The approaching ships of the Albatross Principality were warships, three in number. They were sailing ships equipped with magic cannons that fired projectiles using magic, the latest in current warship technology. While we could engage in close combat, if they kept their distance, we would be powerless.
"They probably won't attack."
"If they did, it would mean war with our country."
"Thanks for the transport. What about the other two?"
"They're in a groggy state. If it were a match, it would be an immediate referee stop."
The middle-aged knight who had brought Leo returned to me. He was the only one who knew about the switch, and his presence was a great help.
"Does that mean I'm disqualified for using a stand-in?"
"As long as it doesn't get out, it's fine. As long as it doesn't get out."
He responded to my words in that way. He was surprisingly flexible, not at all what I would expect from one of Elna's subordinates. To be honest, I wanted him to be my subordinate.
"Alright. If that's the case, I'll play the part thoroughly."
"I'll accompany you."
With that, the knight and I went to greet the approaching Albatross ships.
■■■
"Thank you for agreeing to the meeting, Your Excellency."
The one who boarded our ship was a girl with light brown hair. Her hair, cut to her shoulders, swayed slightly in the wind. She looked to be around fourteen or fifteen. Her green eyes peered at me with interest. I was a bit surprised to see someone younger than me. Sensing my surprise, the girl bowed her head.
"Please forgive me. I am Evangelina di Albatross, the princess of the Albatross Principality. You can call me Eva for short."
"Wait, sister...!"
"That's the slow one, Julio di Albatross, my brother."
Julio, who appeared next, looked almost identical to Eva. It wasn't that Eva was more masculine, but that Julio was more feminine. If they stood side by side, they could easily be mistaken for sisters. Eva was a beautiful girl, but her eyes held a strong will. On the other hand, Julio seemed timid and nervous. If I had to say which one was more feminine, it would be Julio. I never expected the princess and prince of Albatross to be twins, and for them to board our ship. I was glad we didn't force the unwell Leo to participate. I bowed gracefully, as Leo would.
"My name is Leonardo Lakes Ardler. I am the eighth prince of the Empire. I have been appointed as the plenipotentiary ambassador to the Rondine Principality and am currently on my way there. It is an honor to meet the princess and prince of the Albatross Principality and the renowned maritime nation's warships."
We had already informed Albatross before departure that Leo would be sent as the plenipotentiary ambassador to Rondine. They should be aware of this. Therefore, their purpose was not to stop us. If they wanted to, they could simply prohibit us from passing through their waters. If they allowed us to enter and then said, "Don't go," it would damage their credibility with other nations. So, Eva and Julio must have come for another reason.
"I have heard of Prince Leonardo. It is said that during the tsunami in the eastern part of the Empire, you led many knights in a charge. Truly, you are a brave and talented prince of the Empire."
"That is not the case. It was the knights who fought hard. And if you have military talent, wouldn't you also have it? You wouldn't have come to meet me on a warship if there wasn't a specific reason."
Eva's eyes sharpened slightly at this, and Julio showed a "uh" expression. Indeed, there was another purpose. They didn't take action against us, but we happened to be in the way of their other purpose. The question was, what was the purpose of the princess and prince coming here? From their behavior, they didn't seem skilled in combat. Eva seemed to have some knowledge, but Julio didn't at all. If he were given a sword, he would probably be worse than me. Why did they bring him along? Just as I was about to probe, Eva revealed the answer.
"You're showing too much on your face! Fool! Really..."
"S-Sorry, sister..."
"Ha... Prince Leonardo. To be frank, I ask you to change your course. Please go around as much as possible, but don't stop going to Rondine."
"May I ask for the reason?"
"...I would rather not say. I don't trust you or the Empire."
"I see."
To openly state that they don't trust the Empire was quite bold. The Albatross Principality was a small nation compared to the Empire, thriving on maritime trade. The Empire didn't attack them because it would make enemies with other nations, but the Empire had the power to crush them if it wanted to. The Albatross Principality must know this. Still, they must have a problem they don't want to be known.
I looked around and then said:
"Change course. We will take a longer route to Rondine."
"B-But, Your Highness! This will take more time than planned!"
"It's fine. We have plenty of food and water, and Rondine will understand a slight delay."
"But—"
"It's decided. Is this acceptable, Princess Eva?"
Seeing Eva's stunned expression, I smiled inwardly. Indeed, acting like Leo elicited such a reaction. Maybe Leo did it to see the stunned expressions of others. Eva's reaction was quite amusing.
"...As expected of a prince who vies for the throne. You have a broad mind. I appreciate your wise decision, Prince Leonardo."
"T-Thank you."
"Then we will take our leave."
"Y-Yes, we will take our leave."
With that, Eva and Julio left, and we began preparations to depart. I wanted to stop pretending to be Leo as soon as possible, but we had to maintain the charade to avoid arousing suspicion. In the end, I had to leave the ship as Leo. It wasn't a problem, as I wouldn't stand out in the room, and Leo and I had no real work until we reached land. The real issue was the purpose of Albatross.
"What is it?"
"I'm not sure either."
The middle-aged knight's question made me tilt my head. Honestly, I had no idea. They brought three warships, but the princess and prince were on board. If they were going to fight, the princess and prince were unnecessary, and if they weren't, three warships were excessive. The only plausible explanation was a reconnaissance mission. If the two had reconnaissance skills, it would make sense. But where were they reconnoitering? This was Albatross territory, and I hadn't heard of any large pirate groups.
As I pondered, the ship suddenly shook violently.
"What!?"
"Report! It's a storm!"
"What!?"
How ridiculous. It was clear skies just a moment ago, and now a storm? I rushed to the deck. There, violent winds and high waves were battering the ship. To make matters worse, something troubling was happening.
"Captain! We're drifting away from my brother's ship!"
"Please forgive me! We're doing our best to keep this ship from capsizing! It's impossible to catch up!"
"Can't you do something!?"
"It's impossible! This isn't a natural storm! It appeared without any signs! It's definitely the work of a sea monster!"
Hearing the captain's words, I remembered the story I told Elna. I had told her about sea dragons, which are known to suddenly cause storms and sink ships. This was exactly the situation we were in. The attitude of the Albatross Principality earlier supported this. They brought three warships and asked us to change our course. If they knew a sea dragon was in their waters and were investigating, they couldn't tell us. The Albatross Principality relied on maritime trade, but no ship from any nation would sail to Albatross if they knew a sea dragon was there. It would be suicide.
Thinking this, I used a detection spell to gauge the scale of the storm. The storm was massive, and we were on the edge. The origin was not here but likely in Albatross territory. Worse, the ship was being drawn toward the origin. If this continued, we might end up fighting a sea dragon at sea. I didn't want that.
"Captain! Do something to get us out of the storm!"
"We're doing our best!"
And so, I found myself caught in the storm, still pretending to be Leo. Writing in Leo's tone is difficult... Why did I choose such a story... orz