(Ray PoV)
After dealing with Freya yesterday, she looks visibly different. Almost like she as a person had changed. But also not quite. It's difficult to describe and I can't be bothered to care when I have much more important matters at hand.
So, yesterday. After the brief and intimate act with Freya, I slip out into the port and wander aimlessly mostly to clear my mind from the desire to take our relationship further.
It's not that I suddenly became a changed man and swore off adultery. But, I just had too much on my plate to add another problem for myself to deal with.
Although, I had to admit that what happened to Kuroka in the end still lingers in my mind as a scar and causes my hesitation.
Anyway, while wandering the bustling port trying to clear my mind and thinking about my next move. I stumbled upon a wall filled with pamphlets nailed to it.
Amongst them are pamphlets of wanted posters of criminals with monetary prizes as bounty. One of them looks new compared to the others and on it is a remarkably good drawing of mine and Freya's portrait along with other details.
I immediately looked stunned and thoughts of the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles hunting him down immediately appeared in my mind. However, when I look closer and read the details. I can't help but be speechless and relieved at the same time.
Relieved because I am yet to be discovered by the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles yet. But speechless because of what stated on the pamphlet with my portrait.
[Wanted Poster]
Criminal Name: Ray
Crime: Statement from victim, Makoto Raiden. "He stole my maiden's heart.
Bounty Price: 10 Million Mora if alive, 100 thousand Mora for any clue.
But right next to the same pamphlets is another wanted poster with his portrait. The difference is instead of being put up by Makoto, it was the name of the god that owns this port.
[Wanted Poster]
Criminal Name: Ray
Crime:
Bounty Price: 100 Million Mora dead
Seeing these pamphlets, I have the urge to massage my brow while regretting not killing that crazy woman back then when I had the chance because she is starting to hit on my nerves with this crazy nonsense.
After making a sigh, I turn around and head towards the harbour.
Weaving through the heavy traffic as I approached the harbour, I saw many workers unloading or loading up cargo into various ships.
The merchant ships Freya had charmed were easily recognizable by their distinctive flags, bearing the symbol of their group: a shield with a sword and spear crossed behind it, signifying their primary trade in arms.
From a distance, I could see a bustling scene of laborers and sailors diligently preparing the fleet of eight ships.
Crates and barrels of cargo were being loaded into the hulls, secured within the compartments designed to hold valuable goods. Meanwhile, sailors on the decks worked meticulously, adjusting the sails and masts, while others inspected and repaired the ships' exteriors for any signs of damage. Every precaution was taken to ensure they were ready to endure the arduous voyage to Liyue.
Among the eight vessels, five were cargo ships dedicated to transporting goods, while the remaining three were warships resembling medieval-era frigates. Of these, the flagship stood out, armed to the teeth with magical cannons and ballistas, a formidable deterrent against any threats. The other two warships were moderately equipped, sacrificing some firepower for additional space to accommodate extra sailors. These sailors were prepared to fend off pirates and sea monsters that might attempt to board during the perilous journey ahead.
"Master, the preparations are in order and ships are almost ready to depart." Freya eagerly rushed down from the flagship and informed me of the progress of her task of supervising the preparation.
"Hmn… Good. Although, take precaution to hide your appearance. Thanks to Makoto, there are wanted posters with our faces that I saw in the town."
I regarded Freya thoughtfully as I wove a
shadowy robe around her,
its dark folds concealing her striking appearance.
Given Freya's extraordinary beauty-easily among the highest standards of this world-just one glance could burn her image into the
memory of anyone who saw her. That level of attention
would inevitably increase
the risk of someone
recognizing her, I thought.
"Wanted posters?" Freya's expression darkened, her eyes glinting with murderous intent when my attention was elsewhere.
"Shall I dispose of her, Master?" she asked, her voice laced with barely restrained hostility. The intensity of her killing intent was palpable, so much so that nearby people began turning their heads in our direction.
Panicked and annoyed that she forgot about my earlier warning, I scolded her.
"Tone it down, you idiot!"
Then I teleport onto her shoulder and deliver a light smack to her head with my paw. The reprimand seemed to jolt her back to her senses, and she quickly lowered her gaze, muttering an apology.
Freya hung her head low, fidgeting with her fingers like a child caught in the act of mischief. Seeing her mood plummet, I sighed, my
irritation melting away. I
reached out and rubbed her
head gently, my fingers
brushing through her hair as I am reminded that her obsessive, vulnerable and emotional dependent state is caused by myself.
"Haah… Forget about her, we don't have the time or resources to deal with her right now," I said, my tone softening. "Besides, I have other plans for her in the future."
"Anyway, let's get on board and prepare to depart immediately." I said and usher Freya to get on the ship because I sensed the earlier commotion had alerted the guards and it's a matter of time before someone informs the guards about the sightings of Freya.
Although there should be a few more cargo to load, with Freya's order, the Merchants under her command ordered the sailors to abandon it and prepare to sail immediately.
In a few minutes, the sails were ready and the ships immediately took off from the harbour as a group of heavily armed soldiers arrived at the harbor only to see the ships already took off.
"What should we do about this, Lord Taketsugu?"
"What else? Order the navy to give chase immediately! Sunk them down if needed. I want his head on my desk by tomorrow!"
Taketsugu Hayashi ordered before turning back and returning to the town.
He had absolute confidence in his own naval force since he had heavily invested in them to maintain his sovereignty over this island. His naval fleet is too notch that mere merchant fleet cannot compare to.
———
(Change back to 3rd person)
Aboard the fleeing merchant fleet, Ray overheard the command given by the God pursuing him using the shadows.
The weight of the words stung. He hadn't done anything to provoke this God, yet here they were, ordering their men to sink the fleet and kill him without hesitation.
"Fine," he muttered darkly, his voice laced with restrained fury. "I won't be polite either, then." Without another word, he stepped into his Shadow Space.
Inside the vast and surreal realm of shadows, a magnificent castle the size of a city loomed into view, its intricate design radiating power and mystery. Ray's senses expanded, scanning the entire expanse of the castle with precision, searching for a specific presence. The moment he pinpointed it, he vanished, reappearing in an instant elsewhere.
In a lush and serene open courtyard, Asia and the other girls were immersed in their daily activities. Ray's sudden arrival caused Abby to perk up immediately, her innate ability to sense his presence drawing her attention.
"Dad! Did you come to visit us?" Abby exclaimed with a wide, joyful smile as she rushed toward him, scooping him up with ease and lifting him high in the air.
"Ugh…" Ray grimaced slightly, guilt flickering across his face. "Sorry, but I'm still busy. I promise I'll clear up time and visit you all properly later. But right now, I need Jack's help." His eyes darted apologetically to Asia, who had been dutifully caring for everyone in his absence.
"Us?" Jack asked curiously, pointing at herself with a mix of surprise and curiosity as she stepped forward.
Asia, ever the calming presence, offered a reassuring smile despite the guilt hidden in her eyes. "It's alright, Ray. We all know you're doing your best, and we'll always be cheering for you. Isn't that right, girls?"
"Of course!" The girls nodded and said.
Asia's rallying words were met with enthusiastic support from his daughters. Well, except for Ophis who just nodded. Ray couldn't help but feel a pang of warmth amid the guilt. Their unwavering faith in him was a powerful reminder of the promise he is fighting to fulfil.
Once he gets Jack, Ray leaves Shadow Space and prepares to deal with the incoming pursuers. But not before giving his daughters headpat and chaste kisses to compensate for his lack of presence to accompany them.
—————
(AN: Is this going too slow for your liking? I do feel like rushing the pace. But, it would feel too bland if I exclude the interactions, etc and focus only on quickly glossing over the story until the post canon timeline.
What do you think about the pace?)
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