235: So, the open sea’s even scarier than I thought.

I’m being kicked.

Seriously, I’m getting kicked hard.

Maina’s got this pouty face and she’s kicking me like a demon.

Not actually painful, but I wanna know why!

“Hey, Maina…”

I call out to her, focused on kicking me with no pause, and she lifts her face, staring at me dead in the eyes. Her cheeks are puffed out—kinda cute, actually.

She was fine a second ago. What’s the deal!?

“Tsuun.”

No, I mean “tsuun” with my mouth. It’s cool she can talk to people now, unlike before.

Just as I’m trying to figure out what to do, Eva’s master comes over, looking a little guilty.

“Forgive the interruption… may I speak with you?”

I see it as a godsend. I jump at the chance.

“Of course. Uh, I’m Craft Walker, leader of the party. Nice to meet you.”

My hand was gripped back hard.

"I'm Paradio Albathore. Think of me as one of the representatives here."

"Right. So you're researching something. Can I ask you a few questions?"

"I've got plenty I want to know too. But that'll have to wait till we're on the island."

Paradio's gaze turned to the ship, and mine followed.

"Appreciate the invitation, but you seem to know a lot. Just hearing it here would save me a lot of trouble."

He shook his head slightly.

"No. The subject's likely to get delicate. Better to ask in a village with flawless security. Besides..."

His eyes shifted to the three Cassper sisters.

"Been a while since I came home. Let me take it easy for a bit."

The old mage looked stern. But deep down, he seemed kind enough.

"Then I'll take you up on that. Look forward to it."

"Can't leave the ship docked too long. Hurry up and board."

"Got it....Alright! Everyone on board!"

And so we climbed aboard the large sailing vessel.

◆

Maina, who'd been in a bad mood earlier, seemed to have forgotten all about it, completely absorbed in the ship. Guess she's in a better mood now. Good, good.

After we'd set sail for a while, the entire view was filled with water... the sea.

"Whoa! Amazing! Everywhere you look, it's just sea!"

Jitarou was perched on the railing, jumping around just like me.

"Man, this is bad! Nothing but water in sight!"

Then, suddenly, Camille had climbed up onto the mast.

"Uh-oh. Can't tell where we are or which way we're facing now."

Come to think of it, seeing nothing but the same view in every direction messes with your sense of direction. No landmarks on the rippling water—can’t even tell if you’re going straight.

I thought I was going straight, but judging by the sun’s position, we’re turning. Still, can’t feel it at all.

On land, you’ve got rocks, trees—anything to mark your way. But the sea’s always moving. It’s terrifying how you can’t even tell where you are or which way you’re facing.

“…This is scary, the sea.”

At least we’ve got the sun. But if it clouds over, we’ll be wrecked in a heartbeat.

Thinking that, Nobuna in samurai garb slides in beside me.

“Don’t worry. I’m here, so just leave it to me.”

“Yeah. Mizoho Shrine Nation’s sea folk, right.”

“Still… a little nervous.”

“Huh?”

Hey, I just said leave it to me, didn’t I?

Nobuna’s gaze drifted toward the rear of the ship.

“Going to the island’s unavoidable, but we’re way out past the edge.”

“Something wrong? Still getting lost or something?”

“I checked the ship a moment ago. Crew’s decent, and they’ve got a sextant and a magic device. Won’t get lost. Mizoho’s crew’s even better, though.”

“Mount doesn’t matter. So it’s not a problem, right?”

Nobuna shook her head, half-hearted.

“The sea’s a den for big magical beasts.”

Drrrrrrrrr—

At her words, a massive water spout erupted.

From the torrential column, a colossal squid emerged.

Jitarou muttered weakly.

“Flag retrieval… coming a bit early, isn’t it?”

Agreed.

◆

On the swaying deck, we were having a barbecue.

Of course, the ingredient was a colossal squid. A kraken, really.

The fight was over in an instant.

Paradio, Eva’s master, had just begun constructing a powerful spell, but Eva beat him to it—firing off one massive technique and finishing the squid off before Paradio even finished his gesture. He was stunned.

I couldn’t sense much from the spell Paradio was building—no need to impress anyone, after all—but the vibe of Eva’s magic felt familiar. Like it was from the same well.

Ah. That’s why they’re master and apprentice. Makes sense.

They’re talking quietly. Seems like she’s explaining the sigil.

Since arriving at Golden Dune, the three sisters—Casper—have gotten terrifyingly strong. They were already powerful to begin with. No wonder their master is shocked.

It’s been a while since they last met. Let’s not interrupt. Just enjoy the barbecue.

I was just reaching for the grill when Maid Ryuuko handed me a grilled squid.

"Master, please."

"Thanks....Yeah. Tastes good."

The ship's rocking quite a bit, but Ryuuko doesn't even flinch—still cooking like nothing’s wrong. Good balance, too.

Fought well, too.

Maina’s munching on squid like a squirrel. Full grin. Definitely likes it.

She’s a noble lady, but she’s gotten tough.

Leifan’s… yeah. Still glued to the mast. Like a cicada.

The fight was quick, but when that giant squid showed up, the ship rocked hard—like it was flipping over. I get it.

It’s fine. Won’t sink that easily.

…Nobuna. Won’t sink, right?

"Built solid. And if worst comes to worst, we’ve got underwater breathing potions."

Good.

Better hand one out to everyone, just in case.

He always carries one around, apparently. Impressive.

What’s bugging me is that idiot over by Maina, talking nonstop.

“Hmm. I thought giant squid would be coarse in taste, but this is surprisingly fine-textured, with a delicate, nuanced flavor and a refined mouthfeel. And yet it still holds onto that wild edge—perfect balance of finesse and rawness. Plus, just the right amount of springiness, a pleasant bite. Just grilled, but the heat was perfect—brings out the ingredient’s essence to the max. And the Golden Dune seasoning? It elevates the whole thing, turning it into something truly exceptional—”

“Got it, got it. So it’s just tasty, right?”

I cut Persia off, and she gave me a frosty look.

“You have no idea what real food is.”

No, it’s really good. Guess it’s to be expected from Ryuuko.

Around me, the crew were shoveling grilled squid down their throats like they were crying. Calm down, there’s plenty to go around. We’ve got the whole giant squid to work with. Eat all you want. Just keep your head on straight.

Hmph. No respect for good food at all.

That could be said to Maina too, couldn’t it?

Maina-sama is fine! That lovely little form of hers is more than enough!

Ah, yeah.

If that’s what you want, then that’s what it is. Yeah.

While grilling the seafood barbecue, Ryuuko kept slicing up squid, which the crew hurriedly hung out to dry. Dried squid’s the best snack with sake. Gotta snag a bit later.

The man from the sea is sturdy, huh.

He was putting in such an effort I almost thought Ryuuko was splitting herself in half. Could he really move like that? Didn’t know that.

No surprise—only someone taught by Master Javir could pull off something like this.

Such was the way of it, and by the time night fell, the ship had docked at a massive island.

"Who knows? Maybe some cute little girl's waiting for us!"

Jitarou... you really ought to tone it down a bit. Come on, try talking to a real sea man for once.

What's so awkward about that?

You're the one being ridiculous, you know.