Free Web NovelChapter 34: Conclusions
"Please board the ship faster, we’re setting sail soon," said an adult man who was dressed strictly.
He must be the owner of this ship or the manager in charge.
Alister stood on the shore where the ships that deliver people from city to city across the ocean are located.
It was very noisy; there were a lot of people here, including women and children who were crying.
Are they moving or something?
Alister looked back and remembered the day he met Celestia while in the mask.
’I didn’t think my words would make Celestia cry; it means she was already broken before. Consequently, one can make the assumption that her childhood wasn’t an easy one.’
’Later I’ll need to find out just in case, to use it in the future, because I don’t know and it’s not a fact that I will never return to the city of Syoga.’
’In any case, one shouldn’t ignore the fact that Lucian potentially knows I’m not dead. It’s always worth assuming the worst-case outcome.’
After a little analysis, he also decided not to delay anything and board the ship, but in that same second, the voice of the nun was heard from behind, approaching Alister step by step.
"You are now heading to the city of Verigia, where the Queen herself is located, so be careful," she said.
"How did you manage my documents?"
’It’s impossible to leave for another city here without documents. It’s very strictly enforced. Meanwhile, the nun hadn’t given me any documents, so I’m genuinely curious.’
"I have my connections, and with their help, I created documents for you for the identity of Alister Vane. You’ll receive them when you arrive; just wait."
’On one hand, it’s very suspicious that she is helping me so much even though we concluded a deal for mutual benefit; isn’t it too costly on her part and doesn’t it carry a risk for her?’
’Or is she so wealthy and influential that she can afford it, but then how did she find me-a person whom nobody really knows?’
"Fine," he replied briefly and quickly, and after that, he went onto the ship that was just about to set sail, while that manager or owner was still shouting, calling everyone onto the ship.
"We will sail for 3 days; that’s not such a long time considering the distances between the cities I saw on the map."
The ship was small, but one couldn’t call it poor either, because it looked new and fast. Alister stepped on board and descended to the first floor, where all the passengers were located. After he went down, he understood why this ship is called very good. Inside was a whole restaurant maintained by chefs. They prepared various dishes, the mere sight of which made the onlookers’ mouths water. And past the restaurant were various beds for the passengers so they could sleep, since the ship would be traveling for a full 3 days.
Alister found his sleeping berth, which was located in the back of the common hall, far from the noisy center. A soft hum from the working steam engines below vibrated slightly underfoot, creating a lulling yet simultaneously anxious atmosphere. Around him, people were already busily taking their places: some were noisily discussing the restaurant menu, while others fearfully clutched their children to them, leaving their homelands for the unknown.
’City of Verigia... The Queen’s main residence,’ - Alister sat on the bed and leaned his back against the wooden partition, closing his eyes. -’To find myself in the very heart of the enemy’s lair immediately after faking my death is a risky move. But it’s exactly where the entire elite will be gathered, which means the opportunities for maneuvers will increase manifold.’
He thrust his hands into his pockets and felt emptiness. He still didn’t have documents in the name of Alister Vane in his hands, and this forced his internal pragmatism to work at its peak capacity. Relying on the word of a nun whose motives still remained hazy was the height of recklessness. But no choice existed right now.
’If in three days no one meets me at the Verigia pier with ready papers, I’ll have to improvise on the fly. In the worst case-break through the port security by force. But it shouldn’t come to that; extra noise will attract attention though... what kind of security matters given my strength.’
The smell of roasted meat and spices from the restaurant area grew stronger, mixing with the specific scent of sea salt and dampness drifting in through the open portholes. The passengers moved toward the tables, drawn by the aromas. Alister also rose. In order not to stand out and to look like an ordinary traveler, he had to act naturally-go and lose himself in the crowd of dining people. He needed strength, for the next three days promised to be the calm before a real storm.
After lunch, Alister went to his bedroom; there were separate rooms for individuals, which gave freedom of action and time for reflection.
’I need to think about Lucian, because he raises my suspicions. My plan was to summon Professor Valerian Sterling and also Princess Celestia by means of a love letter. With the princess’s help, I wanted to destroy the professor and then take the sword, as I knew she would have the sword with her because that day was the last—more precisely, the end of the second. And the sword would be announced at the start of the fourth day.’
’But she had to take the sword as soon as possible, as the last day would have been very difficult. Even if one were to imagine she wouldn’t bring it, that would make it clear that no one stands behind her. But she came anyway.’
’But there is one "but." My plan was only for the professor to come alone without anyone else, since I am a guy and weak, she would have no reason to bring others with her. But if she brought others, then one thing can be assumed: she knew that Princess Celestia would be there.’
’And I only told Lucian that Princess Celestia would be there on the night we made our mutual benefit pact. In that case, doesn’t it mean he had a different plan from the start? If that is so and he could pass information to the professor, then there are two ways the events could unfold.’
’First: he is a complicit member of the organization who helps them, and second—the most realistic one, given his power and intellect-is that he is the creator of this organization, and he wanted that ancient sword for himself, while also wanting to make me his servant right away.’
’But it didn’t happen because the nun intervened; even if she hadn’t intervened, it wouldn’t have happened anyway, because I heard the princess alone destroyed all the thieves wherever they were, including the professor.’
"I see," Alister said aloud, taking a deep breath.
After that, he looked at the box where that very ancient sword lay.
’Well then, it’s time to see what kind of ancient sword is in there...’
