The next morning.
The sea breeze carried the golden glow of the rising sun through the open portholes of David's Revenge, spilling warm light across the captain's quarters' cold, dark-gold alloy floor.
Beyond the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows stretched an endless sea flecked with shattered gold. Seagulls called from beyond the hull, their cries clear and distant.
Dawn leaned against the headboard, his gaze settling on the wardrobe nearby. Uta was already dressed, her ivory fitted gown tracing the graceful, mature curves of her figure.
Her long hair was loosely pinned behind her head, exposing her slender, fair neck. The girlish innocence had faded from her features, replaced by a gentle yet noble air. She looked every bit like a pampered aristocratic young wife.
Seeing her like this, Dawn's lips curved into a faint smile, and an inexplicable sense of accomplishment rose within him.
After all these years of his tireless hard work, every woman on this ship had long since become a married woman.
The moment that thought crossed his mind, Uta turned around. Her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, her expression filled with suspicion.
"Why do I feel like you're thinking something improper?"
"No, don't overthink it."
Dawn immediately denied it. Throwing off the covers, he got up, casually draped a black coat over himself, stepped forward, and wrapped an arm around her slender waist. He lowered his head and kissed her forehead.
"Come on,
let's go have breakfast."
The captain's quarters came with a communal dining room.
Warm light filled the space, and the long table was laden with steaming food. The charred fragrance of grilled meat, the wheaty scent of bread, and the sweetness of fruit mingled together, making mouths water.
Dawn took Uta to the seats at the head of the table. He picked up his