Published: August 10, 2026
Ildanaf Island.
It was a remote island in the sea, located just inside the territory of the Oracle Kingdom.
Or rather, "in the sea" was only a figure of speech. In truth, it was said to be a huge freshwater lake so vast it could easily be mistaken for the ocean.
We first entered the town closest to the border, then made our way to a small port on the outskirts. A ferry to the island was supposed to leave from there.
When the pier came into view, Lord Cyrus turned to Lord Ruifeng.
"At that ship's size, the war chariot won't fit. This is where we part ways."
At that, Lord Ruifeng let out a grumble and pouted. He turned his face away and muttered in an irritated tone.
"Since we came all the way here, I'm not going straight back right away. I'll stay here for the night."
"No need to worry. I'm not marching into enemy territory or anything."
"I'm not worried. This is my first time in Oracle too, so I thought I might do a little sightseeing before heading back."
"But we don't know how many days it'll take before we return to this port. You've already done enough by bringing us this far. It'd really be better if you went back first."
"Were you even listening to me?!"
Lord Ruifeng shouted, his hair bristling up.
Honestly, even I could tell by now, so... I thought he didn't need to keep forcing himself.
Still, it seems that, for men, it's somehow forbidden to say, "I'm worried about you." That must be what male friendship is. Lord Ruifeng waved a pale hand airily and brushed back his hair.
"Listen, I can only stay for three days at most! The knight commander isn't free enough to leave the fortress unattended for any longer than that. Once I've had my fill of Oracle cuisine in this town, I'm really heading back to Dilz without you guys."
...In other words, if we didn't come back after three days, he'd go to the Dilz Kingdom and request reinforcements. Lord Ruifeng really was kind.
"We'll definitely be back within three days."
Lord Cyrus made that promise to Lord Ruifeng, then boarded the ferry.
On deck, when I waved to Lord Ruifeng on the pier, he gave me a little wave back too.
I think we were on the ferry for about two hours. When we stepped onto the pier, I let out a breath.
"Amazing... this place is so lively!"
"Yes, and it's far bigger than I expected."
Lord Cyrus nodded beside me.
From what I'd imagined upon hearing the words "remote island," I had pictured a lonely place like an uninhabited island, but no way. Ildanaf Island was a very urban, bustling town.
Stalls were packed tightly all along the pier, and voices calling out to customers mixed with delicious smells rising from everywhere. As I walked past, I peeked into the displays and saw all kinds of things I'd never seen in Dilz. The clothing in particular was so colorful that it really caught my eye.
"Lovely...!"
I'd stared with sparkling eyes without realizing it, and Lord Cyrus gave a small chuckle.
"Don't lose sight of our purpose, Marie. Today we're not here to sightsee or shop."
"O-of course I know that! It's just so unusual—kyah!"
I cut myself off with a scream. Right in front of me, a goose hanging upside down flapped its wings violently.
W-wah, they sell live animals too. I think this goose was meant for food, but there were also extremely self-assured pigs, rabbits with fluffy fur, and even tiny frogs. I couldn't tell whether they were ingredients or pets.
Lord Cyrus, who had just told me off a moment ago, was naturally just as curious as a merchant. He would stop walking now and then to look over the goods and murmur, "Ohhh," in admiration.
With us clearly acting like tourists, of course a vendor called out to us.
"Hey there, what a handsome couple! How about Ildanaf Island's specialty, fresh herring pie?"
Along with his rapid Oracle language, he held up a slice of raw fish right in front of us. I groaned and flinched back, and perhaps that reaction made him think of something. The merchant stared at our faces closely, then nodded as if he understood.
"Could you two be Dilz people? I thought you were Oracle people because you're both so tall."