Selahe stepped out of the carriage, still cradling me in his arms. As my eyes adjusted to the bright light, I was immediately awestruck by the sight of the ship before us.
It loomed large and majestic, a towering behemoth compared to the sailing ships I had only seen in museums from my old life. The wooden hull creaked softly as it gently swayed, and my gaze was drawn to the countless sails billowing in the wind, all neatly secured to the three towering masts.
Turning my gaze away from this marvel of ancient technology, I surveyed the other ships docked nearby. They formed a sea of ropes and rigging, indicating more sails, against the backdrop of the sky, indicating a reliance solely on the wind for propulsion. There were no visible funnels or signs of steam-powered ships, which struck me as a missed opportunity for faster travel, unhampered by the whims of the wind.
We only covered the concept of steam ships in my Ancient Tech 101 class. However, I did remember learning about the ubiquity of steam power well into the 22nd century, a technology seemingly absent in this world.
The ship designated for our voyage bristled with ballistae, their menacing forms hinting at a formidable defensive capability. Curiously, there were no cannons in sight, a departure from the naval armaments I was expecting
As we approached, the Duke strode purposefully towards a distinguished-looking crew member who promptly saluted him. It was evident that this ship was under the Duke's command, likely part of a naval force he oversaw. This revelation sparked my curiosity—what could have warranted the establishment of such a navy?
Despite my observations, the ducal couple seldom discussed foreign adversaries aside from the Empire, indicating that their concerns were primarily focused on domestic matters. The absence of cannonry, however, hinted at a different era of naval warfare, one less reliant on explosive firepower. Perhaps gunpowder hadn't been discovered yet.
As I surveyed the harbor, the chilly, salty air brushed against my skin, carried on a gentle breeze wafting from the ocean. The rhythmic lapping of the waves against the shore stirred a pang of nostalgia for the pristine oceans of my former world. Earth's seas, in stark contrast, were polluted with sludge, trash, and plastic, particularly along the coastline.
We embarked on the ship after the Duke gestured us aboard. The officer, whom the Duke had spoken to earlier, greeted us, saying, "Welcome aboard the Stormbreaker, your ladyship and young master!" I responded with a smile and a coo, while the Duchess nodded in acknowledgment.
The officer then informed us, "The Captain will house you in his cabin for the journey, this way please." We followed him to the cabin, where we were greeted by a mixture of scents—musty wood intermingled with a delicate floral fragrance.
The cabin itself was modestly furnished, emphasizing functionality over aesthetics. A folding divider partitioned off a section of the cabin for privacy. Seated at a small wooden desk was an older man, even older than Duke Calo.
I estimated his age to be in his fifties, though my perception of age was still adjusting after my previous life of near-eternal youth. He sported white hair framing a balding crown, and wore a strikingly elaborate uniform.
The officer announced our arrival, "Captain, the Duke is aboard."
The captain rose and saluted, welcoming us, "Welcome aboard everyone! Please get us underway now that our passengers are here."
The officer saluted back and swiftly departed, his footsteps and shouted orders echoing from the deck beyond.
"Come in!" the captain invited, "Make yourselves at home. Unfortunately, we're not designed for passengers, so this is the best accommodation on the ship, your lordships."
The Duke waved a hand as he settled into a chair, "We understand. Since the island is so close and the danger so high, this will suffice."
The Duchess elegantly took a seat and countered, "Speak for yourself, dear. Given the circumstances, we should have invested in a portal to the island years ago."
The Duke seemed taken aback, "Think of the cost! It's not practical at all! We assumed we'd never need the island villa again, so there was no point in investing in one!"
Selahe interjected, "Your lordships, if I may. While a portal would be extremely expensive, it would certainly have made this more convenient."
The Duchess smirked, but Selahe pressed on, "However, the Duke is correct in that there was no way to predict this."
The captain, acknowledging me with a gentle nod, held me in his arms, allowing me to gaze out through the portholes to the azure expanse beyond. I marveled at the sight, grateful that the city we called home was situated near such a pristine, pollution-free ocean.
"Your lordship, since you're here, are we free to discuss duchy business?" the captain inquired, subtly gesturing towards Mona.
The Duke gracefully declined, stating, "I don't want to spoil our trip with talk of work. We can discuss it on the way back, after all." The captain acquiesced, returning to the paperwork on his desk.
As the ship began to move, I sensed the subtle shift in motion. The ducal couple paused their whispered conversation, turning their attention to the view beyond the portholes.
Selahe remained as silent and composed as ever, securely holding me. In contrast, Mona jumped with anxious surprise at the sensation of movement.
I longed to witness the sailors employing ancient technology to set the ship in motion, a practice now relegated to museum exhibits. However, I understood our need to remain below deck for safety and to avoid being a hindrance on the crowded deck.
I pondered the concept of sniping in this world, adding it to my list of spells to explore. Our decision to stay below deck served two purposes: protection from potential danger, and avoiding interference with the crew's efficient operation of the ship. Despite being the captain's quarters, his cabin was scarcely larger than the mess hall I shared with Qiu.
Thoughts of my old roommate flooded my mind, stirring up the pain and sorrow of my previous life. It felt as though my newfound optimism had been drained away like blood by a vampire.
While I had come to terms with the betrayal that led to my execution, I realized there was no way to confirm the true culprit. Qiu was gone, and dwelling on the past would yield no answers. I prayed for a safe journey for my former crewmates, resolving to let go of the past and move forward as best I could.