Barry and Albert stood beside the gangway on the Eastern's deck.
Small wooden boats were being lowered from there, one after another.
The Eastern's guests sat aboard them.
"Honored guests, dinner aboard the Eastern will begin promptly at eight. If possible, please return to the Eastern before then.
Of course, if you return late, we will still save some food for you.
Also, as the Eastern's first mate, I assure all our guests that the Eastern's sailors are stationed at Xilond's docks. If you encounter any trouble, please inform them. Within the scope of our duties, we will help you resolve it."
As the Eastern's first mate, Albert gave these reminders to the guests in each boat heading ashore.
Every guest responded with a smile.
None of them doubted Albert's words in the slightest.
After all, they had seen those sailors with their own eyes.
Every one of them looked dependable.
Though the boatswain looked a little lazy.
"Well done.
Albert, you'll soon make a fine captain!"
Barry spoke with a smile.
Albert could only give him a wry smile in return.
The common-born first mate had been thrust into the role. Public-facing duties like this should have fallen to Barry, the captain.
But Barry had handed them straight over to him.
This made Albert realize that Barry really was about to retire.
And him?
The goddess of fortune really had smiled upon me.
No!
It was the Big Boss.
Instinctively, the young first mate looked toward the Eastern's uppermost level.
There, their Big Boss stood holding the fat orange cat and gazing at the sunset.
Seemingly noticing his gaze, their Big Boss lowered his head and smiled at them in acknowledgment.
The young first mate immediately bent into a deeply respectful bow.
Barry did the same beside him.
In