Equipment for the Stormy Seas
Even if it meant falling into the ocean, what we needed was equipment that could still move an Aindium.
Alitus had created underwater Aindiums specifically for pilots with exceptional water-attribute abilities, but converting the White Fang into an underwater model was a difficult task even for Alitus proper. In a secret Karmanu outpost that lacked both facilities and materials, we were already grateful just to have a stock of machines capable of activating waterproofing magic.
It wasn't going to reach the level of Yvette's personal machine, the Celeon, which could move through the sea faster than a submarine. Still, I made the rather unreasonable request to attach whatever they could to the White Fang so it wouldn't sink the moment it hit the water.
“We will complete the modifications at the risk of our lives, Your Highness!”
“No, please don't risk your lives.”
The mechanics traveled back and forth from a nearby city, gathering materials, and began modifying the White Fang. The machine that had entered the workshop early in the morning didn't emerge until late afternoon.
Rendel immediately boarded the White Fang and tested the newly attached equipment.
“How is it, senior?”
“Seems fine.”
“Can you tell without even going into the water?”
“The propellers are spinning well, so it should be okay, right?”
Rendel really was a man of convenient optimism sometimes. Maybe it came from the confidence that he could overcome any shortage of equipment with pure skill.
“At that level, there shouldn't be any problems with underwater activity.”
“Really? If you're guaranteeing it, senior, then I'm relieved.”
Yvette was the only one here who had experience handling underwater Aindiums, so her words washed away my worries.
“But there's one thing that's a little lacking.”
“What? What is it?”
It was almost time to head to the operation area. I hoped it wasn't anything serious.
Senior Yvette clicked her tongue, then spoke in an unexpectedly serious voice.
“The paint doesn't match the sea at all. If we followed the Celeon and went with a beautiful navy blue...”
“Senior. We don't have time.”
“Tch.”
“Senior Yvette. There aren't any other problems, right?”
“Noooope.”
I wondered if Yvetishia had always been like this. Even in the anime, her eccentric behavior had left a strong impression in a short time. From now on, I'd have to let about half of what Senior Yvette said go in one ear and out the other.
“Then let's get going. Luckily the operation area is on the high seas, where my friends can help. We should move quickly so we aren't late.”
“Friends?”
“Hmm. Didn't I mention it? Three third-year cadets will be helping us under the pretext of the ‘Peacekeeping Force.’ They were reluctant to enter Karmanu territory, so they'll assist from the high seas.”
“Senior. How could you not tell us something so important?”
“Sorry, Rendel dear. I got distracted watching something unexpectedly entertaining after arriving here.”
“Entertaining?”
“Yes. Hehe.”
I had no idea what Senior Yvette found so entertaining, but I hoped she wouldn't lose focus during battle. Her skills were outstanding, so she would probably manage on her own.
As departure time approached, Line's subordinates, including the vice commander, came out into the rain to see us off. I turned on the communicator to announce our sortie, and the vice commander contacted me on a private channel.
“Yes, this is Lewina.”
“Your Highness. I apologize for being unable to accompany you on this operation.”
“It's fine. There aren't many machines in Karmanu capable of underwater activity anyway.”
More than half of them belonged to the Rubens faction, while the rest were under Line's command. The vice commander and his men were the ones who had scraped together what few pilots we had to provide maximum support.
“Later, just tell my sister that I insisted on going alone.”
“Understood. But... will you be alright?”
“Of course. These are some of the most outstanding cadets from Alitus.”
“I wasn't referring to Your Highness's comrades, but to Your Highness's machine.”
“What? You mean Limpid?”
“That machine doesn't seem suitable for operating in the sea.”
“Oh come on, Limpid can fly.”
The place where we would attack the transport ship was over the stormy sea, on a dark night with not a single light visible in any direction. There was no risk of being spotted, so flying around freely wouldn't be a problem.
“You can't fly indefinitely, can you?”
“Ah, we've prepared for that too. Don't worry.”
When I first piloted Limpid, its flight time had been limited to about an hour at most. But thanks to Kirie's modifications that improved mana efficiency, it could now stay airborne for over two hours as long as the optical camouflage and weapons remained unused. We'd also filled it with high-purity fuel that offered excellent energy output relative to volume, prepared reserve fuel, and kept the armament as light as possible. On top of that, basic waterproofing magic had been applied, so even if Limpid fell into the water, there was no immediate risk of flooding. A mechanic had mentioned that the flight module conflicted with the waterproofing spell, but said it would be fine as long as we didn't descend into the deep sea.
“Then we will now begin the prisoner rescue and transport ship tracking operation.”
“Please return safely, Your Highness.”
“I will.”
After ending the private channel with the vice commander, I switched to the channel shared with Rendel and Yvette, who would be joining the operation.
“Finished?”
“Yes. We can depart now.”
“Good. Let's go.”
We took an infrequently used route to reach the coastline closest to the secret outpost. The dark blue sea roared against the storm, churning up violent waves. To think they were sending an important transport ship carrying prisoners in weather like this. It seemed the Rubens faction had lost quite a bit of their composure.
“By the way, Miss Luna. Wouldn't it be better to leave this matter to me, Rendel, and the other friends? Even if you sit this one out, the compensation from the Karmanu side won't decrease.”
I had not told Senior Yvette that I, Lewina, was the princess of Karmanu. However, she must have noticed to some extent that I had a certain connection to Karmanu. The way Line's subordinates treated me was markedly different from how they treated Rendel or Yvette herself. Yvette was probably mindful of that fact. She and Rendel were essentially mercenaries participating for a price, but she likely assumed I was not. If I participated in an operation that wasn't even essential and something happened to me, both Alitus and Karmanu would find themselves in an awkward position.
But I had reasons to participate directly in this operation, even at the risk of danger. In this world that followed the anime's setting, there was a high chance that clues about the enemy force opposing the protagonist Rendel could be found either on the transport ship itself or at its destination. The Aindiums that had helped Rubens and Regent Ainel were clearly sent by that force. We had already confirmed they were entering Karmanu via transport ship, even if we didn't know where they were manufactured. I couldn't leave the investigation of the transport ship solely to Rendel and Yvette.
There were a few more reasons why I had to step forward, but explaining them to Yvette would be a bit awkward. In the end, I gave the safest reason.
“It was my plan. And I'm a military academy cadet too.”
“Ahem. I see. Then are both of you ready?”
“Yes.”
“Then I'll take the lead. Follow me closely.”
Senior Yvette's Celeon dove into the dark sea, its color blending perfectly with the water. The deep blue Aindium that had completely submerged resurfaced about fifty meters from shore.
“Tugboat confirmed. Coordinates are...”
Rendel, who had been scanning the dark sea, sent the transmission, and Senior Yvette headed toward the coordinates. There, a barge capable of carrying several Aindiums—procured with great difficulty by Line's side—waited. Since both the White Fang and the Limpid Fairy needed the Celeon to tow them out to the high seas, the Celeon would be pulling the barge.
“Shall we go too?”
“Got it.”
The White Fang grabbed the anchor line with familiar movements. I flew toward the stormy night sea with the White Fang dangling beneath me.
The Celeon towed us toward the high seas at a speed faster than most ships. We had already identified the transport ship's route, but the section it spent on the open sea was quite short. Being on a barge that rocked violently atop waves far from land made my stomach start to churn.
“Ugh. My stomach feels awful.”
“Doesn't Limpid have a good stabilization system?”
“It does, extremely good. But this is...”
No matter how well the cockpit's vibration control devices worked, it was impossible not to feel seasick when waves taller than the Aindium itself kept crashing down without pause. Even a tolerable amusement park ride would make you dizzy after several hours. I endured the rising nausea and started a conversation to distract myself.
Senior Yvette seemed busy making contact with the other seniors participating in the operation, so I opened a private channel with Rendel.
“Senior. Thank you for joining this operation as well.”
“Of course I had to participate. My former comrades-in-arms are being held captive.”
As expected, Rendel's sense of justice was impeccable. While I was more focused on the transport ship itself than on the fact that my sister's subordinates had been captured. Feeling a little guilty, I spoke up to give him advance warning.
“The force that attacked Alov is likely backing Rubens, who opposes my sister Line.”
“I already know that.”
I had explained it to him several times, and while Rendel might not understand everything, his mind worked well when it came to grasping situations. Everything except the things he didn't understand, that is.
“And there should be something on that transport ship. At the very least, if we look at its destination or the navigation logs...”
“We'll be able to learn information about that force? Since the Aindiums aboard the transport ship are likely affiliated with the ones who attacked Alov.”
“Yes.”
“In that case, after rescuing our allied prisoners, we'll need to conduct a search as well.”
“That's right.”
“Understood. I'll keep it in mind.”
If Rendel was willing to cooperate, this might wrap up faster than expected. I'd have to ask Senior Yvette to take the prisoners and return them to land. In the meantime, we'd finish the search, destroy the ship, and escape. Since the Rubens faction had to commit as many Aindiums as possible to the ground immediately, the forces guarding the transport ship would be minimal. So this operation shouldn't be too difficult.
“I've successfully communicated with the other cadets. Moving to the rendezvous point.”
“Understood.”
“Yes.”
We moved to a location not far from where we had been waiting. Just as Senior Yvette had said, three underwater Aindiums were waiting submerged there. After a brief exchange of names, we quietly waited for the right moment.
And then, some time later.
“It's coming.”
The transmission came from Senior Yvette, who was guarding the front of the transport ship's route.
“Preparing for takeoff.”
“Roger.”
Those of us on the barge quietly rose into the sky. In this weather, at this time, and with dark paint, it would be nearly impossible to spot the Limpid and White Fang.
“Everyone in position?”
“Yeah.”
“Yes, ma'am.”
“Aye aye.”
“Yes!”
“Aerial team is also ready!”
“Then... three, two, one. Now!”
The four underwater Aindiums that had been lying in wait with their engines off surged to life at once, launching a surprise attack on the transport ship's escort vessels. And with that, the operation began.