Chapter 394
Chapter 394. The Best and the Handling
A pair suddenly vanishing from a ship in the midst of sailing? What kind of ghost story is that?
Moreover, if Leila takes off in her dragon form, no matter how much concealment magic is used, it’s too close to Bishop Lexar and possibly even Arthur, who might be on break, so the sound of her wings or the wind pressure would be a giveaway.
‘There’s no way they could risk everything for just one ordinary girl at this point.’
Ante snorted in disdain.
‘Though, if the plan is to eliminate all passengers and crew on this ship to keep her quiet, then that’s a different story, isn’t it? Considering I’ve slain hundreds of soldiers on the battlefield, that wouldn’t be a big deal at all.’
Ante’s sardonic words felt paradoxical. Would they really go that far to save a stranger? …It’s an absurdity.
No, I get it. That it doesn’t weigh out against the risks.
But… I reflexively thought about it. If I were in Romeo’s position…
If Leila were caught in the same situation… I would surely be unable to sit still.
‘That would mean vampires and lake pirates would be instantly roasted by a breath attack.’
I’m not even assuming that Leila is a dragon, that’s just a metaphor.
‘No joke. But seriously, I don’t think it’s worth it for you and Leila to rush headlong into danger, throwing everything away.’
Ante continued in his usual cold tone.
‘Say you flew there right now and managed to find the lake pirate ship. If it were about wiping out those vampires, that would be quick, but the goal is to rescue the captured woman, right? You can’t possibly just fry the whole ship with Leila’s breath, what’s the plan?’
…If I went alone and the pirates took the woman hostage, maybe I could subdue them before any harm came to her.
But likely, in that moment— the vampires would escape.
‘Exactly. You’d be starting all over with vampire hunting. That would defeat the purpose. Plus, Leila’s true nature would be exposed, putting your position at risk. Not just within the alliance, but even in the Demon Lord Kingdom.’
…
‘Your true objective is the destruction of the Demon Lord Kingdom and the Dark Portal. While it’s great you can still empathize to this extent with one person despite committing numerous taboos, I would have a problem if the Contractor lost sight of the bigger picture.’
…I get it. And I haven’t even informed my collaborators like Martin, Liberto, and Beatrice about Leila and my true natures.
They don’t know our full powers.
So, here I am, just nodding and saying,
‘…Got it. Let’s do our best. So that we can save your lover.’
I crouched down, gestured like I was placing a hand on Romeo’s shoulder, and sincerely conveyed my intent.
‘Ah… Thank you! Please, please… I beg you…!!’
Crying, Romeo appeared as a translucent spirit. If I’m not careful, my hand might pass right through his shoulder—though even if it did, he probably wouldn’t feel it.
‘Um…’
Leila, beside me with a pained expression, took my hand and led it toward her【Kizuna】.
‘Sorry, Alex, but… I can’t take off from underwater.’
Huh?
‘I can’t take off while swimming. I need to be grounded to push off; otherwise, I can’t lift my body… I might be able to take off from the deck, but that would make leaving the ship quietly impossible. I’m so sorry…’
Other emotions flowed from Leila along with her words, and I understood.
She, too, had been considering how to rush to the scene as quickly as possible.
‘Leila…’
I really wanted to do that too, but…
—Remembering the conclusion Ante and I had reached, Leila relaxed her shoulders and showed a slight sense of relief as she responded, ‘I see.’
But she looked equally apologetic.
She could do it if she wanted to, but she wouldn’t. Is that also “freedom”? My inner sarcastic voice tried to surface, and I quickly suppressed it.
…But still, I didn’t know dragons couldn’t fly while swimming.
‘Well, if I really gain some speed underwater and then leap out, I might manage it. But the water resistance is significant, and if I gain too much speed, I would likely throw you or the cargo off.’
Oh, oh… I see…
‘Also, since it’s freshwater and not the ocean, there might not be enough buoyancy to leap out.’
A lot of factors come into play…
‘Well, that works out fine. It’s unreasonable to expect the impossible.’
‘Sorry…’
Leila, please don’t blame yourself.
I was planning to give up anyway, and it can’t be helped…
I conveyed that in my thoughts at the end, smiled just a bit, and then released my hand from【Kizuna】.
‘Let’s ask the captain and navigator if they can speed up the ship, even a little.’
‘Thank you, please!’
For now, including Romeo, I had the souls shift into a dormant state, taking residence within the remains of some soldiers’ bones in our cargo. The older soldiers might be shocked by this sudden influx of company.
‘Not to mention…’
Just as I reached for the door to report to the captain and Arthur, Ante chuckled.
‘Who would’ve thought you’d empathize so deeply for someone with a lover? Killing a father and then getting all caught up with a girl he had his way with—such taboos… were they worth committing?’
…
‘Feel free to worry as much as you want, Alex. That feeling will give you strength. If you make it in time, great. If not… well, it will at least be a touching reunion for Romeo and his lover’s spirit. Sounds like quite the amusing affair, doesn’t it? Hehe…’
Ante.
I know you’re saying that to help me.
To prepare me mentally; to irritate Ante and distract myself. You’ve always helped and saved me.
But… please stop laughing at the life and death of others.
I know it’s ironic for me to say that, considering I toy with souls of the dead, but all the same, don’t forget to show the bare minimum of respect for those who struggle to live…
‘…I understand.’
…Thanks for that.
As I released the soundproof barrier and opened the door, a thunderous, rumbling noise struck my ears like a bolt of lightning—right at that moment.
