Chapter 540: Each Person’s Perspective
“Is it really okay to have such a deep conversation in the hallway?”
The crew member looks troubled.
Space on the ship is limited, and the corridor is quite narrow. It’s dimly lit—though today it’s a bit brighter than last time. We have a proper meeting arranged, and the lanterns inside the ship are glowing just right. A service from Captain Cat.
“Common sense, common sense move…!”
“You’re the one saying that…!?”
“…”
“Captain Goat is waiting for you.”
The sudden interjection from the butler startles the four of us: me, Soleil, the crew member, and Faramia. Faramia looks half surprised and half cautious. Haulon, on the other hand, seems unfazed, as if he’s used to this.
Where did he come from? The hallway is narrow, and you’d think you’d notice him entering through the door with the sunlight streaming in.
Faramia, clearly on high alert, subtly slips between Soleil and the butler. It’s fine, it’s fine; that butler is just a fellow professional. I don’t think he’ll attack indiscriminately. Probably.
While the timing here tends to be rather relaxed, the area around Naruadeid is quite punctual. The bell that marks the hour is loud enough to hear in this cramped space, and it’s a competitive island for merchants.
Everyone seems to have a lot to say, but for now, they quietly start moving.
“Glad you could make it.”
Captain Cat greets us from behind his desk.
This is the captain’s room for the umpteenth time, where the nautical charts are kept. The first time, I was taken to the back room to meet a sick woman, and the next time was also somewhat towards the back, but normally, guests stop here.
However, Captain Cat silently leaps down from his desk and gestures for us to follow him into the back room. Why?
I glance at Haulon; he shows no particular reaction. I look at the butler; he also shows no particular reaction. No one is here to answer my questions!
“This is the room where the Sea God Seikai manifested.”
Captain Cat explains while perched on a drawer by the bedside.
In the meantime, the crew member brings in small glasses and alcohol from the next room, distributing them to everyone.
“To the success of our business.”
“To the success of our business.”
“To the success of our business?”
“To the success of our business?”
Captain Cat, Soleil, Haulon, and I all raise our glasses and down the alcohol in one go—only to spill the last sip on the floor.
Huh? Huh?
I managed to drop a few drops, but it would have been nice to have a heads-up about this! And what about the floor? Are we just leaving it like this?
Is this some kind of custom where we gather at the place where the spirit appeared, treating it with special significance? It’s troublesome when things proceed under the assumption that I already know.
By the way, the crew member spilled Captain Cat’s drink after he licked it.
“Let me introduce myself properly. I am Soleil, the president of the Naruadeid Trading Company, serving as the lord’s representative on Blue Spirit Island.”
“I’m Haulon, serving as the prime minister in the southern kingdom of fire, Shahira. It’s better to refer to me as the Great Sage.”
“I’m Captain Goat, just a humble sailor compared to you lot. But still, a Great Sage and a representative of Blue Spirit Island, along with the Spirit King?” Captain Cat glances at me.
“I’m just Jean for now?”
“Hey, is it really okay to phrase it like that?”
Haulon looks at me with a troubled expression, unsure whether to use Jean or something else.
“What does Spirit King mean…?”
Soleil’s face tightens.
“Don’t worry about it; it’s just something that got mixed into my name.”
Let’s keep this peaceful.
“Of course I’m worried! I’ve already given up on being surprised, but if you’re going to spill the beans, at least do it when there aren’t people around! Why do I have to hear about the Great Sage and the Spirit King right after the contract?!”
Soleil pouts in anger.
You know, Soleil doesn’t collapse unless there’s a ‘product’ right in front of her.
“Seriously. Your sense of ‘importance’ is so out of whack! Think about the general priority of what you communicate!”
Haulon’s shout carries a hint of reprimand.
“Even I, who have only met you a few times, am surprised… You guys have it tough.”
Captain Cat casts a sympathetic glance at the two who are in an uproar.
“Lord Jean tends to bring results right in front of us without warning.”
The butler mutters quietly.
“I’ve lived far longer than most, but having my spirit used, being poked with the King’s Branch, and being made to hold a pill bug!”
“King’s Branch? Pill bug?”
Captain Cat looks puzzled. Even as a cat, he has wrinkles forming!
“A pill bug is just a childish prank, right?”
Soleil looks a bit confused.
Soleil, I’m not a child who would make someone hold a pill bug as a prank.