The ship that was now under the control of the white princess had set sail for the archipelago in the south, named Shinoroa. The white princess made a brief discussion with the soldier, and the man named Taneva, on where they should make port. They couldn’t just go to the original destination of these traffickers. There would be enemies waiting for them there.

Thus, Taneva suggested heading for the port city of Mahana, that was on the western part of the northern main island named Hokunoa, in contrast to the original destination of Enikada, which was on the eastern part.

Velar was the one to approach the two men at the helm, ones who knew how to operate a ship like this, who were just guiding the men on the sails. He carried a map over to them and pointed out the destination.

The older man frowned. “That’s a big shift. If I recall correctly, we might hit a region with pirate activity. It will be dangerous if we get unlucky and encounter a pirate ship.”

“Is that really a concern for us?”

Velar glanced at the lady of white sitting at the railing at the side of the ship. She seemed enigmatic, but obviously sad about something. Then he glanced towards the bronze haired man casually looking at the horizon. While the other two strangers in black were talking to each other.

Velar continued. “Don’t you see what kind of monsters we have here?”

The man awkwardly glanced at the new people. “Really? I mean, they look dangerous and strange, but monsters?”

They had seen what the lady of white was capable of doing. But it would seem his curiosity lay on the three guests. Considering that the man was not a warrior or anything, he must not have sensed how dangerous they were. But Velar, as an experienced soldier, sensed it, and it gave him goosebumps the first he met them.

“Turning from fog to man is not a normal ability. And the other just ran here on the ice. I assure you, they’re anything but weak. We don’t have to worry about any pirates.”

“They’re strong?” a young man in his mid to late teens asked worriedly. He was holding on to the helm.

“I have the feeling they’re too strong. Even I wouldn’t hold a candle against them.”

The young man glanced at the young lady. Velar noticed he frequently stared at her. But he understood why. No one, not even him, had ever seen someone so beautiful. It was expected that her beauty would have a tremendous effect on someone her age.

“What are they?” the older man asked.

“I don’t know. But, we have no need to worry about anything dangerous. They’re on our side for now.”

“Velar, are we really going to do this? Sailing straight to Shinoroa. Everyone here wants to turn back. That was the reason we fought against our captors.”

Everyone had qualms about not immediately going back to Eventon. They were scared, even more so to the men and women who have never gone this far in their lives. Even more so to the ones who missed their home.

“What do you want me to do?”

“Uh…” He looked away. “Everyone is restless.”

“She said that we’ll be going back, anyway. Besides, we have plenty of rations here to help us survive a long trip.”

There were a lot, actually. This ship was loaded with supplies. One could guess they were intended for trading and long travels.

“Is that even true? That we’ll go back.”

“... She doesn’t seem to be a bad person. Even she was taken from her home. She’s not too different from us.”

That was how Velar felt about the lady. Despite how cold she may be, she didn’t seem to be outright evil like the ones that took them. As long as they don’t fight against her, everything should be alright.

“If that’s what you think, then you better ease the others. Before they do something stupid.”

Velar sighed and glanced at the people on the deck. They were looking up at the sails, looking up at the ocean, and talking to each other. But he could sense brooding in their faces and movements.

“Just change the course. I’ll handle it.”

“Fine.”

Velar left the map to them and he stepped down the stairs, heading to the princess.

“Your Highness.”

She slowly raised her crimson eyes towards him.

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“The people here don't take your plans well. They are concerned.”

“That is to be expected, no?”

Oh, she’s not clueless.

Truth be told, considering that she was a princess, he expected her to be clueless about the thoughts and needs of the common people. Daughters of rich men were, most of the time, spoiled and haughty. They never cared much about anyone else, thus didn’t give the time to think about anyone else but themselves. Others may try to, try to be kind and all, but still end up clueless.

“I’ll talk and ease them about the situation. That they’ll go home eventually.”

She stared at Velar’s eyes for a moment. “I wonder… do all of them even want to go back?”

“Pardon?”

She glanced at the people on the deck. “Some of them are merely afraid of the unknown.”

“Is that so?”

“How do you think they ended up here?”

When they were chained within the darkness of the ship, Velar and the other captives spoke to each other. Some told their stories.

“Some of them were kidnapped, while the others were sold…”

The latter one was especially the saddest. He found it incomprehensible that someone would just sell a family to slavery. But desperation brings out the worst in people.

“And these others… Do you think they have a place to go back to?”

Velar lowered his eyes. “No, I don’t think so.”

“It must be heartbreaking to know you were sold by those dearest to you. How can you come back from that?”

“I don’t know…”

“There’s no home to go back to, they have nothing. Even if they go back to land, what will they do?”

“Live, I guess.”

“If life were ever that easy. How would they even live?”

The princess stared deeply into his eyes again, as though she were reading through him. And she smiled a little.

“Once convinced, some wouldn’t mind going on an adventure for a while. Am I right?”

Velar looked over at the vast horizon. Some didn’t have a home to go to. They were directionless. Betrayed by their family. And venturing to an unknown place wouldn’t be too bad for people like them. Especially in this world full of the unknown, a lot of new things to see. Velar had met plenty of people while on duty that expressed their desire to go around places they have never been to before.

Is it because they want to? Or they just didn’t have a decent home to stay in?

Whatever the reason may be, he had started to understand them, even for just a little.

Velar formed a small smile. “I guess.”

“They only need to be relieved of the lingering fear. Can you do that, Velar? Assure them that it will be alright.”

“Those that want to go home?”

“Tell them to be patient. They might even get home before I do.”

“You’re not going to try talking to them? You’re basically their captain now.”

“... I…” She looked down. “I’ll get to it when I’m feeling a bit better.”

Velar had no idea what exactly she went through to be this distraught. But it must have been terrible. He could imagine, though. Her home being under attack, and the people she might have lost, it must have been so hard and heartbreaking. Seeing her like this, it made him think she was just a normal girl with a heart in the end.

“I understand. I’ll talk to them. But even my words wouldn’t be enough if they do not know you at all.”

“I know…” She looked away.

Velar faintly nodded. “Then I’ll go talk to them.”

“I’m going back inside the captain’s room. I need to heal.”

“Heal? You mean sleep?”

She got up from the railing and shook her head. “I meant heal.”

“... Huh, I think I understand.”

Sounds like she could cast healing magic.

With that, the princess returned to the captain’s cabin with slow and tired steps. It was either because of her sadness or because of her weakened body, but it could be both. Velar was about to go onward, but someone suddenly came up beside him.

“I heard they called her a princess.”

Velar raised an eyebrow and glanced at the nosy poet. “You were listening?”

“Well, not like you were whispering or anything. Those guys were quite noisy. I’m certain some heard it as well.”

“Of course…”

“But I’m curious. Did they call her a princess metaphorically, or is she just really a princess?”

“Hmm, what do you think?”

“Oh come one, at least tell me.”

“I’m not really in a place to casually share it.”

The poet grinned. “See, saying it that way pretty much confirms it.”

The soldier could only sigh. “Why are you so interested, anyway? Not like it’s any significant whether she’s an actual princess or not.”

The poet placed a hand under his chin. “I never met a princess before. And judging from her incredible, extreme beauty, it wouldn’t be surprising that she’s someone very important like a royal. Are princesses all that beautiful?”

“I can’t say. Not like there are princesses in Eventon.”

“She is fascinating. A princess far away from her home. One who possessed incredible power. I want to learn more about her.”

“Why would you even want that?”

The poet placed a hand on both hips. “I am a storyteller. I gather stories. I study all things interesting. And someone like her, I have never seen something more interesting. Guess I should start talking to her.”

“Careful, she doesn’t look like she's in a talking mood.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Huh… Guess next time then.”

“You don’t seem bothered that we’re going straight to Shinoroa.”

“Why should I be?”

“You don’t want to go back to the continent?”

“I’ve always been traveling, so I don’t mind going to another place. It’s also interesting to see this Shinoroa archipelago. I heard it’s a pretty dangerous place.”

“... I wouldn’t know, really.”

“I heard rumors. Savage people they are, always fighting and stuff. A dark and dead place.”

“For a pretty dead place, there sure seemed to be plenty of cities and people.”

“... I suppose. Maybe these stories are just exaggerations.”

“Seeing that you are onboard with this journey, how about you help me settle people down about this?”

“Oh yeah, some are against this. Especially the women. A couple of them were already crying about it.”

“... They already had a terrible experience away from home, and now they’re going further.”

“Some even want to throw the bad guys overboard. How wrathful, indeed. Terrible experiences inspire sadness and vengeance. But I am inclined to agree that our heartless captors must be thrown to their demise. If it shall remedy our dear friends’ vengeful and pained cries. How about you, friend?”

“Me? I don’t mind killing them.”

“You’re used to killing, I see. No hesitation.”

“My job was to kill.”

“You look like you carry out your duty dearly. I wonder how you ended up here.”

“... Hm.” He seemed to be avoiding the topic. “Help me talk to the people. You’re pretty good with words.”

“My, my. If you wish to use my talent, then I shall assist you.”

“Just don’t get too carried away.”

“I would never. But I think we should start only when they’re done with their work.”