Emperor of Steel [EN]: Chapter 151

1. The Council and the Black Tower

1

The opera house in the center of Brenden City.

Nobles, each wearing a gold emblem on their chest, lined up to enter. This building was to serve as a temporary council hall until the permanent council building was completed.

These were the 300 noble councilors attending the newly established council.

The Royalists took their seats on the right side of the stage, the Aristocrats on the left, and the Neutrals in the center.

“There are many young nobles among the Neutrals.”

“Tsk, tsk, what do those green youngsters know about politics…”

“I agree. Shouldn’t we have reduced the number of Neutral councilors and given more seats to our Aristocratic faction?”

“What are you talking about! It should have been allocated to our Royalist faction, not the Aristocratic one.”

Not only the Aristocrats but also the Royalists sneered at the Neutral councilors.

Some even bickered about which faction should have more seats.

Meanwhile, some councilors were pleased with the situation.

These were mostly older or higher-ranking individuals who thought they could easily sway the naive youngsters with smooth talk and gain an advantage in the voting.

However, Aiden and the other Neutral councilors were not so naive as to be unaware of the true intentions of both parties.

‘Hmph, we may be attending as Neutrals now, but we will be called Republicans later!’

Said Mr. Hegel, who served as an advisor to the Neutrals.

Although it was still a world of nobles, he believed that the world of commoners would unfold in the future.

As knowledge became widely disseminated and the position of the commoners grew due to the development of commerce and industry, even the nobles would have to be mindful of them and try to win their favor.

Now they were divided into Royalists and Aristocrats, but in the future, they would be integrated into a ‘Conservative’ faction and become anxious about the growing Republican faction.

This was the prediction of Mr. Hegel, the spiritual leader of the young Republicans.

‘That aside, they even allowed spectators…’

Not only those related to each faction but also nobles without emblems and commoners who appeared to be educated and wealthy took their seats in the gallery overlooking the councilors’ seats.

Although they had no right to speak, the presence of the spectators was bound to be a concern for the councilors in many ways.

It meant that their words and actions in the council hall would be exposed to outsiders.

‘Indeed, King Luke is not to be underestimated. The admission of spectators, the seat restrictions…’

Could it be that the rosy future of the Republican faction was not so certain as long as he was around?

Just as such a thought crossed Aiden’s mind, a page attached to the council entered and shouted in a loud voice.

“The Speaker is entering! Everyone, please rise!”

An elderly clergyman wearing luxurious robes ascended to the central platform.

It was Bishop Pascal, who had previously served as the Archbishop of the southern region of the Baroque Empire and was now appointed as the Speaker by Luke.

A native of the Symphonia Kingdom who had risen to a high position in the Elkasel Order [a religious order], he was a very rigid person.

Having devoted himself solely to religious life, the only politician or noble he was close to was Luke.

That was only possible because Luke had a very close relationship with the Pope of the Holy Artenia Empire; otherwise, even a king would have been kept at a distance.

In fact, it was because of his neutral disposition that he was chosen as the Speaker of the council.

Bishop Pascal, who had ascended to the platform, cleared his throat for a moment and then began to speak.

“I, who am lacking in many ways, have become the first Speaker of this council, which will be remembered in the history of the kingdom. I hope that everyone will work wholeheartedly for His Majesty the King and the people of the Symphonia Kingdom.”

After the Speaker’s short speech and a few formalities, the council was opened.

The first to propose a bill was the Royalist faction.

It was a Baron named Jordi, who had built up his career in the Unicorn Knights and had recently retired due to an injury.

“Last time, a force led by black mages attacked Enbury City and the southern cities, causing a lot of damage. To prevent the same thing from happening again, we must thoroughly search for black mages and, at the same time, prepare related laws and support measures to research and respond to their sorcery.”

No sooner had he finished speaking than the councilors and even the spectators began to stir greatly.

The search for black mages was understandable.

But to research black magic?

The Aristocratic faction immediately retorted.

“Baron Jordi, are you in your right mind? Are you saying that the country should help research black magic?”

“We must know the enemy to respond to them. It is absolutely not to research black magic for malicious purposes.”

“It sounds plausible, but there is no guarantee that it won’t be abused!”

Not only the Aristocrats but also the Neutrals and even some of the Royalist councilors nodded in agreement and raised their voices.

“If we create such laws and support measures, our kingdom will become the enemy of the continent!”

“That’s right. Shouldn’t the response to black mages be resolved through cooperation between the magic and religious communities?”

Luke, who was secretly watching from the spectator seats in disguise, clicked his tongue at the much stronger reaction than he had expected.

In the meantime, he had been working to change the perception of black mages.

He had been steadily spreading information through the intelligence department that black mages had greatly contributed to resolving the zombie crisis in the Holy Empire and that the Demon King Seimon was not actually an evil person.

Nevertheless, the perception of black mages among the people of the Symphonia Kingdom had not changed much.

‘All of this is because of that bastard Arsen.’

Recently, half of the gateway city had been destroyed, and the southern cities had been devastated.

Since it was not a matter of another country but something that had happened within Symphonia, the people’s concerns were bound to be great.

However, he could not back down here.

That was true not only for Luke but also for Baron Jordi, who had acted on his instructions.

If they backed down now, they would not only be personally branded as henchmen of black mages, but the Royalist faction and even His Majesty the King could be suspected.

Therefore, they had to push through to the end.

He had already received enough evidence from the King to justify pushing through to the end.

“When did the magic and religious communities ever cooperate? Do you think Enbury and the southern cities were destroyed because they didn’t?”

No one could refute Jordi’s words.

Taking advantage of the momentum, Jordi raised his voice and continued.

“We know far less about black magic than we think. If we just remain wary and hateful, the same situation as last time will happen again. Do you all want that?”

“But wouldn’t it be difficult if there were diplomatic problems?”

It was Aiden of the Neutral faction who spoke up.

Listening to Jordi’s words, he was convinced, but he could not simply agree.

“If there are diplomatic problems, the Holy Artenia Empire will be the enemy of the continent first.”

Having said that, Baron Jordi unfolded the proclamation of the Holy Empire that he had received from Luke in advance and continued to speak.

“This is a recent proclamation, so many of you may not know about it. In the name of His Holiness the Pope, they are urging black mages within the Holy Empire to surrender themselves.”

The proclamation stated that those who surrendered within the deadline would be spared the death penalty, and those who cooperated in the research of anti-black magic would be granted limited amnesty under the special decree of the Pope.

This proclamation was controversial within the Holy Empire.

Until now, it had been the rule to capture and kill all black mages.

Of course, there were good black mages who had helped during the zombie crisis, but the negative perception was still strong among most clergymen and people.

Even if that were not the case, there was a strong negative view that there would be any black mages who would respond to this proclamation.

Since it was a limited amnesty, it was obvious that they would have to live under surveillance for the rest of their lives.

Would black mages who had reached for the darkness in pursuit of great power willingly put themselves in shackles?

‘Heh heh. Everyone thought so, but surprisingly, many surrendered.’

Luke chuckled, recalling the stories he had heard directly from Reina and the reports that Argos had given him.

There were many who had learned black magic not only out of greed but also out of a moment’s curiosity, and like Wilf, whom he had met in the village of Libek, there were many who had learned it due to unavoidable circumstances.

They, who had been trembling in fear of being caught and burned at the stake, surrendered as soon as the proclamation was issued.

On the first day alone, more than a dozen people surrendered near the capital, Bless.

Among them was a mage who had disappeared from the Artenia Imperial Magic Tower in the past.

The officials of the Holy Empire, who had prided themselves on being a black magic-free country, could not help but feel shock and dismay at what had happened in their own country.

“There is a saying in the Southern Continent, ‘Control barbarians with barbarians.'”

There was no one who did not know the saying that Baron Jordi had mentioned.

After the activation of southern trade, various products from the south became a medium for nobles to flaunt their wealth and authority.

Also, one had to show a deep understanding of the culture and ideas of the distant south to be treated as an educated and knowledgeable noble.

“As you can see from the disasters that occurred in our country and the zombie crisis in the Holy Empire, the attack methods of black mages are beyond our expectations. We need to research black magic to prepare for this.”

“Still, what if something unfortunate happens?”

As Aiden continued to press the issue, Jordi frowned and continued to speak.

“That’s why we’re proposing to create a law to manage and supervise them, isn’t it? Currently, the only thing related to black mages in our kingdom’s laws is the sentence, ‘Black magic and those related to it shall be rejected and severely punished.'”

His words caused the hall to become noisy again.

Even if the validity of black magic research was set aside, there was no answer as to how to manage and supervise those terrifying individuals.

“I think it would be better to just find them all and get rid of them…”

“Then where would we get help if something like the zombie crisis happened?”

“There are not only bad guys, so we need to select and use those who can be used.”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The atmosphere, which had been as noisy as a marketplace, was calmed down as Speaker Pascal struck the wooden hammer.

“Instead of arguing back and forth, let’s first decide whether to create a related law or not.”

Originally, a high-ranking clergyman like a bishop should be the first to foam at the mouth and oppose anything related to black magic.

Until now, black magic had been regarded as the arch-enemy of the Elkasel Order, and they had acted accordingly.

However, as the Holy Empire showed a move to embrace black mages, he had no choice but to change his behavior.

From the standpoint of a bishop, it was impossible to go against the authority of the Pope, who was the representative of God.

Anyway, as soon as the Speaker finished speaking, the pages busily moved around and handed each councilor a small bead.

While everyone was wondering what it was, the Speaker pointed to the small booths set up on one side of the stage.

“Go into those polling booths and put the bead in the white box if you agree with the enactment of the law, and in the black box if you disagree. We will decide based on the number of beads in the boxes.”

‘What? Not by a show of hands?’

Count Juon, who was watching from the spectator seats, was startled.

If the decision was made secretly in the polling booth instead of by a show of hands, no one would know who voted where!

If there was no need to be mindful of others, ‘traitors’ could appear.

For example, the Lamert Baron faction, which had been treated poorly, could cast a vote in favor of the Royalist faction’s opinion.

“This method is not right!”

“If you are a noble, you should state your opinion openly!”

Aristocratic councilors who thought similarly to Juon began to protest.

However, all that came back was the scolding and ridicule of the Royalist and Neutral factions.

“Are you daring to go against the council’s operating method set by His Majesty!”

“Upright? Ha, it’s laughable that those who engage in all sorts of underhanded dealings behind the scenes would say such things.”

Despite such criticism, a considerable number of aristocratic councilors persisted in their opposition to the secret ballot.

In response, Bishop Pascal issued a stern warning to them.

“If you refuse to vote, it will be treated as an abstention. If you continue to oppose the voting method, your position as a councilor will be revoked according to the parliamentary law established by His Majesty.”

“Ugh…”

At those words, the aristocratic councilors reluctantly entered the polling booths.

Count Juon, who was watching from the spectator seats, trembled.

He had thought the King had accepted the establishment of the council so readily, but it turned out to be a trick!

‘A mistake! I should have realized it when they limited the number of seats!’

He regretted it too late, and there was no turning back now.

Seeing Juon’s crumpled face, Luke wore a faint smile, as if he had expected it.

2

The Black Magic related bill was decided with 164 in favor and 136 against, passing the enactment.

Although the margin was not large, surprisingly, there were no movements to protest or overturn the decision.

This was because they were eager to quickly create and pass the related laws and move on to other matters.

In fact, those matters were more closely related to their own interests and rights.

“Now that the bill has been decided, please present your opinions or propose measures regarding the details.”

At Bishop Pascal’s words, a young man named Craig, who was elected as a councilor along with Aiden from the Neutral faction, stood up and spoke.

He was the fifth son of a former Milton Kingdom official noble and an overseas scholar.

“It seems best to refer to the case of the Holy Empire, which is already implementing this.”

Several councilors from the same Neutral faction agreed with Craig’s proposal.

“Lord Craig’s words are correct.”

“If possible, I think it would be good to proceed in cooperation with the Holy Empire.”

Following the Neutral faction, the Royalist and Aristocratic factions also offered their opinions.

“However, black mages who have already committed crimes and are wanted should never be accepted.”

“Even if a black magic research institute is established, the people may feel uneasy, so we must be careful in selecting the location.”

With various opinions gathered, the ‘Black Magic Management and Control Act’ was finally created.

The detailed items of this law were as follows:

1. To prevent evil acts related to black magic, limited black magic research is permitted.

2. The black magic research institute, commonly called the , will be under the thorough surveillance and supervision of the Kingdom’s government and will be subject to frequent audits by the continental magic and religious communities.

3. Black mages participating in research will be recruited from those who surrender themselves, but their past actions and character will be thoroughly reviewed and registered.

4. Black mages registered in the Black Tower cannot leave a designated area without permission.

5. The use of black magic by anyone not registered in the Black Tower is prohibited, and if anyone uses black magic, the full power of the Kingdom will be used to punish them.

…… (Omitted)……

12. This bill may be amended or changed at any time depending on future circumstances.

Luke nodded as he looked at the related items.

At first glance, it might seem like a harsh law that greatly restricts the freedom of black mages.

However, it was significant in that their existence and activities were officially recognized.

‘It’s impossible to change everything at once. It’s right to solve it one by one like this.’

Luke was planning to register some of the Dark Moon’s black mages in the Black Tower first.

If he registered them all at once, there would be no one left to do the research he wanted.

The problem was where to install the Black Tower.

The bill stated that it should be installed in an area that minimizes harm and anxiety to residents and is easy to monitor.

‘It’s a hassle, should I just put it in Jason’s territory? After all, the Dark Moon’s base is there too…’

Jason’s territory was separated from the Symphonia mainland.

It was close to the Holy Empire and an undeveloped area with almost no population.

However, if it was too isolated, people might suspect whether it was being properly managed.

Also, if it was revealed that black mages had been raised there in the past, Luke’s position would become difficult.

‘I should just look for a separate place near the capital. Should I tell them to repair the old fortress on the western hill?’

Thinking so, Luke left the noisy council, which was now discussing other bills.

He had finished the matters he needed to see, and he had many state affairs to handle as the King.

He wanted to watch until the end, but he didn’t have time to just sit and watch.

During the time Luke was in the council hall,

Court mage Erewyn was organizing the papers and research materials published by the Kingdom’s magic community over the past month.

Luke was quite interested in magic, so organizing and reporting this was one of her tasks.

‘Huh? Did someone send a message?’

Erewyn immediately took out the magic communication device when it vibrated in her pocket.

However, she did not immediately accept the call and wore a puzzled expression.

The coordinates of the incoming communication were ones she had never seen before.

‘Who on earth sent this?’

There were some mischievous people among the mages.

They would enter random coordinates into the communication device and tease or lie to the recipient.

There were even cases of fraud, so the magic community recommended not responding when unknown coordinates appeared.

Erewyn also did not accept it at first.

However, after the magic communication kept coming even after being disconnected two or three times, she finally accepted the call.

She was thinking of severely punishing the other party, even if it meant tracing the communication waves, if they were playing a prank.

“Who is this?”

The face reflected on the communication device was too blurry to recognize.

In addition, there was a lot of noise, and the voice was intermittent.

‘Is this really a prank?’

That’s when Erewyn thought so.

A clear voice finally came out.

– I am Ellie, who went to the Southern Continent… under the order of His Majesty Luke.

‘Ellie, that must be…!’

The person who sent the magic communication to Erewyn was surprisingly one of the fairies that Luke had sent to the Southern Continent to thwart Arsen’s plot.

A 7th circle fairy mage [a very powerful mage].

As an elder of the Fairy race, she was proficient in various magics.

Erewyn had been wondering about them since they had been out of contact for a while, so she hurriedly asked.

“I heard that you went to Yemaek with Prince Jo Wonrak via carrier pigeon. Are you all doing well? No, more importantly, how did you contact us from the Southern Continent?”

As far as she knew, a special item was needed to make a magic communication from the Southern Continent to here.

It was impossible without a relay artifact like the antenna that Luke had made.

– Fortunately, the Yemaek royal family… had a treasure… that enables long-distance communication.

According to Ellie’s explanation, the treasure was made by a skilled sorcerer of old Yemaek.

It looked quite similar to the artifacts of the ancient Avalon Empire, and it might even be a replica.

Anyway, the treasure had the function of amplifying the radio waves of the magic communication device.

‘Is it similar to the antenna that His Majesty made?’

Anyway, that was not the important thing.

– I have something urgent to tell His Majesty… Please call His Majesty.

“His Majesty is currently on an outing. Please wait a moment.”

Erewyn hurriedly sent a servant to the council hall.

However, Luke appeared earlier than she had expected.

He was on his way back from observing the council.

He met the servant sent by Erewyn and rushed to talk to Ellie.

“I heard the report that Jo Wonkyun has taken control of the Song Imperial Family. So, you’re in Yemaek now?”

– Yes, Your Majesty. Unfortunately, it failed… By the time we arrived…

The representatives of the fairy race, who had received Luke’s request, had selected only the strongest from each race and sent them to the Southern Continent.

However, by the time the fairy warriors arrived, it was already too late.

No, not only was it late, but a result worse than not going had occurred.

Jo Wonkyun’s faction, who had figured out that the fairies and Jo Wonrak had made contact, framed the 3rd Prince for plotting a rebellion in collusion with the goblins of the Northern Continent.

In the end, the fairy warriors could only help Jo Wonrak, who had been falsely accused, escape from the masses and take refuge in Yemaek, the country of his fiancée.

“So that’s how it happened. But why did you make a long-distance call to me?”

If it was just a report of the situation or trends, it would have been enough to inform him through a trade ship or carrier pigeon.

However, there seemed to be a reason why they had urgently contacted him, even using the treasure of the Yemaek royal family.

– That is… the Song Empire… declared war on Yemaek…

“What?”

– There are already large-scale… unusual movements on the border.

According to Ellie’s explanation, the Song Empire had revealed its ambition and declared war on its neighboring country, Yemaek.

The pretext for the war was that they had not handed over the 3rd Prince, who was a traitor to their country.

However, judging from the fact that they had deployed a large number of troops on the border, it was clear that they intended to occupy Yemaek entirely.

‘Tsk, is the Song Empire trying to cause a bloodbath in the Southern Continent? If that happens, it will end up going according to Arsen’s plan.’

Luke had heard from Hwang Bo-sung, who had memories of the future, about what Arsen would do in the future.

The guy would take control of the Southern Continent and then use it as a forward base for invading the Northern Continent.

He would surely try to create an undead army using the countless human resources of the Southern Continent.

‘The Rhodisia Continent was destroyed by the undead army that covered the continent in black. It’s a future that has disappeared now, but…’

While Luke was contemplating whether he should intervene or not, Ellie said.

– Third Prince Jo Wonrak and King Biryu of Yemaek… have requested help from Your Majesty Luke… to stop the mastermind… behind them.

‘The mastermind? They must be talking about Arsen.’

Arsen had been killed by his own hand in Enbury City not long ago.

Perhaps he would not appear in this war.

Even though a lich is an immortal being, it would take a considerable amount of time to recover the body and power he had lost once.

‘Still, the opponent is Arsen. If that monster appears, there will be no one in the Southern Continent to stop him.’

Although Nanda, the only one who had received a divine message, had disappeared again, her whereabouts were completely unknown.

Even without Arsen’s direct involvement, the war was still unfavorable for Yemaek.

The Song Empire, the strongest nation in the Southern Continent, possessed military might and resources befitting its status.

Moreover, with Arsen’s support, the Hwangbo family’s forces alone might be enough to crush the Yemaek royal family.

‘It seems I should intervene in this war.’

If Arsen appears, he can be eliminated again.

And even if he doesn’t, it doesn’t change my course of action.

He couldn’t stand idly by while the Southern Continent fell into the hands of the Song Empire, as Arsen intended.

“Understood. I will personally lead the expedition.”

Fortunately, all the urgent matters in the Symphonia Kingdom and the Holy Empire had been resolved.

The remaining tasks could be handled by his vassals.

Thus, Luke decided to embark on an expedition to the Southern Continent.

Upon hearing his decision, Ellie’s eyes widened.

Contrary to her expectations, Luke had agreed too readily.

– Your Majesty’s personal expedition… is that truly feasible?

“Of course. And it would be best if I go quickly, wouldn’t it?”

The Song Empire had already declared war.

It wouldn’t be surprising if they attacked tomorrow.

Therefore, the faster Luke arrived, the more advantageous it would be for Yemaek.

– Then, I will inform the ruler of Yemaek and the Third Prince…

After ending the magical communication with Ellie, Luke immediately summoned his close aides to the palace.

3

An hour later, the vassals who had gathered in the king’s office were shocked by Luke’s words.

“Your Majesty! You’re going to the Southern Continent, not just a neighboring country!”

“Even if our kingdom is stable right now, Your Majesty cannot leave your position for an extended period!”

It was not wise for a country’s ruler to be absent for a long time.

There was a risk that some vassals or nobles might harbor treacherous intentions.

And this wasn’t just a simple trip; it was participation in a war!

They knew Luke’s martial prowess well, but what if he were injured by a stray arrow?

Therefore, most of the vassals opposed the idea.

However, there were those who did not.

Hwangbo Sung, the commander of the Royal Knights, was the first to agree.

“My lord, I support this decision.”

Hwangbo Sung knew how the Rhodisia Continent had been destroyed in the future [referring to a previous timeline or vision].

Therefore, he believed they should not allow the Song Empire to seize control of the Southern Continent.

“Count Hwangbo Sung, what are you saying! How can you agree to His Majesty going to the distant Southern Continent with only a few escort knights!”

Duke Hans rebuked him.

But then, Bentley, the Minister of Finance, sided with Hwangbo Sung.

“I also agree with His Majesty’s personal expedition. If the Song Empire takes control of the Southern Continent, it will severely impact our kingdom’s southern trade.”

If the Song Empire, having unified the Southern Continent, were to monopolize the southern trade routes, it would inevitably lead to conflict with the Symphonia Kingdom.

In fact, there was a high probability that they would lose control of the southern trade to the Song Empire.

If that happened, they would be unable to earn the substantial profits they were currently making.

“Are you suggesting we risk His Majesty’s life for money!”

Bentley did not flinch at Hans’s outburst.

“Don’t you understand that money can destabilize a nation and cause its people to starve?”

“Th, that’s…”

The Symphonia Kingdom was a nation founded and thriving on southern trade.

If trade were disrupted, the national finances would be severely affected.

Wasn’t the southern trade already faltering due to the damage from the undead attack last time?

“Currently, Castille, Granada, and the Kingdom of Libya are trying to attract southern trade routes, taking advantage of that vulnerability. If we don’t act now, our trade share will fall behind in the future.”

“So, you’re saying that His Majesty’s personal expedition will prevent the Song Empire’s dominance and establish a strong relationship with Yemaek, ensuring the stability of future trade.”

Bentley nodded at Marquis Rogers’s words.

Only then did Hans and the other vassals seem to understand, and they ceased their objections.

Luke, who no longer needed to persuade them at length thanks to Bentley, smiled faintly and said,

“You don’t need to worry too much. I won’t be going with just a few escort knights like last time, but with an army composed of knights.”

“What? With an army? Then it will take quite a while just to dispatch them.”

Duke Hans looked unconvinced.

As far as he knew, there were no long-distance teleport gates in the Southern Continent.

Luke had mentioned borrowing the mysterious power of a priest named Nanda when he returned before.

Then, the only option left was the sea route, which would take two weeks each way even with the fastest trade ships.

But to transport soldiers, Gigantes [large, powerful war machines], and the necessary food and military supplies to the Southern Continent, trade ships wouldn’t be sufficient.

They would need to use transport ships, which were slower but could carry more cargo, and even then, several of them.

In other words, it would take even more time just to travel.

“There is a solution to that.”

Hans’s eyes widened at Luke’s words.

“What? A solution?”

“That’s right.”

Luke showed the vassals a drawing.

It was the blueprint of the Hayreddin, which had been captured from the Kingdom of Granada in the last war.

“What is this…?”

“The engineers analyzed it while repairing it and created this.”

Luke explained with a knowing smile to Hans and the vassals, who were looking at him with puzzled expressions.

“As you all know, the Hayreddin, which we captured a year ago, has been undergoing repairs and modifications.”

Hans and the other vassals were aware of that fact.

Luke had determined that they needed a large and powerful warship to protect the trade routes with the Southern Continent and to prevent pirate or foreign invasions by sea.

So, while building warships, they also repaired and modified the Hayreddin that they had captured during the war.

“The original Hayreddin sailed with six masts and four magical steam engines, which powered large paddle wheels. But this method is very inefficient.”

The masts were useless without wind, and they would actually slow the ship down if they faced headwinds.

Moreover, if they were broken by enemy fire during battle, the deck sailors could suffer severe injuries.

The paddle wheels on the sides of the ship were the same.

If either one was damaged, the ship would be unable to move forward and would just spin in place.

“So, we removed them all and installed a screw at the bottom of the stern.”

“A screw? What is that?”

The vassals asked, puzzled by the unfamiliar word.

“It’s like a propeller that spins underwater. It was commonly used in the ancient magic era.”

During his time as Seymon [Luke’s previous identity], Luke had learned about screws from the records of the ancient magic era.

The ships of the magic era, whether warships or merchant ships, moved using only propellers that spun underwater, not sails or paddle wheels.

Could a small metal propeller really move a large ship?

He had such doubts, but he hadn’t paid much attention to it at the time.

At that time, there was no need to have a navy or build ships.

But then, he remembered it again during the process of building a navy in the present.

“We tested it on small ships beforehand, and the speed increased three times faster than before.”

“Oh! Three times faster?”

The vassals looked surprised.

The fact that the ship’s speed had increased not just twice, but three times, was a significant innovation.

Luke nodded and said,

“So, we immediately applied it to the Hayreddin. We also replaced the magical steam engine with a large core engine that provides enough power to rotate the screw.”

Unlike the core engines used in Gigantes, the large core engines for ships had a simpler structure and were much more efficient.

This was because they only needed to rotate the screw, unlike the complex movements of Gigantes.

“According to the report from Marquis Volant, who is at the shipyard, it boasted a very fast speed even in test voyages.”

“Th, that happened?”

“Hehehe. We proceeded secretly so as not to be noticed by spies.”

“Hmm, then…”

The Hayreddin itself possessed powerful combat capabilities.

But more useful than that was the fact that it was a huge ship that could carry nearly a hundred Gigantes and various supplies.

With just that one ship, they could keep an enemy nation in check at sea, just as the Kingdom of Granada had done during the last war.

“But our navy is like chicks that have just hatched from their eggs. They don’t have much experience with large-scale expeditions yet, so I’m not sure if they can properly assist His Majesty’s personal expedition…”

Luke said, as if to reassure the vassals.

“They will gain valuable experience on this occasion. Moreover, many of the sailors are former crew members of trade ships who are familiar with sailing, so I don’t think there will be any major problems with navigation.”

They seemed to have no more objections to make, and they did not refute him.

However, Hans, unable to easily shake off his worries, did not forget to make a request.

“Even when you leave, you must maintain strict security.”

“Of course. There is a capable substitute for that, so there is no need to worry.”

At the mention of a capable substitute, Hans thought of Sebastian.

He certainly looked exactly like the king, but his frivolous nature made him uneasy.

Still, he had been acting as Luke’s double without any problems so far, so he decided to trust him this time as well.

“Anyway, now that the decision has been made, let’s hurry and prepare for the expedition. Pay special attention to the selection of the expeditionary force.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Thus, the Symphonia Kingdom’s first Southern Expedition was decided.

After dismissing his close aides, Luke personally maintained his weapons and made thorough preparations.

In order to defeat Arsen, whom he might encounter anytime, anywhere, he could not afford to be careless or negligent in the slightest.