Chapter 145: Subduing the Kraken (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 145: Subduing the Kraken (1)
“I, Harold Siren, greet Her Imperial Highness.”
The tent was crowded with people, but a few stood out immediately.
They were the members of the House of Count Siren. In particular, the heir, Harold Siren, and the second son, Halbert Siren, had hair colors very similar to Hamilton’s.
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Young Count Siren.”
“I, Halbert Siren, greet Her Imperial Highness.”
“It’s been a while, Halbert.”
Henrietta also had similar blue hair. However, Henrietta’s hair was the lightest shade, while the eldest, Harold, had the darkest. Halbert and Hamilton fell somewhere in the middle.
“I am glad to meet my aunt’s family, but let’s prioritize the matter of the Kraken for now.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
I had met Hamilton and Halbert at the ball before, but this was my first time meeting the eldest, Harold. This was because he was often away on trade missions to other countries.
Fortunately, the timing had worked out this time, and he happened to be in the East. Had he not returned from his overseas trade, there was a high chance he would have crossed paths with the Kraken and met a grim fate.
“Has the Kraken ever come onto land?”
“No, that has not happened yet. It seems the Kraken is targeting the foreign vessels that have been frequenting these waters lately due to trade with the Imperial Family.”
“Then we shall have to go directly to where the Kraken is.”
“That is correct.”
“Hmm.”
I received a briefing on the current situation from the Siren family. Daniel, the Knight Commander, took the lead in the questioning.
“Does anyone here have experience fighting aboard a ship?”
“……”
The knights fell silent at Hamilton’s question. No matter how battle-hardened the Imperial 5th Knight Order was, they had never fought on the open sea.
“And I heard that Her Imperial Highness has learned water magic.”
“That’s right.”
I replied with a bright smile to Harold’s inquiry.
“I’ve studied most of the theory at the Magic Tower, but I have little practical experience. This will be my first actual combat.”
“Hmph.”
Hamilton looked dissatisfied at my honest admission. Ever since our reunion, he had been grumbling about how I still hadn't grown up enough. I simply offered an awkward smile.
“But I promise I won’t get in the way. Please trust me.”
The Master of the Magic Tower had said that the amount of mana I possessed already surpassed that of a Sword Master.
It was a vast amount of mana that had been enough to bring Claudia’s body to the brink of death from the moment I was born. Now that I had begun learning magic in earnest, I could clearly feel the mana flowing through my body.
[Hah! A mere octopus monster is no match for us!]
[That’s right, don’t you worry, Master!]
‘Right, of course.’
Desmond and Bibi shouted, full of motivation. I, too, was secretly placing my trust in the demons.
Since my body had grown, the demons’ powers would be stronger than before as well. Although I was worried since my first battle would be on the sea—and on a ship, no less—I did have an ace up my sleeve.
“I haven’t had the chance to use it properly yet, but if I use the magic I’ve learned…”
I examined the map and explained the spells I could use and their purposes. Hamilton, who had been listening intently, began to categorize the spells that would be useful at sea.
We then began to discuss tactics: how the knights would fight if I provided magical support, and how they would fight if magical support became impossible.
“Then, when do you plan to depart?”
“The ship is ready, so we can leave at any time.”
Once various tactics had been discussed and the atmosphere had ripened, we began to share opinions on the departure time.
The Kraken seemed to have settled right in the middle of the shipping lanes. Scout ships circling the area were constantly transmitting the Kraken’s location via magical tools.
“The ball isn't far off, so we must subdue it as quickly as possible.”
“We shall depart immediately.”
Fortunately, since we had arrived via a warp portal, the knights weren't overly fatigued. We decided to slay the Kraken and return before the sun set.
“The Imperial Knights are here.”
“I heard the Princess came as well.”
“Is that person over there the Hero of the South, Lord Nathaniel?”
Although the Siren family did their best to hold back the crowds, the area around the tents was swarming with sailors whose livelihoods had been threatened by the Kraken.
They whispered among themselves as they looked at the flags symbolizing the Imperial Knights, and some recognized Nathaniel and me at a glance.
The only other time I had received this much public attention was when my mother married Dantalion and we had a parade through the capital.
Of course, the crowd wasn't as large as it was back then, but since this was an effort to win the hearts of the people, the more witnesses, the better.
“Your Highness! Please defeat the Kraken!”
“Sir Knights, please return safely!”
With the cheers of the people of the East behind us, we boarded the ship. Since we hadn't actually defeated the Kraken yet, I didn't wave back, but the people didn't seem to mind as they continued to shout toward the knights and me.
“I wonder if we can achieve results that will satisfy them.”
“Are you, the Commander of the 5th Knight Order, actually worried about that?”
“Of course.”
Daniel, who was standing beside me, gave a short laugh. I thought he would be brimming with confidence, so this was unexpected.
Vroooooom.
The ship shook violently with the sound of its departure. Soon, the massive vessel began to cut through the waves toward the open sea.
I, too, felt a sense of unease as I watched the land recede. This was a monster that even seasoned sailors couldn't handle. If we failed to subdue it during this voyage, the situation would only grow more dire.
“It’s okay, Dia.”
“Ah.”
Nathaniel, who had been quiet ever since we arrived in the East, secretly took my hand. Startled, I looked up at his face.
“Don’t be nervous. You can do it, Dia.”
“Yeah.”
I didn't expect Nathaniel to say something like that. I nodded reflexively, feeling my cheeks grow a bit warm.
“Your Highness.”
“Oh, uh, yes!”
Hamilton, who had been in the captain’s quarters, approached us. Startled, I quickly let go of Nathaniel’s hand. Hamilton’s gaze shifted back and forth between Nathaniel and me for a moment.
“This is a fast ship, so we should reach our destination soon.”
“I see.”
“The ship may sway, so please stay inside.”
“Yes, I will.”
I nodded, trying my best to act composed. The sharp-witted Hamilton had likely already seen Nathaniel and me holding hands.
Since my mother and Dantalion already seemed to know, it wasn't as if being caught by Hamilton would cause a disaster.
Besides, Hamilton was a tight-lipped man. He would never go around spreading stories that would harm me.
“Please, come this way. I will guide you.”
“Alright.”
Under the pretext of guiding me, Hamilton wedged himself between Nathaniel and me. It was obvious he was trying to separate me from Nathaniel.
Furthermore, the look he gave Nathaniel was nothing short of menacing. It seemed Hamilton didn't take kindly to Nathaniel.
‘Grandfather would probably have a similar reaction.’
Seeing Hamilton’s dislike for Nathaniel made me think of my grandfather and the Winston relatives, who were excessively protective of me.
At this rate, I wouldn't be able to keep my relationship with Nathaniel a secret from those around me. I worried about what I would do if others found out.
“We are about to reach the target area.”
“That was fast.”
While I had been staying in the cabin for a short while, the ship had arrived quickly. This was the area where the Kraken was known to appear.
Hearing Hamilton’s words, I stepped back out onto the deck. The knights were already there, clad in equipment designed for aquatic combat.
“It’s still quiet.”
“It may have moved further out in pursuit of another ship. Even the scout vessels can’t get too close for fear of being attacked by the Kraken.”
“Hmm.”
We dropped anchor and waited for the Kraken while drifting on the sea. However, the signal didn't come as quickly as expected.
The horizon stretched out endlessly, and all that could be seen was the deep blue water. Looking around, I let out a sigh.
“If the Kraken isn't here…”
Thump!
“…!”
At that moment, the ship shook violently. Simultaneously, the massive vessel began to tilt to one side.
Creeeeeak.
“It’s the Kraken!”
“Prepare to fire!”
The sailors began to move frantically. My eyes widened at the sudden turn of events, and I quickly turned my head.