I, Reincarnate as the Leader of the Villainous Knight Order - Chapter 163: Setting Sail

Chapter 163: Setting Sail 

On the day of departure for the Kingdom of Eldrasia. A large crowd had gathered on the riverbank outside the western gate of the royal capital. The river connected to the sea. It served as the launch point for our journey. 

Since this was the send-off for the Third Princess’ marriage, members of the royal family and the First Knight Order were all present. 

“Justin, make sure to write to me whenever you can, alright? Even though I’ve been made a baron, there are still plenty of nobles who don’t like that I’ve been appointed acting commander. Since I came from nothing. Let me know as soon as you’re coming back.” 

Luca had played an active role as vice-commander during the battle against the Evil God. He had been knighted alongside Orel. However, since he wasn’t originally from a noble family, many aristocrats found his promotion displeasing. 

With my departure, Luca—who had only recently become vice-commander—was now serving as the acting commander in my place. 

“Luca, you have the skills to shut those guys up, don’t you? Jest and Jeanne said they could use teleportation to deliver letters. So I promise to write regularly.” 

“You better!” 

Originally, Orel would have been the better fit for the role. But right now, he was prioritizing the Saint. 

The Saint herself had come to see us off along with the Holy Knights. Personally, I knew she was here to see me off. But officially, it was to offer her blessings for the princess’s marriage. 

“Captain, looks like they’re about to board the ship. Man, that’s a huge vessel. You could probably fit an entire village in there.” 

“Isn’t that an exaggeration? Sure, it’s bigger than a noble’s mansion, but still.” 

“Simon, Arnault, we’re boarding right after the First Knight Order. So save the chatter. Jest, I’ll have you stay here as much as possible. If anything comes up, they’ll entrust the letters to you. I’m counting on you.” 

“Got it! But if you ever feel lonely, just call me through telepathic communication! And if I get lonely… I’ll come visit, okay?” 

Jest answered cheerfully. He then immediately gave me an adorable, pleading look. 

Even though trade relations existed, our destination wasn’t exactly a close ally. So to avoid alarming them, we had decided that Jest and Jeanne—being dragons—would remain in the Kingdom of Rafios. 

However, the Eldrasia side had already approved of Jest making occasional trips as a messenger. And there were likely many people there curious to see a dragon. 

The servants had already boarded earlier. The ministers went on first, followed shortly by Princess Clarisse and her personal knights and maids. Then, led by Ernest, the First Knight Order began boarding. 

“Alright, everyone, take care. Annabella, I’m counting on you to look after things.” 

“Yes, please travel safely.” 

“Jest, if you ever want to see me, don’t hold back. Come anytime.” 

I ruffled Jest’s hair, making him smile happily. 

Before the entire First Knight Order had finished boarding, we moved to the rear of the group and led our horses onto the ship as well. 

Since I might have to travel to other countries immediately after the princess’ marriage, I had decided to leave Eleanor behind in the Kingdom of Rafios. There was a chance I’d need to abandon my horse mid-journey to cross the mountains. 

Knights who had brought horses, like us, moved to the ship’s stables to secure them. 

Once I finished tying my horse, I headed up to the deck. It was where I waved to the crowd that had gathered to see us off. 

“We’re saying goodbye to this country for a while. But the Kingdom of Eldrasia is famous for exporting magic tools—it’s a hub of magical research! They must have the latest magical devices, so I’m really looking forward to it.” 

Marius was usually composed. He was unusually excited this time. As someone from a merchant family, he was well-versed in imported goods. 

To be honest, I was secretly thrilled as well. The thought of visiting a place considered the “holy land” of magic tools excited me. 

Even among the ministers, some were grumbling about how their wives had demanded they bring back the latest magical devices to show off. 

“The center of magic, huh? Does that mean a lot of commoners can use magic too?” 

Arnault tilted his head in curiosity. 

“Not quite. The Kingdom of Eldrasia has something called a ‘Magic Tower’. It’s where magic and magic tool research is conducted. The tower is funded by the royal family. So, the latest magic tools first go to the royal castle, then to the nobility. And eventually, older models trickle down to commoners through merchants.” 

“Whoa, you know a lot about this, Captain!” 

“Simon, researching the features and political landscape of a country before visiting is basic protocol. Arnault, you too. I bet Gaspard hasn’t done his homework either. You guys should learn from Marius.” 

“””Ye~s.””” 

The three of them replied in unison. Though they didn’t seem particularly remorseful. 

Because of their experience in extermination missions, where assessing a situation firsthand was crucial, they rarely saw the point in prior research.

“Listen up. When we try to get our hands on magic tools, merchants have to spend time negotiating contracts. And then the goods are shipped over by boat. In other words, compared to the latest models used in the royal castle of Eldrasia, the ones we’re using are three or four generations outdated. But if we buy even a single new model, bring it back to the Kingdom of Rafios, and sell it to the nobility…” 

Hearing Marius’ explanation, the three men swallowed hard. 

“Well, with this marriage alliance, magic tools will likely start being traded at a national level. So we should be able to get newer models faster than before.” 

“Tch, so that means it won’t be that profitable, huh? Guess I’ll just look for some rare souvenirs instead and use them to win over the girls in the pleasure district.” 

Losing interest just as quickly as he had gained it, Simon turned his gaze toward the distant capital. 

In reality, trade would only stabilize after the marriage and once relations between the two nations were fully secured. That meant that getting a new model now would still yield a hefty profit. 

However, knowing Simon, if he got his hands on a fortune, he’d just waste it on something stupid. So I deliberately let him believe it wasn’t worth it. 

Marius likely understood the situation as well. He seemed to share my thinking—he had no intention of correcting Simon’s misunderstanding. 

After all, if fewer magic tools made it into the market, their rarity would drive up their price when sold to nobles. 

I decided to pretend I hadn’t noticed the dark smirk spreading across Marius’s face. 

◇ ◇ ◇ 

At last, the stage moves beyond the borders! 

Will Justin’s squad be able to behave themselves on the ship…? 

And what about the heroine awaiting them at their destination!? 

Stay tuned for more!