“This might be a rude way to put it, but...that’s great...” the first reporter said.
“I know how you feel. Forthorthe will be safe with them,” the other agreed.
Everyone present thought the same thing. Forthorthe’s future was bright. And it wasn’t because of the new Blue Knight. Instead, Koutarou, Theia, and Elfaria gave off a warm atmosphere that filled them with hope for the future.
The launching ceremony began with them addressing the guests. Naturally, Theia and Elfaria spoke, but so did Koutarou.
“To be frank, there would be nothing better than not having to build battleships. But reality won’t allow for it. As you know, the Forthorthe Liberation Army has declared war,” Koutarou stated.
He wished that there wasn’t any fighting, but the situation demanded it. Maxfern, whom the public believed was Ralgwin, had declared war, and there was no option to avoid combat.
“Criticizing the government by way of political activities would have been fine. So would protesting for the sake of political reforms,” Koutarou continued.
Forthorthe had freedom of speech. Ideology and political beliefs weren’t punished. If the enemy legitimately increased their allies and began discussing constitutional revisions and democratization, Koutarou wouldn’t have had anything to object to, since that would have been the will of the masses. Alaia would surely have obeyed the choice of the people as well.
“In the coming battle, I am convinced that this new Blue Knight will be of help to me. This is the product of the people coming together and a symbol of their faith. I swear to use this power and faith to protect Forthorthe.”
The new Blue Knight was a power granted to him by the people. At the same time, it was a sign of their faith in Koutarou and the royal families. Koutarou declared that it would be used justly to return Forthorthe to normal. A storm of applause erupted from the crowd that filled the venue, and Koutarou stepped down from the stage.
“Good work, Veltlion. That was a good greeting.” Clan welcomed Koutarou back with a smile. She’d already finished her own speech, so she looked equally relieved.
“I have a good ghostwriter,” Koutarou replied with a shrug.
Clan was the one who had prepared his speech. They’d spoken beforehand and she had summarized the contents of their discussion. Koutarou didn’t understand all of Forthorthe’s circumstances, so Clan’s cooperation had been very welcome.
“It is an honor to hear you say that.” Clan smiled happily.
Koutarou normally teased her, but he was honestly praising her now. Like Clan, he was relieved to have safely finished his role, so the appreciation naturally welled up and poured out of him.
“Due to the larger size of the ship, the main cannon has been replaced by an antimatter gun. The old main guns cover any blind spots as secondary weapons.”
After Koutarou left the stage, the engineers began explaining the new ship’s functions. They were accompanied by holograms that displayed the results of their efforts.
“The placement of some of the weapons has been changed accordingly. Moreover, generators have been installed in all parts, making energy weapons easier to use than on the previous Blue Knight.”
“Are you sure you shouldn’t be up there? You were involved in most of that, right?” Koutarou asked Clan while listening to the explanation.
Clan probably knew more about the new ship than anyone else. She’d been involved in the design of the main system and its programs as well as communications protocols for it to cooperate with Hazy Moon, weapon systems, and more. She had been involved in a lot of the work, and as such was well-versed in everything. So Koutarou wondered if she shouldn’t be the one onstage.
“Today is their moment to shine,” Clan said. “I don’t want to get in the way.”
She wasn’t the only one who had put in an effort. They had reached this point through the hard work of a lot of engineers and scientists, and Clan had no intention of taking the spotlight away from them.
“However, as the head serves as the bridge, it primarily uses its energy for defense. I am sure you all understand why. We engineers are proud of the defensive power that we have achieved...” the engineers continued.
“I guess so,” Koutarou replied to Clan with a nod.
“Besides, I think it is about time I get to take a break,” she added.
This was also a chance for Clan to relax. For the past few months, she had been exceedingly busy with no chance to catch her breath.
“You’re right, there,” Koutarou said with a smile. Clan’s been running around for months with these guys to put everything together. Of course she’d want to let them have the glory.
Despite his thoughts, however, he didn’t say anything out loud. Today was a big day for her as well. The conclusion of the launching ceremony was the naming ceremony. So far, the ship had only been called the “new Blue Knight.” But from today it would be given an official name, launched into space, and merged with the remaining parts in orbit. That was the ceremony’s finale.
“As for its given name, we see it as an important matter for our country and its people. After much discussion, investigation, and time, we finally reached a decision.” Elfaria would be the one to announce the new Blue Knight’s name. As such, she stepped onto stage once more. The guests and those watching the broadcast held their breath.
“I will now announce the name. As of today, this ship will be called...”
The sound of shutters rang out as the moment came. Elfaria made the announcement with a calm and dignified voice.
“Holy Forthorthe Galactic Empire of the First Royal Guard, the first Chivalry-class ship. Guardian of the Empire Layous Fatra Veltlion!”
Cheers erupted from the guests. It had been more or less expected that it would inherit the name of its predecessor. But when it was announced, the venue was filled with shouts of joy, to the point that the sound engineers needed to quickly bring down the speaker volumes.
“Its abbreviation and call sign will be Blue Knight, as before,” Elfaria added, although it was doubtful anyone could hear her. That was how heated the crowd had gotten. She had anticipated the reaction, but it still exceeded her expectations. She watched over the venue with a strange mix of emotions.
“In the end, not much changed.” After the din died down, Koutarou spoke to Clan again.
“You’re the only one who thinks that,” she retorted.