Translator: CinderTL
The ship's cabin was exceptionally spacious, with a wooden table laden with steaming dishes.
Besides fresh fish and fine wine, there was a dazzling array of delicacies.
Though only four people were present, Trevor had thoughtfully arranged for two nimble crew members to serve as waiters, dedicated to attending to Roland and Theresa.
"Sean joined the Border Legion?"
Hearing this news, Roland glanced curiously at Theresa, who was devouring her meal with elegant yet astonishing speed.
"Why did he suddenly make this decision?"
"I'm not entirely sure..."
Theresa finished the last morsel on her plate, licking her lips with lingering satisfaction before handing the empty dish to a nearby crew member.
"Could you please serve me some more stewed fish? Thank you."
After this, the silver-haired woman turned back to explain.
"Mr. Peyton told me this when I left Mist Creek Town. Apparently..."
She accepted the crew member's refilled plate, murmured her thanks, and continued eating with her knife and fork as she added, "Mr. Sean requested it himself. He wants to improve his strength."
"That guy..."
Though Theresa provided little information, Roland, as Sean's closest friend, immediately understood his intentions.
"It seems the appearance of the giant dragon really shook him up..."
Thinking of this, he remembered another friend.
"I wonder if Darco managed to get into the Knight Academy for his studies..."
"Mr. Roland!"
Seeing that Roland and Theresa's conversation had ended, Trevor raised his glass and called out loudly.
"Thank you for looking after my brother. I'd like to propose a toast! It won't be long before I set sail again on a long voyage, and then..."
He ruffled Hoby's hair beside him and smiled.
"I'll have to trouble you to look after this little fellow."
"You're too kind, Trevor."
Roland clinked glasses with him, then winked at the halfling across the table, who seemed a bit stiff with Theresa present.
"Hoby and I are friends now. Isn't it natural for friends to help each other?"
"Well said!"
Trevor drained his glass, wiping the wine from his chin.
"Since you're Hoby's friend, you're my friend too! Don't hesitate to ask for anything you need in the future!"
"Heh heh..."
Roland chuckled, about to change the subject when a thought struck him.
"Speaking of which, Trevor, I actually have something I'd like to ask you for help with right now."
"Just say it!"
Roland's frankness seemed to please the halfling captain. Trevor waved his hand expansively.
"As long as it doesn't violate my principles, ask for anything you need!"
"It's not that dramatic," Roland said, taking a sip of his drink. "I'm just very interested in nautical knowledge. Lately..." He tilted his chin toward Hoby. "Hoby has taught me a lot, but I lack practical experience. So..."
"I understand!" Trevor thumped his chest. "Come to me anytime you need anything! I happen to have a spare small boat lying idle. If you want to practice your sailing skills, feel free to use it whenever you like!"
"Then... thank you, Trevor."
"Hey! Between us..."
After a few drinks, Trevor's boisterous, streetwise nature began to show. But catching a glimpse of Theresa's elegant dining posture, the captain's lips twitched almost imperceptibly. He immediately lowered his voice.
"Mr. Roland, though we've just met, Hoby's description told me you're a trustworthy man. No need for formalities."
"Understood, Trevor."
Roland smiled in response.
For a moment, the atmosphere was harmonious and cheerful.
However, Theresa's appetite was truly astonishing, and she ate with lightning speed.
This forced Trevor, who had planned to drink late into the night, to change his plans.
Before the sun had even set, Roland and Theresa, bid farewell by the halfling brothers, walked down the gangplank and onto the solid ground of the dock.
"Theresa..."
Looking at the silver-haired woman beside him, who was gently rubbing her stomach with a satisfied expression, Roland chuckled softly.
"What are your plans now?"
"Hmm... probably... the same as before."
At the question, Theresa quickly glanced at the young man beside her from the corner of her eye, her voice soft.
"Take on some commissions and keep traveling around."
Though her tone sounded normal, the subtle tightening of her grip on the hilt of her sword at her waist betrayed her inner turmoil.
"In that case..."
Roland seized the opportunity to extend an invitation, given her expected answer.
"Would you like to stay with me for a while?"
The thought had occurred to him the moment he first saw Theresa on deck.
He was just one person short of completing the requirement for becoming an Apprentice Knight: "Lead a small team to defeat a powerful enemy."
Having fought alongside Theresa before, Roland knew her abilities better than anyone.
Though strength wasn't her forte, Theresa excelled in agility and speed.
Her power had undoubtedly reached extraordinary levels.
Moreover, the divine blessing she possessed might bring unexpected turning points in critical moments.
As for her appetite...
With Colin as her generous benefactor, Roland had no worries.
"Actually, I need your help with something."
"Living... together? Wouldn't that be a bit..."
Theresa nervously tucked a strand of silver hair behind her ear, her voice trailing off. But after a moment, she gave a soft nod.
"No problem."
"Then thank you..."
Noticing the unnatural blush creeping up the silver-haired woman's cheeks, Roland raised an eyebrow in confusion before stepping forward to lead the way.
It wasn't long before they reached the residence Colin had arranged for them.
Roland pushed open the wooden gate, bowed slightly, and gestured gracefully with his arm, about to invite Theresa inside when a clear, lively voice suddenly rang out.
"Roland! Why are you so late? I'm practically starving... [ Mmph? ]"
Avril had appeared from nowhere, her brown hair bouncing in the sunlight with a dazzling sheen.
She tilted her head, her curious gaze fixed on Theresa standing beside Roland.
"This is..."
"Her name is Theresa. She's a friend of mine," Roland introduced immediately, then turned to the silver-haired woman. "Theresa, this is Avril, a provisional member of the Shadow Veil Organization from the River Domain Nations. As for the young man over there..."
He tilted his chin towards the golden-haired youth huddled on a stone bench in the courtyard.
"His name is Galvis. He's a bard. Though, of course..." Roland continued as he guided Theresa into the courtyard, "Mr. Bronson is also here. He's a scholar, but he's currently locked in his room, conducting research. We shouldn't disturb him."
"I understand," Theresa replied with a slight nod. Her gaze quickly swept over Avril and Galvis in the courtyard, then flicked towards the closed door. A momentary dimness seemed to flicker in her silver-gray eyes.
A fleeting expression of indescribable disappointment—as if a hidden expectation had been dashed—flashed across her face. But it was quickly replaced by focus.
Her silver-gray eyes lost their focus, piercing through the scene before her to fix on the invisible air behind Avril and Galvis.
After a moment, the silver-haired woman, usually so stoic and rarely showing emotion, slowly furrowed her brow. A strange expression, a mixture of profound confusion and disbelief, gradually replaced her earlier composure.
(End of the Chapter)
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