Chapter 479 – The Inhabitants of the Sea

I’ll entrust the Grand Duke’s escort to Caduceus and leave Balor in charge of the Sirius’s security.

“Well then, Corulis. Can I leave things in your hands while we’re away?”

Before moving to the lord’s mansion, Princess Stephania called out to Corulis. Upon receiving instructions from the princess, Corulis nodded repeatedly, then took off from the pier, landed on the deck, and peered over the edge while waving. Seeing this, Princess Stephania smiled.

“Hmm… I had heard it was a flying ship, but must it dock on water?”

The Count, who had been watching, asked this.

“No. We can keep it floating in the air as well.”

“Then perhaps it would be no trouble to have it dock alongside the lord’s mansion. Leaving the ship here might pose security concerns.”

“Is that alright?”

Truthfully, I think the familiars remaining with the Sirius could handle most situations… but if they’re willing to let us bring the ship near the lord’s mansion, that would ease my mind somewhat. The Sirius stands out, so we need to be wary of theft or other issues. And most importantly, we wouldn’t need anyone to stay behind for security.

“Of course. Familiars are different from ordinary animals, after all. Can you see the top floor of the lord’s mansion from here?”

“Yes.”

I looked toward the lord’s mansion the Count pointed at and nodded.

The lord’s mansion was located on what could be called Wisneaire’s small mountain, or rather, on high ground.

Its top floor—appeared to consist of some flat areas, with railings installed around the perimeter, and what looked like a gazebo-like structure.

“That mansion has several guest rooms on its top floor. The rooftop is accessible directly from those guest rooms, allowing one to overlook the town or have meals. This time of year is a bit cold, so it might not be suitable for dining… but if we place the ship next to the mansion, I thought it might be possible to go directly between the rooftop and the ship.”

…I see. So the rooftop area functions like a large balcony shared by the guest rooms, offering views of the town and sea from above.

It certainly seems like it would have a good view. When hosting multiple groups of guests, it could serve as a salon for socializing—it’s well-designed.

“Thank you. Well… since we have the opportunity, why don’t we all move by ship? Count, please come this way as well.”

Saying this, I guided him to the gangway, at which the Count blinked in surprise.

We used Levitation to float the Count’s carriage and load it onto the ship. We soothed the horses with light magic to keep them from being startled, brought them aboard, and then moved directly to the lord’s mansion.

During the ship journey, the Count murmured in admiration and nodded as he viewed the town from the deck. It seemed he liked it, which was good.

We docked the ship alongside the mansion, keeping it floating in the air. After lowering the carriage near the entrance, we entered the mansion through the main door properly. In the entrance hall, the Countess and her child welcomed us along with the servants.

“Welcome to Wisneaire. My husband and I have been awaiting your arrival.”

The Countess gave an elegant bow, and the small girl beside her, imitating her mother, pinched the hem of her skirt and bowed as well.

“Thank you.”

I expressed gratitude for their welcome, and we each introduced ourselves. The Countess was named Tricia, and her daughter seemed to be called Olympia.

“I’m Marl. Nice to meet you.”

“Th-the Water Spirit King…?”

As expected, the Countess seemed surprised by the Water Spirit King’s presence. Olympia, though hiding behind her mother, blinked her eyes, perhaps curious about Marl’s hair.

“Please, this way. I’ll guide you to the guest rooms.”

After introductions and greetings were finished, we were led into the mansion.

Somehow… the Countess was a petite and delicate person. She gave an impression that was the polar opposite of the Count in various ways. The Count’s daughter was probably younger than Marlene. Her appearance likely took after her mother.

She seemed shy due to the many guests, sticking closely to the Count and Countess. She firmly held the Count’s finger with her small hand, presenting a heartwarming picture of a close-knit family.

We proceeded to the upper floors of the mansion and were shown to several separate guest rooms. One for the Grand Duke and his servants. One for the ducal family and their servants. A room for the three princesses and their escort Sion and others. And then for our Party and Marl, and so on.

The guest rooms were quite spacious. They had plenty of room to accommodate our Party’s numbers. The door at the back probably led to the rooftop.

“Well then, please relax at your leisure during your stay. If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you.”

“No need for thanks. Dinner preparations should be ready shortly.”

“Is it possible to have dinner on the rooftop?”

When I asked, the Count nodded.

“We can arrange that, but it might be somewhat cold due to the wind. During summer, it would be pleasant.”

“In that case, I can use magic to control the wind and adjust it.”

“I see… That’s something only an Ambassador could do. Understood. We’ll have it prepared there then.”

“Then we’ll see you at dinner later.”

The Count and his party bowed and left the guest room.

“I’m curious about the rooftop,”

Sheila said. I felt the same.

“Right. Let’s put down our hand luggage and go see the rooftop right away.”

We exited from the room to the rooftop. The guest rooms were designed to be locked from the inside, so free access to each room from the shared rooftop space didn’t seem possible.

Passing through the corridor beside the room, we immediately emerged into a spacious area. Large tables and chairs. Beyond them, there were about three short steps leading up to a gazebo.

That must be the observation deck, so to speak. I could also see a lighthouse standing a short distance from the mansion.

Looking to the side, the Sirius was floating in a position that didn’t obstruct the view, and from the edge of the deck, faces like Alpha, Lindwurm, Lavigne, Eclair, Corulis, Flamia, and Ramriya were peering over.

The height matched, so it felt like they were right under our noses. Since the familiars were permitted on the rooftop, I decided to call them over.

First… I should construct a wind barrier to deal with the cold.

While using magic to adjust the temperature inside the barrier and such, everyone started coming out onto the rooftop from their respective rooms.

“Wow… Amazing view!”

Marceska gazed at the sea from the observation deck, her eyes sparkling.

“Truly. The sea is so beautiful…”

“I simply must paint this later…”

Sion and Sigritta also seemed captivated by the scenery spread out below.

Not just Sion and the others, but even Oscar and Vanessa, who were accustomed to the sea, seemed to find the view pleasing, their expressions brightening. Leslie was watching those two with a squint, as if looking at something dazzling.

From the lord’s mansion side, we looked down on the town from the opposite direction compared to when we arrived on the Sirius. The white townscape spread below, the small islands floating on the ocean, the blue sea’s horizon… it was magnificent.

Soon it would be evening, and we’d likely see this scenery dyed by the sunset.

“The southwestern sea… It truly is beautiful. And I hear the further out you go, the clearer the sea becomes…”

Rosemary murmured while gazing into the distance.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. According to what I read in a book, the less sediment flows in from the land, the more beautiful the sea becomes. Duke Driscoll’s main base is on an island floating out in the sea.”

“I’ve heard it also serves as a central hub for trade with countries from the west,”

Ashley said, smiling as she petted Lavigne who had come beside her.

That’s right. Ships from western countries entering Verdgar stop there for supplies and such. It’s a maritime gateway where merchant ships come and go.

“Indeed. We can acquire necessary goods through trade, and although it’s an island, it’s fairly large, so there’s no inconvenience,”

the Duke said. Looking at a map, it’s not that far from the mainland. There are several outlying islands, and all of them together constitute the Driscoll Duchy.

“That’s… something to look forward to.”

“Well, yes.”

When Grace smiled at her, Rosemary nodded quietly while hiding her mouth behind her feather fan. Hmm. Rosemary also seemed to be in quite a good mood.

“There’s still some time before dinner. Shall I fetch the cards from the ship?”

Claudia said, and Marlene nodded happily.

“Perhaps I should bring my instrument as well,”

At Irmhild’s words, Seraphina, perched on her shoulder, made a delighted expression.

“I should prepare for the familiars’ meals as well. I’ll also go to the ship and bring various things,”

said Princess Stephania, who had been viewing the scenery from the observation deck.

——As the sun set and dinner time arrived.

The rooftop, illuminated by floating magical lights, was quite a charming space.

The sea, bathed in moonlight, was mystical, and throughout the town, bonfires and lantern lights twinkled here and there… it remained beautiful even after dusk passed.

And dinner, as expected, centered around seafood. Fresh fish dishes, various shellfish dishes. Soup, grilled fish, vinegared dishes, simmered fish, grilled shellfish, and so on… Sheila’s tail, who has strong opinions about fish dishes, was constantly reacting.

It seems the effects of the Magic Light Water Vein’s liberation have reached these nearby waters as well, as they’ve been experiencing abundant catches. The port town seems to be prospering, which is excellent.

“—Mermaids, you say. Indeed, I recall hearing such stories.”

“Yes. I was wondering if there had been any new developments while we were visiting Termwills.”

As dinner settled down, the Duke and Count’s conversation seemed to shift to mermaids.

“Hmm. Regarding mermaids, there’s no new information… but I have heard reports of sailors claiming to have seen Fishfolk. Perhaps formal reports have reached you by the time you return to your castle, Duke.”

“Fishfolk, you say.”

Fishfolk are Monsters, but… they aren’t fundamentally a hostile race either. That is, as long as we don’t take hostile actions. Depending on the Magical Power environment they grew up in, there might be violent individuals… but as can be inferred from the Count’s calm manner of speaking, they aren’t a hostile tribe, I suppose.

Well… their appearance is certainly more rugged than mermaids, but I’ve heard they can be surprisingly gentlemanly.

They form their own culture, and it’s said almost all members of their clan are proud Warriors. They are a different species from mermaids, but sometimes they coexist.

“Hmm… I don’t recall seeing them much in these nearby waters before.”

“Mermaids have been sighted in various places more than before. However, there are no reports of harm to fishermen or sailors. If anything, they seem to avoid interaction except during trade with us.”

“I see… If they’re keeping their distance, then it’s probably best for us to just keep watch. I too wish to get along well with the sea dwellers.”

The Duke quietly closed his eyes and slowly tilted his wine cup.

Hmm… Perhaps there’s some circumstance causing them to expand their range of activity. Just because there’s no actual harm to humans doesn’t mean there’s no problem, so it’s somewhat concerning.

We might not necessarily encounter mermaids or Fishfolk on this journey… but with Marl accompanying us, we might at least be able to talk if we meet them. They seem to be sighted relatively frequently, so the possibility of meeting them isn’t low either.

Marl herself… seems to have become friendly with Marlene and Olympia. She was smiling while letting them touch her water hair.

Well now. I wonder how this journey will turn out.