After leaving the pirate ship, aside from still feeling hungry, Shade's body and mind had completely returned to normal within a few dozen minutes. But even with her fourth wish and the healing at the end of the Mystic Lock, Miss Princess had not recovered nearly so quickly. Coupled with having swum nonstop for so long, this five-ring Sorceress looked strong, but in truth, she was close to her limit.
The people on the small boat promptly spotted the floating wooden board and the two swimmers, and the two sides quickly met up.
A maid on the boat reached out to pull Miss Princess aboard, but the Sorceress was already somewhat exhausted. Shade could only support her from the water and lift her aboard first before climbing into the boat himself.
Someone immediately handed him a dry towel and blanket. At the same time, with a dull rumble, the small Steam Engine at the stern began to operate. As the Boatman added more compressed charcoal, the rising flames warmed the surrounding air. Plumes of black smoke merged into the night as the boat began moving across the sea surface, powered by the small Steam Engine as it carried them swiftly away.
Steam Engines made for small vessels were also a peculiar product of this world's Steam Industry. These brass machines, which required expensive compressed charcoal, had yet to see widespread use because of their high cost and complicated maintenance. Shade had only read related news in the newspapers and had not expected to see one here.
The cost of just one such Steam Engine could probably buy several hundred Little Mias.
Thinking of that, Shade dearly missed his cat, as well as the warm four-poster bed and blankets at home.
Besides Shade and Miss Princess, there were four other people