Chapter 138: Spy

General Tokel ended the discussion there and gave us time to make the necessary arrangements.

There was little I needed to handle personally. Emma could be informed directly, and my trading company could move messages and resources more efficiently than I could.

First, however, I went to see Colonel Ryuk Kernel.

“I’m relieved you returned safely, Colonel Kernel.”

“I should be saying that to you. I’m glad you and Her Highness survived.”

He had traveled aboard the other battleship so that the fleet wouldn’t risk losing both a royal princess and the future ambassador to Wa on the same ship.

“You said you had discovered something important,” he said.

“Do you remember our suspicion that someone leaked the fleet’s route?”

“Of course.”

“The information was sold to the Friez Kingdom by people within the Orline Empire.”

“What!? Then why are we speaking so calmly?”

“Because the Orline Empire is divided. The neutral faction appears to have arranged the leak. General Tokel and the faction supporting entry into the war were the ones who rescued us.”

Colonel Kernel frowned.

“Can General Tokel be trusted?”

“I can’t guarantee that. But his proposal is worth considering.”

I explained the planned purchase. The ships would become Orline property, but their Lunoa crews would remain aboard as temporary employees and instructors.

“They also want a joint naval exercise,” I continued.

“And during that exercise?”

“Our ships would attack the Rosha navy. The incident would give the pro-war faction the excuse it needs to bring the Orline Empire into the conflict.”

“Can we truly participate in such a scheme?”

“The neutral faction endangered an allied fleet and caused the deaths of our sailors. They crossed that line first.”

General Tokel’s faction had already prepared much of the groundwork. My investigation suggested the plan had a strong chance of succeeding.

“If Major General Willard has judged it acceptable, I have no objection,” Colonel Kernel said.

“It’ll delay our journey to Wa. It may also delay your search for a marriage partner.”

“I’ve already waited many years. A little longer won’t matter.”

He raised one finger.

“But please finish within a year. I would rather not be another year older when I begin.”

“I’ll do my best. Finding the right person will still be your responsibility.”

“Leave that to me.”

His confident smile returned.

At least one of us was looking forward to what came next.