Chapter 564: Chapter 564

The gangplank leading to the ship was quite wide, but it was old and slick with moisture. Even so, the sailors rolling barrels or carrying heavy wooden crates were practically running across it.

"Move it, you bastards! Faster!"

It wasn’t just Sanford’s shouts echoing from the other side of the deck that spurred them on. A black warhorse clad in full plate armor was following close behind them, snorting as if in anger, its bladed horn jutting from its forehead threateningly.

Yet Ian, seated casually in the saddle, didn’t bother whispering for the beast to calm down.

He simply sat in the saddle, taking in the full view of the ship that was unfolding before him. A wide, flat deck extended toward the port bow, where a stout foremast, braced with heavy planks, rose into the air. Just behind it, a narrow staircase descended to the lower level.

"As soon as loading is done, get to your positions! This is no time to dawdle!"

Sailors, who were clearly the rowers, descended the stairs in a line. The lower level couldn’t really be called a lower floor; this deck was more like a roof. The tallest mast rose from the very center of the deck. Thick ropes of unknown purpose and net-like lines were connected to it in a chaotic web.

—Lucy looks surprised...

Yog’s laughter-tinged whisper echoed then.

Lucia was leaning against the starboard rail, beyond the bustling sailors, likely due to the thunder rolling in from across the sea. As if hearing the whisper, she turned around.

"Sir! You can bring the horse in over there!" Sanford shouted, weaving his way through the crew. He wore an anxious smile, his bandaged left arm awkwardly extended to the side.

Why use that arm when the other one is fine?

Ian readily pulled the reins and turned his head to the right, where Sanford was pointing. The aft deck, which took up about a third of the ship, was a level higher, practically a full story.

That must have been modified, too. Tʜe sourcᴇ of thɪs content ɪs novel-fire.net

The wooden wall that should have originally covered the front was lifted and secured with ropes, leaving the interior completely exposed. To Ian’s modern eyes, it looked like a kind of garage. In fact, its function wasn’t much different. A crude stable for the horses was in the corner of the partitioned space. The space next to it was likely for parking the carriage. Next to that, separated by another partition, was another staircase leading down.

The cabins must be down there.

The area beyond the opposite partition seemed to be a storeroom, as sailors were stacking barrels of alcohol and wooden crates. Ian’s gaze followed the railing along the edge to the stairs leading to the upper level.

"It seems we’ll have to alter our course slightly," Sanford said, having naturally come to stand beside Moro. "Judging by the direction of the thunder—"

"Save the explanation for later. You’re the captain, after all. For now, let’s just set sail," Ian cut him off, looking down at Sanford. No other explanation was needed.

Another flare of lightning tore across the storm-heavy sky.

"Yes, understood," Sanford replied immediately and turned. He waved the carriage that was following them inside and then moved to the edge of the ship.

"Are you untying the ropes, Hashim? Hurry! We’re leaving now!"

"Understood, Captain!"

As shouts came from below the ship, the door of the carriage that had followed Moro burst open.

Thesaya and Shahin stepped out one after the other, almost in sync with the delayed roll of thunder.

"Give the horse to Shahin, and let’s have a word, shall we?" she asked, immediately turning to Ian.

Shahin, who had run over at her cue, held out his hands.

Handing over the reins readily, Ian whispered, "No biting. And no trouble."

Moro snorted as if in reply. Leaping down from the saddle, Ian added, "Help Mukapa and then get some rest. If you don’t like the cabin, you can rest in the carriage."

"Yes, sir," Shahin replied immediately and started walking.

Mukapa, sitting in the driver’s seat, also gave a stiff nod as he passed.

"As expected. Problems related to the archdemons never go as planned," Lucia’s whisper followed almost simultaneously. She had quietly approached Ian and Thesaya.

The gaze from behind her mask, which alternated between Ian and Thesaya, was already coolly composed. As she met Ian’s eyes, she added, "Fortunately, it’s not close. And it probably won’t be over quickly."

"That’s my girl. Smart," Thesaya said with a smile, while Ian, nodding in agreement, turned away.

"Sir!" Brenan’s voice rang out just then.

Ian paused and turned back, watching as Brenan tugged his reins to let Simon’s carriage move ahead.

"It seems the archipelago’s fleet is in the process of subjugating the sea beasts."

Simon’s group still had no idea the old archdemon and its minions were lurking in the inner sea. They simply believed that, as the rumors said, madness-infused sea beasts had poured in when the Black Wall fell.

"Then shouldn’t we delay departure and wait until the matter is settled?"

So that’s what this is about.

One corner of Ian’s mouth curled up as he answered, "We can’t do that."

"If the Black Fleet falls, we’ll be trapped in the inner sea until the central region or the Order intervenes."

Only then did Brennen’s eyes widen. It was a reaction that suggested he had never even considered the possibility of the archipelago’s fleet being defeated. This knight, for all his Central naivety, seemed aware of the rumors surrounding the archipelago and that there was a high chance they were true.

"So, on the contrary, we must hurry. The battle has only just begun, but who knows when it will end?"

"Don’t dawdle and get to your positions! Prepare for departure!"

As Sanford’s shout followed, Brennen nodded. "True, we have no choice. If the fleet is victorious, we will have saved time in any case."

"You’re a quick study. Good." Ian shrugged and started walking again.

Just then, Sanford approached Brennen as he shook his reins again. "Would you mind providing the promised payment in advance, sir? It is our policy to receive a deposit first."

"Ah, of course. Let’s go. The young master will prepare it for you immediately."

With their voices at his back, Ian stepped onto the stairs leading to the aft deck.

Following him, Thesaya murmured, "Well, we’re literally in the same boat now, Ian."

The one who answered was Yog, who let out a low chuckle.

—And we’re not the only ones. Everyone on this ship now shares the same fate, in a way.

The smile on Thesaya’s lips deepened. "Sharing the same fate... that brings back memories."

So that’s what it felt like, being in it yourself.

His eyes narrowed slightly just then. Unlike the straight rail at the prow, a square wooden frame jutted abruptly upward from the stern.

It looked as if a wagon wheel had been set into the frame and fastened in place. It was surprisingly large, bound at the edges with thick ropes, and in the middle, a pulley with a handle dangled loosely, its weight swaying toward the central mast.

Does pulling that rope lower it?

Even to Ian, who was a complete novice when it came to ships, it looked quite out of place. It didn’t seem like it would be of any help in sailing. Of course, the question lasted only for a moment. Shifting along the starboard rail, he made his way toward the prow.

The busy scene on the deck spread out below him. One sailor on each of the fore and main masts was climbing the net-like ropes, while those who looked like rowers descended the stairs. Despite the darkness, with not a single torch lit, they all moved with practiced ease.

The oars, appearing one by one from the port and starboard sides of the hull, stretched all the way to just in front of the stern cabin. The only reason the ship could operate with this number of oars was that it was completely unarmed. The archipelago’s ships were all armed to the teeth with massive ballistae that looked like they belonged in a fortress.

"Pull!" Hashim shouted, having boarded the ship at some point.

Sailors below hauled at the pulleys, raising the gangplank from the pier. It was a bridge connected to the ship, not the pier. As Hashim kicked the bridge, its center creaked and folded.

"We should prepare for the worst, just in case, shouldn’t we?" said Lucia from his right just then.

Without taking his eyes off the folding bridge, Ian nodded. "Of course, we should."

"Don’t worry too much, Ian. When that time comes, I’ll show you the power of a skilled spellcaster," Thesaya, standing to Ian’s left, said, subtly showing her open palm.

Though she was dressed like a pirate, a jewel-encrusted orb was fixed to the palm of her left hand.

"I should offer a prayer to the Blazing Goddess. I can feel my stigmata cooling. If the worst comes to pass, it’s highly likely it will fall completely silent," Lucia added with a nod.

It was probably the combined influence of the Black Fleet and Bukikia. In any case, her sacred fire was a resource they couldn't afford to give up. It would be a different story if it burned white, but normally, it only incinerated the unholy.

"Just remember that protecting the ship is the most important thing. Even if we win the fight, if the ship sinks, we’ll all die in the end. Just in case, keep Mukapa by your side at all times," Ian said, looking at her, and then tilted his head to the side.

"What about me? I’ll be in danger too if I run out of magic," Thesaya quickly interjected.

Turning his head, Ian let out a low laugh. "You have the Sap of the Tree of Life."

As Thesaya pouted, a low laugh echoed in his mind.

—Don’t worry, pointy-eared friend. I’ll be by your side.

Thesaya let out a quick snort. "That’s so reassuring. Though I don’t know what help you’ll be, snake."

"Departure preparations complete!" Hashim’s shout echoed from below deck then.

Subsequently, the same shouts followed from the top of the mast and the stairs below deck.

—I’ll be much more helpful than you think. Of course, if Ian allows me to drink his blood.

Yog’s whisper followed. Ian didn’t reply. There was no reason not to allow it, but there was no need to do so until the situation called for it.

The sailors pulled on a rope, and the wall of the stern cabin, which had been raised, tilted down. Sanford, who had ducked out before the wall was fully closed, came out, holding a small but heavy-looking box in his right hand.

"Row! Let’s go," shouted Sanford.

The oars on both the port and starboard sides dipped and rose in perfect unison. From below deck came the rower’s steady chant, and the ship lurched forward. Overhead, the sky flared again with a sudden flash.

"Even if a battle breaks out, I think it would be best to keep Mukapa on the lower deck, Sir Ian," Lucia added right after.

Ian, who had raised an eyebrow slightly, looked at her. "Why?"

"Oh my, so you’re not all that interested in that snub-nose fellow, are you, Ian? To think you don’t know something even I do," said Thesaya with a playful smile.

Just as Ian’s brow furrowed a little more, Lucia said, "Mukapa can’t swim."

"He can’t even float. Apparently, it’s the same for all orcs." Thesaya picked up where Lucia left off.

As the sound of thunder rolled, one corner of Ian’s mouth finally curled up slightly. "So that’s why he was so tense."

Then again, orcs were born of the wastelands, far from the sea. And clad in iron plates as he was now, Ian himself wouldn’t fare much better in the water. Not that it would matter—if the sea beasts attacked, even a strong swimmer would hardly survive.

"Well, that’s for the best, then. If a fight breaks out, Lucy—you stay with Mukapa and hold that stairway," said Ian.

"Not fight alongside you, Sir Ian?" Lucia asked, her brow furrowed.

"Starboard! Half oars, row in shifts!"

As Hashim’s shout echoed, Ian looked around the deck and nodded. "Make sure no one gets out on deck."

"Ah, you don’t want to show yourself fighting as much as possible." Lucia, who seemed to have finally caught his intention, sighed softly.

She took off her mask and hung it on her head, then nodded resolutely. "I understand. Aside from those two, I won’t let anyone else set foot on deck."

Her gaze swept over Sanford and Hashim, who were standing on either side of the deck.

Thesaya suddenly smiled. "I knew it. You think this voyage won’t be smooth sailing, either."

"I’m hoping for the opposite, Sister," Lucia replied, then lowered her voice. "But I feel like I’ll jinx it if I say it out loud."

That damned superstition again.

Ian, who had let out a low snort, turned around. The wind blew, and the cloak he was wearing fluttered once. As the ship turned to starboard, the view of the pier was now spread out behind them.

Striding forward, Ian stopped in front of the stern railing. Though the wind still pressed against him, the cloak that had fluttered wildly a moment ago now draped itself naturally over his shoulders again.

The receding pier was glittering with the lines of cargo carriages and crowds, and the light of the torches they held. The city beyond also shimmered with a gentle light here and there. Ian’s gaze swept over the scene, then drifted left, toward the sea shrouded in murky darkness.

"Well, in the end, we were the first to leave. By the time those guys set sail, we’ll be out of sight," Thesaya murmured, standing alongside him on his right.

Lightning flared across the storm-heavy sky almost at the same instant. Waves of fog writhed and thickened with the wind, their glow ominously sharp.

"Whether we’ll be the first to arrive, though, remains to be seen," said Ian.