Book 13: Chapter 20


    Lucia panted as she looked at the corpses lying next to her. She leaned on Niers back with her dagger in her grip. In a loud voice, she eximed, What are these things?!


    Nier watched her surroundings vigntly. The two of them were standing on the tilted ship. Next to them were wet corpses. Specifically, they were the dead people washed up to the boat. Fortunately, they were no different to human beings and were no match for Lucia and Nier. However, they dealt a big mental blow to Lucia, because she worried His Highness would be among them; hence, she didnt dare to strike them down. Nier was initially afraid of causing idental injuries, but the two of them were soon pushed to the edge. As a consequence, they had no choice, but to cut their attackers down.


    Their initial thought was, His Highness wouldnt attack us even if he turned into one of them. s, they ended up cutting down dozens of people. The fortunate part was that, while the ship had been flipped into the water, it hadntpletely sunk. The two of them lived on the tilted ship thest few days, albeit it being a struggle. There was still a fair bit of food remaining on the ship. At night, they slept holding each other in order to keep each other safe as well as keeping warm.


    Luciasbat skills were very poorte at night. She, therefore, had to rely on Nier to protect her. Their roles were reversed during the day, with Nier resting and Lucia taking responsibility for keeping them safe. The two girls in a rtionship akin to fire and water demonstrated impressive chemistry and unity when they were faced with the perilous predicament. Although they never spoke much, the two of them disyed close friendship and unspoken understanding.


    Nier lowered her sword and replied, We dont need to concern ourselves with what they are. That said, Im getting sick of them raiding us every night. Theyre definitely not from the surface. It might be an issue with the ocean water. They only turned after they drowned.


    Dont me it on the ocean water! Did you forget that we swam in the water?!


    Okay, okay, its not the water, responded Nier, as she scratched her head. That means they turned into<em> this</em> state after they drowned. Lucia, weve killed a good number, havent we? Have you seen His Majesty?


    No. His Highnesss clothes shouldnt change. I havent seen anybody who resembles him among the ones Ive killed, either. Ive always been by His Highnesss side, so Im familiar with every part of his body. Its impossible for me to misjudge.


    Same with me. In other words, His Majesty is all right; hes definitely still alive despite whatever happened to him, stated Nier, sheathing her sword. His Majesty is still alive; thats good news. We just need to wait for the rescue fleet to arrive, and then search for him. My concern is how much he is suffering right now. He must be alone on some deste ind or floating on a nk somewhere, starving and freezing


    Stop Please dont make me imagine how pitiful he currently is, okay? I want to jump into the water to search for him as it is! eximed Lucia, tears welling up in her eyes.


    Nier bit down on her bottom lip. In a solemn tone, she said, We will definitely save His Majesty. His Majestys predicament wontst for long. We will definitely save him and bring him to our side where it is blissful!


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    In reality, my predicament wasnt as tragic as they imagined. Rather, I was quite happy My two wives eventually found out I was admiring flowers under Yings care while they were on a ship that could sink at any moment, wondering if thered still be food for tomorrow and worrying about monsters attacking. They didnt talk to me for an entire day once they found out.


    Ying woke me up again with her voice when the sun came up. I saw a scene of Ying standing under the tree in my dreamsst night. I saw her beautiful silhouette underneath cherry blossoms flying about. It was supposed to be a beautiful scene; she was supposed to be expressionless, yet I had the impression she was actually drowning in misery for the first time.


    Is it because of the environment or is it me who feels sad? She appeared to be her usual self. Why was she so sad that I almost shed tears for her? Is it Ying whos sad, was it me, or was it the sky littered with flower petals that was sad? I wondered to myself.


    I didnt have anything to think about when I saw the scene in my dreams. I just happened to dream of that scene. I didnt have spare energy to ponder it  not that I needed to in front of such a beautiful scene. Eyes on Yings back, I yawned. I said, Good morning.


    Ying turned around and bowed Good morning. Youre looking much better today. The medicine has worked as expected. See if you can sit up.


    I used the ground as support to slowly move my body. It felt as though all of theponents of my body began to reboot. My joints creaked as I slowly sat up. My chest was still in a bit of pain, but it wasnt as intense. It was merely a lingering pain. I could slowly straighten up my back and sit up now. I let out a breath of relief.


    Ying didnt look consoled even though she saw me, who was practically her patient, finally sit up. I hadnt seen a second expression from her in three days. She kept her cold expression the entire time. She suggested, Very good. Since you dont have anything you have to do today, stay here for another day. That way, your body will recover better.


    I nodded: All right. I shall lie here in peace for today, then. Ill be able to stand up tomorrow, right?


    Thats right, answered Ying. However, even if youre able to stand up tomorrow, that doesnt mean you can walk around however you please. Obviously, you need to consume different medicines topletely recover.


    Im truly very thankful, Ying. Thank you so much for taking care of me and spending your medicine on me. If you want money, I can give you everything on me. I just want to express my gratitude. I dont have anything else I can give you. This is my way of thanking you.


    You dont need to pay me. Ying shook her head. She wasnt angry or annoyed; she remained calm as per usual.


    Oh, right My money would be useless to you I can give you gold and silver if you prefer, except Ill have to wait for rescue to arrive before I can pay you.


    I dont need those things, replied Ying, with a head shake. She turned around to continue sweeping the flower petals: If you really want to thank me, go into the vige two dayster, and help me buy some stuff. If you want to thank me, just go shopping for me every day after. I cant leave the shrine. Normally, somebody will send me things every month, but I didnt have enough resources after you arrived.


    Sure. I asked, Why cant you go to the vige?


    Because I need to protect this vige.


    Why cant you go, then?


    I told you; I need to protect this vige, answered Ying, keeping her head down as she swept the ground.


    I figured she wouldnt give a different response no matter how I posed the question; that was her answer. Nevertheless, it was just a spell of confusion to me. Maybe it was because she had to stay in the shrine in order to protect the vige below, though I wondered how reasonable that was. Whatever the case may be, I was d I could recover. I could gradually get to know Ying better.