When I was working as a civil servant, I was found out to be a muscle-brained knight by the princess knight and got sent to the front lines - Episode 161

Episode 161

On the second day of the cruise, the afternoon passed peacefully. Unlike the first day, there were no major events on the second day, so the passengers spent their time as they pleased.

After enjoying the pool deck, Jez and the others headed to the casino deck. In just two hours, Victor had won so much that he was gently asked to leave. As one of the invited guests of William Saylor’s daughter and the heir of the Alchemys family, the casino couldn’t be too harsh with Victor. However, Victor was exceptionally skilled at games that required strategy. The dealer seemed to be completely outmatched, becoming pale from the pressure. The casino manager looked quite apologetic and discreetly consulted Erin.

The group then left the casino and had free time until dinner. Jez spent the time reading a book while watching the sunset.

For dinner, the five of them gathered again to enjoy exotic cuisine at the sub-restaurant. The Queen Amentis III featured various dining options, including a cafeteria, coffee house, and several sub-restaurants specializing in different countries and regions. It allowed passengers to enjoy a variety of foods.

The second day of the cruise continued peacefully. That night, Jez and Victor were once again chatting away without any particular focus.

Meanwhile, in the girls’ room, Miriam was pressing Erin on various topics. But Erin skillfully deflected the questions, leaving Miriam somewhat unsatisfied. Seraphina, meanwhile, was causing a stir with her enigmatic attitude.

・　・　・

On the morning of the third day of the cruise, everything was going very smoothly. By late morning, the ship docked at the port city of Capricia in the Garanhorn Kingdom as scheduled.

After docking, passengers who wished could disembark and enjoy a little less than half a day of sightseeing in Capricia. There was free time until the evening, when a party would be held on board the Queen Amentis III. It featured guests from the Tashman Kingdom and the Garanhorn Kingdom.

Naturally, Jez and the others set out to explore the city of Capricia. It was Jez’s first time visiting a foreign place since coming to this world. Seraphinanoted Jez’s rare excitement and thought, “You have some unexpectedly cute sides,” but kept it to herself.

Jez, Victor, Erin, and Miriam, all seeing Capricia for the first time, were excitedly exploring the city. On the other hand, Seraphina, originally from the distant Divina Papal State and accustomed to traveling from a young age, was more familiar with such excursions. Though she enjoyed Capricia, she observed her usually mature classmates with a smile.

After enjoying the sightseeing in Capricia, the group returned to the ship in the late afternoon to prepare for the party. This evening’s party was a formal event involving diplomacy, so Erin would attend with the Saylor couple at the main venue. Seraphina, as a candidate for the saint, was also expected to interact with the Divina diplomats.

Victor, Miriam, and Jez had no formal roles for the trip and relaxed, though they were dressed in formal attire. Victor and Jez wore tuxedos, while the women wore elegant, age-appropriate dresses. Jez had styled his hair neatly, but Victor still seemed slightly out of place in his tuxedo.

Before sunset, guests from the Garanhorn Kingdom boarded the ship. The Saylor couple, along with those from the Tashman Kingdom, welcomed them. The party started grandly. The main venue and other areas offered drinks and food in a standing buffet style, with guests from both kingdoms engaging in lively conversations. Merchants involved in trade and representatives from the Divina Church also attended to exchange information.

As the party was going splendidly and everyone was in high spirits, a sudden, massive jolt rocked the entire ship. It was as if it were being lifted from below. Screams and shouts filled the ship, and emergency sirens echoed from the Capricia port facilities.

・　・　・

At the same time as the abnormal vibrations, the faces of the Tashman Kingdom guests on the deck shifted into combat mode.

“All personnel! Second combat alert! Quickly gather information and evacuate the guests from the Garanhorn Kingdom from the ship!!”

The atmosphere of easy conversation had shifted drastically. Governor William Saylor of Zelinia issued orders with a stern expression. The Tashman Kingdom’s personnel sprang into action with impressive coordination. Observers from the Garanhorn Kingdom and the Divina Church were astonished by the swift change, while Tashman Kingdom’s merchants placed their trust in the renowned next prime minister of their nation.

As the ship became increasingly chaotic, the shaking continued. William ascended to the bridge and received a report.

“Governor! A large aquatic monster has appeared offshore. Smaller and medium-sized creatures are being driven toward the land by this monster! Currently, the Garanhorn coastal guard is responding urgently but is at a disadvantage!”

William, with a grim expression, nodded in response.

“We will transition the ship to battle mode immediately! Disembark all passengers within five minutes! We are setting sail!!!”

Upon hearing William’s command, the bridge personnel moved into action. Emergency bells rang throughout the ship as the crew began announcements.

“To all personnel onboard: We are transitioning to battle mode. Non-combatants must leave the ship within five minutes. Crew members, assume combat alert status two. After five minutes, we will depart at high speed and launch an offensive against the enemy monsters.”

As the announcement ended, alarms blared once more throughout the ship. The once pristine, white hull of the Queen Amentis III began to open up. It revealed numerous gunports. The main engine systems switched to high-output magical engines, causing the engines to roar loudly. The bridge’s protective barriers activated, and various combat command functions were put into place.

As Governor William Saylor and Captain Ferdie Al-Kadi of the Queen Amentis III prepared on the bridge, a woman in full military gear entered.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

The woman in military uniform was none other than Katarina Saylor, the commander of the Salal River Navy of the Tashman Kingdom, and the mother of Erin Saylor, a student at the Royal Academy. She surveyed the bridge, ensuring that everyone was ready.

“Shall we continue the party?” 

She declared with a menacing smile.