The sound of crashing waves broke hard against the ship's hull. The bright midday sunlight stung, heating the surface of the wooden deck. The sea wind blew hard, carrying a thick scent of salt.
This ship was massive in size, with a dark wood architectural structure and curved roofs typical of the eastern region. Giant red sails fluttered, challenging the wind on tall masts.
Aldes stood silently at the edge of the deck, staring at the ocean horizon. A pair of smooth white horns now grew prominently on his head. He wore layered white silk clothing in an ancient eastern style. His right hand held a ceramic cup, letting hot steam billow into the air. He sipped his tea slowly. His left index finger tapped the hard wooden railing in front of him.
This ship is the size of a luxury yacht. Very large and spacious, Aldes muttered in his heart. I wonder if that person built this by just chanting magic words or using real workers?
He shifted his gaze, observing several dragon race guards on patrol. They wore thick dark red metal armor with gold patterns, wide shoulder guards, and long spears. Every time they crossed paths with Aldes, the guards stopped their steps and bowed their heads in respect.
Aldes paid attention to their movements.
How strong are they actually? Is my current level enough to kill them if something happens?
He threw his gaze back toward the open sea.
Sixteen days of travel. A time that is not too long but also not too fast. Enough time for me to train and form a plan.
Aldes sipped his tea again. The warm liquid wet his throat.
Why Tominus chose me for this elite squad mission remains a mystery.
Aldes narrowed his eyes, enduring the glare of the sun.
From the various possibilities I thought of, only one makes sense. Villavia. Either the dragon prince is interested in my soul that does not come from this world or interested in finding out how I could enter and occupy this body right at the second the real Aldes died.
"Enjoying hot tea in the afternoon?"
A woman's voice was heard clearly from behind.
Aldes turned his neck, looking back.
"Leafa."
"Your taste is quite unique, Aldes," said Leafa.
The woman stepped closer. She now had a pair of dark purple horns on her head. Her clothing was white, matching Aldes, but designed sleeveless, revealing the pale skin of her shoulders. Her beautiful face with neatly tied purple hair looked captivating.
Leafa stopped stepping and stood right by Aldes's side. She leaned her elbows on the railing.
"Daydreaming? Thinking about a plan?"
Aldes chuckled softly.
"I am just curious how they made this ship and such."
Aldes tilted his head slightly, observing Leafa's face from the side.
"You look more captivating with horns."
"Oh really?"
Leafa smiled. Her slender fingers touched the surface of the purple horn.
"You made my day dear~"
Leafa then shifted her foot position closer. She raised her right hand and placed her palm right on Aldes's forehead.
"Hmm."
"What are you doing?" asked Aldes, confused. His facial muscles did not react. His expression remained flat.
"I am checking if you have a fever," answered Leafa calmly.
She slowly shifted her palm from the forehead down, touching Aldes's jaw and cheek.
"You."
Aldes stared at that hand with a weird look before laughing lightly.
"Forget it."
"Have you read the files?" asked Leafa.
She tilted her body and leaned her shoulder against Aldes's shoulder.
Aldes nodded.
"A clan that refuses to produce offspring for a hundred years until their territory can be reclaimed," said Aldes, repeating the contents of the document. "Forging an alliance with the previous dragon emperor so they could stay alive. Now, after the emperor is replaced, they are planning a coup."
Aldes sighed. Air escaped his mouth, carrying a sense of exhaustion.
"They are quite persistent."
Aldes rotated the ceramic cup in his hand.
"By the way, do you not feel it is weird why I was chosen for this mission? I mean, look at me. I will probably become a burden to you gu—"
"No. We do not think so," answered Leafa, cutting off the sentence quickly.
She turned her head and smiled at Aldes.
"We believe in the decision of His Majesty. If he chose you, then you are worthy."
Aldes turned his head for a moment, looking at that smile, before chuckling softly.
"I see."
Leafa returned her gaze to the sea. She stared at the rolling waves for quite a long time before speaking again.
"I heard you locked yourself up for two full days after receiving that mission."
"Yes," answered Aldes briefly.
"Hmm," muttered Leafa. "Is this mission that heavy for you? Are you afraid to die, Aldes?"
"No. I do not care about my life," replied Aldes.
He sipped the remaining tea in his cup.
I already died once.
"I am afraid of killing them."
"Them? You mean the Husa clan?" asked Leafa, confirming.
Aldes nodded firmly.
"We are literally going to commit a mass slaughter. Of those who are merely protecting their own resources."
Aldes stared at Leafa's face, looking for a little empathy.
"Do you think I can do something like that without feeling ambiguous about my moral compass?"
Leafa fell silent.
She provided no counterargument.
She raised her left hand and rubbed Aldes's blonde hair gently.
"You are truly a good person at heart, Aldes."
"What about you?" asked Aldes in return. "How do you feel receiving this mission?"
Leafa closed her eyes for a moment.
She leaned the entire weight of her head against Aldes's shoulder, letting the sea wind strike her face.
She opened her eyes and stared straight ahead.
"A mission is a mission, dear."
Aldes had expected that absolute answer to come out of the mouth of a Division Zero captain.
That is precisely why she can stand at the top while I hesitate at the crossroads.
"I see," he answered quietly.
Leafa then pulled her head from Aldes's shoulder and stood up straight.
She reached out her hand, pulling Aldes's wrist.
"Accompany me to eat."
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