Inside the inn where the Lichman Adventure Team was staying, Queller Foster was imploring everyone in the group to agree to his request. Chapters first released on novelꜰire.net
“I’ve always dreamed of being an adventurer. The world is so vast, I want to see it.”
“And then you ended up tied up in a den of thieves,” replied Meru, the group leader, her face a picture of resignation. She couldn’t understand why this well-off young man, who could have led a life of luxury, was so intent on experiencing hardship. Ever since he learned of their group’s reputation, his attitude had shifted dramatically from his previous self-absorption.
Queller persisted, his eyes sparkling with excitement: “I’ve heard about the legendary exploits of the Lichman Adventure Team. Sister Meru, what do you think of my proposal from yesterday? Let me join you, and I’ll cover all the group’s expenses. I won’t take a penny of the rewards.”
The temperature in the room seemed to drop at his use of “Sister Meru,” but Queller remained oblivious, still gazing at Meru with stars in his eyes.
As a potential disaster loomed, Dean quickly interjected, “Look, Lord Foster, the life of an adventurer isn’t as glorious as you imagine. Roughing it outdoors, dealing with bandits and beasts, it’s all part of the daily grind.”
But this only seemed to ignite Queller’s enthusiasm further. He clenched his fist and swung it energetically: “That’s exactly the life of an adventurer! So thrilling!”
“Uh… actually, most of the time it’s not that thrilling. It’s mostly mundane tasks like finding lost cats and dogs. Pretty boring, really.” Dean tried a different tack to dampen his enthusiasm.
Suddenly, a hand landed on Dean’s shoulder, accompanied by a menacing aura from behind: “Dean, you know! Naughty little cats and dogs need to be taught a lesson when they’re found, or they’ll just run off again!”
Dean turned and whispered, “Hey, are you crazy? He’s a nobleman, and the son of a powerful marquis at that.”
“Oh-ho-ho-ho! Have you forgotten our second task from the Marquis before we left? To discipline his son properly. I just remembered that,” the female leader said, her knuckles cracking ominously.
“Hmm? What are you whispering about? Discussing my joining your group?” Queller, completely unaware of the looming danger, looked at them expectantly.
“Excuse me, Lord Grayman has invited Sir Queller for a visit.”
Just as Dean was giving up and silently praying for Queller, a knock on the door came with this message from a servant outside.
“Hmph! Lucky him.” Meru pouted, feeling somewhat defeated. Since Queller was now a guest of the local lord, roughing him up would be disrespectful.
Oblivious to the fact that he had just narrowly escaped danger, Queller grinned, “Sorry, folks, I need to step out for a bit to see Lord Grayman. We can discuss joining your group when I get back. Any terms are negotiable, just think it over.”
With that, he opened the door and followed the messenger.
Queller Foster was invited to the shipyard by Paul. “My dear friend!” he greeted Paul with an enthusiastic bear hug. He genuinely appreciated the young Count, who had truly rescued him from the pirates.
Queller immediately put on a dissatisfied expression: “That’s too formal, just call me Queller.”
“In that case, you can call me Paul, my friend.”
Paul reciprocated Queller’s enthusiasm. Although Queller himself didn’t hold a formal title, his father was a marquis and a significant figure in the Horn Bay Alliance Council.
Queller was delighted by Paul’s approach and asked with a smile, “So, Paul, my brother, what brings me to your shipyard? Of course, I’m thrilled to be invited by a friend.”
“Queller, what are your plans for the near future? Any schedules or arrangements?”
“Oh, I’ve already sent a message home to assure them of my safety. I plan to stay here for about ten days to half a month, exploring the northern scenery. Being cooped up in that pirate den was suffocating. After that, I intend to return home; I shouldn’t worry my family for too long.”
Paul spread his hands in a welcoming gesture: “You’re welcome here, treat it like your own home. However, I’d like to ask for a small favor once you return.”
Queller thumped his chest resoundingly: “Just say the word. For a friend, I, Queller Foster, would go through fire and water, especially since you’re my lifesaver.”
A bit surprised by Queller’s lack of aristocratic demeanor, Paul continued, “What do you think of my shipyard? How does it compare to the large shipyards in the south?”
Queller laughed and scratched his head, hesitating slightly before saying, “It’s a bit… lacking.”
Paul knew Queller was sparing his feelings. The ‘bit’ likely meant a significant gap.
“I have some goods I’d like to sell in the south, but we lack ships capable of ocean voyages. The current oar-and-sail ships struggle with long distances. Could you help me recruit a group of shipbuilders when you return?”
Queller nodded: “No problem. Tell me how many you need, and I’ll do my best to meet your request. However, I can’t guarantee their quality. The skilled shipbuilders are highly valued in the south, and their employers won’t let them go easily.”
“No problem, as long as they have shipbuilding experience.”
Paul suddenly remembered something and added, “Actually, not just shipbuilders. I need people with skills, especially those who can read and do arithmetic. I’ll make a list for you. I’ll cover their travel expenses.”
Though a bit puzzled, Queller agreed to Paul’s request and was then led to the models of the two new types of sailing ships.
“Hmm! These two ships are quite unique,” Queller observed, closely examining the models.
“Do you think it’s possible to build these ships with the current level of technology?”
Queller responded, “I’m not very knowledgeable about shipbuilding, but craftsmen in the south have attempted all sorts of strange sea-going contraptions.”
Paul’s interest was piqued: “Oh? Like what?”
“For instance, giant underwater cans, perpetual motion vessels, and things like that. There were attempts at building odd ships like yours, though most were failures or impractical. You know, there are always some fools who think they’re geniuses, dreaming of getting rich overnight with a ridiculous idea they conceived while drunk… uh, sorry, I didn’t mean you.”
Queller suddenly realized the creator of these unusual ship models might be Paul himself and awkwardly trailed off.
“Ha-ha! There really is all sorts of people in this world! Let them all come to me,” the young Count replied, not offended but rather amused.