was nothing to prove that they existed, and it ended up with a complete miss.

At that time, while doing intelligence work through the Republic of Albio, I was aware that there was no military movement from the Kura side. I was making light of the situation as the second ship was completed. It wasn’t possible to afford to build a new ship for exploration at that time.

“As I’ve said before, the discovery of the New World is a big project, and it’s no exaggeration that the purpose of the company’s establishment is to establish the discovery. I think it’s reasonable for you to be skeptical, but I would like you to do this once.” (Yuri)

‘It’s the same as Colombus was looked upon disapprovingly, and this looks like a matter of grasping the cloud to the person other than me. It’s normal to think that it is time to do something like this in an emergency.’

‘However, it is necessary to get it done even if it looks unreasonable. Yes, even if I have to force it a little bit.’

“Besides, the luxuries brought from the Republic should be the first to have the price drop once the war is known. From now on, the business will not be as good as it used to be.” (Yuri)

‘Knowing the war is about to begin, people will start to look at the future and save money. No one will spend money on luxuries.’

‘Beyond that, I can buy cotton, which is not a luxury item, and can sell it at a high price to make a profit. The business that I can make money from, should be impossible in the future.’

“Well, yes.” (Harold)

“I suppose so.” (Cuffe)

The two seemed to agree on that point.

“If we can’t find the new continent, diplomacy with the Republic of Albio will be very important. If I don’t return, Harold may have to meet with Her Majesty the Queen.” (Yuri)

“Hmm… alright.” (Harold)

He gave a troublesome look.

‘Is it not good?’

“Well, you can do what you want, maybe to worry about that age until you die.” (Cuffe)

Cuffe said it.

“I’m not so worried. There should be nothing happening in 8 or 9 cases out of ten.” (Yuri)

‘After all, we will return from the sky. Moreover, we will return immediately if it becomes dangerous.’

‘If I bring tens of people, one or two may die, unfortunately, but that’s it. I won’t be held responsible with the supervisory responsibility if people die, and in extreme terms, as long as Carol returns, it doesn’t matter how many people die.’

‘The only thing I’m afraid is that Carol is running out of control, but that is also an unfounded worry, and it’s more likely that it won’t happen.’’

“Anyhow, come back safely. Without you, nothing can start.” (Cuffe)

“I don’t want to die either. I will definitely return.” (Yuri)

‘For now, I guess the matter ends here.’

“Well then, I have some other business to attend, so I’m going.” (Yuri)

As I said that, I left my seat. The moment I stood up, I remembered that I had forgotten the important thing. It didn’t matter whether they would understand it or not.

“Aah, I forgot to say that. Harold, I want you to get something in the Republic.” (Yuri)

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—

 

“Yuri-kun.” (Myaro)

When I left the head office, a black-painted carriage stopped, and Myaro was standing in front of it.

‘At her back is the main gate of my secondary residence. Is this it? Are you working part-time as a guard in my residence? It can’t be, right?’

“Please add me as your subordinate.” (Myaro)

Myaro got on one knee on the spot, and soiled her uniform. It was the highest salute.

‘This is too much of a historical drama. No, it’s not.’

“Stand up.” (Yuri)

When I said that, Myaro stood up obediently. There was rather traffic here, and the public might look suspiciously. This might be a bit embarrassing to me.

“We will talk here. Let’s get in the carriage.” (Yuri)

“Please come in.” (Myaro)

Myaro, like an attendant, opened the door of the carriage, and welcomed me to get on.

‘Aah, uhmm, what’s this? I’m not sure how to say this… to have a girl of the same age doing something like this, I feel it is unbearable. Well, shall I just ride it obediently? There are a lot of meanings to this.’

“I’ll talk about the Academy.” (Yuri)

While saying that, I got on the carriage. Myaro probably should tell the coachman where to go, but he began to run his horse quietly. That was probably why Myaro didn’t ask him to stop.

I was thinking about Myaro’s treatment when I was in the carriage. Then, we headed to the Academy. There wasn’t a single word of conversation. Myaro didn’t even talk to me.

When we reached the Academy, we got out of the carriage. Myaro told the coachman to return, and the carriage went away.

“Myaro, where did you hear that from?” (Yuri)

I said so while walking down the street to the dormitory that I was used to walking.

“Eh? Uhm…” (Myaro)

Her words stopped.

‘Is she wondering whether she should talk about the source of information?’

“I don’t want to know who you heard it from, but if we go to the dormitory, it’s going to be troublesome if I’m swarmed by foolish idiots.” (Yuri)

“No, there’s not such a thing.” (Myaro)

‘It seems that’s not the case.’

“I heard it from Her Highness. I was consulted yesterday, so I knew what was going on.” (Myaro)

‘What the… Is Carol the source of information?

Even so… Yesterday, was it? Did Her Majesty give her permission yesterday, as Carol said?’

‘I can’t guess what kind of discussion there was, but maybe Carol prompted Her Majesty. There is a way to talk with Carol to have a clear picture of what’s going on, but there’s not much meaning even if she knows the truth…’

“Well, does that girl already know about it? I mean, I’ll be the Commanding Officer.” (Yuri)

“Yes, she knows. She returned from the royal castle just a little while ago, and she was moody.” (Myaro)

‘So, when you heard about it, you immediately came to the secondary residence, huh?’

“Hmm, I see.” (Yuri)

‘I’m somewhat tired when returning to the dormitory, but since this matter will be known someday, I guess I can’t help with it.’

“Yuri-kun, what are you going to do over there?” (Myaro)

Myaro asked me, as if she was interested.

“What do you mean?” (Yuri)

“Is it to save the people of Kilghina?” (Myaro)

‘??? What is this girl talking about?’

‘Are you reading too many novels? This is way too much of a historical drama, you know?’

“Why do I have to save them?” (Yuri)

“Is that so?” (Myaro)

‘Hey, That’s not something you should ask. Do you think I’m some kind of Almighty God?’

“If I’m going to do that, I will never bring you.” (Yuri)

“Aah, yes. I also don’t mean it that way.” (Myaro)

‘It seems she didn’t mean it. It’s suspicious, but I know Myaro isn’t a philanthropist. If she means that, she will work hard for it. It’s likely that she had heard about my plan.’

“You know what, I was told about being a hero by Her Majesty, but at this time, being a hero candidate is the most annoying. People are going to misunderstand the objectives in the first place.” (Yuri)

“Aah… yes.” (Myaro)

‘You’re not convinced, is it?’

“Well, do you want to take a short interview?” (Yuri)

When I said so, Myaro looked excited.

“Yes.” (Yuri)

“What is the highest priority of this operation?” (Yuri)

“I think… is to bring Her Highness back home safely.”(Myaro)

Myaro replied immediately.

‘That’s right.’

“Alright. What’s the biggest concern to achieve that goal?” (Yuri)

“Uhm, it should be the Kuran’s projectile weapons.” (Myaro)

‘…Well, certainly that’s true. Stray bullets are scary.’

“It’s scary, but the biggest concern is that Carol is a hero candidate.” (Yuri)

“That is… aah, it may be so.” (Myaro)

“If it’s other people, even if they are running wild because of their ambition, they can die on their own. All I have to do is to kick them out from the unit. However, in the case of Carol, her return is the highest priority.” (Yuri)

“Yes, it is. When I think about it, it makes sense.” (Myaro)

“If you understand that much, I’ll bring you in.” (Yuri)

I gave permission easily.

‘It’s a brief interview, but there is no way not to bring her in.’

“Thank you very much. I’ll do my best.” (Myaro)

Myaro firmly said it and made an honest happy face.

‘Since it’s Myaro, she won’t lie about it, and she probably would give her all.’

“But don’t drag my feet, alright.” (Yuri)

“Yes. That’s definitely my plan.” (Myaro)

“Do you understand what that means?” (Yuri)

When I asked that…

“Yes?” (Myaro)

Myaro replied blankly.

“Do you understand the meaning of not dragging my feet?” (Yuri)

“…It is as it is, right? You mean in a literal sense, is it?” (Myaro)

“I don’t want to bring you, if possible. Nobody wants to bring something important with them when they get into something dangerous.” (Yuri)

When I said that, Myaro had an indescribable complex expression.

‘If I have to emphasize it, it’s probably a sad expression? From her point of view, my worries must be a great nuisance.’

“…Yes. However, in that dangerous place, that important someone could be useful.” (Myaro)

“Yes. You are useful. You’re the most reliable and capable person.” (Yuri)

‘I have no doubt that Myaro is competent. Rather than being competent, she has something that I don’t have. She is meticulous and has a different perspective from me. It may sound that I favor him, but there is no doubt that she is useful.’

“It’s an honor.” (Myaro)

Myaro, who was purely happy this time, bowed decently.

“But at the same time, it’s also my weakness. If I have to bring Carol back home, I’ll abandon anyone but you. For me, instead of having a reliable and capable person, I simply double the number of people I have to bring back home.” (Yuri)

“…Do you think that because I am a woman?” (Myaro)

Myaro looked reluctant.

‘It’s understandable to consider me thinking that way.’

“That’s not it.” (Yuri)

“Is that so?” (Myaro)

Myaro seemed skeptical.

“What do you think if we are in different positions? I am a man. So if I drag your feet, would you simply discard me like throwing dirty gloves to the edge of the road?” (Yuri)

When I said so, she quieted down.

“…” (Myaro)

There was silence for ten seconds, and the only sound heard was the sound of shoes stepping. Then, Myaro opened her mouth.

“I don’t think I can do that, but I think you need to do that, Yuri-kun.” (Yuri)

‘Yes, certainly.’

That was a strange and convincing answer.

“That’s if you’re in a different position.” (Yuri)

“Yes, it is.” (Myaro)

“Even if I need to do it, I can’t always do it. I’m also not bold enough to do that.” (Yuri)

“Yes.” (Yuri)

“I don’t want to be able to do it easily. But, as you say, I probably need to do that.” (Yuri)

‘That will be difficult. If it’s something that makes me wonder how to decide, I have to keep it for later. It may come to that situation later.’

“I also don’t want to be under someone that bold. It’s too bland.” (Myaro)

Myaro said it, and laughed a bit.

When she said so, I felt relieved somehow. Myaro understood what I meant.

“That’s certainly true. It’s a boring life to work hard under that kind of bold person.” (Yuri)

“…Uhmm, I was able to understand what you were trying to say. So, I’ll be careful. I won’t drag your feet.” (Myaro)

Myaro quickly concluded the matter by saying so. It might be because the entrance to the dormitory was just around the corner.

“That would be helpful if you do so.” (Yuri)

 

—

 

When I entered the dormitory, there was a lifeless atmosphere as usual. After all, the information might not have spread yet.

I parted with Myaro, and then, I went into my room alone. There was a person here. Even though the person was the source of troubles, there were wrinkles on the face.

‘This lady…’

“What are you trying to do?” (Carol)

Carol was cross-legged on her bed, puffing her cheeks.

“Hmm.” (Yuri)

I looked away.

“Don’t you like Her Majesty the Queen’s decision?” (Yuri)

I sat on the chair of my desk. I needed to talk to her a bit.

“…That’s not it.” (Carol)

“Don’t get me wrong, but I didn’t ask for it. I don’t want to do such a troublesome thing.” (Yuri)

“I know that. You’re not the kind of person who wants to take responsibility for yourself.” (Carol)

‘What? You know me better, huh?’

“If you don’t like it, shall I stop from going? I don’t mind at all.” (Yuri)

‘No, really, I would be happy if I can do that.’

“I’m unwilling that you’re the Commanding Officer.” (Carol)

“It’s fine that you’re unwilling, but if you don’t listen to me after we go there, I’m going to bring you home even if I have to tie you up with a rope.” (Yuri)

‘I have to say that.’

“I understand it’s not good for me to endanger myself with careless behavior.” (Carol)

‘Do you get it? Then, I would like to tell you not to be ridiculous.’

“Well, I acknowledge you. Wel, I’ll be the Commanding Officer.” (Yuri)

“As for me, I don’t want to be the king of the castle from the beginning. No matter who the Commanding Officer is, the meaning of the action doesn’t change.” (Carol)

‘Hmm. It would be rather remarkable to have that mindset.’

“Let me tell you now, I’m not going to rescue the people of Kilghina. Don’t misunderstand that part.” (Yuri)

“I understand. My body is for this country only.” (Carol)

‘She seems to understand that. The Queen might have told her that again and again.’

“Then, it’s fine. Well, wait for the news later.” (Yuri)

“I’m looking forward to your way of handling things.” (Carol)

‘Even if you look forward to it…’

“It is said that there will be a public announcement for the Knights students two days later. It’s going to be busy from there. Do your best.” (Carol)

‘Hey, have you all decided that far already?’

 

—

TLN:

• I’m not expert in maritime and navigation. I’ve searched about reconnaissance ships and I think they are making a Caravel. Please let me know if I got it wrong.

 

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