Fire Of Judgment

“Hurry and load everything onto the Il Vento D’oro¹! This time we’re packing not only ballista spears but massive iron cannonballs too!”

Three days have passed since Jonah arrived in the Kingdom of Benedia.

At the military harbor, sailors’ spirited shouts echo everywhere.

All in preparation for the subjugation of the Guardian Deity of the Central Sea.

“I wonder when the magitech will arrive…”

Jonah muttered softly while gazing absentmindedly at the bustling port.

The Imperial magitech weapons—Carlo and the others’ trump card.

Today they were scheduled to conduct a live-fire test at sea, and Jonah had been allowed to come aboard.

He was still forbidden from the actual subjugation day for safety reasons, but as long as they stayed away from the deity’s known waters, it was deemed acceptable.

“It’s huge…”

The conspicuously large warship moored in the harbor—the Il Vento D’oro.

It was currently Carlo’s flagship as supreme commander, but its original owner was his father, King Maximiliano Regalita Benedia.

Carlo’s previous vessel had been destroyed by the guardian deity during the first expedition, so this time the king himself had granted him this ship, determined to secure victory.

Jonah has never met King Maximiliano.

Although he had revealed his identity, Jonah was currently living as a commoner, and even if he were still foreign nobility, one does not casually meet a king—so it was only natural.

“Hey, Jonah, there you are.”

Carlo approached with a grin and waved casually.

“Mr. Carlo, are you sure it’s okay? Everyone looks so busy.”

“It’s fine. Besides, I’m here to oversee the loading of the magitech anyway.”

Carlo gave a wry smile at Jonah’s slightly teasing tone.

At last, it was time for the official unveiling of the magitech weapons.

Jonah had glimpsed them that night three days ago, but that hadn’t been the full shipment.

Judging from the amount of cargo on the carriage that brought him here, there had to be far more.

“Your Highness.”

“Yeah, over here.”

The man who appeared pushing a canvas-covered cart was the technician from the other day—Galileo.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. We had a little trouble with the activation tests.”

“No problem. Jonah’s been dying to see them too, so get them aboard quickly.”

“Leave it to me.”

Galileo thumped his chest and directed the other technicians to carry the weapons onto the ship.

“Well then, shall we board too?”

“Yes!”

Jonah and Carlo crossed the gangway and watched the technicians work.

Since the success of the subjugation rested on these weapons, even the usually carefree Carlo wore a tense expression.

“Your Highness, preparations are complete.”

“Very well! Set sail!”

At Carlo’s signal, the sailors raised the anchor and unfurled the sails.

At last, the Il Vento D’oro began moving toward the open Central Sea.

“Wooooow…!”

Staring at the vast ocean stretching before him, Jonah let out a cry of wonder.

It was naturally his first time on a ship, and his heart trembled with excitement.

“Pretty impressive, huh?”

“Yes!”

Seeing Jonah’s onyx eyes sparkle with excitement, Carlo’s cheeks softened into a smile.

Jonah possessed a mind far beyond his eleven years and carried himself with calm dignity, yet moments like this were perfectly age-appropriate—no, his pure and honest nature made him downright adorable.

Which is exactly why—

“Young Master Jonah, that island over there is called San Mestré…”

“More importantly, Young Master, it’s said that if you confess to your beloved at that cape over there…”

The maids Aurora and Priscilla had abandoned their duties to sneak aboard and were now eagerly tending to Jonah.

Carlo understood they adored Jonah, but this was a bit much.

“Your Highness, it is time.”

“Very well. Cast the buoy.”

“Aye!”

A sailor took aim and hurled the buoy into the sea.

The ship sailed on until sufficient distance was gained from the buoy.

“Now! Hard to port!”

“Understood!”

The helm was thrown hard over; with the help of a crosswind, the massive vessel executed a beautiful turn and reversed course.

Jonah watched with shining eyes as the huge ship performed the maneuver so effortlessly.

“See? Pretty cool, right?”

“Yes! I never imagined Mr. Carlo had such talent!”

“H-haha…”

Carlo rubbed his nose proudly, but Jonah’s pure-hearted response left him speechless; he could only manage a dry laugh.

Regaining his composure, Carlo turned to Galileo.

“We’re ready.”

“Yes. Now we just fire this thing.”

Galileo pulled away the canvas cover, finally revealing the magitech weapon mounted at the bow of the Il Vento D’oro.

A massive steel cylinder, like a giant log, rested on a sturdy mount, connected to a mana furnace that served as its power source.

“With this ‘Fire of Judgment,’ we will surely bring down the guardian deity…!”

Staring at the weapon, Carlo broke into a fearless grin.