Broken Engagement, Changed Heart

“The Bomer-class battleship is certainly an impressive vessel. (in Moriaan)”

“I’m well aware. Its rapid-fire capability is far superior to those of other empires.”

Though at 25,000 tons it was relatively lighter than the battleships of other empires, it was by no means small. More importantly, it boasted excellent rapid-fire capability. However, unlike other empires’ ships with calibers over 300mm, its guns were considered small, at around 270mm.

“However, what we want are cannons equipped with that rapid-fire capability. I heard the ship originally intended for the Nubea Kingdom was to be fitted with 250mm cannons.”

Hearing our ambassador’s words, the Moria Empire’s representative nodded in agreement and replied.

“Of course. We couldn’t deliver our gun technology to another country, so we equipped it with something else. It seems you want the same, but that’s a restricted item in our empire, so we cannot comply. (in Moriaan)”

“We understand the Moria Empire’s circumstances. Still, cannons of that level are inadequate for us.”

“Even if it’s difficult for you, it doesn’t matter. We will never hand over our gun technology. (in Moriaan)”

The Moria Empire firmly refused to share its cannon technology. At this, our ambassador fell silent for a moment before bringing up another point.

“In that case, grant us the right to modify the ship. If you allow us to retrofit it with our own cannons rather than the current ones, we will make the purchase immediately.”

This seemed to be the request our side truly wanted. After all, the 250mm cannons we previously used were now outdated. We had clearly seen their limits in last year’s naval battle, and it made sense that we now required larger calibers. Thus, it seemed we were negotiating to install the newly available 305mm cannons.

“Hmm, the right to modify… (in Moriaan)”

The Moria representatives appeared hesitant. They likely felt uncomfortable revealing details of their battleships. Of course, once sold, any nation would investigate in secret anyway.

In truth, the hull design also lagged behind in some areas, so it likely made little difference to them. As they seemed to stall, our ambassador made a move.

“If you grant us the right to retrofit, we will offer 5% more than the original price.”

“Hmm, then offer 10% more. (in Moriaan)”

“10% is too much. 7%, no more.”

“Oh ho, make it 8%.”

“Urgh… Fine. We’ll pay the additional 8%.”

‘What a rip-off.’

Buying an outdated warship, then paying extra just to modify it—this felt like being thoroughly swindled. Ian couldn’t help but wonder if it was really worth it, but he also understood the kingdom’s desperate situation.

‘It’s because the country is weak.’

Of course, it was only weak compared to the empires—but it was still weaker, and that’s why this happened. Ian could only observe the negotiation. With interpreters involved, the final deal was sealed: buy the ship with an 8% price increase.

Now the only thing left was to inspect the Bomer-class ship with their own eyes. It was said to be 90% complete already. Once finished and delivered to the Polia Kingdom, it would take roughly two months. Retrofitting it with new cannons meant it wouldn’t be combat-ready for at least half a year.

Regardless, Ian had to leave the capital of the Moria Empire and take a train to see the ship. The journey took about three days to reach a port city at the southern edge. There, at a large shipyard, he finally saw the nearly finished Bomer-class battleship.

‘It’s definitely an imperial ship.’

It was quite magnificent. With curves and decorative engravings, it resembled a work of art. It looked entirely different from Ian’s own ship, the battleship Mythos. While Doicheun ships tended to be angular, these ones favored curving lines.

“This is a decent vessel. However, I’m concerned the internal hull structure uses outdated techniques.”

Ian agreed with his aide. The interior hull should have been designed to minimize damage when struck. Since this design lagged behind modern techniques, it would likely take on water faster and suffer more damage if hit.

‘Feels like a ship that exists more for show.’

It would serve as a presence, sure. But it likely wouldn’t be very useful in real combat. Not useless, but not especially helpful either.

The commander who eventually inherited this ship would likely be frustrated.

‘Still, it should be better than our current Monglia-class battleships.’

Those were built much earlier, with inferior armor and size. So, this ship would at least be an upgrade. Still, compared to the newest battleships under construction, it clearly lagged behind.

As Ian continued inspecting the massive ship docked in the shipyard, he noticed other battleships being built nearby. It looked like at least three other vessels were under construction.

“Those other ships are also being sold, right?”

“That’s what I’ve heard. Most ships built here are intended for foreign sale.”

Very few kingdoms had the technology to build battleships. The Polia Kingdom was one of the few—but building battleships required not only advanced tech but also enormous funds.

‘Most countries have at least one battleship. Some kingdoms even maintain two or three.’

Compared to empires with over 20 battleships, it was still a small number. Ian thought these ships would eventually become obsolete too. Knowing this, he felt reassured that investing in fighter development had been the right move.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, let’s.”

With that, they departed. Their mission here was complete. Now it was time to go home. Thinking of another long train ride made Ian’s backside ache.

‘Hopefully the passenger plane industry will take off soon.’

With a proper aircraft, even the farthest destinations could be reached in under three days. But for now, they had to endure the train journey. And so, Ian began the long trip home. He did stop briefly at the capital to inform the Emperor of his return before setting off.

It would take over ten days to return to the warship Mythos, stationed in the Kingdom of Norseman. Then, he would have to sail back to the mainland—another week of travel. By the time he arrived at the capital Pullea, it was already past May.

He had left for the Nubea Kingdom in March for a show of force—so a significant amount of time had passed. The real issue awaited his return: a formal notice of broken engagement.

“This is to inform you that the engagement has been officially annulled.”

At the royal envoy’s words, Ian dismissed him with a nod. In truth, the engagement was called off without Ian even seeing Miss Michelle’s face. She wasn’t even in the Polia Kingdom. She had already left a month ago with the Third Prince Jedic of the Magnia Empire.

‘She left just a letter.’

Perhaps feeling some guilt, she left a letter filled with apologies. The lengthy message ultimately confessed that she had fallen deeply in love with the Third Prince.

‘So the royal family arranged an engagement on their own, only to annul it on their own? Am I going to be forcibly engaged again?’

He felt a rising irritation at having no say in the matter. It was all on their terms. Although he wasn’t as powerless as before, he still expected the royal family to act unilaterally.

‘Mother and Charlotte must be worried too.’

He imagined both of them would be concerned about the broken engagement. Honestly, Ian felt more annoyed than heartbroken. In fact, he felt oddly indifferent. If anything, he wondered how Michelle was faring.

‘The imperial palace is never an easy place to live in.’

From what Ian heard, Prince Jedic—the Third Prince—held strong imperial succession rights alongside the Crown Prince and the Second Prince. Since he was to be engaged, one could say a rather perilous future lay ahead.

Now that he thought about it, Ian realized Jedic had been easy to talk to. During this trip abroad, he learned how frustrating it was not to be able to communicate.

‘Honestly, if I hadn’t been able to speak the language here, I probably wouldn’t have gotten that close to Miss Michelle either.’

It seemed the Third Prince had exceptional language skills. The same went for Lacen, who accompanied him—it was quite an unusual case that they could all communicate. In any case, Ian returned to the palace to meet his mother and younger sister. Both welcomed him warmly and offered their condolences.

“Ian, are you alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine. It’s not really weighing on me.”

“Still, something like this happened… How can you say you’re fine? Please take care of yourself.”

“It was a forced engagement anyway. I’ve just accepted that it wasn’t meant to be.”

“That’s terrible! How could she leave my brother for someone else?”

Charlotte, who was listening nearby, fumed with anger toward Miss Michelle, the one who broke the engagement. Ian, feeling both grateful and amused at his sister’s reaction, shook his head and said,

“There’s no need to see her in such a bad light. We simply weren’t meant to be.”

“But she still left for someone else! You’re way cooler than him, Brother! I just don’t get why she chose that!”

“Thanks for saying I’m cool. Haha.”

Hearing his sister say he was cooler than an imperial prince made Ian smile with pride. Even so, he had to keep reassuring the two worried women that he was truly fine.

“Even if the engagement is broken, someday I’ll meet someone new. Let’s all just move on and live our lives.”

“Yes, let’s do that. Talking about it won’t undo what happened anyway.”

“Brother, are you really okay..?”

“Of course, silly. Your big brother is totally fine.”

“Oh, I’m glad.”

Hearing her say she was relieved made Ian feel truly fortunate to have a family like this. At the same time, a vague sense of doubt crept in about his own place in the world. Everything was forced upon them. Within a few years, even Charlotte would become the target of a political marriage.

‘Can I just sit back and watch that happen?’

He felt like the answer was definitely no. And even if he became an admiral with greater influence, it might still be impossible to stop it. Still, he was a war hero. His name carried weight, and many knew who he was now.

‘Even with that influence, I was still forced into a royal engagement—and now dumped. Even if I gain more power and prestige, will I really be able to stop things like this?’

The more he saw reality up close, the more he wondered if his approach was flawed. A part of him wanted to tear it all down. After all, he had already considered leaving this country.

If he took his mother and sister and went into hiding, he could live comfortably using the powers he was born with. Perhaps he was drawn to that idea because he had seen too much blood in his past life. That bloody path had come uninvited, and in this reincarnated life, he hoped to avoid such things.

‘It was impossible from the start.’

Maybe if he hadn’t used his abilities at all—but it was already too late. He had taken many lives with his psychic powers. Living in hiding now might already be beyond reach.

Like a needle poking out of a bag, he, too, might eventually be exposed. Maybe from the moment he was hailed as a war hero, his fate was already sealed. Of course, Ian was deliberately turning away from that reality.

“What are you thinking about so deeply?”

“Oh, just thinking about the future for a moment.”

“You’re thinking about the future?”

“I’m wondering who my next betrothed will be. I’m guessing the royal family will decide again, right?”

“…So it is bothering you.”

“I’m not upset about the breakup with Miss Michelle. I’m more concerned about how my future—and Charlotte’s—will be decided without our say.”

“Y-You were thinking about that?”

“I just hope our Charlotte finds someone truly worthy.”

“…That would be wonderful. But still…”

“I’ll be fine! I’m a princess, after all!”

Charlotte, realizing they were talking about her, declared herself fine—but her eyes betrayed a flicker of doubt. Even at that young age, she already understood what kind of future awaited her. Seeing this, Ian felt a wall in his heart begin to crumble.

“Yes, you’re a princess. Just like in storybooks, you shouldn’t have to feel fear or anxiety. Charlotte, how would you like it if your big brother gave you a life full of happiness?”

“Because you’re my brother?”

“Yes. All you have to do is answer me.”

“But…”

Seeing her hesitate, Ian met her gaze with newfound clarity. Feeling the pressure, Charlotte lowered her head deeply. Wanting to hear her thoughts, Ian asked once more.

“Won’t you answer me, please? I really want to hear it.”

“I…”

Trailing off, Charlotte slowly lifted her head and shared her wish.

“I want to live happily, like a real princess.”

“Yes, let’s make that happen. Hahaha.”

As Ian gently stroked his sister’s green hair, his gaze turned to their mother. Her eyes held a subtle confusion. She likely understood what her son was implying, yet lacked the certainty to fully grasp it.

From her perspective, it was an impossible dream. But Ian gave a soft smile and said,

“Please believe in me.”

He simply asked for her trust. Without explaining what that meant exactly.