Two weeks had passed since Rasmus came to Eddenvilla. He visited Matthias daily to help him and his crew make the ship. He showed his skill in magic by cutting the trees and turning the woods into whatever shapes Matthias needed. He also helped him build the ship and learned much from Matthias by observing his work.
"I never thought we have progressed this far in just a week," Matthias said as he scratched his belly and looked at the ship that was already 10% done. "I guess we can finish it in three months as you requested," he pointed out and drank his rum.
Rasmus wanted his ship to look like a carrack ship which was the best when it came to durability and speed. Matthias agreed because the weather could be rough in the sea, especially during the rainy season.
"If it turns out great, I can make you my personal shipwright," Rasmus crossed his arms and watched the pirates place the rudder into the ship. "Are you interested or are you going to continue to live freely as a pirate?" He glanced at Matthias who was already in a drunken state.
"I miss the sea..." Matthias answered as he sat down. "I miss stealing silver, gold, women..." he added as he chuckled.
"Speaking of women, how did you know Erlina?" Rasmus looked down at Matthias.
"It's a long story..." Matthias sighed as he looked at the bottle in his hand that was already half-empty. "She was a smuggler, and she could sell anything she had in her possession. Spices, weapons, people, paintings, or anything that was valuable in her eyes to nobles, pirates, merchants, or anyone," he added.
"Erlina is from the Western region and she was quite a young lady back then. She started smuggling when she was fifteen years old, and if you're wondering why she ended up becoming a madam is because her mother was a courtesan. She learned a lot from her mother which made her a skilled woman both with her mouth and body," Matthias explained as he slowly lay down and bathed himself under the sunlight.
"How did she end up down here in South Neva?" Rasmus furrowed his brows because the sun was blinding him.
"She was hunted by knights because her father turned out to be the lord of the city. The legitimate wife of the lord wanted her dead, so she and her mother were hunted by them, unfortunately, her mother got caught and was hung in front of the brothel house," Matthias explained and began to close his eyes, enjoying the weather. "So, she went to where she usually smuggled things and that was when we found her unconscious on a rowboat in the middle of the sea with lots of money."
"So, we took her and brought her here to our hideout. It was ten years ago and she began her business seven years ago," Matthias yawned as he put his hands behind his head. "For her own safety, we hid her real identity and left her alone to avoid suspicion from the official."
"No wonder she's so mature for her age," Rasmus hummed as he crossed his arms and kept his eyes on the pirates who worked on the ship.
"She's a strong woman which is why she often causes a lot of trouble. She loves challenges and she's interested in people who love challenges like her. So I guess I know why she recommended you to look for me," Matthias opened his eyes and stared at the bright blue sky. "She's interested in you, Rasmus," he glanced at Rasmus.
Rasmus could understand why she was interested in him and it also helped him understand that Erlina was different.
"So what's your plan?" Matthias asked as he sat up. "To get rid of those bastards."
"The Urion and Vivelda? Just wait," Rasmus sighed as he looked at the forest behind him.
"Right, I haven't told you the reason why we are stuck here," Matthias said as he got up. "It wasn't because of those bastards, it was because of the admiral and his fleet. They almost killed us in the sea."
"They killed pirates? Don't they jail them first before they decide to kill them or not?" Rasmus furrowed his brows.
"You know who's behind it," Matthias nodded as he stretched his arms.
Rasmus hummed when he realized the admiral and his fleet were bribed by the Vivelda and Urion to get rid of the pirates, by all means, to ensure their ships and goods were safe. He didn't expect they would go that far, and that added more problems for him because that alone could sabotage his business in the future as well.
"Well, that was a decent break. Back to work," Matthias said as he walked toward the ship.
(At the same time in Gratlan)
The blimp with the emblem of the Magic Tower landed at the airfield. Lenin walked out of the blimp and was welcomed by scholars and sages. She pretended that nothing had happened and greeted everyone. When a mysterious woman in a black cloak and a hood walked out of the blimp with Novia, everyone looked at her because she was tall and stood out, attracting everyone's attention.
Lenin asked about Rasmus and found out that he had left the magic tower a month ago. She realized that Rasmus might have left not long after she went to North Neva. She asked if anyone knew where he went, but nobody knew since he left without saying a word.
"He's not here," Lenin looked at Aris who was hiding her identity. "I'll find out where he went," she added.
Aris stared coldly at Lenin from underneath the hood that covered her face and hair. It was unnerving to be stared at like that, and she didn't want to make Aris in a foul mood. She then went to the academy and asked Rouben, Garret, or Esprella because they might know his whereabouts.
Aris heard everything about Rasmus when he taught students at Gratlan Academy during the journey. She decided to stay in the blimp with Novia because she didn't want to waste her time going around.
Lenin went to her office after she sent one of the staff to find Garret, Esprella, and Rouben.
"You're back, Chancellor," Garret said as soon as he entered Lenin's office.
"Yes, do you know Count Blackheart's whereabouts?" Lenin asked as she looked at the documents at her desk.
"Eddenvilla, Republic of Cruen," Garret answered.
"Eddenvilla? That's so far away..." Lenin sighed.
"Is something the matter, Chancellor?" Garret raised his brows, noticing the concern in Lenin's eyes. He knew something had bothered her.
"No, I just need to see him," Lenin answered as she shook her head. "I'll visit Eddenvilla. So, tell Julian and Arnoldi to handle the academy for another two weeks," she said as she hurriedly left her office.
Garret was surprised to see Lenin in a hurry like that because she had never been so tense up like that before. Esprella and Rouben came to her office, but it was already too late since she had already left. Garret told them what he found out and the two of them had the same reaction as his.
As soon as Lenin came back to the blimp she refilled the Mana stone of the blimp.
"Where are we going, Master?" Novia looked at Lenin who was recharging the Mana stone that powered the blimp.
"We are going to the Republic of Cruen, Eddenvilla," Lenin answered as she walked toward the cockpit. "I'm not surprised that he chose that place. He's not someone who can stay still and do nothing," she added and informed the pilot of their destination.
"That's so far away from here, two weeks at most and not to mention we have to use a ship to get there. Are you sure we will make it in time before the meeting with the Council of Neva which is two weeks from now?" Novia looked at Lenin with a worried expression.
"That's not a problem. I can travel back on my own," Lenin answered as she sat down. "It has been a while since I have flown around Neva."
Aris stayed quiet and looked at the Gratlan island going smaller and smaller as the blimp flew higher. She slowly removed her hood and enjoyed the scenery of Neva from the sky.
"It will take us two weeks, is that all right, Lady Aris?" Lenin looked at Aris.
"That's fine," Aris answered.