"Let me help," Elyon said, watching the red-faced apprentice sailor struggling with two heavy suitcases that screeched across the deck, leaving marks on the polished wood.
Elyon couldn't fathom what his sisters had packed for this trip, considering the weight that the young lad could hardly manage.
"You are a first-class passenger and under the captain's special care; I can't let you carry luggage," the young sailor stubbornly refused Elyon's offer to help.
"Then, how about we switch? You take my brother's luggage, and I'll handle the ladies'. A lady's luggage should be handled with elegance, and only by someone they trust completely," Irena suggested.
"Is that alright?" the sailor asked hesitantly.
"No problem, I didn't even break a sweat climbing the gangway. Besides, you're already helping me with part of it, aren't you?"
With no other option, the sailor set down the suitcases and took Elyon's backpack, astonished as Elyon effortlessly lifted the heavy suitcases as if they were mere toys.
"Sir, you're quite strong. Those suitcases must weigh at least 80 pounds, yet you handle them as if they were empty."
"Ha, I have no idea what my sisters have packed in there. Perhaps the modern lady's travel essentials include a plethora of bottles and jars of cosmetics and skincare products. Anyway, why don't you tell me about the Sea God? I'm particularly interested in the first-class section we'll be staying in," Elyon said, looking around with the curiosity of an animal newly arrived at the zoo.
"Of course, our Sea God is the latest and greatest, completely eschewing sail power for a length of 100 yards and a width of 16 yards, powered by three twin-cylinder single-expansion steam engines. She can easily reach speeds of 15 knots, leaving those sail-dependent pirates in the dust. Your suites are on the penultimate level, perfect for enjoying the sun and views, with separate master and servant rooms and private washrooms," the sailor boasted proudly.
Master and servant rooms? Elyon knew he would end up in the servant room tonight, but he didn't mind the size of the room as long as the mattress was soft.
"The bridge is on the top deck, right?"
"Yes, but the bridge has its own staircase that won't disturb you. The first-class section is sandwiched between the main hall, which serves food and drinks, and the entertainment room. The second-class cabins are on the deck below, with their own portholes, while third-class is at the very bottom, without windows and only three-tier bunk beds."
Bunk beds? Elyon thought of the cramped conditions for sailors on submarines, where one had to be careful not to hit their head when getting up.
"Does anyone actually travel third-class? It sounds more like a prison," Seraphina commented nonchalantly.
"Well, not all our passengers are here for leisure. Many choose our ship for its speed, reaching Cain Island in a day, despite the higher cost compared to other liners. The opportunity to arrive earlier often means more opportunities or job prospects, so the demand is high."
The limitations of the era were clear. Without sufficient consumer power, a cruise ship essentially performed the same function as a ferry.
"That's reasonable, as long as there aren't any poor folks on board. Hel, you're sure there are no suspicious characters on this ship, right?" a haughty voice chimed in from behind.
Elyon turned to see a portly, middle-aged man, his shirt buttons straining against his belly. His attire screamed nouveau riche, with a golden pocket watch, monocle, and walking stick, and even a gold ring with a ruby on his right hand.
Beside him stood a meek-looking man in his thirties, carrying a suitcase and clutching a briefcase, constantly handing over papers that looked like reports.
"The notorious Mr. Cassa; don't mind him," the apprentice sailor seemed to know the temperamental man.
"Is this gentleman famous for being an unevolved ape from the Southern Continent?" Irena asked bluntly.
The sailor stifled a laugh at Irena's apt description, "Miss, you better hope he doesn't hear you. Mr. Cassa is known for throwing money around in the underworld and is rumored to have connections with the Ministry of Defense."
Nobles, tycoons, military men, stars – Elyon looked over the passengers boarding the ship. It seemed only his party lacked status and wealth. He hoped the ticket included meals; otherwise, watching others in the same cabin flaunting their lobster dinners while munching on bread would not sit well with his sisters. Having promised them the world, Elyon might be reduced to nibbling on stale bread next month.
"Through this staircase to the right is your room," the sailor guided the trio up to the second level, stopping in front of the first door on the right.
"Huh? Why is it room number 7?" They stood before a door marked with the number 7. Across from it was room number 4, and the room they had passed on the stairs was number 3. At the end of the cabin were rooms 5 and 6.
"I think they've changed the layout to clockwise, which would explain it," Elyon deduced, realizing his room number 8 must be through the entertainment room, at the far end of the cabin. He noticed that the first-class section had four rooms on the left, a small entertainment room and lounge in the middle, and five rooms on the right, separated by the staircase. Even in first-class, there were distinctions. Rooms 1 and 9 probably had direct views of the ship's bow.
"Ah, yes, that must be it. Last week, rooms 8 and 9 were by the staircase. No worries. Please, follow me."
They crossed the entertainment room, which housed a card table for bridge, a small bookshelf with chairs for reading, a billiards table, and a small bar with stools. The sailor led them to room 8 and turned the brass doorknob.
Inside, a washroom was to the left, a servant room to the right, and the master room directly faced the sea. A large bed with a velvet mattress, a desk, a wardrobe, and a coffee table made it comparable to a hotel suite.
"I'll leave your luggage here. Breakfast is from 7 to 9 AM, lunch from 11 AM to 1 PM, and dinner from 6 to 8 PM. If you miss those times, the main hall has a separate dining area, but ordering a la carte will incur additional charges. If you need any other services, please head to the entertainment room where a dedicated first-class maid will assist you," the sailor informed them before departing.
"Looks like the Chief didn't completely dupe me," Elyon's spirits lifted, "What about the fresh seafood you promised?" Seraphina retorted.
"Did I promise that? My memory's been failing since the hospital stay."
"Out you go, sleep on the deck with your luggage." Seraphina began tossing Elyon's backpack out the door.
"Kidding! The ship mostly has canned food or supplies temporarily restocked in Aegisburg. Nothing beats the authenticity of Cain Island's seafood. Let's go ashore tomorrow and eat, alright?" Elyon coaxed, much like one would a child.