Ekaterina was sorry to see the sleek, fast-looking ship’s hull at a river dock, but she was reminded of a round, flat, cat-vehicle-like robotic vacuum cleaner.
“Are you afraid of boats, Ekaterina?”
Alexei, her escort, asked her sister, who was staring at the fast boat.
Ekaterina rushed to deny that she had given her the wrong impression.
“No, Big Brother, I had a ride with you when we came to the capital, and it was very comfortable, and I didn’t get sick. Besides, I didn’t have anything to be afraid of when I was with Big Brother.”
“I see. We will stay on this boat for three days until we reach the territory, but tell me immediately if you are not feeling well. We’ll discuss another way to get you there.”
“Yes, Big Brother, I will do as you have asked.”
Big Brother’s neon blue eyes were kind today. Being a siscon today too, thank you very much.
It should be safe to say that there was no better way to get around than by fast boat, even if it was another way to travel.
When Big Brother, the duke, returned to his estate, he would be accompanied by Novak-san, Aaron-san, other executives, Ivan, Mina, and other personal attendants. The fact that all of them could travel together was a big advantage of the fast boat. They could even do some work while on the move. However, I would like them to rest from the standpoint of avoiding the overwork flag.
In terms of safety, although there would be some disorder in the provinces in the Imperial Kingdom, many of the crew members are from the Navy. They all have magical powers, and they could easily handle bandits.
The boat will take us nonstop up the Cernov River to a tributary that leads to the Dukedom of Yurinova. The ship operates 24 hours a day in three shifts, which was how the navy operates.
Unless the weather was rough, the journey, which would take two weeks by carriage, would take less than half that, five or six days, including getting off the ship and transferring to the duke’s main residence.
Furthermore, the ship was equipped with the prestige and facilities appropriate for the use of a duke, just like Big Brother. The interior was designed to be lightweight and simple, but with elegance. The cabins were as comfortable as a hotel for aristocrats, and the food served was quite delicious.
The Kingdom originally built this ship for the purpose of transporting the Emperor. I have to tip my hat to the imperial family for doing the necessary groundwork to make the boat available for rent, but I couldn’t help but think that Grandfather Sergei was the one who encouraged them to do so.
The rental fee may be expensive, but considering all the advantages, it was worth it. Moreover, compared with the cost of transportation and lodging for two weeks, it would certainly be much cheaper.
What would I do if my health prevented me from taking such a wonderful trip?
I couldn’t let it be such a waste of time.
I must be careful not to get absolutely sick. I must not cause any trouble for Big Brother, as a Brocon!
With Ekaterina’s determination on board, the fast ship Rapidus set sail.
Today was a fine day. Under the blue summer sky, the ship is sailing at a comfortable speed. True to its name, the ship was faster than any other ship on the river.
Ekaterina stood on the deck, her hair blowing in the river breeze and looked up at the bright blue sky. Come to think of it; this was similar to the color of the prince’s hair and eyes—the colors of summer, bright and deep, endlessly distant and somehow sad.
“Ekaterina, it must be hot in there. You should go inside the cabin.”
“The river breeze is cool and pleasant.”
