Free Web NovelChapter 123: See you soon!
Although the celebration of the death of the Devourer of Ships had spread throughout Naeross Island, Victor did not want to be worshipped as a savior or anything like that, so he did not participate in the celebration.
Instead of going to the taverns to drink, Victor and the other sailors of the "Traveling Mermaid" unloaded the ship’s cargo of supplies.
"Come on, boys! I want everything unloaded before noon!" shouted Demetrius, his voice echoing throughout the dock. ƒreewebɳovel.com
Before the duel between Victor and Gorn, the workers had already unloaded the lightest crates of supplies. Therefore, most of the remaining crates were heavier loads, containing hundreds of kilos of grain that would help supply the island for the winter.
Victor and Franky managed to carry some of these heavier sacks by themselves, but it was then that Victor realized that the coordination of this crew was impeccable in anything other than combat. They all collaborated to place the items carefully on the dock, ready to be taken to the city’s warehouses.
"Victor, do you need any help with that trunk?" asked Franky with a smile, as if to tease his friend.
"Thanks, Franky, but I think I can handle it. I’ve carried heavier things before," Victor replied, returning the smile.
Franky laughed, showing his sharp teeth. "I know that, but it doesn’t hurt to lend a hand."
Victor understood the message the Iizardman was trying to send him. It was as if Franky had said that if Victor was ever in trouble, he could ask him for help without hesitation.
As the last of the supplies were unloaded, Victor felt both relieved and melancholy. The city of Naeross had its peculiar charm and was quite chaotic, but living amid all that chaos made anyone feel truly alive. Victor could partly understand why Franky had chosen to live on this island after their group had split up.
"Captain Demetrius, everything in the warehouse has been unloaded," Jonathan announced, wiping the sweat from his forehead with the sleeve of his shirt.
"Excellent work, Jonathan. And to all of you, congratulations on your efficiency!" Demetrius said to the sailors on deck, and they all saluted in respect. "Now, get the ship ready for the trip back to Klento. We can’t afford to relax here. Make sure the ’Traveling Mermaid’ is in perfect condition before we set sail!"
"Yes, Captain!" fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm
Demetrius then approached Victor and Franky and patted Franky lightly on the shoulder.
"Take care, mate. And remember, there’ll always be a place for you on the ’Traveling Mermaid’ if you want to become my official ship’s carpenter."
Franky looked at Demetrius and his usual sharp smile appeared. "And protect you from pirate groups all the time? No, I’ll pass on that, but thanks for the invitation," he replied.
Demetrius laughed at Franky’s answer as he walked over to the helm. "Hahaha! That grim joke was because I called you cold-blooded, wasn’t it? You finally managed to hit back!"
With sails being set, ropes being checked, and the deck in a frenzy of controlled activity, Victor and Franky finally had to say goodbye.
"Are you sure you want to stay here? I think you could get a better place for your tavern in Klento, and you could also continue to work as a ship carpenter there." Victor said.
"I’m sure I could, but even though Naeross Island is dangerous, it’s my home, my life, for the last eleven years. Besides, Naeross needs someone like me to keep things a little more... civilized."
Victor laughed quietly and shook his head. "Civilized isn’t the first word I’d use to describe Naeross, but I understand. Just... be careful, okay?"
"You too, Victor. Don’t get into too much trouble without me around, and if possible, bring your daughter with you one day. I’d like to meet her."
"I’ll certainly do that."
"And if you need a safe haven, know that I’ll be waiting here with a good drink and a story to tell."
"All right, don’t make it goodbye, just a see you soon." Victor said.
The two friends embraced briefly, a simple gesture but full of meaning. Their friendship had been forged in the battles and adventures they had shared, and unlike the last time, when there had been no goodbye, this farewell was like a promise that they would meet again.
"Take care, Franky. And keep this tavern in order. I don’t want to hear stories about an Iizardman dying in a bar fight in Naeross," Victor joked, trying to ease the tension of the farewell.
"You know I can’t promise that," Franky replied with a laugh, "but I’ll do my best to keep things under control. Good luck on your way back, my friend. See you soon."
Franky then turned around, climbed down from the deck, and started walking towards the city.
"All aboard and ready to go, Captain," one sailor reported, making a last check of the equipment.
"Then let’s go home, boys. Klento’s waiting for us!" replied Demetrius, with a nod.
The "Traveling Mermaid" began to move away from the dock quickly, the sails filling with wind and the crew working in perfect harmony.
Victor looked back one last time to see Franky waving from the dock. Then Victor flicked his middle finger at the Iizardman, a subtle form of endearment so that Franky wouldn’t get too used to it, which made Franky burst out laughing alone on the dock.
As the ship picked up speed, the small sun peeking through the clouds glared at the crystal-clear water.
Victor stood next to Demetrius, watching the island and thinking about everything that had happened. Fortunately, he hadn’t died, which was almost a miracle considering the last few weeks.
Victor watched Naeross Island drift away until it disappeared over the horizon. With a deep sigh, he turned his attention to the ship, ready to leave.
"We’ll be back soon, Victor," Demetrius said. "And when we do, I’ll go to Franky’s tavern and get some news for you, okay?"
Victor smiled. "Thank you, Captain."
The ship sailed back to Klento, and the snow fell again.
The crew, though exhausted from the stress of the last few days, were in good spirits, singing a lively song characteristic of successful deliveries.
