“Guan, arrivederci!”

“So long! Take care of the chieftess!” I don’t know what Gondola says to me yet I respond when I am aboard the ship.

Meanwhile after I finish packing up my necessities inside the galley, I am greeted by a sight that takes my breath away as I make my way to the deck. The mast guy welcomes me with a beaming smile on his face. The channel and sea floor stretches out endlessly before us, its big area sparkling under the golden rays and heat of the sun. I look below and yes! Low tide reveals a school of fishes scattered across the sandy seabed, with the invitation of joy and cohesion. And yeah, just like us in this ship.

“Captain, what is the route of the course?” I ask in a joyous tone towards the man in charge of this galley.

“Just relax, milord. We will handle the rest!” he responds with a glad expression of his own.

With no storm clouds in sight, the time of our embarkment must be filled with moments of tranquility and reflection. I presume. I realize that there are some faces that I have never met before. A plethora of distinctions; whether they are adventurers, merchants, artisans, in this galley who are being to transmit goods and people illegally. Well, thanks for Lord Ameniah’s heads up for this. I really appreciate his effort. The final destination of this boat is the University itself, do they have the same arrival as me? I wonder.

“Oh, hello, dear sirs and madams! What is the purpose of your journey to Inglovia? Are you a native there? Catching different opportunities? The jobs in Kehina are not that fruitful?“ I approach a band of, I presume, adventurers while they set their sights towards the distance, staring at the direction where Kehina is.

“Hey, nice to meet you. I am an archer. Yes, that might be the case of action. There are no monster subjugations in the commissioners’ board at the guild hall. Well, it is because of the war. Just hard times. Nothing we can do.” the man answers me, while he is chewing a snus on his palate, as he responds to me - doesn’t bother to face me.

“Well, for me. I am an adventurer too. But sometimes, I do commissions outside the adventurers’ althing.”

“Oh, really?” I reply with a curiosity in my eyes.

“Yes, recently instead of fighting off against mortals, I am doing sports with monsters on the horizon. By the way, I practice swordsmanship. And I took part in the previous crusade.” she says, as the woman in full chainmail displays the brooch on her neck - for her admission in protecting and participating in the holy war around twenty years ago. While she is still staring towards Kehina. Refusing to take a glance at me.

“Amazing!” my face gleams pertaining to the swordswoman’s achievement.

“Thank you.” she giggles.

“What about you, sire? The lad covered in shrouds? What course of expertise are you demonstrating?” I ask in a politeful manner, indicating the man who solely flaunts the guise of his face… his eyes and his forehead.

He clears his throat before proceeding his introductions, he stops on juggling his dagger in his hand and putting it inside the scabbard on his belt-buckle, responding: “I do hunt monsters for most of the time, you see. Sometimes, people. As long as the price is right.” a bounty hunter, eh?, “Also, I did participate in the jihad too - just a couple of years ago.” an assassin? For political dissidents?!? He utters in a monotonous and cold way of speaking. Right after, he introduces himself; he verifies me looking me into the eyes. And all of the sudden, he flinches his body. He’s shocked, as it shows to his eyes a surprised look. He then alerts his friends, his partners to the adventure instructing them something. The three of them are glaring at me with a sinister look on their visions - portraying bloodlust.

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“Oh, it's the legendary ‘Medal of Frugality’! How very pleased we are to meet you, our Lord!” as they perform a genuflection before my presence when they find out who I am, I am surprised, indeed.

“Please express our amnesty for showing arrogance to you, Lord Guan!” the man sporting a cloak apologizes, on behalf of his group’s misconduct???, asking for my forgiveness. Well, that’s so weird, I suppose.

“Hahaha… fret not, my dear friends! I am just mingling you! If ever comes to worst, I’ll be asking for your aid.” I try to divert the heat, breaking the ice.

“Come, my acquaintances of the adventuring section…” adding, as I ask them to rise up on their feet, “Oh, my god. You’re making me angsty.” I sigh, where I am really desperate to hide my embarrassment and follow my command. That event was awkward but all in all, I became friends with them eventually when they opened themselves up to me.

That event was awkward but all in all, I became friends with them eventually when they opened themselves up to me. Meanwhile after befriending several passengers within this ship, I turn myself towards a sailor who is surveying the sight.

“Hello, my friend!”

“Hello, milord! How’s the voyage going on? Are you feeling seasick as of now?” he jokes around, where he catches me off guard with that retort.

"Haha… it was just fine, I believe. Well, you seem not a 'green', eh? So, what's cooking?"

"According to the activities on the skies, our basking in the sun might be over when we reach the threshold around two thousand and two hundred sixty steps (2,260) to five thousand and two hundred fifty-three steps (5,253). Or approximately, six hours traversing to the south. If the wind influx persists, it might be six hours and a half. Or if we are lucky, there is an estimation of fifty percent chance of rain." his face shifts from delightful one into worrying instance. As for me, well… what the heck? What in the world is he blabbering about? Is he some kind of nerd on this ship?

"Uh-huh… ? Well,..."

"There is no need for you to worry, milord. What awaits us is just part of the thrill." he intervenes.

I leave him in a silent and stealthy way whilst I am checking on him and he is still keeps on blurting, even though, I am not there. Jeez! What a fella he is, seriously… ! as I approach another set of group or an individual to manage myself occupied during this expedition. This time, now, I meet an interesting figure: 'Maison'. The leader of the Verlassenes.

"What are you doing here?" I say, while I am approaching her to the table.

"Oh, milord…" she retorts in a finicky manner, where she is about to deliver a gesture.

"Oh stop that, will 'ya? Today, in this ship, I am no longer a part of the royalty, remember?" I say to her to stop her from greeting me with pleasantries, I ask for her to welcome me in a common gesture.

“Surely, for now.” dictating that I am going back to Kehina, once I have finished the task.

“Sure, milord…” she pauses “I mean, certainly, Guan!” realizing, as she rectifies her previous connotation.

“Well, I have matters to do errands to Inglovia also. I am aware that my subordinates needed me there. The task at hand matters the most, however.” with a strong emphasis, she declares.

“And what is that?”

“It does concern you not. It is a mission given by Lady Anda herself. So, fret not.” she smiles. A classified request? I see.

And as for me, I have my own mission to struggle with - to study. I will not disappoint you… fellas in the inner circles of the council, my brother, and Lady Anda.