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TL: ALT
Chapter 35 – Boat Trip
The river began flowing far beyond the capital city and continued through Southern Ship Town, boasting an abundant water supply.
Since ancient times, towns along rivers have flourished through trade, and many cargo-laden ships have traveled back and forth along the river.
Southern Ship Town was well-fortified with embankments that allowed for the smooth loading and unloading of cargo and the boarding and disembarking of passengers.
The town had long been considered a direct possession of the kingdom, and for good reason.
For this reason, the town greatly missed the governor’s leadership.
Even someone with moderate abilities could govern reasonably well, but with proper management, the town would undoubtedly prosper.
The group looked around the riverbank, searching for a ship to board.
They would be boarding a merchant ship owned by the Welcome Trading Company.
It wasn’t luxurious, but it was neat and tidy, and there were clearly cabins.
“It’s livelier than the town center.”
“Yes, that’s true. Oh, Master, I think that is the ship we’re going to board. I can see the Welcome Trading Company’s emblem.”
“Oh, thank you. It looks more solid than I expected.”
As they approached the ship, they saw a man standing on the shore.
He was a muscular, well-built man with a tan.
He must be one of the crew members.
When Wataru and the others got closer, the man spoke in a hoarse voice.
“Are you boarding? This is the Welcome Trading Company’s merchant ship.”
“Yes, we have a letter from William-san. He said you would prepare a room for the three of us.”
“From the chairman? I see. We don’t have much time before departure. Get into your rooms quickly. You can stand on the deck if you like, but be careful; it’s shaky. I won’t be responsible if you fall in.”
“I understand.”
A thin, long, plank-like gangway stretched across the ship.
The problem was its width.
It was barely more than 30 centimeters wide and had no handrails like those found on modern ships.
When weight was placed on it, the gangway bent slightly. Every time you shifted your feet, it swayed, making it difficult to keep your balance.
The gangway stretched for several meters, so maintaining balance while boarding the ship was necessary.
Below, the river flowed, making a splashing sound.
If someone slipped, they would fall into the river.
“This is scary. Let’s walk slowly and carefully.”
“Be careful, Master.”
“Ah, yeah. Don’t push me…don’t push me, okay!?”
“I won’t push you. I’m not that irresponsible.”
“Oh, sorry. This is a traditional joke, I know. Whoa, whoa, whoa!”
“Master! That’s dangerous!”
Of course, Aire wouldn’t understand comedy.
Wataru tried to distract himself with lighthearted banter, but, as expected, he lost his balance because he was so worried and his body had become tense.
His feet slipped, and he began to fall.
Oh no… He’s really going to fall!
“Oh, noooooo… Aire!”
He tried frantically to regain his balance, but he lost his footing, causing the ladder to bend.
He slipped and started to fall.
If he fell, he’d be soaking wet, even if he survived.
“Damn it! What a troublesome Master.”
Wataru felt a chill run down his spine. But Aire, who was right behind him, reached out, grabbed him firmly, and pulled him into her arms.
She held him like a princess. He’s a man, though.
He heard Aire sigh behind him.
He feels like his dignity as a man has been compromised.
“Right after I said that. Are you okay?”
“Ah, thank you. You saved me. Aire, you weren’t affected at all.”
“Well, I’ve had different training.”
Aire said this as if it were nothing special, but when he experienced it himself, he realized it required considerable balance.
As he slowly turned around, he saw Mariel reach out and grab Aire’s waist.
Ah, he was jealous. Wataru wanted to grab Aire, too.
Suppressing his embarrassment, he let go and slowly started walking again.
His walking speed slowed even more, but he felt more stable in return.
“I was worried you were going to fall.”
“Can’t you swim?”
“Well, I think I can if I’m naked, but what about when I’m wearing clothes? What about you, Aire?”
“I can swim even when I’m wearing armor.”
“That’s amazing!”
“Hah! A warrior who can’t swim in battle will die quickly.”
It’s a serious matter.
Indeed, on ancient battlefields, more soldiers died from drowning than from combat injuries.
Wataru didn’t know this, but for the famous mercenary clan, the Golden Tiger Clan, being prepared to swim was natural.
But what about Mariel, who was a noble?
Wataru didn’t have time to look back, so he called out while keeping his eyes on his feet.
“Can Mariel swim?”
“A little… But not as good as Aire.”
“That’s not a fair comparison.”
After finally boarding the ship, Wataru felt relieved to have solid ground beneath his feet.
The stevedores’ balance and physical strength, carrying heavy loads back and forth on such a narrow gangway, must be incredible.
But then again,
If Mariel and Aire could swim, they could have gone to a pool.
It’s September, so there must be a lot of jellyfish in the sea by now.
In this world, there’s no telling what kind of monsters might appear, so it’s hard to know how safe it would be to swim in rivers or the sea.
A Japanese swimming pool sounds like a good idea.
Just imagining what kind of swimsuits the two of them would wear made Wataru excited.
“Master looks like he’s up to something.”
“I wonder what kind of order he’s going to give us this time.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll do my best to meet your expectations. Let’s get back to the cabin quickly.”
“Got it.”
“Okay.”
The crew members are looking at them with puzzled expressions.
How embarrassing.
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He’s just so weak
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