Published: August 1, 2025
One day, on a cargo ship of the granado trading company cutting through the vast ocean.
With her glossy black hair fluttering in the sea breeze, Lord Cyrus muttered softly.
"...I'm bored."
"Is that so?"
I asked back while looking at the same scenery. He let out a big yawn.
"The view is dull. Once we get into the open sea, the view doesn’t change for days."
"I still find it fun just to look at this blue ocean and the white waves."
It’s really true. The color of the sea and the height of the waves visible from the deck are completely different every day. I never knew there were so many shades of blue. This vast ocean changes completely depending on the weather.
"It’s only been two weeks since we left the kingdom... and it’s already changed so much. I wonder if the wind will change when we get closer to the Eastern Continent."
"Yeah, the temperature and humidity will be different. The season is approaching winter, but it will get warmer than it is now."
"It's kind of strange... It really feels like being in a magical world."
He gave a wry smile. Wiping the tears that came from his yawn with his finger,
"I’ve seen this scenery so many times I’m bored of it. But this voyage isn’t all boring."
"This time? Is something different from the usual sea?"
At my words, he laughed out loud, a big hearty laugh.
Then he moved closer to me and put his arm around my shoulder.
"Marie is right next to me. Even if the scenery is boring to me, your smiling face enjoying it is a rosy sight."
"…Oh my."
I was at a loss for words. Lord Cyrus gently patted my head and kissed my cheek. He genuinely seemed in a very good mood, but...
When he turned his face back toward the sea, he yawned again.
…That’s right. For me, this is my first sea, my first voyage, but for Lord Cyrus, a trading merchant, this sea must be a familiar sight. As he said, it’s probably not a scenery he can enjoy. Of course, it’s not like he has nothing to do—he is working on various tasks—but unlike Granado Castle, there aren’t amusing attendants here. Basically, I’m the only one he can talk to.
I wish I could entertain him somehow... Hmm. If only I had studied some jokes or amateur magic tricks that Lord Cyrus could laugh at.
Or maybe another game of shiritori or hide-and-seek... No, that would just be fun for me...
Then suddenly I shouted,
"Lord Cyrus, please make me a wish!"
"Hmm?"
"You know, the prize from the hide-and-seek match. You haven’t granted your wish yet."
"Oh, if that’s the case, just ask for ‘one more round’—"
"No, actually, I don’t think it’s right that all the prizes you win are things that make me happy."
"...It’s not like I didn’t enjoy them either..."
Lord Cyrus scratched the back of his head with a slightly troubled look. Then he covered his mouth with his finger. That was his habit when he was thinking seriously.
"Alright. If you promise to do whatever I say."
"Yes! Anything!"
Lord Cyrus’s eyes gleamed sharply. His green eyes, called ominous in the kingdom, radiated a bewitching light as he stared at me.
"...Anything. Really?"
"Y-yes..."
"A-n-y-t-h-i-n-g?"
"Y-yes, a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g..."
...Honestly, I was already a little regretful... But no, Lord Cyrus wouldn’t wish for something that would upset me —
"Then for now, let’s go back to the cabin."
"Huh? Is it not okay here?"
"There are people around. We need to move somewhere we can be alone."
"Somewhere alone... for something that can only be done... then!?"
"I do have some shame, after all. It’s something to conceal from others, and besides, I don’t want many people to see you at that time."
"T-that time? My appearance?"
…When I’m subjected to that ‘anything,’ my appearance will change somehow!?
Doing something embarrassing alone, concealing it from others — what does that mean...
At that moment, the ship hit a slightly large wave and shook violently. Distracted by my thoughts, I lost my balance and fell forward.
"Whoa, careful."
Lord Cyrus caught me, supporting my whole body. When my face buried into his large chest, I smelled him and instantly relaxed completely.