Chapter 79
Fejin’s expression remained tense as he doubted the small boat’s capability. However, April, who would actually be crossing the strait in it, seemed to like this boat they would ride alone. Especially compared to the police-filled vessel she had come on, it was incomparably more comfortable.
“Thanks, I’m going now. See you in the Grand Duchy.”
She waved to Fejin at the port.
Wearing a white dress and white hat, April found it strange when Fejin, hands in his pockets, didn’t return her greeting, and called out to him curiously.
“What are you thinking about that you won’t even return my greeting?”
“…”
“Fejin?”
“Did you know white clothes suit you?”
“Suddenly?”
“Thought you might not know if I didn’t say it.”
“I didn’t.”
“The night sea suits you too.”
Fejin watched April on the boat and laughed in disbelief.
Despite having met her so often, only now at parting did he realize how beautiful she was.
He recalled anew how intensely he had hated the winter sea.
He didn’t want to let April Lunos go on this winter sea.
“April.”
“…Yes.”
“You’re snow-white, and sparkling, and a bit annoying.”
April pretended to glare at his added comment but ended up laughing.
Following her laughter, Fejin continued.
“Still, you’re quite alright, April Lunos.”
Taking in a deep breath of the night sea air, April responded to his words.
“You’re not much.”
“Ah, I knew you’d answer like that.”
“But you’re not bad.”
“I’m honored.”
“And I like you a little.”
“…”
“Really just a little.”
April said this and waved.
Just then, the boat started moving, and Fejin, unable to respond further, stood in place until the boat disappeared from view, only then covering his face with his hands.
His body went limp.
❖ ❖ ❖
The weather was unusually good.
April knew that sailors didn’t talk about the weather, so she deliberately avoided mentioning it.
She felt strangely lighthearted, as if she had left her burdens behind in the Empire.
Though she would have to go to prison upon return, she didn’t want that fact to spoil her current mood.
Irsa Joyce was a skilled sailor.
April sat near Irsa, helping with various tasks as instructed.
While doing these tasks, she learned several things. Like how the right side of the ship was called starboard and the left side port, or how ships always carried ballast (water used to make the ship lighter or heavier, or tilt it right or left).
Irsa had a loud voice and strength to match her powerful vocals.
When the sailing reached a stable state, April brought two cups of tea brewed in a seawater-worn teapot.
As Irsa took one cup, April wrapped both hands around her own and said,
“I remember my father saying his most preferred captain was one who was brave but not rash.”
“If that’s the type of captain the shipowner prefers, I should remember that.”
“I meant that you seem like that kind of captain.”
“Oh, that was a compliment.”
Irsa grinned and took a sip of tea. Then continued,
“But you’re wrong. I am rash too.”
“Really?”
“You see, nowadays, to sail the Lunos family’s merchant ships, being just brave isn’t enough. You need to be rash too.”
“Is that so?”
“Seven years have passed. Only retired sailors have experience with long voyages. During that time, all ships only sailed to the Left Island, because that was enough.”
“Hmm.”
“I want to go far. To the big sea. This is just a strait, not the real sea.”
“That’s true.”
April found herself smiling without realizing it. Then she asked Irsa,
“By the way, aren’t sailors extremely superstitious? Is it okay to carry a witch?”
“We are. But you were fine on the way here.”
“Yes.”
“Then you’re not a witch.”
“Hmm, if I’m not a witch, then what about the mist?”
“To sailors, mist has always meant something close to death. It’s naturally frightening. Not particularly more frightening.”
April nodded at her casual response.
“You certainly are brave.”
“I told you I’m rash too, aren’t you listening?”
“That’s because I lived alone for seven years. I didn’t have anyone to talk to.”
“Well, then I have nothing more to say.”
Both women found themselves comfortable conversing with each other. It felt like the stability of long-time friends.
Deep down, they both knew why they had liked each other from the start.
A sailor couldn’t help but like someone from the Lunos family, and a Lunos family member couldn’t help but love sailors. They admired each other and naturally accepted this fact.
When the Right Island came into view at the end of the voyage, April asked,
“Where are we docking?”
“Lunos port.”
“I need to go to the Grand Duchy police station.”
“No, that young master specifically said to go to Lunos port.”
“Nothing has been resolved though.”
April muttered, but she had no choice but to trust and wait for the docking.
When Irsa completed the swift and precise docking, April spotted Baumann, Hannah, and Fred waiting at the port.
April’s eyes widened as she waved to the three.
Irsa, who had dropped anchor, called out to her,
“My only crew member is being lazy. Aren’t you going to help with boarding?”
“Ah, of course.”
April hurried to help Irsa carry a large plank.
When she grabbed one end, it was so heavy she thought her arm might fall off. Still, after they successfully connected the port and ship, Irsa said,
“You’re skinny but quite strong. You really are from the Right Island.”
“You’re stating the obvious.”
April retorted while gathering her belongings and asked,
“Where will you go?”
“First, I need to return this fishing boat since I borrowed it from the Left Island. So I’ll head back there.”
“Your home?”
“The ship is my home.”
“Then, where can I find you?”
“Ask at the port taverns. Cross twice, and you can find any sailor.”
After saying this, as soon as April disembarked, Irsa left the port without saying goodbye.
As soon as April got off the boat, the children ran to embrace her.
“Miss April!”
“We were scared to death…”
While listening to the two children taking turns explaining how scared they had been, April turned to Baumann and asked,
“But what happened? The gas payment?”
“That was suddenly resolved well.”
“Suddenly?”
April’s brow furrowed.
“That’s impossible. That gas merchant isn’t someone who would back down without payment.”
“I thought so too… But anyway, you needn’t worry. Young Master Fejin said everything was resolved.”
As Baumann spoke, both he and April realized almost simultaneously how she had been able to return to the territory instead of the Grand Duchy police station.
Baumann groaned and muttered,
“The young master must have paid it. The payment.”
