Published: August 1, 2025
On board the Granado Trading Company’s cargo ship, cutting through the vast ocean.
Letting the sea breeze play with my hair, I stood on the deck, gazing out at the scenery.
—Endless blue ocean stretching as far as the eye can see. Where did this wind come from, and how far has it traveled to reach here? Maybe it came from a distant country, much farther than this ship’s journey.
I sniffed, hoping to catch a scent from this wind’s homeland. Of course, all I smelled was the salty sea air.
“Marie, aren’t you cold?”
Along with a gentle voice, a silk shawl was draped over my shoulders. When I turned around, there stood a tall young man with a calm smile. His glossy black hair, sun-kissed skin, deeply chiseled and handsome face, and sweet, drooping green eyes were utterly captivating. He was my fiancé, Count Kyros Granado.
“Thank you. I’m fine. It’s warm enough.”
I spoke honestly, not out of politeness.
We left my homeland, the Dirts Kingdom, at the start of autumn, and it had been two months since. Though the season was supposed to be heading toward winter, it was only getting warmer.
“That’s because we’re heading toward the equator. The climate changes drastically depending on the land. Temperature, humidity, wind strength, oxygen levels, even the water quality differs.”
“How strange... Back in Dilz, snow would be starting to fall now, but here it feels like summer. It almost feels like I’m under a magic spell.”
I said, and he laughed amusedly.
“Summer in Dilz is cool, you know. Compared to the world average, it’s not hot enough to be called midsummer. The summers in Ipsandros are much, much hotter.”
“That’s strange, too — the seasons themselves vary depending on the place. The world is truly vast.”
I couldn’t help but speak with excitement. I had contact with foreigners before and had read about such things, but experiencing it firsthand was different.
The color of the sea and the height of the waves visible from the deck changed every day. I hadn’t realized there were so many shades of blue. This vast ocean could completely transform depending on the weather.
Lord Cyrus chuckled softly.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it, Marie. As for me, I’m already bored with this scenery.”
His voice carried a hint of drowsiness.
Lord Cyrus was the son of a foreign mother and a great trade magnate. He was used to sea voyages and probably considered changing scenery across countries common knowledge.
He let out a big yawn.
“A smooth voyage is nice, but it’s lacking in excitement. Sometimes I wish for a storm to come—even though this ship can handle rough seas.”
“Hehe, it sounds like everything is taken care of perfectly for us.”
“Safety is the top priority for both the route and the ship. This journey is to hold a wedding with you and start our life together—losing my life now would be unthinkable.”
“Yes, that’s true. Besides, I wouldn’t mind if the ceremony was delayed by a few weeks.”
Our wedding was originally scheduled for the end of summer. But even as autumn passed, nothing progressed, and now winter was approaching. We were not even on land—instead, we were on the sea.
“…I’m sorry about all this. I want to hold the ceremony as soon as possible and put your mind at ease.”
“Why are you apologizing? These have been happy, joyful days.”
I replied.
Though we had faced various challenges and fears, life at Granado Castle had been wonderful. Even when troubled by problems before me, I believed we would reach a happy future. Surely it was because Lord Cyrus, the maid Mio, and the kind attendants were always by my side.
“And I’m actually excited about this journey itself. Before we reach Ipsandros, we will disembark several times, right? For resupply and rest in other countries.”
“Yes, on the island we’re heading to, there’s an important business deal. We’ll stay two nights—”
Mid-sentence, Lord Cyrus yawned again, turning his face away from the window view.
“…I can’t help it, watching the waves makes me sleepy.”