Chapter 517 – Feast on the Sea

As planned, we stopped by Aianos to report our victory and relay necessary information regarding postwar matters. After loading supplies, we headed toward Duke Driscoll’s domain.

The non-combatants had evacuated to the duke’s domain, leaving only reinforcement soldiers in Aianos. Even so, they were quite joyful.

We moved from the underwater city of Aianos to the floating city on the ocean—Duke Driscoll’s domain. Just like last time, we landed on the sea and the Sirius proceeded through the waterways leading to the docks near the castle.

“Even from the sky, I thought… it’s a beautiful city,” Queen Eldorene murmured as she gazed at the cityscape of the duke’s domain on the monitor. The waterways, the blue sea, the bright-colored cityscape… the duke’s domain was indeed beautiful.

“Thank you. I shall go show my face to the soldiers for a moment,” the duke said cheerfully upon hearing Queen Eldorene’s words, heading toward the deck. He needed to show himself to have the water gate opened. Lavigne followed behind him as an escort.

“The Kingdom of Verdugal’s Termwills was also amazing. Just as I’d heard, there was a very large castle.”

“The theater Theodore-sama made was incredible too.”

“Indeed. I must visit someday,” Queen Eldorene beamed at Rovisa and Marion’s words.

“We’ll welcome you when that time comes. If you contact us in advance via the communication device, we’ll come to greet you.”

“I look forward to that. Though, Verdugal also has conflicts with the demons, correct? We won’t hesitate to cooperate in that fight as well.”

“In that case… it would begin with talks with His Majesty Melvin, I suppose.”

We’d have to coordinate via the communication device to arrange the meeting.

“Indeed. We owe a great debt to His Majesty Melvin and Theodore-dono. We must repay it… and if the demons were pulling strings behind Waldom, then they are our enemies as well.”

Reinforcements from the sea. The main battlefield likely wouldn’t be underwater, but it was still quite reassuring.

“I’ll speak with the Water Dragon parent and child from the Magic Light Water Vein,” Claudia said.

“Ah. Indeed, it would be best to inform that parent and child.”

Those Water Dragons were rational and not the type to attack immediately just because someone entered their territory… but considering that Grantios’ people would likely visit Verdugal’s coastal waters more frequently in the future, it would be better for both sides to know in advance.

“Water Dragons, you say?”

“There’s a Water Dragon parent and child deep in the labyrinth. They’re quite friendly with the Verdugal royal family and occasionally venture into Termwills’ coastal waters.”

“Hmm. To have acquaintance with Water Dragons…”

Queen Eldorene hummed in admiration.

While we were having that conversation, the Sirius continued advancing through the waterways. People had gathered around the waterways. When the duke appeared on deck to have the water gate opened and smiled while waving to the people of his domain, those gathered around the waterways seemed to grasp the outcome of the battle in Grantios, raising a great cheer.

The water gate opened, and the Sirius entered the docks.

Since the Sirius had returned from the sky, perhaps the soldiers’ communication had been swift—we could see the non-combatants who had evacuated from Aianos—Mermaid and Fishfolk children—gathered at the docks.

“Welcome back!”

“Welcome back, Your Majesty!”

“Indeed. We made you worry. As you can see, we’re safe. Thanks to Theodore-dono’s assistance, we were able to defeat the Sea Kings.”

As we disembarked, Grantios’ children gathered around us. Voices celebrating our return and victory echoed through the docks.

“Well, this is quite the welcome,” Prince Helfried said with a wry smile as he watched the children’s excitement. Indeed, being surrounded by immobilized children had its challenges.

Ashley and Marlene seemed happy, holding hands with the children. Rosemary appeared somewhat unsettled, hiding her face with her feather fan, but when a Mermaid girl thanked her and handed her a glowing seashell, she nodded quietly and gently stroked the Mermaid child’s hair.

When Corulis lumbered into view on the deck and descended to the docks, children happily swarmed around it too. Sitting down at the docks and letting them climb on its back… Corulis gave the impression of being quite good with children.

Lindwurm, Alpha, Lavigne, Ramriya, and Flamia—the animal group—emerged from the deck one after another… and the children dispersed toward them as well.

“Theodore-sama, Father, we’re relieved you’re safe.”

“We’ve been awaiting your return.”

Once things had settled somewhat, the duke’s children, Oscar and Vanessa, approached with a quiet bow. Leslie had also come to greet us.

“Indeed. Thank you for holding the fort. Anything unusual?”

“Merchants arranged by Grand Duke Debonnis have arrived from Termwills. They’re here to arrange materials for transport to the island.”

“Hmm. Though it differs slightly from our plans… I get the impression the timing has worked out rather well. I’ll handle those discussions,” Grand Duke Debonnis said.

Construction materials for the island. The timing did seem perfect. The duke nodded at the report before turning back to us.

“Then… though it may be hasty, let’s proceed with preparations for the banquet. Cruising the waterways on a pleasure boat while relaxing leisurely has its own charm,” the duke said with a smile.

Two pleasure boats advanced through the duke’s domain’s waterways at dusk.

The pleasure boats Duke Driscoll had prepared could be described as roofed boats—decently sized vessels. They apparently couldn’t enter the smaller waterways, but their size posed no problem for touring the main waterways throughout the city.

Being pleasure boats for noble use, they featured delicate decorations—neither too extravagant nor too plain, giving an overall elegant impression.

The original plan for our visit with Grand Duke Debonnis and Princess Stephania had been for key members to board these boats, tour the city while chatting and laughing, and enjoy a meal. With the additional guests from Grantios, we needed one more boat.

The view from the pleasure boats… was quite atmospheric and pleasant. The duke’s domain’s cityscape slowly flowed by as we passed under various bridges.

The cuisine was, as expected, centered around seafood. There were large shellfish about the size of a clenched fist, rare fish not seen in Termwills… Fresh ingredients prepared with elaborate cooking methods. Visually vibrant with artistic plating that whetted the appetite.

“Exquisite,” Sheila seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the meal.

“The western flavoring is different again. They skillfully bring out the taste of the seafood—impressive,” Grace nodded quietly while tasting the soup. Well, since this would later influence our own dining tables in various ways, I could only be grateful.

Gradually, the surroundings grew dark, but that wasn’t the end. Lanterns were lit, and magical lights illuminated the streets facing the waterways.

“Hmm. It should be visible soon,” the duke said as we approached a bend in the waterway.

The meaning of his words immediately became clear. We had reached the waterways along the city’s main avenue… and here, they were lit up from within the water. Water filled with blue shimmering light swayed gently.

“Ah… this is beautiful.”

“Originally, we installed magic tools at the bottom of the waterways so ships heading toward the city center could move easily even at night. Though it’s also for tourism.”

I see. It was beautiful.

The pleasure boats advanced slowly through the fantastical glow—from the city center toward the sea.

There were ships moored there too… and on their decks were Water Guardians, Sirens, and Grantios’ children. Queen Eldorene stood and said:

“Today, we’re truly delighted to be invited to this banquet. After receiving your assistance and having our Grantios people sheltered… normally, we should be the ones hosting the banquet…”

Queen Eldorene paused there briefly. The timing never quite worked out. Instead, they had brought rare ingredients from Aianos for use in this banquet and planned this impromptu event as part of the banquet’s entertainment.

“For today, though modest, please accept our token of gratitude.”

Responding to Queen Eldorene’s words, the Sirens on deck began singing clear voices, producing mystical melodies.

This was both thanks to us and to the people of the duke’s domain. Furthermore, when the Water Guardians flashed their Magic Circles, the sea began shimmering with light centered around the moored ships.

Though the Water Guardians were using Purification magic, in this case it also served as a performance. This was apparently Marion’s idea… likely influenced by the theater.

People who had heard about it and crowded the port were sitting wherever they pleased, listening to the Sirens’ singing and music. Under the moonlight and starry sky, it had the atmosphere of a seaside concert.

Irmhild, Justia and Dominique, then Cyrille and Marion—those aboard our pleasure boat—sang the same songs as the other ship.

Since Irmhild had participated in the frontline combat this time, perhaps she was finally able to enjoy singing and performing without any concerns—she looked quite happy.

Justia and Marion glanced at each other, smiling as they harmonized their voices.

“That we can experience such a scene… is thanks to Theodore-dono and the others.”

Watching that scene, Queen Eldorene narrowed her eyes happily.