“Pardon for the intrusion!”
Leading the way, Rafinha bounded up the gangplank and onto the ship. But there wasn’t any response. Not vocally, at least.
Just as she stepped onto the ship, there stood sentries, one on each side. Their long guns were equipped with spear-like blades beneath the barrels–Bayonets if Inglis recalled correctly.
They crossed their weapons in an X shape, blocking Rafinha’s path. Still, they remained silent.
Completely concealed in full-body armor, these soldiers belonged to the Highland, led by Vilma. They were likely assigned here as surveillance and security.
“E-, excuse me…! Sorry, can we go through?!”
Even to Rafinha’s plea, the two soldiers remained silent, blocking her way.
“Is that a no…?! Then please tell us if the people who were brought here by force are still aboard…!”
"Is it true that the girl Miss Vilma took with her earlier is the princess of Venefique…!?"
"What are your intentions towards her…!?"
To these questions, the two soldiers remained silent. Check latest chapters at novelFɪre.net
"Wouldn't it be nice if you answered at least a little…!? Hey, hey, hey!"
Still, there was no response.
It wouldn’t be weird if they shooed her away after all this ruckus, but to remain completely silent and still instead, perhaps their demeanor could be considered gentlemanly.
"Hey, Glis, what should we do…!?"
Of course, forcibly breaking through by force was possible, but considering the consequences afterward, it wasn't desirable.
They were here on behalf of Special Envoy Theodore, representing the nation of Charalia. If we caused any trouble, it would become an issue between Illuminus and Charalia, and it would reflect poorly on Special Envoy Theodore.
Moreover, Eris was currently undergoing treatment in the Sarcophagus of Greyfriar. In other words, she could be considered a hostage.
Their position was undoubtedly weak.
Now, what to do? That was the question at hand.
“Those people have already been handed over. As for the young lady escorted by the Highland’s knight, she is indeed the Princess of Venefique. Her name is Princess Meltina. It seems she has the potential to become a Hyrule Menace, so she was taken away. Quite an honor, isn't it?"
The one who answered was Über, the representative of the Æthelstan Firm, who had greeted Vilma earlier. Perhaps having heard the commotion, he appeared in the corridor of the ship blocked by the soldiers.
His mild, well-modulated voice answered all the questions Rafinha and the others had asked.
"You… you're from before…"
"Well. These soldiers have unwavering loyalty, they don’t know fear or fatigue, but they aren't very flexible when it comes to matters like these. So, allow me to answer in their place. I haven't properly thanked you for assisting the ship… Did my answers satisfy you?"
Despite expressing gratitude, suspicion still lingered on Rafinha's face.
Considering that the Æthelstan Firm, led by Über, was transporting people to Highland much like a human trafficker would, such suspicion was only natural. From Inglis's perspective, it was better not to get too friendly with him.
"But then, where are they taken to?! The princess asked us to help them, I'm sure she's a good person…! To sell off someone as kind as her, that’s just terrible! Why would you do such a thing…!"
"Now, now, calm down. I have no intention of causing trouble with those who have helped us, and if possible, we hope to continue our good relationship in the future."
"If that's what you think, then answer my question!"
"Of course. However, standing here isn't the best place for discussion. Would you care to come inside for some tea and sweets? Everyone, please treat our guests with hospitality."
At Über’s invitation, the two soldiers opened the way.
Apparently, they were willing to listen to the owner of the ship to some extent.
Once inside the ship, the girls were led to a room resembling a reception area, where they were served tea.
The tea had a pleasant aroma and tasted exquisite, with a refined flavor.
The cookies that came with the tea were also delicious.
"This is delicious, isn't it, Rani?"
"Yes… it's delicious…"
Even as she said this, Rafinha's expression was tense, almost a scowl. The usual radiant smile she wore when enjoying something tasty was nowhere to be seen. Given the circumstances, it was understandable.
"Pardon me, but I've never heard of the Æthelstan Firm in Chararla. Where do you mainly conduct your business?"
"We primarily do business in Venefique and its southeastern allied nations. We don't often venture to Charalia, so it's understandable that you haven't heard of us."
Even to the small, six-year-old Inglis, Über responded with utmost politeness.
"You handle a lot of business from the country of Venefique, so expanding to Charalia might jeopardize your current operations… Is that right? Considering the deteriorating relations between Venefique and Charalia, making a wrong move could lead to accusations of collusion."
"Hmm…? Why do you think that?"
"A simple merchant would never abduct a princess and hand her over to the Highland. Such an action would make you a major criminal, leading to the downfall of your entire trading company. So, I thought perhaps there was internal strife in Venefique, and upon the defeat of her party, the princess was to be entrusted to the Æthelstan Firm. If you were trusted with such a task by the imperial court, you must hold the position of a purveyor to the court.”
If he held such a position, it would indeed be risky to conduct business in Charalia, which was standing in opposition to Venefique. It would be safer to maintain his loyalty to Venefique.