Published: July 4, 2025
Seven days have passed since the food was procured with the help of the devil.
"What's on the agenda for today?"
"Yes, we will be stopping at the port of Mei Hei in the Payu Nation."
In the corner of the first deck of the Public Ship No. 10, as usual, the water attribute mage and the swordsman are talking.
Just a moment ago, the water attribute mage was fiddling with some alchemy tools while the swordsman was swinging his sword.
"Land in sight!"
A lookout in the mast shouted, which was heard by the two.
"Do you think we can enter the port of the Payu Nation without any trouble? We fought a war with Darwei not long ago, right?"
"Ah, that was when Prince Lyun led the charge."
While the two were negotiating with the ghost ship Ruri, the Payu Nation had suddenly invaded Darwei to the south.
In response, Prince Lyun had received the emperor's orders and headed north to drive them back.
Of course, it seems a ceasefire treaty was established afterward...
"The Public Ship No. 10 will anchor offshore. We'll head to the port in a cutter."
Captain Ra Woo explained to the two.
"A cutter?"
"Is it like a lifeboat?"
Neither Abel nor Ryo is particularly familiar with this area.
However, upon seeing the ship stop and preparations being made, they understood.
A twenty-person cutter boat was being lowered from the Public Ship No. 10.
It is a rowboat, typically carried on larger ships.
While larger ports may have the capacity to dock, smaller ones often do not.
In such cases, it is common to anchor offshore like this and then take a cutter boat to land.
"First Officer Sun Mar and First-Class Navigator Myanmar will remain on the ship while I go ashore. I want to obtain a navigational chart and gather information about this northern sea area. What will you two do?"
"Let's go."
"Yes, we will go."
Abel replied immediately to Captain Ra Woo's question, and Ryo nodded along.
Both of them were curious about what lay to the north from here.
Thus, Ryo, Abel, and Captain Ra Woo, along with seventeen crew members, landed at Mei Hei port.
As soon as the twenty people disembarked, they were approached by what appeared to be guards.
The ship anchored offshore was clearly visible from the port.
This response might be considered natural.
"We are the guards of Mei Hei port. I am the captain, Moa Shuu. Who are you?"
A man with a beard and decent equipment introduced himself.
About ten soldiers from the Mei Hei port guards stood behind him, all holding something resembling spears.
Although they were not brandishing their weapons, it did seem they were trying to intimidate.
"I am Captain Ra Woo of Public Ship No. 10, belonging to the Darwei Imperial Public Ship Office. The ship anchored offshore is that same Public Ship No. 10. We are on a mission under orders from the Imperial Family. I would like to speak with the person in charge of the port."
He did not come across as arrogant.
However, Captain Ra Woo's introduction conveyed strength and an unwavering presence.
For a moment, the guard captain, Moa Shuu, seemed to be at a loss, which Ryo and Abel noticed.
But it was just for a moment.
As expected of a captain; he could not show any weakness in front of his subordinates.
"The person in charge of the port is the port daimyo, but he is currently absent."
"And the vice chief?"
"That would be me."
Captain Moa Shuu answered clearly.
"I see. Then, Captain Moa Shuu, I have something to discuss. Is there a place we can go?"
"The daimyo's office will be fine. Follow me."
The group was led to what appeared to be the reception room of the daimyo's office.
However, it was certainly too small for twenty people.
Thus, only Captain Ra Woo, Ryo, and Abel entered, while the other seventeen waited in the next room.
"First, here is the order from the Darwei Imperial Family, from Prince Lyun."
Captain Ra Woo said, showing the order he had received from Ryo and the others previously.
Of course, it didn't contain specific operational orders.
In simple terms, it stated that the actions of Public Ship No. 10 were approved under Prince Lyun's authority.