Because there were rather too many temporarily hired adventurer guards, gathering everyone in the ship's mess hall for meals would have been far too crowded. Before long, the sailors received orders from above:
They simply moved out a large number of tables and chairs and spread them across the deck for open-air dining.
This was met with unanimous praise from the adventurers traveling aboard the ship.
In their view, they had not yet officially entered the waters of the Nelanther Isles, so the odds of running into pirates in this area were not particularly high. Even if a pirate ship was spotted, the sailors posted atop the masts under the blazing sun would see it in time, leaving them plenty of time to prepare for battle.
The weather was fair, the sky a boundless blue. Basking in the spring sunshine on deck, breathing the gentle sea breeze, and eating seafood alongside fresh steaks purchased in Amn—there was simply nothing more enjoyable.
"Hey, this doesn't feel like we're out here on a job at all. It's more like a trip! And we're even getting paid a handsome escort fee. Miss Elisa is practically an angel!"
A burly man in leather armor set his oak tankard on the table and sighed in utter contentment.
"Isn't that so? I've taken jobs from the John Chamber of Commerce more than ten times over the years. Low risk, decent pay, and free meals besides—it's practically the model of the maritime trade world." A Dwarf at the neighboring table chimed in with a chuckle.
"A toast to the beautiful Miss Elisa!" An adventurer suddenly raised his cup high.
"Cheers!" A crowd of optimistic adventurers broke into revelry.
It was Sharila's first time joining a meal like this. Her cheeks were puffed full as she ate, but