Setting sail on a large ship—especially a sailing ship from the age of sail—was an absolutely unprecedented and wonderful experience for Noah and Hermione.
The ship was slow, and the harbor smelled awful, but the novelty of it all still captured both of their full attention.
The sea was calm at the moment. The boundless ocean was peaceful and gentle, seagulls wheeled above the waves, and a breeze carrying a faint salty tang brushed against their faces. The feeling and experience were truly wonderful.
Noah held Hermione's hand as they stood beside the wheel, taking in everything around them. Before long, they caught Commodore Norrington's attention. It could not be helped—they looked far too idle.
"You don't go to sea often?" After giving a few orders, Commodore Norrington strolled over to Noah and Hermione. "No need to deny it. People who rarely go to sea are more or less like this when they first set out. And you two must be from inland, right?"
"Yes, you could say Westminster. We hardly ever have a chance to visit the coast." Noah smiled and nodded at Commodore Norrington. "Though we often get the chance to look around Buckingham Palace or stroll through Downing Street."
"I envy you. It has been a long time since I last returned to London." Commodore Norrington smiled faintly. "But why would people like you come all the way out here? So far from home, without even bringing guards? Could it be that you really eloped?"
As a soldier, Commodore Norrington would not be like Governor Swan, who would keep quiet even if he had guessed the truth. His cautious nature always compelled him to get to the bottom of things.
Besides, the Caribbean Sea was truly far from Britain. He did not want to offend these two