kscans

Chapter 97 - Setting Sail and the Day I Flew (Wishful Thinking)

A convoy of five ships departed from the city of Furufto. We were aboard one of them, a vessel carrying cargo for the Mateo Trading Company. The other ships carried goods for different merchants. Our plan was to travel downriver in this convoy to the city of Heilon. The ship we were on resembled a Carrack, similar in shape and size to the shipwreck that had turned into a dungeon. However, besides using the wind in its sails, this ship could also be propelled by the manpower of oars, like a galley. It seemed the oars were rarely used, though; especially when going downriver, most of the journey was made with wind power alone. In case of battle, the rowers would serve as mercenaries. I stood on the deck, watching the city of Furufto recede into the distance. The rooftops of the houses shimmered white as they reflected the sunlight. The sun was strong, and the wind felt warm. The members of Levante, along with Claire, were also gazing at the city's scenery.

"We'll be on the ship for a while from now on,"

Claire said.

"What do we do at night?"

"Generally, we don't travel at night. We'll dock and stay in small towns along the way."

"Do we sleep on the ship?"

Mizuki asked Claire.

"We'll arrange for rooms at an inn. If we can't, then I'm afraid..."

Claire looked apologetic, but we were hired hands on a quest to guard the company's caravan. We weren't guests, so it couldn't be helped. There seemed to be over fifty crew members on this one ship. Some would probably stay on board to work, but unless it was a city the size of Furufto, I doubted there would be enough inn rooms for everyone.

"There are also tent villages, but I think the ship's cabins would be more comfortable."

So, the village inns really couldn't accommodate everyone.

"I'm fine with camping out if it's on land,"

Cecily said. Her face was a little pale. I remembered she had suffered from carriage sickness. This ship was also swaying, though not as much as the carriage.

"Seasick? Are you okay?"

"I think I'll be fine with this much, but..."

Her reply lacked its usual confidence. It was tinged with anxiety.

"Let me know if you feel really sick."

"Okay. But if you have a good solution, I'd like to hear it now."

"You were fine on a horse, right? I'll let you ride on top of me."

Incidentally, the horses and carriage weren't on this ship. They would be loaded with different cargo collected in Furufto and sent back to Richel. We would have to arrange for new wagons in Heilon.

"...I was an idiot for asking."

My joke didn't seem to cheer her up.

"Still, this is quite a sight,"

I said, looking at our ship and the other sailing vessels accompanying us. Traveling in a convoy like this was to defend against pirate attacks as a group.

"We can fight off aquatic monsters with just one ship, and the pirates of old were small, unorganized groups. But since the fall of the old empire, the area around the mouth of this river has become territory of the Demon Kingdom, and demon fleets have started coming upstream. Of course, you don't see demon pirate ships around Furufto; they mostly stick to the area around Heilon."

Claire, sensing the direction of my thoughts, began to talk about pirates.

"Do all demon ships engage in piracy?"

"Of course not, most of them are merchant ships. Empire ships also go to the Demon Kingdom's capital for trade. But they're often disguised, so it's hard to tell them apart. Ships with a high waterline are more likely to be pirate ships,"

Claire said jokingly. A high waterline meant no cargo. They were light, so they were more maneuverable, and if they targeted us, it would be difficult to escape, making a fight unavoidable. The spoils of their attacks on merchant ships would then become their cargo.

"On the other hand, do Empire pirates ever attack demon merchant ships?"

"I'm sure it happens, but to return to the Empire side after attacking a ship, they would have to travel upriver."

So they'd be vulnerable to counterattacks while fleeing with stolen cargo.

"How are demons different from humans?"

At my question, Myra approached as if she'd been waiting for her cue.

"The clear difference between demons and humans is the presence of horns. Also, demons are generally considered to be superior in physical ability and magical power. Their lifespan is also twice as long as that of humans."

"Sounds like humans don't have much going for them."

"It's said that humans have a higher reproductive rate. But even compared to other races besides demons, humans have the highest reproductive rate."

I was thinking it was probably because they had created all the other races and incurred the wrath of a god, when I realized everyone was staring at me.

"It's because of people like Mash..."

Aira muttered.

"Another thing is that demons don't have Divine Grace... that is, special skills,"

Myra added, trying to smooth over the atmosphere.

"Is that because demons are the result of humans and monsters interbreeding?"

I remembered Myra saying that monsters couldn't use special skills. Demons must have inherited that trait.

"According to legend, yes. ...But we have seen a monster that uses a special skill and speaks, haven't we?"

I took the scimitar I had received from the Alligator King out of my storage. Despite clashing blades with it countless times in battle, it wasn't chipped. Like my sword, it seemed to have been made with Mana Seeds embedded in it. It must be a masterpiece crafted by a master smith like Aidan.

"Master. That's so cool,"

Famu said. Her eyes seemed to be sparkling. She was interested in all sorts of things. She must have a strong sense of curiosity. Come to think of it, I had been feeling that her attacks were becoming less effective against strong enemies.

"Want to try using it?"

"Is it okay?"

"Yeah. It belonged to a friend of mine, so it might be best if you used it, Famu."

I offered the scimitar to her. Famu took it.

"...You have friends, Master?"

Was this payback for yesterday? I had mentioned the story of the shipwreck, but Myra had told me to keep quiet, so I hadn't talked about the boss.

"Even I have a friend or two!"

"I bet it's some pervert somewhere,"

Aira quipped. Was she still mad that I gave everyone a Stollen? Hadn't she been a bit cold to me since then? I glanced at her, and she hid behind Myra.

"That's right. The two of them tried to strip me naked,"

Myra said, nodding repeatedly in front of Aira. I wish they would stop showing sisterly solidarity only at times like these.

""...""

The gazes from Famu and Mizuki turned harsh. Famu handed the scimitar back to me, holding it as if it were something filthy.

"W-wait, Famu. The owner of that sword was a really good guy! Myra, please, tell her his good points too."

"...I wouldn't say he was a good person... person? No, a monster... He was a coward who targeted children, but he was a strong monster."

Myra's follow-up was half-hearted and reluctant. It was clear she couldn't care less.

"You became friends with a monster, Master? Is this that monster's weapon?"

"That's right. He called himself the Alligator King. That's why I want you to take good care of it."

"The Alligator King..."

Unlike Myra's negative assessment, Famu seemed impressed by the title 'King'. Famu took a stance with the scimitar. It was the Alligator King's weapon, so it was considerably heavier than the one-handed swords she had been using, but her level and strength had increased, so it didn't seem to be a problem. I had her equip the shield as well. This one she had been using since the beginning, so it was quite battered.

"I'll switch between them depending on the battle."

"Good idea. That shield looks like it needs replacing, though."

I patted her on the head.

"...Mash, I want to try that,"

Mizuki said, pointing to the bow of the ship and trying to pull me along. It was what the Alligator King had tried to make Myra do.

"Now, what could you be talking about?"

I tried to play dumb.

"You can't possibly not know. That scene from the luxury cruise ship movie. I want to try it!"

"The one where they sink while playing music?"

I added another layer of feigned ignorance.

"Not that part!"

"Mizuki, you know how that movie ends, right? Isn't it bad luck?"

"It's fine. The heroine survives!"

"..."

Was she planning on being the only one to make it out alive?

"It's fine, I tell you. There are no icebergs here, and they said we'll be docking at night."

The more strongly Mizuki denied it, the more I felt like that event was bound to happen.

"Alright. Then close your eyes, and I'll take you there."

Mizuki placed her palm on my outstretched hand and obediently closed her eyes. I gazed at her face. A smile played on her lips. She had really been looking forward to this. She really did have a beautiful, well-proportioned face. I pulled her close and kissed her.

"Mmph!"

Mizuki's eyes shot open in surprise, and she pulled away from me.

"W-w-what are you doing? Everyone's watching, it's so embarrassing!"

"Huh? Wasn't this the kissing scene?"

"Yes, but don't skip ahead. I want to do the part before that!"

"Tch, you're a demanding one..."

I took her hand again. This time, she watched me with one eye slightly open.

"I'll do it properly this time."

"Okay. Mash... I've actually been looking forward to this ever since I heard we'd be on a ship."

Mizuki closed her eyes. For her, it was an old movie that had been released before she was born. I wondered what it was about it that captivated her so much. I took her hand and led her to the bow of the ship.

"By the way, Mizuki, what were you doing the day before yesterday?"

I asked casually.

"The day before yesterday, after going to the guild, I went into a dungeon with Fang and Doris."

"Don't tell me it was the dungeon that suddenly appeared?"

She shook her head.

"I see. Don't do anything too dangerous."

"Don't talk like an old man."

Mizuki pouted.

"...Sorry for being an old geezer. But if you're going to do something dangerous, it's better when all the members are together."

"Okay. If you say so, Mash, I will."

We reached the very tip of the ship. Unfortunately, it wasn't a metal railing you could climb on. She would have to make do. I had Mizuki stand as close to the edge as possible and spread her arms wide. I supported her from behind so she wouldn't fall into the river.

"Mizuki, you can open your eyes now."

At my words, she slowly opened her eyes. It didn't have the same sense of speed as flying, of course. The wind was a tailwind, coming from behind us. For a while, the two of us just watched the scenery slowly drift by.

"Mash. The water is sparkling, it's so pretty."

I hugged her tightly from behind. She turned her head, and I leaned in to kiss her. She responded, pressing her lips against mine.

When I led Mizuki back, a line had formed, with Myra at the head.

"Mash, I'm next!"

"..."

My eyes met those of Famu, Cecily, Aira, and finally Claire, who was at the very end of the line.

"M-me too, please."

"Alright."

I had no choice but to nod. It seemed I had to do the same thing with all of them. The deckhands and even people from the other ships were staring at us, wondering what was going on. A sudden wave of embarrassment washed over me, but if I stopped after just Mizuki, they would probably get angry, so I couldn't stop.

"...Okay. Myra, you're up."

"Yes!"

She took my hand with a triumphant, beaming smile. Then she closed her eyes. I tried to lead her to the bow of the ship, but she wouldn't budge.

"Myra?"

I asked.

"You kissed Mizuki here. She was angry, but I won't be,"

she said. I had forgotten that no one but Mizuki knew the movie this was based on. It seemed I would have to do what I did to Mizuki with all of them.

After I had finished with Claire, Avea had appeared.

"You want a turn too, Avea?"

"Like hell I do!"

I was relieved that Avea had a normal reaction.

"Still, you brought this on yourself, but this looks tough."

Had she come to offer sympathy? Noticing my puzzled look, a corner of her mouth lifted in a smile.

"This is what I want to do with you."

She tossed me a wooden stick.

"I've called Beers and Fang too. Starting today, I'm going to drill the art of fighting on a ship into you, nice and hard."