Volume 8, Chapter 2: Leaving the Ship
For the time being, I stood at the bow of the luxurious high-speed sailboat, skipping over the lecture, and felt a shiver of unpleasant anticipation.
Is this the Conchue?
Thinking that, I decided to have Mitsuki go on a reconnaissance mission with the wyvern before me.
My intuition as a loner is quite accurate.
Mitsuki returned on the wyvern.
"Big brother's intuition was right. The news of the battle with Eterno has spread, and there are some saviors waiting at the port."
Mitsuki said as she dismounted the wyvern.
"Seriously!"
"Well, Conchue is a major power in both economy and military on a global scale. They're quick with information too."
Princess Miyabi laughed.
"Now then, what should we do? I don't want a repeat of the last reception."
"Yeah, definitely."
"Right."
"Exactly."
Everyone except Aporito nodded.
"Huh? Is it about the incident with your siblings running away?"
Aporito asked.
"No, besides that, we were welcomed in strange ways, and it broke our spirits."
I replied.
"I see. It can be tough when things are blown out of proportion."
Aporito nodded.
"For now, Mitsuki, should we return to Patria on the wyvern in one go?"
Mitsuki suggested.
"That might be a safe choice."
I muttered.
"Why not embrace the welcome?"
Old man Juro said, smiling.
"Well, I don't really feel like calling myself the Savior. I'm not that kind of person to begin with."
I laughed and replied to old man Juro.
"Oddly modest in a strange situation, aren't you?"
Old man Juro looked exasperated.
"Well, I'm just a merchant."
I laughed.
"Well, that too can be quite troublesome."
Old man Juro looked concerned.
"For now, Aoi, we're leaving on the wyvern. Call the captain, we just want to give money and thanks."
Aoi said she would call the captain, and it seemed the captain had been observing us because he came over quickly.
"Are you really leaving from here?"
The captain asked.
"Sorry. We're grateful for all the help you've given us."
While speaking, I tried to hand over a leather pouch filled with money.
After all, I had brought quite a bit with me, thinking I might need it for the Yamato Super situation.
"No, you protected us from Ehector. We've also received your hospitality, so this is fine."
The captain refused.
"Well, there will definitely be times when we'll need your help again in the future. Please don't worry about that."
While speaking, I forcefully handed him the leather pouch of money.
The captain looked troubled, but after a brief consideration, he accepted the money.
"Well then, if there's anything else, I'll wholeheartedly help you. I'll accept this gratefully."
The captain said with a smile and extended his hand, so I shook hands with him.
"I'll count on you when that time comes."
I also answered with a smile.
"You're certainly capable of handling situations like these."
Old man Juro said somewhat sarcastically.
"Well, I am a merchant, after all."
I replied.
"Then, that's a problem in its own right."
Old man Juro looked troubled.
"Brother, since we're going on the wyvern, should we scout the surroundings carefully just in case?"
Aporito looked towards Patria.
"Sure, please do, brother."
I asked Aporito.
"Huh? What's up?"
"What's going on?"
"There are some fellow loners on a small island quite far ahead."
"Is that so?"
"Loners?"
Princess Miyabi asked.
"Yeah, I invited them to become blood brothers in Tayura, but they got embarrassed and ran away."
"I see."
Princess Miyabi nodded.
"Well then, brother, should we go and ask them to become blood brothers again?"
I said to Aporito.
"Yes, loners often form strong bonds with each other."
Aporito also answered with a smile.