TCAJTWTPOTA 05

 

Chapter 5 

The Crimson Warship Comes to the Village!

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Right now, we’re on our way back from the ancient ruins in the Sanctuary to Haino Village.

It’s still early summer, but the sunlight is strong, and even standing still makes you break a sweat. We took a break in the shade of a tree, enjoying some snacks that Mile brought along.

“Hey, Tee-chan, want some of this too? Here—ah~n♪”

The “Nocty Boom” is apparently still going strong in Mile’s world.

Even though Nocty calls himself a “gourmet,” when it comes to food, he obediently lets Mile feed him without resistance.
Seems even a so-called Great Spirit can’t win against his appetite.

“Hey, Sky, with what we earned this time, how much do you think we’ve saved up for the airship fund?”

“Hmm… probably around three hundred thousand zenny.”

“Wow! Then we could already buy a used airship, couldn’t we?”

“Yeah, maybe. I’m planning to visit the sky island where the factories are to check it out.”

“Then I’m coming too! And I’m sitting in the navigator’s seat, no arguments!”

—Actually, after the Starfall Ritual, Mile told me straight up, “If you’re leaving on a journey, Sky, I’m coming with you!”

Apparently, she even chose the Scout class specifically so she could travel with me.

“I’ll keep an eye on you so you don’t do anything reckless. Mom’s cheering me on too!”

She said that so earnestly, without even blushing.

Honestly, I’m really happy she wants to come—but I can’t help wondering if she really understands what she’s getting into.

“Tee-chan, ah~n♪” …Wait, maybe she’s just doing this to hang out with Nocty?

“Anyway, let’s get going.”

“Yeah! When we get back to the village, I’ll cook Tee-chan a special dinner!”

We left the mountain trail and started down the main road, the air cooling as the sun began to sink. It was the perfect time for walking.

That’s when it happened.

A massive airship cut through the clouds in the distance.

“Hey, Sky, isn’t that red ship heading toward the village?”

“Yeah… you’re right. That emblem—if I’m not mistaken, it belongs to the Rivellia Third Fleet.”

“So that means it’s a ship from the Rivellia Free City Federation, right?”

“I think so. If I remember correctly, that’s one of their newest cruisers. I saw it in this month’s Skyship Magazine.”

“Whoa, a new model, huh? It’s huge…”

“Hey, what’s this ‘Rivellia Free City Federation’ thing?”

“Oh, right. You wouldn’t know, since you were stuck in that relic for so long.”

“The Rivellia Free City Federation is a union of seven major cities. Our village is part of their alliance too.”

“Each city sends a representative to form the Council of Seven Cities, which handles most of the governing.”

“I see.”

“But why would one of their warships be heading toward our village?”

“Good question… let’s get back and find out.”

With that, we quickened our pace toward the village.

◇◆◇

When we arrived, the airship was hovering above an open field at the edge of the village.

Its hull gleamed a bright crimson, sleek and curved—completely unlike the bulky, rugged image I had of a military vessel.

Several smaller landing shuttles were parked in the square, surrounded by curious villagers.

“Look, who’s that talking to the village chief?”

Standing before him was a striking woman with long, golden hair and emerald-green eyes.

“She’s in uniform—must be from the Federation military.”

“Let’s get a bit closer!”

◇◆◇

“I apologize for arriving unannounced.”

“Oh, not at all, Captain, it’s an honor,” the village chief said humbly.

“I am Captain Reina Valmond, commander of the flagship Rubinas of the Rivellia Free City Federation’s Third Fleet.”

So this was her ship—the crimson cruiser.

“I am Murai, the chief of this humble village of Haino. May I ask the reason for your visit?”

“Well, about that… is there somewhere private we could talk?”

Captain Reina glanced toward the growing crowd of villagers.

“Of course. Please, come to my home. We rarely have the honor of hosting officers of your standing.”

“Thank you for your courtesy,” she said, following him with two escorts into the chief’s house.

…For a moment, I thought Captain Reina’s eyes flicked toward me. Probably my imagination.

“Hey, Sky, wanna take a closer look at the ship?”

“Yeah, let’s.”

Up close, its sheer size was overwhelming.

“Wow, it’s even bigger than I thought!”

We both stood there for a while, staring up at the floating vessel in awe.

“I’d love to ride one of those just once.”

“Sky, you really do love airships, don’t you?”

Just then, an older man—probably in his late fifties—wearing a mechanic’s uniform and sporting a white beard, called out to us while working on one of the landing shuttles.

“Hey, kid—you aiming to be a pilot?”

“Uh, yes! That’s right!”

“Good for you. Airships, huh—they’re full of dreams!”

The man chuckled warmly, still tinkering with his tools.

“Were you a pilot yourself, sir?”

“Well… a long time ago, yeah. These days I just handle maintenance.”

He twirled a wrench and slid it neatly into his chest pocket—smooth, practiced movements.

“Is it tough being a pilot?” I asked nervously.

He grinned. “Oh, it’s tough, all right. You’ve gotta read the wind, know your engine’s moods… But once you’ve flown up there—”

He gazed up at the massive ship in the sky.

“—once you’ve soared through those clouds, you’ll never be satisfied with the ground again. That’s just how it is.”

“Anyway, keep chasing it, kid.”

He gave a casual wave and went back to work.

“Yes, sir! Thank you!”

Hearing that only made me more determined than ever to take to the skies.

After a while, we headed home.

◇◆◇

That evening, we relaxed around a dinner that Mile’s mom had kindly prepared for us.

“Hey, that captain lady was so cool, wasn’t she? Totally the image of a strong woman—I kinda look up to her.”

“Yeah, it’s pretty rare to see a woman commanding a warship.”

That’s when Nocty suddenly cut in.

“By the way… did you notice? That woman was wearing a Star Ring.”

“What!? Are you sure?”

“Positive.”

“Then that means… Captain Reina might have a spirit like you?”

“Most likely. Though, of course, not nearly as magnificent as me.”

He puffed out his little chest proudly.

“Yeah yeah, Tee-chan’s the best, right?” Mile teased, giggling.

“For now, let’s put that aside. Tomorrow, let’s ask the chief what the captain wanted.”

“Agreed. We’ll go right after breakfast.”

◇◆◇

The next morning, while the three of us were eating breakfast, someone knocked on the door.

“Sky, you in there? There’s someone here who wishes to speak with you.”

“Y-yes! Coming!”

I quickly had Nocty retreat into the ring, fixed my hair, and opened the door.

There stood the village chief—and beside him, those shining emerald eyes and radiant golden hair.

It was her.

Captain Reina Valmond herself.

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