Chapter 335: The Boiled Pea Strikes Again (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 335: The Boiled Pea Strikes Again (2)
The vast, boundless sea and the sky above it.
How small, how utterly insignificant a person seemed, standing between the two.
Was it just another of nature’s mysteries that a single tiny person, standing atop such a magnificent sea, could feel their head spinning so violently?
“If fresh air isn’t helping, you should at least look out the window. It will only get worse if you keep your head down like that, my pale-green Highness.”
Between one sea and another.
They were at the boundary where the waters near the continent met the waters beyond. Gentle waves rippled where the two seas clashed—seas with different salinities, currents, and temperatures.
Arianne, who had personally brought him a cup of tea that was supposedly good for motion sickness, gazed out the cabin window. She explained that she had once thought all seawater was the same, only to learn otherwise.
“Isn't it fascinating? The water near the continent is so clear, like a transparent sapphire or emerald, but once you cross that white line, it changes completely.”
She said the water beyond the long, white boundary of waves turned a deep, dark blue. Once they crossed that line, both the depth of the sea and the height of the waves would change.
“What Your Highness is feeling right now barely even counts as motion sickness. When I recklessly went out there to sightsee in the past, I honestly thought I was going to see Arnayzel.”
Drowsiness washed over him.
Listening to her gentle explanation, which sounded like a children’s adventure story, was making him sleepy. He had stayed up all night, so it was natural to feel tired, but this felt different. Sensing something was amiss, he asked Arianne, “Do people in this country hand out sleeping pills at every opportunity?”
“Not the people of this country, just me. Our Highness has trouble sleeping, too. But wow, the medicine works incredibly well. Didn’t they say you have some kind of blessing? Does it ignore sleeping pills because they aren’t poison? How fascinating.”
…It really was a sleeping pill.
This was why Calian was always nagging him not to eat just anything.
Having just fed a sleeping-pill-laced tea to the Crown Prince of another nation, Arianne continued with a bright smile.
“Anyway, it’s just a mild sleeping pill with no side effects, so don’t worry and get some sleep. You’ll feel much better after a nap. And just in case, don’t get any funny ideas—this isn’t me getting revenge for the time Dame Bridget knocked me out.”
He hadn’t suspected that at all.
But now that she mentioned it, a seed of suspicion began to bloom.
Frankly, he felt a bit wronged.
Who would have thought that his younger brother’s former brother’s fiancée would slip a sleeping pill into the tea she offered to another nation’s Crown Prince? It was entirely understandable why Hina and the blue-haired mage standing beside him wore such utterly dumbfounded expressions.
* * *
The sound of waves crashing against the hull was cheerful.
This was his second time on a ship since that experience in the freezing sea when he was Bern. In two lifetimes, this was only the second time he had set foot on a vessel. The memory of standing in this very spot on a massive ship long ago had lingered, making it difficult to step aboard even though he knew everything was fine now.
Secritia was mostly clear at this time of year, and today was no exception. The sky was bright and the waves were gentle. With no sign of dark clouds, let alone rain, on the horizon, there couldn’t have been a better day to set sail.
Thanks to that, he had successfully boarded the ship.
The memories had receded, and the day was beautiful.
“So, how did he respond to Crown Prince Franz’s words?”
“I wonder. What did he say again…?”
Calian, who had been watching the harbor slowly shrink into the distance, fell silent. He trailed off and lowered his head as if he couldn’t quite recall what had happened just moments ago. Leaning against the stern of the massive, slowly moving ship, he looked down at the white foam spreading under the moonlight.
All the while, he remained completely unaware that his pale-green older brother was being thoroughly boiled by seasickness, what the daughter of this country’s marquis had given him, and what had ultimately become of his pea-like brother.
“I doubt he backed down easily.”
Of course, Chase didn’t know either.
Looking at Calian, Chase brought up Serjein’s representative again—the one who had refused to reveal his name. Rather than being genuinely curious about their conversation, Chase was likely worried about how close Calian was leaning over the deep water.
Whether it was due to Chase’s efforts or because his mind had truly found peace, Calian was doing quite well. When he had finally stepped onto the ship, there hadn’t been even a fraction of the hesitation he had braced himself for, a fact he found somewhat admirable. As he watched the white foam churning in the ship’s wake, he felt the memories of his youth drift away with the bubbles, leaving behind a quiet calm.
“He had no choice but to back down.”
Calian saw no need to tell Chase, who was trying so hard to hide his worry, that he was fine now. With his usual expression, he glanced back at the harbor and the horizon before turning his head to answer. That was enough.
“Actually, Brother Franz answered so resolutely. He just flatly refused without even asking for Brother Randel’s opinion. The man said he would visit again before leaving Secritia and then withdrew for the time being.”
“He seems to be no ordinary figure, to withdraw so calmly.”
“I agree. I wonder if he’s already grown accustomed to the position of Crown Prince, or if that’s just his nature. Even for a foreigner, he showed no agitation or intimidation after being caught posing as someone else in front of another nation’s royalty. I’m curious what kind of person he is.”
Chase nodded quietly before speaking.
“Still, it’s somewhat surprising to see him looking out for Prince Randel.”
“You mean Brother Franz?”
“Yes. I thought he cherished him quite a bit.”
“Is that how it seemed to you?”
“When we were discussing Hina’s healing magic, he said that while he couldn’t let her go, he would gladly send Prince Randel away.”
Franz had once told Chase that if Devlan had noticed Randel’s abilities and invited him instead, he wouldn’t have refused.
Calian shook his head.
“I wondered if Brother Franz disliked the idea of sending Brother Randel to Tensil alone, or if he actually cared about their relationship more than I expected… but I don’t know.”
If Franz had opposed it because he hated the thought of bowing to Randel for the rest of his life once Randel became king of Tensil, Calian would have at least understood. But he simply couldn’t believe that Franz had refused out of concern for Randel. Not yet, at least.
After all, Franz disliked Randel almost as much as he disliked Renieri.
“In my opinion, it’s more likely he didn’t trust him. Brother Franz didn’t trust Brother Randel.”
“You mean he was worried Prince Randel might harm Kairis or you once he became the Crown Prince of Tensil?”
“I suspect so. Honestly, it’s strange for brothers like us to have such a good relationship. A 1st Prince jumping in to save his drowning younger brother… most people would find that hard to comprehend.”
Chase let out a soft chuckle.
Indeed, it was unusual for brothers to get along as well as Chase and Bern had. Keeping their distance, like Randel and Calian or Randel and Franz, was the standard relationship between contenders for a throne.
No, even just being able to enter a brother’s room, drink tea, and walk out unharmed could be considered a good relationship. There was a reason why, until a few months ago, carrying weapons or having personal guard knights in Chermil Palace had been strictly forbidden.
“I don’t know what thoughts went through Brother Franz’s head between hearing that man’s proposal and giving his answer, nor do I know what transpired between my brothers before I woke up. So, I could be wrong.”
“We’ll find out in due time. They must have their reasons for keeping it to themselves.”
“Yes, I believe so.”
“So, what do you plan to do now?”
“I plan to meet the man posing as the Crown Prince of Tensil one more time. I might also visit Bridget Forest for a bit, since it’s connected to my mother. I also intend to meet the Elf Grand Elder and my mother’s family. It would be even better if I could find out why you and Mother regained your memories. Oh, and of course, I’ll be looking into Brother Randel’s situation as well.”
His packed schedule flowed from him as if it had been planned long ago, just waiting for this moment.
“You’ll be busy again.”
“I’ve rested for a long time. It’s time to get moving.”
Calian gazed far across the sea and let out a soft breath.
“By the way, what do you plan to do about the Crown Prince of Tensil?”
“Well, what should I do? He arrived at an opportune time, so I thought about meeting him properly, but now that I know he’s an impostor, perhaps I should deport him…”
Knowing there wasn’t a shred of sincerity in that voice, Calian smirked.
“You’re going to pretend you don’t know he’s a fake?”
“Oh, dear. Are my intentions that obvious?”
“Yes. Crystal clear.”
“Indeed. I’ve already recalled all the messengers sent to Tensil, so I think it’s best we maintain friendly relations until things stabilize there. That’s what I’m considering.”
“A wise decision. We can’t afford to let Tensil, which has joined forces with the Wolves of the Great Desert, turn its eyes on Secritia. No matter what happens later, maintaining a good relationship for now is for the best.”
Of course, the affairs of Kairis and Calian were important. But above all else, Chase was now the King of Secritia. Regardless of what had transpired between Calian and the Crown Prince of Tensil, Chase had to prioritize his own kingdom first.
Since it was only natural, Calian felt no resentment that Chase wasn’t helping him by deporting or pressuring the man. In fact, if Chase had tried to take his side, Calian would have stopped him.
Flutter! Rattle, rattle!
They had arrived before they knew it. The sails—easily numbering over twenty, both large and small—were furled one by one. The sound of the ship stopping and dropping anchor echoed across the water.
“It seems we’ve arrived.”
The waning moonlight was the same, but now, there was nothing but undulating water in every direction. The harbor was likely no longer visible, even to Chase’s eyes. They had come that far.
In truth, Calian had only planned to set sail in the morning, spend a few hours on the water, and return. However, Arianne had suggested otherwise. Since they didn’t know when Calian would visit again, she proposed they all watch the sunrise together from the ship.
Chase had agreed, but Calian had hesitated. Although he had been the one to suggest the trip to prove to himself that he had escaped his past, he worried that sailing at night might be dangerous. He wasn’t boarding alone, after all. He had been about to suggest they stick to the original plan when he saw Hina’s face light up with excitement at Arianne’s words.
A sunrise is great. A sunrise from a ship must be even better. Of course it has to be good. We absolutely must see it.
We are absolutely going. We’re going, no matter what. Even if it’s not just a night voyage but a raging storm with dozens of waterspouts, we are going. Because our Hina wants to see it.
And so, they had set out.
Right after ‘Serjein’ left, they had busily prepared and boarded the ship in the dead of night. Secretly, of course.
Alan Manasil, in charge of security, had worked tirelessly to ensure no trouble befell the beautiful sailing vessel carrying a crowd of royalty from two nations—including the King of Secritia, who had officially ascended the throne just a day ago. He silently transferred the Kairis delegation from their dinner at the villa, Chase from his bedroom, and Arianne from her darkened room, all onto the ship. And that was how they had ended up so far from land.
Having finished their conversation, Calian pointed toward the ship’s interior.
“You have a busy schedule as soon as we return, so please get some rest. It will still be a few hours before sunrise.”
“I was thinking the same. You should rest, too.”
“I’ll stay out here for a little while.”
Calian gestured toward the horizon. Understanding that he wanted to enjoy the breeze a bit longer, Chase nodded.
“Alright. I’ll head in first, then.”
He walked toward the cabins, leaving Calian behind. Calian watched his retreating figure for a moment before looking up at the sky. Then, he quietly gazed once more at the sea, which had grown calm.
* * *
Calian laughed.
He laughed so long and loud that it drowned out the sound of the water lapping against the hull. Thanks to this, Franz, who had just stepped out after a good hour’s sleep, forgot all about his improved condition and scowled.
“Stop.”
“Yes.”
Calian, who had gone down to the lowest deck, the closest point to the sea, stopped laughing as he leaned against the railing. He made no effort, however, to hide his amusement.
While he was quietly enjoying the breeze alone on the sleeping ship, the thoroughly boiled pea had come trundling out. When asked if he had slept well, the pea merely nodded. When asked if his seasickness had subsided, he only nodded again.
Calian had already heard from both Arsen and Arianne herself what had been in the tea. Yet Franz, the victim, said nothing. How could Calian not laugh?
“Don’t bark.”
“I haven’t said anything yet.”
“You’re going to.”
“We’ll see.”
Watching Calian smile instead of replying, Franz’s brow furrowed once more. No matter how calm the sea was, there were still waves, and though he felt better, his motion sickness hadn’t completely vanished.
Soon, Franz turned his gaze toward the sea. Even now, he was following the advice of the woman who had drugged him—to look far into the distance to feel better.
“I plan to meet Serjein again.”
Giving him something else to think about was an excellent way to ward off seasickness, so Calian broached the subject.
“Why?”
“I need to ask if he knows anything more. About Zeon, and about the real Serjein.”
“And to check his movements.”
“Yes. To see if the Crown Prince of Tensil’s actions differ from my memory because the person changed, or if something else has changed as well.”
“Alright.”
“By the way, brother, you spoke quite eloquently earlier. It made me reflect on myself a bit. I didn’t realize you had grown up so well.”
“You bark every chance you get.”
In truth, he had always been good with words. The problem was that he barely ever spoke.
Anyway, Franz opened his mouth to tell him to stop casting shields whenever anything appeared.
“Ah. Brother.”
He never got the chance.
Calian’s finger pointed past the railing, toward the waves crashing against the ship. The dark seawater churned against the hull, dissolving into white foam. Pointing at something visible within that foam, Calian’s voice drifted over.
“Sometimes they wash all the way to shore, but most of the time they’re invisible. This is my first time seeing them like this, too.”
Franz didn’t answer.
A bright green light.
A light like shattered emeralds. The self-luminous green specks repeatedly flickered and vanished, illuminating the dark sea. He forgot to reply, captivated by the sight.
Not because he didn’t know what it was, but because it was his first time seeing it. It was a sight far more mystical than he had ever imagined.
Forgetting his seasickness, forgetting his brother’s overprotectiveness, and forgetting his worries about Serjein and Randel, he stood there quietly, looking down past the railing. Then, he silently raised his head.
He had suddenly remembered the giant beast said to feed on those tiny, glowing creatures.
“Look over there.”
And Calian called to him again.
The bright moon shattered upon the sea.
Countless droplets of water splashed at the edge of the moonlight. A massive, truly colossal tail rose from the water and settled back onto the surface, sending up a fine spray.
Once more, and then again, the silent beast moved with leisure. Its long body created even longer ripples, and green light sparkled where its form met the water. A translucent silver tail shimmered in the moonlight.
Yes.
A translucent silver tail.
“No wonder. For some reason, I really wanted to board a ship,” Calian’s playful voice drifted over. “Strangely enough.”
Said the brother who had foreseen Devlan’s death.
Behind him, a whale with a body of light—looking as if a piece of the midwinter Senyu River had been carved out and given life—slowly approached.
A shield, which Franz had just resolved to tell him never to cast again, unfolded in front of him. Seeing it, Franz said nothing. He didn’t even feel a hint of complaint. This time, he couldn’t possibly complain.
Though he did wonder if it would be of any use.
“Brother, you can consider this as having seen a whale.”
“…Now you really just bark whenever you feel like it.”
Calian smiled brightly.
He gazed at the translucent silver whale drawing ever closer—at the Sea Dragon Arnayzel, who had taken such a form.