The Book Of Flowers
Sailing to Goeitias
-- The night -- - the
"Vaine..."
Huh...
He shook my sleeping body until I felt quite disturbed. Therefore, I woke up and turned towards him who had gone up on my bed
"Why...?" I woke up and rubbed my eyes, responding to the boy's behavior
"I can't sleep"
Ah this kid... Just-there's...
I who was still sleepy yawned very widely and said, "Then I accompany ya..??", even though only half conscious
I started to stretch and prepare to move, holding Verdea's hand which began to wrap around my hand. But...
"... I want to sleep next to you" he said
"Hm...? Why not in your bed...?"
"I'm not comfortable"
...
Perhaps he was still afraid because of the presence of the black magician earlier. He's got a lot of thoughts, isn't he...?
"alright. Make sure your feet don't float towards me later huh?"
"I don't move just like it knows!"
If only he knew how bad his movements were during sleep. Suppose that...
"alright. Slide a little" He asked, to which I immediately responded
He put his pillow on my bed and began to lie sideways. I also lie down on my pillow and close my eyes again, without saying anything else to help her fall asleep
...
...
...
"Randomize me ce-"
"Sleep fast" I cut before he could finish his request
I even turned my body in front of him, so Verdea was clearly beginning to get annoyed with my treatment
"I'm telling you the story" she insisted even more
"Teen-"
"Then talk to me"
Huh...
"So, what's up?"
"Turn your body back here if you want to talk to me"
...
Son, you know how to make people work hard even when they're resting...
I turned my body back to face him, just so that he felt satisfied even though I had to hold back a little emotion because my sleep was not disturbed every time it came
He began to raise the blanket and cover half of his face without looking at me. My guess is correct when I say that he is thinking a lot
"I thought about Grandpa" he said
"Hm...? Why why?"
"Will he be okay by himself?"
"... Do you want to take her to stay in the castle?"
"No. He said he didn't want to leave that place his whole life"
Well, that's easy to guess. He also hated Artorius, as seen from his folded face when I first mentioned the name before him
"Then?"
"... And he also said that he hated me..."
Don't you?
...
That is totally natural. He was a father before he became anything he is today. Losing Marianne— her only child, would certainly hit Frank to the deepest point
No matter how good Artorius treated him, however much he cared for him, it still ended in Marianne's tragic death. What he promised—that he would look after Marianne, everything turned into a lie the day the woman's body was sent back to the city of Calendula
For Frank, Marianne is the only thing left in this world. The eyes that he aimed at every time he saw me were those of people who had resigned. Eyes that show, if only he alone can help himself
If... He had reason to help himself. But the reason nearly faded, until Verdea arrived before him. Unfortunately, his fate is not...?
"I wanted to take her to the palace, but I was afraid she wouldn't be happy there" Verdea said
"... His life does not lie in this kingdom. He lives in the memory, and into the memory he dives"
Only he can pull himself back
"... Vainzel" Verdea called again
"Yes...?"
"Thank you for coming with me"
...
"... I'm happy too, son. But..."
"But?"
...
"... Just ignore it"
I turned from before him who was still curious. But that sentence never came out of my mouth again all night
...
'When will our farewell come?' That's what scares me
I still don't feel like I'm helping you at all right now. If I leave, what will happen to your fate?
I don't doubt if you can live or not. I'm even sure you can get people who want to be by your side. But it feels so unethical to let you suffer alone like that. Especially since you are human
Your lives are short. Fulfilling that life just to aim for position, treasure or glory is not something you have to do. As long as you live, it will be better if you enjoy life as it is
But honey. Anyone born in a noble family like yourself feels cursed to be unable to feel pleasure for too long. All the people in the world want power, and they will do anything to get it. Noble families are vulnerable to endless conflict, so people who do not want to be involved like you just get entangled in the middle
That's why I'm trying to help you. I'll make sure, if you can get out safely from that useless matter. If necessary...
I want you and Veskal to stay with us in the Elf Forest. Even if I knew it well, it was impossible to happen. Wh why?
Because we're going back to the point, 'when we're going to split up'. However, even if you can live very happily and get out of the royal drama, there is a point where you will leave this life...
Get out of my life...
...
I seem to be selfish too huh...?
"Well, now you're asleep" I said
I closed my eyes tightly and ignored Verdea who wanted to continue the conversation
"alright. The basis is unclear"
Verdea understands what I mean. He understands that I don't want to talk about this anymore. This kid is too smart to ignore the sign I just gave you
So he followed my request. His eyes closed, ending this night with me in deep sleep
......................
-- The next day ---
"Woahh!! The sea!!"
Verdea then ran towards Lotus City which was no longer far from sight
"Vescal, follow him. I'm tired" Ivor said
"Not told I knew that" said Veskal ketus as he ran to Verdea
I also actually wanted to run along to make sure the kids didn't mess around, but these things were heavy because of the sheer amount. If I run as fast as that kid, I'm sure some of this stuff will fall on the ground
Why do I have to carry these heavy things every day? There were five people whose hands were not full right now, but instead handed these items to me
Not to mention most of these items are filled by Souvenirs they buy. They were not even indiscriminate with the price of these items and directly bought them
Fortunately, the castle's money was still left...
"Who...! Wandering is exhausting...! Why do you try to put up with this Vainzel thing?" Lyralia complained
"But, it's also fun we can look around at a wide variety of sights. After a snow-white expanse since yesterday, we can finally see the sea" Ordelia interjected
"Those who never came out of Miralius. Although I must admit, the position of the Forest Gate and the nearest sea is indeed quite far away" I grumbled
"I also can't argue that this is fun" Luna also said, trying to hide her joy
"I agree. It's good for sport for idlers" Luxor said as he glanced at Ivor and Lyralia
"Silent. I'll make you cry in our next duel" Ivor threatened
Ordelia chuckled beside me to hear everyone's chattering, as Lyralia let out a long sigh
But no one noticed me
"Well... If anyone would help me lift these things" I would offend
Hope fulfilled. They all suddenly started to look. Now it is only to wait for their sympathy by being limp
"alright. Give me the item" Ivor was the first to offer himself
"okay"
I took off all the things I had brought and put them all on Ivor's shoulders. Instantly he staggered and almost fell down due to the weight of all those things until he started grumbling later
"Damn it! Why is this innate so much to try!?"
"That's the stuff you bought during your original trip you know" I replied
I stick my tongue out at him and I start running after Veskal and Verdea, ignoring Ivor who starts screaming in annoyance into the air
"Hoy boy! Wait for me!"
They're very fast. They even reached near the city gate
It took me a while to get to them. And when I had just stepped on my last step to the second side, an old guard in front of the gate glared at the three of us standing before him while staring back
"There's need?"
I immediately showed the passport I had to the guard and Artorius' official permission
Checking the completeness of our identities, the old guard smiled kindly, then handed the thing I had previously handed over back to me
Finally there was a normal guard and did not grumble to see us...
"By the way, if you want to cross over to another continent, I suggest you guys don't do it for these few days" the old guard suddenly said
And he certainly caught my attention with that phrase
"Why is that, sir?" I asked
"If you look at the wind speed and cloud patterns in the sky, you can tell that there will be a snowstorm in the sea"
Hmphc...
The thing I feared became reality. That means we'll probably wait until the last day of the year
We have 7 days left until the end of the year. A cruise back there will probably take at most 3 and a half days. Not counting the journey from the point of arrival to the Forest Gate which can take 3-4 days
I also have to take into account the possibility of monsters that could attack later, until the travel time could be hampered. I can ask for help, but it would be hard to find him in this weather. He may also be in hibernation to store energy
However, if we wait a few days, I believe we will instead celebrate the end of the year in this city or on a boat cruise
Huh... The dilemma hurts too...
"Thank you for the warning. By the way, there are 5 more of our friends who will come here while carrying bags. They're all Elves" I said a few words to him
"alright. Welcome to Lotus City" He kindly said
Ah, the power of a friendly person. My heart is broken...
I nodded slowly as I smiled widely with this unexpected warmth, then took the two children into the city without a word more
And this town, it's still the same as when I first came to it
There were also people dancing in the middle of the city. Chants, music, and even small stage shows as if the new year will be celebrated today are very boisterous, mobbed by various people who live in this city
However, among the dozens of attractions and shops that we can find in this city, the eyes of Verdea are only interested in one thing
"Vain's. Candy" Verdea tugged at my clothes while pointing at a small shop selling candy
I just sighed and took out a few coins in response to the boy's request
When this kid wants something, he has to get it. His words are the absolute thing I have to admit sometimes annoying
Looks like we'll have to find a cheap boat for later. If we spend this money, we won't be able to buy the stock of food for the castle when we get home
Ah coret it. I have another alternative to replenish the castle's budget. And that solution will be there until we get to Miralius
All righty! Now it's time to find the captain of the ship who wants to take us across! How hard does this need to be done?!
......................
a few hours later ---
I'm tired of walking around here. In front of me now stood a ship captain who was bargaining with me
He won't accept my offer at all. Not only him, all the captains of the ships we met, none of them would accept the gold coins I had deposited to them
Don't ask why. Look at this captain for example
"Can't reduce the price?"
"I'm sorry, but I'm not. If you're crazy enough to have us sail during such a storm, at least 1000 gold pieces would be enough"
1000 pieces of gold... That's expensive...
The economy of the human kingdom is strange.1 piece of gold is equal to 100 pieces of silver. With my budget when adventuring first, I would be very grateful to be able to get even 10 silver. While this guy is asking for 1000 gold pieces? It's clearly a robbery
That doesn't make sense. I know that the pay may be about the lives of some of the crew, but it's still an indecent price. If he only wanted 200 or 300 pieces of gold, I would be more than happy to serve him
And I know very well he understands the risks. But seeing that the safety of his entire ship was only worth 1000 gold pieces, I could not lay down our lives to a greedy person like this
But, we've come this far and there's no way we're going back just like that, right?
"I can help you sail, but you also have to think about our safety and that of our ship" The sailor even said as he smoked his cigarette
Also because you want our money. Don't think I didn't catch your sneaky smile just now
"... I think about this first. I'll be back"
"... Alright. Please think carefully"
I turned and walked from the opposite direction of the sailor, approaching Verdea and Veskal who were sitting while eating candy. When I approached them, the two immediately asked me a question
"How's it?"
"Can we go now?"
Disappointed, I just shook my head to give her answer. And it dragged them until they both looked as disappointed as I was
500 Gold pieces.800 gold pieces.1000 gold pieces. The price offered by each captain of the ship was getting more and more so every time we changed. I also regretted turning down the offer of the first captain we approached earlier, for the reason that he lacked a capable crew
Huh... Our luck seems to be running out for now. If so, I'd better find those five people to book some rooms inside an inn for today
"sorry. But I heard you guys need a boat" Someone suddenly spoke up, leaving the three of us shocked
His voice is very typical because it sounds deep but not hoarse like an ordinary person—not a ship captain. When I turned around, I caught the appearance of someone wearing a sailor jacket, with a big smile that seemed haughty, as well as greasy black hair. But what makes it look distinctive is, the front part of her hair that looks bleached for some reason
"Excuse me. But, who are you?" I wondered
"My name is Cyth. I'm a pirate"
A pirate?
...
"I get. You realize something from me, don't you?" I also said
"Oho? Why do you assume I'm after something from you?" Cyth countered
"I don't know any pirate who doesn't have sharp perceptions"
And I was not wrong when her smile turned into a grin. He definitely wanted an even higher price than the captain of the ship in general. Plus he's a pirate
They are notoriously greedy. But, let's look first to make this conversation formal
"... Right enough. More precisely, I want to trade with you" he said
Switch-switch hm...?
"Please explain" I'll let him talk
Cyth smiled steadily and took the three of us to a place where we could talk quietly avoiding the hustle and bustle of the city
...
-- - Black Snake's Shop, Lotus City --
"I know you're an Elf. And not an ordinary Elf in any question" He said after sipping the beer glass he ordered
Whoa... This guy is dangerous...
His instincts were sharper than I expected. I was also amazed by him, because not everyone is as smart as him in avoiding trouble with Oberon as I am
Yeah, I still have my grudges against the people who have been cutting me all this time
And by the way why should it be here?
The atmosphere of this shop was indeed more comfortable than I had ever been, but still it felt strange to me that he had invited me here just to talk about exchanges. It can be done outside, right?
He even bought our drinks...
Verdea and Veskal were busy gulping down the warm milk Cyth had bought them, as if they were racing to finish each other's glasses first. While I was ordered fruit juice began to drink it through my hand tendrils so that my mouth is not full and can still talk
"Why do you want to help?" I asked again too
"As I said earlier. Switch-over"
Still circling apparently
"... Then explain the point"
Cyth began to be enthusiastic, before looking to the right and left to make sure no one was listening. After he was sure, he brought his chair to our table and began to speak slowly
"I want you to give me the 'Souvenir' of the Elven kingdom"
A souvenir?
"What kind of souvenir?"
"Whatever it is as long as they are valuable enough"
Hm... Something valuable...
"Ah yes. And I might want a lot"
It seems greedy too
...
"alright. The amount and value of that 'Souvenir' will depend on the ability of your ship to take us"
It would be better, because me and the Elves did not really need some things in Miralius like the spoils of war in ancient times. Most of them only serve as displays in the warehouse alone, without having historical value that can make us proud or satisfied
"Ohoho~? You underestimate me too much, son" Cyth responded to me, understanding that I was looking down on him
"My age is 151, young man. Don't call me son just because I'm shorter than you" I replied
"Then the boy" Veskal grazed while cleaning Verdea's mouth from the milk they had finished drinking
...
"Hey. Want to get hit?"
"Vainzel boy" Verdea followed
"Verdea..."
"Aahaha! Even these kids agree" Cyth interjected
Ughhhh! I'll teach them both a lesson later...!
Cyth was seen thinking for a moment, before his smile widened again as his eyes looked back at me
"alright. We must leave quickly if you can" he said
That's all I need to hear right now. I immediately got up and walked out of the tavern, so that the two children spontaneously followed with satisfied faces on each other's faces. Don't forget they're grateful because Cyth bought their drink just now
Just as we were walking towards the harbor, we happened to see my other friends confused and looked back and forth. Lyralia even looks increasingly limp, probably because it can not handle the lively atmosphere in this city
"Hey!" I called them while waving my hand
They looked straight at me and looked relieved. The five walked quickly towards us, as if I were the only place they could feel comfortable right now
"Vain's. Thank goodness..." Luna said
"We're tired of looking for you..." Lyralia added while grimacing in annoyance, rubbing her face against my cheek
"Just calm. I'm not disappearing from the face of the earth either" I shoved her face as she tried to stay attached
"So, are they your friends?" Cyth asked me
All my friends' eyes were on Cyth. They looked back at me as if asking who it was. The funny thing about their behavior just now is, all five of them do it very synchronously
Back to Cyth
"Yes. No problem, right?" I said to Cyth
I then gestured 'I'll explain later' to my friends
We have to leave as soon as possible now. According to my estimates and the advice from Cyth just now, the storm that will hit will get worse the more we wait
Cyth just shrugged his shoulders to signal that there was no problem. He walked towards the pier, inviting us all to come with him immediately
And as he walked toward a place not too far from the store we had just come out of, he shouted something
"Hoy, you slackers! Prepare our ships!" He shouted towards a ship
Hearing Cyth shout, everyone staring from the ship suddenly began to work as hard as possible to prepare the ship we were about to board without further ado following the orders of their captain
And speaking of their ship, this ship looks magnificent. Doesn't fit the shadow of a pirate ship in my head
The ship made of reddish-brown wood is still polished neat and looks new with gold fringes and luxurious carvings. Their screen size was even huge and the wood still looked sturdy when I looked closer. I'm sure this ship's been sailing long enough, but look how beautiful this thing is
Is this a noble ship or a pirate ship try?
The crew belonging to Cyth even very dexterous in doing their respective work
The screens, anchors, equipment and their needs are carefully prepared. A wooden plank was even lowered like a red carpet from the boat, as a way up the deck for us
"Woman first" Cyth said as he let me go forward politely
I instantly moved a step back and let Luna be the first one to climb onto the deck
After we all boarded, all the preparations were ready as well. The ship, which was only filled with 17 people including us, then began to sail away from the port
The wind that came blew the sail of the ship at once, as if it wanted to tear it apart. But somehow, the sturdy sail was able to hold on, and it was pushing this ship at a speed that exceeded my expectations
Verdea and Veskal in amazement stood at the side of the ship, watching the ocean currents being eroded by the hull. They even looked up at the sky to greet the passing seagulls, as the wind blew through the hair of the two very freely. I even had to hold my veil so as not to fall off the top of my head and keep it properly covered
Sunlight entered my eyes as me and the others stood at the side of the ship, leaving the other five friends amazed at this new atmosphere. Cyth also accompanied us, as he held back his hair to keep it from getting messy
"Hurry too" I praised Cyth who stood beside me
Cyth laughed out loud
"Welcome to Black Hunt! My crew is lazy, but they can be counted on to handle ships faster than women!"
His jokes are vulgar too...
He patted me on the shoulder before leaving to re-direct his men. I just shook my head in response to her behavior just now
Then, I told all my friends including Verdea and Veskal to enter the ship through a door. Just because Veskal started trying to climb up the side of the ship and I'm afraid he's getting reckless
But, Verdea refused and stayed with me. I carried him and approached Cyth, who was busy checking the direction of the wind, leaving my friends who had pouted faces, following the direction of a crew member heading to the inside of the ship
"Then, how do you get us through that storm later?" I asked after approaching him
Cyth laughed for a moment as Verdea's head was on top of my sling, so he ruffled until Verdea glared at him with a sullen expression
"I have a trick" He said, showing off the round, sea snail-shaped necklace he wore to us
He then turned again to his crew and shouted
"We're going to Goeitias kids! Prepare your asses for all the gold we'll get!"
"Aye aye!"
Huh... Sea pirates. Whatever it is, people who are not in the rules like they always have a way to make a boisterous atmosphere
So, I'll trust that 'trick' he has. After all, the person who knew their ship the most was the sailor himself. Pirates, or not
