Chapter 26: Arrival at Azurewater Port

The clear water mirrored the Longwind as it slowly entered the inner bay. The reflection revealed the patches and damage on its hull, a testament to the arduous journey it had endured.

On the dock, several port workers, noticing the Longwind’s approach, quickly brought ropes and mooring posts, assisting the ship to a steady halt.

Captain Thor was the first to leap ashore. Though a man past fifty, his movements in that moment were more vigorous than any youth’s.

The instant his feet met the solid dock, Captain Thor drew a deep breath.

A fresh sea breeze swept across his weathered face, coaxing a long-lost smile to his lips.

“Lads—”

He turned, calling out to the crew on board,

“We’re here! Come ashore and stretch your legs!”

Our group, already impatient, quickly descended the gangplank. The sailors were even more eager, many already adeptly leaping onto the shore.

Perhaps it was due to spending too much time at sea, but the moment my feet touched solid ground, I felt an uncomfortable dizziness, almost stumbling.

Fortunately, this sensation didn’t last long. As the last person disembarked, I swiftly re-acclimated to the land.

“Azurewater Port…”

Beholding the beautiful sea, I couldn’t help but marvel at how fitting the name was.

The azure sky and sea, the fresh air, the charming architecture—everything seemed so idyllic, giving me the impression of a resort town.

If I hadn’t known the purpose of this journey, I truly would have felt like I was here on vacation.

“Captain Thor, are we going straight to the lord’s manor?”

Miss Cassina’s complaining voice reached me from beside me.

“After so many days sailing, I haven’t had a proper chance to wash and dress up. I look utterly disheveled now; I can’t possibly meet anyone like this.”

As she spoke, the young lady spun around, raising her skirt’s hem, which was stained and muddied by seawater.

Indeed, Miss Cassina always maintained a meticulous appearance, not only dressing sumptuously but also ensuring every strand of her hair was nourished with essential oils.

After so many days adrift at sea, looking so travel-worn, she would undoubtedly rather die than let her fiancé see her in such a state.

“Don’t worry, Miss Cassina, I’ve already considered that.”

Captain Thor bent down gallantly, replying, “Where we’re headed now is the finest inn in town.”

As the captain had promised, approximately ten minutes later, our group arrived before a refined and elegant inn.

The inn’s exterior was constructed from sturdy stone and wood. Although the materials weren’t high-end, they were polished with such exquisite care that the building exuded a classical charm.

A delicate wooden sign hung at the entrance, emblazoned with the words “Blue Whale Inn” and adorned with a lifelike carving of a whale.

According to Captain Thor’s introduction along the way, the inn’s owner was once an ordinary fisherman who had lived in poverty for most of his life.

But in his fortieth year, he accidentally caught an injured whale. Relying on that whale’s carcass, he instantly became one of the wealthiest men in the area.

This Blue Whale Inn was established by him in memory of that very whale.

“The style is quite pleasant.”

Stepping into the inn’s lobby, even Miss Cassina, who was accustomed to being particular, nodded in satisfaction.

Captain Thor was clearly a regular here. Without even having to announce his name, a staff member recognized him and greeted him warmly.

Upon hearing that we were guests from Coldwind Territory, the staff member couldn’t help but glance at our party a few times, appearing somewhat uneasy.

Fortunately, the check-in process went smoothly. Even our maids were provided with rooms for the night, and our luggage was handled by dedicated attendants.

After settling our group, Captain Thor’s escort mission was successfully completed.

“If you have any further commissions in the future, please consider our Longwind Fleet.”

Before departing, he bid a polite farewell to the young lady. She showed no intention of detaining him, merely waving her hand before hurrying off to her room.

Captain Thor didn’t move until he had watched the young lady ascend the stairs.

“Child, until we meet again.”

As he passed me, he smiled and greeted me.

‘Until we meet again?’

Watching his retreating figure, I felt an unidentifiable mix of emotions.

‘Meet again?’

‘Could we truly meet again?’

‘Could I really succeed in my mission and see my daughter again?’

Before departing, I had forced myself not to dwell on this question, but now the pressing anxiety made it impossible to remain calm.

Even in the depths of the night, this anxiety continued to torment me.

‘Ah, I fear I won’t be able to sleep tonight…’

After tossing and turning for what felt like an eternity, I abandoned the idea of sleeping, put on my shoes, and prepared to go outside to clear my head.

The night in Azurewater Port was dark, yet beautiful.

By the time I reached the inn’s rooftop, the moon had already cast a silvery frost, making everything in the dimness seem to sparkle.

I found a spot to sit, gazing at the distant shimmering waves while contemplating my future.

Tomorrow was the day to visit the lord’s manor. By all accounts, shortly after meeting the lord, Miss Cassina would attend the banquet he hosted, where she would formalize her marriage contract with that man amidst the blessings of the guests.

‘But what about me? What should I do?’

‘My identity is still the young lady’s maid. How can I possibly get close to her fiancé?’

‘While I am somewhat confident in my current looks, and my figure too, seducing a man is…’

‘I really have no experience at all…’

‘Should I ask Aisha for advice?’

The thought sparked in my mind. After all, she was the woman Lord Axas called an “octopus”; she must have a way with men.

But then, an angry face immediately appeared in my mind, scaring me into quickly shaking the idea from my head.

‘Ugh, never mind. She can’t possibly teach me right now.’

After much deliberation, I discovered with a hint of fear that I seemed to have no choice but to gamble.

Gamble on having an opportunity for close contact with the Moon Isle Lord, gamble on that man being interested in me, gamble on him being willing to take me as his mistress, and even more, gamble on that man being willing to…

“Oh heavens, why is this so hard!”

As I thought, I felt as if I were going mad. I couldn’t help but slump against the railing, feeling weak, my gaze listlessly fixed on the distance.

Below, the streets were empty and quiet, with only the sea breeze constantly wandering.

Watching that scenery, I suddenly had a realization, sighing with a touch of self-mockery:

“Forget it, forget it. I’ll think about tomorrow’s problems tomorrow. What’s the use of overthinking now? Maybe that Moon Isle Lord is just a big lecher and will drag me to bed the moment he sees me?”

Self-comforting in this manner, I began to walk back, my mind filled with vulgar fantasies about the Moon Isle Lord.

Until a clear warning came from behind me:

“Don’t move, and don’t make a sound!”