The ship arrived at the dock when the sun had already made its way across a significant portion of the sky. In accordance with their agreement, the men disembarked to refuel the ship and negotiate their merchandise.

Howarding summoned Aiden for a noble mission. They were tasked with going to the unpopulated side of the island to bury a portion of the captain's treasure. Aiden didn't immediately accept, but after Howarding mentioned that it was the captain's upcoming birthday and a good opportunity to make purchases, he agreed.

The handsome man, with a wide smile on his face, rushed to embrace Julie.

"Julie, I need to leave for a while, but I'll be back soon," he said.

Julie remained silent, turning her back to him.

Aiden had an overwhelming urge to kiss her before happily departing, completely unaware that it would be their last meeting.

***

Approximately an hour later, the men returned to their boats, where a meeting was held with their respective captains. Some bid farewell, receiving a substantial amount of money, while others chose to remain.

Although Julie intended to depart with just one ship, which belonged to the navy, there were too many individuals eager to join her, requiring the use of three large ships.

With a fleet of three ships and no time to waste, the captain gave the order to set sail while casting a final glance at the hill where old Howarding would likely be tipping his hat, as was his custom, saying "Goodbye, little June."

Despite the tears shed by the crew and a few skirmishes, she needed to exhibit strength in her decision.

*****

Aiden followed Howarding along a narrow trail in the forest, pulling a small cart. However, he felt uneasy and unusually pensive. Suddenly, he stopped to gaze out at the sea. There was something peculiar about it, and the ships appeared to be preparing to depart. Aiden, left with no other option, sprinted through the woods, arriving at the port as fast as he could. To his dismay, Julie's ship had already left the harbor.

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One unique aspect of the Magatar port was that it didn't directly lead to the open sea. Instead, ships had to pass through a narrow channel before reaching the vast waters. Thankfully, Aiden managed to catch up with the vessel by leaping off a few rocks into the canal.

His terrified eyes, tears streaming down his face, and desperate screams portrayed his confusion. He couldn't comprehend what was happening and, like any young lover deceived, believed there must be another explanation for it.

Amidst the fusion of tears and salty waters, with the ship muffling his screams, Aiden swam desperately, eventually reaching the vessel as it decelerated in search of the sea.

"Captain, the boy is here!!"

"the lad?!"

Julie hurried to the rear of the ship, where Aiden was struggling to climb and had nearly succeeded with the aid of the fishing net attached to the anchor.

"Julie!" Aiden shouted, extending his hands to her. "Help me, Julie, Captain."

Their eyes met fleetingly, just like the gazes of the entire crew observing the scene. When Julie stepped onto the bow, she moved away from where the boy had finally managed to hold on and extended her hand.

Aiden breathed a sigh of relief.

"You're annoying, Aiden. I'm growing really bored of you."

"Don't say that, Julie?!"

"Stop bothering me. If I ever have to see that pitiful face of yours again, I'll be the one to kill you myself," she declared, her face devoid of warmth or emotion.

In shock, Aiden watched as the captain kicked him off the boat, turning her back on him.

The pain in his heart rose to his throat, and he didn't even register the moment his body met the water. He remained motionless.

Agony enveloped him, his hands clenched around his neck. The inexplicable pain consumed his entire being, urging him to scream out the despair he felt. But none of it seemed to find a release, leaving him with an emptiness, a realization that a part of his life would always be absent.

******

Meanwhile, on the mountaintop, a tearful old Howarding attempted to traverse the trail leading to the other side alone. Despite perspiration and exhaustion, he stumbled and rose, spurred on by the captain's final command. At the summit, exactly where the captain had specified, rabbits scattered.

On his knees, Howarding removed his hat and gazed at the speck on the ocean.

Memories of young June flooded his mind, of the times he had played pranks on her when she was still a child, frolicking around the ship.

"Farewell, my little June. Perhaps the gods will show mercy and In this life or the next, you may reunite with your sister."