"Your Highness, there are too many patients in unstable condition. There's not much we can do here..."
The elderly ship's doctor reported this.
We had managed to reach just before the capital, but among the survivors who had been adrift for a long time, many were in poor condition. Some had been injured before the drift, and the prolonged drifting had only worsened their conditions.
I can use healing magic, but I can only heal injuries. Diseases and internal abnormalities are beyond my expertise.
"I understand. Please do your best to keep them stable."
"Of course, I will do my best, but I cannot guarantee anything."
"I understand... I'll trouble you."
"No, not as much as you, Your Highness."
The ship's doctor left the room with those words.
Seeing this, I let out a loud sigh.
In response, Marc smiled wryly.
"There's nothing we can do. We can only leave it to the ship's doctor."
"Don't just brush it off. I said I wouldn't let anyone who is alive now die."
"But... we have our limits. It's impossible to save everyone."
"It's impossible if you give up, but if you don't, there's a way. Most things in this world are designed to work out. Considering the population of the entire human race, a few lives are nothing. If the world wasn't designed to save them, it would be unjust. After all, we've already paid the price."
As I said this, I recalled the treasures we had abandoned.
Ah, what a waste. With those, we could have done so much.
It's a complete waste. I told Marc not to regret it, but how could he not?
Could the survivors replace the value of those treasures? No, they couldn't. I can say this with certainty. Helping them wouldn't benefit the empire, and if it doesn't benefit the empire, it won't be valued, and thus, it wouldn't be valuable to Leo.
Still, I helped them. I helped them knowing it would be a loss. I bought their lives with many treasures. Their lives are now mine. I won't let them be taken away.
"It's about time. Let's go up to the deck."
"Yes, we should be approaching the defense line soon."
Just as Marc said this, a voice reached us.
It was a voice with a bit of noise, characteristic of a broadcast.
"To the approaching imperial ship, state your purpose. Our country has received no communication from yours. I repeat, state your purpose. Our country was not informed of your ship's arrival."
It was a military ship guarding the capital.
They had spotted our ship, which had no information, and were seeking information.
The fact that they didn't open fire immediately speaks to the quality of the Albatross Principality's navy. Their training is thorough, and it's a relief.
On the deck, I picked up the magical communication device.
"My name is Prince Leonard Rakes Ardler, the eighth prince of the empire. On my way to the Principality of Rondine, I encountered a shipwreck of your country and rescued about eighty survivors. Among them are the princess and prince of your country. I would like to request permission to dock."
The military ship, which was at the edge of the range of our magical cannons, visibly became busy.
They must be aware that the three ships that set out have not returned, and they know that Eva and Julio were on board.
Meanwhile, we continued to head towards the port.
The closer we get, the sooner the survivors can receive specialized treatment.
"Your ship's purpose is understood. For safety, we need to verify that there are indeed survivors on your ship. Please stop the ship."
"Understood. Also, several survivors are in unstable condition and require immediate treatment. Could you transfer them to your ship and take them to the port as soon as possible?"
"I would like to, but according to the rules, we cannot bring anyone from an unauthorized ship into the port. We need to wait for the decision of the Duke."
What a leisurely response!
I couldn't help but glare at the approaching ship.
This isn't the time to worry about spies.
We have Julio and Eva on board. Their presence should be proof that the crew members were with them!
"What about the princess and prince?"
"They have not yet regained consciousness..."
"Damn!"
If either of them were conscious, I could have asked for permission to enter the port, but with them unconscious, there's nothing I can do.
Are we just going to wait for permission here?
How long does it take to get from the castle to the port? How long will it take for the Duke to make a decision? Will there be enough time to transfer them?
"This is now their problem, not ours. By bringing them this far, the responsibility has shifted to them."
"That's not a new issue...! From the beginning, it was their responsibility! Once we got involved, we have to see it through to the end!"
I said this to Marc and gripped the communication device tightly.
If we proceed forcefully, the Albatross Principality's military ships will have no choice but to attack us.
We need to get them to move.
"Please listen. There are people on the brink of death. They survived a hellish drift. Only you can save their lives. Please, bring them to the port without waiting for permission."
"...We are deeply grateful for your concern for our people. However, it is a rule. We cannot bring anyone from an unauthorized ship into the port, even if they are royalty, without the Duke's decision."
"Who is the captain of that ship...?"
"It's me, Your Highness."
"...Captain. I sacrificed a lot to save them. I took risks, and I'm still taking them. The reason is simple: I didn't want them to die. As someone who lives at sea, you should understand how terrifying a drift can be. Please, make a wise decision."
The captain's response was delayed after hearing my words.
Their ship was steadily approaching, but they were likely struggling with the decision.
Then,
"...Your Highness. Two of my sons were on the three ships that set out. I hope they are alive. However, I am a soldier. I cannot go against the rules, no matter what. Please understand."
"You're being unreasonable...!"
"Your Highness, this is as far as we can go. We can't..."
Half-angry, I threw the communication device.
As Marc tried to reason with me, the ship's doctor let out a scream.
"Your Highness! Their condition!"
It had worsened.
The moment I realized this, I made a decision.
"Captain! We're docking at the port!"
"Wh-What are you saying!? We don't have permission to dock!?"
"I know, but we need to get them to the port for specialized treatment."
"Wait! The principality won't be grateful! This is their rule! This is the principality. There are rules here!"
"Following the rules will result in deaths."
"They are not the princess or prince! They are just crew members with no political value! Are you going to ignore the principality's warning and dock without permission!? You'll be sunk, and you won't have a leg to stand on!"
"They won't sink us as long as the prince and princess are on board. We need to focus on saving the lives in front of us. The order stands. We're docking."
Everyone was silent at my decision.
Only Marc approached me, his face close, and whispered.
"You're going too far...! Prince Leonard wouldn't do this...! No, Prince Leonard can't take such a forceful approach...!"
"Yes, that's true. So what...?"
"So what...?"
"It's a good opportunity. I'll make a strong impression on many people in Leo's place. That Prince Leonard Rakes Ardler doesn't back down once he makes a decision. That he's not just a soft-hearted prince. Even if Leo himself can't make such a decision, having this reputation will change how people view him."
"If you do this, Prince Leonard will face even more difficult decisions in the future...!"
"It's fine. He's my brother. There's nothing I can do that he can't."
I stated this firmly and glared at him.
Passing the silent Marc, I faced the captain.
The captain had a complex expression.
"Do you understand, Your Highness? The enemy won't attack, but once we dock, there's no turning back."
"I understand."
"You'll be in the worst position! If we dock here, you'll be arrested for illegal entry! We should receive supplies at sea and head to Rondine! There's no need for you to risk your life for a few people!"
"To us, a few people are important. To their families, they are irreplaceable. I've made my decision. I won't abandon them now. If I do, all the risks I've taken for this ship will be meaningless."
"...You're involved in the imperial succession, right? If this is used as political material, the throne will be out of reach."
"I'll deal with that when it comes. Please, Captain, follow my order. This is your ship. All the crew members have entrusted their lives to you. I don't want to take the helm and operate the ship without your permission."
The captain thought for a moment.
Then, he smiled and showed a relaxed expression.
"I thought you were just a soft-hearted prince. But... you're more than that. I'm starting to like you. All hands! Prepare to dock! We are docking now!"
The crew responded to the captain's decision.
As we set sail, the principality's ships called out to us.
"Wait! Your Highness! What are you doing!?"
"We are docking. There's no time to waste."
"We can't let this go! If you dock illegally, I will sink your ship, even with the princess and prince on board!"
The principality's ships moved to block us.
Their magical cannons were aimed at us. At the same time, sirens blared throughout the port, signaling an emergency.
More military ships were heading our way from the port.
Amidst this, the captain, while steering, proposed a plan.
"Your Highness! I have a good idea!"
"What is it?"
"We'll raise the white flag."
The crew members were shocked by this suggestion, but the captain seemed excited.
I smiled wryly. I didn't expect a naval officer to suggest this.
"Our imperial navy has never raised the white flag. Are you aware of that?"
"Of course. We'll be the first."
"True, they won't attack a ship with a white flag, but is it necessary?"
"With so many ships, there might be some stubborn captains. Let's be cautious and give them an excuse. As a fellow captain, I understand their difficulties."
"Alright... raise the white flag. I'll do what I can."
The crew members quickly raised the white flag.
The principality's ships were surprised.
The empire is a great power. For it to raise the white flag to a principality, even if it's just one ship, is a big deal.
To drive the point home, I increased the volume and addressed the entire port.
"To all in the port. I am Prince Leonard Rakes Ardler of the empire. My ship carries survivors from a shipwreck of your country. Some of the survivors are in critical condition, so we are docking illegally. We have no intention of attacking. If there are doctors in the port, please help. If possible, prepare warm drinks and food. They have survived hell. Please lend them a hand. And to all the captains of the principality's navy. The lives of your fellow citizens in crisis are in your hands. I trust in the wise judgment of the principality's navy captains."
The port became chaotic as my message was heard.
The ships blocking our path stopped moving.
We slowly passed a few principality ships and entered the port of the capital.
"Prioritize the transfer of the injured! Hurry!"
The crew members carried the injured.
Many people gathered at the port to help.
Of course, their families were here.
"Hurry! We need a place with proper equipment!"
"My clinic has everything! This way!"
"Here are warm drinks! And food!"
The survivors were given warm meals. We had provided them with food, but eating on land, especially warm food, must have warmed their hearts.
Everyone was crying as they ate.
"This is a temporary reprieve... but we're prisoners now."
"Yeah. We raised the white flag."
Listening to the distant sound of horse hooves, I looked up at the sky.
Being a prisoner while being a full ambassador is unprecedented. But whether this becomes a scandal or a heroic tale depends on our actions from now on.
"Let's go. We need to talk to the Duke about the sea dragon. They probably want to talk too."
With that, I stepped onto the land of the Albatross Principality, leading Marc.