The sea was calm near the coast, and the ship, weighing thousands of tons, swiftly cut through the blue waters, propelled by the ocean breeze, creating ripples across the surface.
Elyon sat in the cabin, peering through the porthole at the seagulls trailing the Sea God, while Nyara and Seraphina unpacked items from their suitcases—daily wear, short-sleeved swimsuits, and an array of bottles and jars, presumably filled with various skincare products.
Observing the towels and bath linens his sisters had brought along, Elyon couldn't help but remark, "Was it necessary to bring all these toiletries? I'm pretty sure the washroom provides them."
Nyara shot a look at her brother, "What do you know? Who's to say the supposedly clean towels provided by the cruise aren't just used ones dried off from the last guest? I'm not using someone else's."
Ah, germaphobia, Elyon thought, realizing why the suitcases were so heavy. He wondered if the other first-class guests were as particular as his sisters. Probably only the inconspicuous couple and the businessman wouldn't mind.
"Knock, knock, knock." A rapping at the door prompted Elyon to open it, revealing a twenty-something woman in a black and white maid's uniform, her slightly yellowish skin and golden hair indicating she might be of mixed heritage. She looked strong, likely from years of laborious work.
"Esteemed guests, I am Mary, the first-class cabin maid. The captain has invited you to a personal welcome meal in the first-class dining room downstairs. Due to limited tables, you'll be sharing table number three with the guests from room number nine. Lunch will begin in half an hour," the maid Mary delivered an invitation and this message.
Elyon took the invitation, responding with a smile, "What an honor. Unfortunately, I didn't bring a gift."
"No need for gifts, sir. This is a private invitation from the captain. I must inform the other guests now. Enjoy your journey."
Watching the maid depart, Elyon tossed the invitation to his sisters, "Find something suitable to wear; there's a free lunch at noon."
"Are we going?" Nyara asked.
"Of course. Seraphina, help me pick out a dress. Why are you still here? Don't tell me you've developed complex feelings for your sisters?" Elyon was quickly teased and shooed out.
"Really, it has to be this way. There's been a change in plans," a woman's voice came from the right.
"We can't delay any longer. It's almost ten years. We must..." A deep male voice abruptly stopped.
Elyon glanced towards the source of the voices; the man from room number three and maid Mary had been in conversation but ceased as they noticed Elyon stepping out. Mary quickly handed over an invitation and hurried downstairs.
Old lovers or a secret affair? Elyon's mind raced with possibilities. The man from room number three looked like the secretary to the arms dealer who boarded earlier, suggesting a decent income.
Soon, the Elyon siblings made their way to the first-class dining room, presenting their tickets for entry. The dining room was already filling up, and table number three was located near the entrance. The middle-aged couple from room number nine was already seated there.
"Good afternoon, sir and madam. We are the Sastons from room number eight. My name is Elyon, this is my sister Nyara, and here is Seraphina. It's a pleasure to share the table with you," Nyara said, maintaining her ladylike demeanor in public.
"Oh, I'm Henry Mast, and this is my wife Lily Mast from Rumang. We're servants to a noble," the middle-aged man quickly responded.
Their table, closest to the entrance, was likely for rooms seven to nine. It seemed the Elyon siblings and the Masts were the least affluent at the table, and room number seven appeared to be unsold.
As the clock neared 11:30 AM and the dining room filled, Captain Burke, in full uniform, stood on a raised platform near table number one, holding a glass of wine. He began, "Welcome aboard the Sea God, esteemed guests. On behalf of the entire crew, I hope you have a wonderful and enjoyable holiday." He paused before continuing his introduction.
"Allow me to introduce our most distinguished guests. From room number one, we have Viscount Andrew Campbell from the Kingdom of Luke, a senior noble. The wines for this gathering have been generously provided by the viscount, so please give him a round of applause." Sparse applause followed.
Viscount Campbell's servant, hat in hand, bowed slightly on behalf of the noble.
"Next, at table number one, we have the esteemed socialite Helena Demira and her daughter, the renowned actress Lina. Opposite them is the righteous businessman, Mr. Cassa Chedi. At table number two, we have the brave Colonel Arnold from room number four and his secretary, Lieutenant Cadega. The gentlemen beside them are Mr. Carvo from room number five and Mr. Harman from room number six. At table number three, we have Chief Elyon and his sisters from room number eight, and Mr. and Mrs. Mast from room number nine. Lastly, I hope you all enjoy the main course for lunch, prepared by our chef from the distant Celestine Empire—a delicacy you won't find elsewhere."
With that, Captain Burke drained his glass and left with a beaming smile.
Elyon didn't pay much attention to the taste of the lunch; he was more interested in finding the chef from the Celestine Empire. He couldn't help but think of the great gastronomic empire from his previous life and wondered if the chef could recognize Chinese characters. If so, Elyon's hope of returning home might just increase.