Killing intent surged, savage as a tide.
Even though the Marquis of West Berlin had already reined it in, the people of Xilond still felt their hearts tremble.
Many with keen senses even looked up.
But...
There was nothing!
Nothing but dark clouds!
Looking at the thick clouds and feeling their oppressive weight overhead, those keenly perceptive people wiped away the fine beads of sweat that had appeared on their foreheads without their noticing.
"Those clouds look terrifying!"
"It's definitely going to pour soon!"
Quite a few people said as much.
Even more quickened their pace home.
Meanwhile, the passengers of the Eastern who had just disembarked at Xilond's harbor had no choice but to turn back, disappointed.
They couldn't exactly wander around in a downpour.
Old Barry, who was dragging Albert off to a club, also looked resigned.
"Perhaps this is fate! Your god of love wants you to wait for your true love!"
Old Barry sighed.
Albert, the first mate, breathed a sigh of relief instead.
He really didn't want to visit that sort of place. If Old Barry hadn't pulled rank as captain, he would never have left the Eastern.
Now he was finally off the hook!
Full of relief, the young first mate looked up at the Eastern, where he served.
Then, to his surprise, he discovered that the boatswain had somehow appeared at the bow and was gazing up at the sky.
"Boatswain John?"
The young first mate jumped onto the deck and approached the bow to ask.
Albert's tone was respectful, and he even leaned forward slightly.
Although Captain Barry had never said it outright, Albert was certainly no fool. A commoner selected to become the Eastern's first mate at his age, he could tell from a few subtle details that this boatswain had