Chapter 118. Feeling Sick
The time that Charles and Kord had settled upon soon arrived. Close to fourteen exploration vessels of various sizes crowded at the dock.
With such a fleet, the Explorers Association seemed to have been emptied out. Charles found most of the captains to be unfamiliar, not having seen them before. But it was expected, as those whom he was familiar with had left with Elizabeth to conquer the island where 1002 resided.
The presence of a large number of ships attracted the attention of the islanders. Some crew members mingled with the islands and stood in the distance, engaged in conversation and speculation. Perhaps someone had stumbled upon a new island again.
"This number is enough for us to even take down an island, let alone explore one. We'll surely succeed!" Standing next to Charles, it seemed as though Kord was trying to bolster not only Charles' confidence but also his own.
Staring at the ships before him, Charles brought up the most crucial question.
"Let's make things clear first. Who'll be commanding the fleet? I don't want disputes over authority when we are out in the open sea."
"I hired them with my money, so I'll be in command. What's there to talk about?" Kord said as a matter of fact.
"Are you sure? Are you sure that with your current mental state, you can lead us to the Land of Light? I remember you haven't been on shore for a long while. Aren't the chants ringing in your ears?"
Charles cast a doubtful eye on Kord's unusually exhausted face. He was unwilling to entrust his life to someone like that.
Kord glared at Charles. "What do you want then? Do you want to command the fleet?"
"Thank you. Since you offered, I'll accept."
Before Kord could regret it, Charles issued his first command.
"Dipp, semaphore all ships to set sail!"
With a low bellow of her horn, the Narwhale sailed out into the pitch darkness under the watchful gaze of the other crews.
At the sight of the Narwhale's movement, the other exploration ships instinctively thought that their employer was aboard that very ship and had given the command to sail.
As such, they activated their turbines and followed closely.
***
In a picturesque garden adorned with blossoming flowers vying for attention, Anna was perched on a swing, her legs tucked beneath her. A gentle smile danced on her lips as she held a creased piece of paper.
"To think that despite Gao Zhiming's lack of dating experience, he's so good at coaxing a woman. My heart is overflowing with warmth. Sigh, if only I were a real woman."
After thoroughly feasting her eyes on the contents of the letter, she carefully folded the paper away and tucked it into her bosom.
"How's the preparation?" Anna asked the maidservant next to her.
With a respectful bow, the maidservant answered, "There has been an increase of Shadow Island's refugees at the harbor district these days. A few disappearances daily won't raise much suspicion. We are close to gathering the number of sacrifices we need.
”But Mistress, are you really sure about this? If we cause such a huge commotion, the islanders will surely suspect you. There are also some powerful individuals on Whereto."
"Will they not suspect me if I don't hold the sacrificial ceremony? Ever since that old man Pitt fell ill, they had placed more and more eyes around me.
”Whatever, I'm tired of this island anyway. I want to go somewhere else for a change. Let's go. Charles has set sail again. I must give him some protection."
The moment Anna placed her feet down on the ground, she heard the soft pattering of footsteps hurriedly closing in from behind.
A trace of annoyance and impatience flashed across her peerless visage upon recognizing the owner of the footsteps. However, she swiftly adjusted her expression and turned around with a faint smile on her lips.
"Dear, why are you here so early today?"
Margaret hurried toward Anna with her skirt lifted slightly to avoid tripping. With an expectant gaze in her eyes, she asked, "Sister Anna, is there any news from Mr. Charles today?"
"No, my dear. I will let you know if he did."
The anticipation on Margaret's face was replaced with disappointment.
"No news again? Did Mr. Charles really receive my letter?"
"Perhaps that Mr. Charles of yours have no time to pen a reply. Where did you go so early in the morning?" Anna asked.
Hearing Anna's questions, Margaret quickly kept her disappointment away. "I went to the harbor district to distribute food today. Sister Anna, there are so many starving people there."
"Really? How pitiful..." Anna held a hand over her overflowing bosom, feigning concern.
"Why don't you come with me to distribute food together? Then fewer people would have to starve," Margaret suggested.
Anna slightly shook her head. "My dear, as much as I pity them, it is better if you stay away from such chaotic and dangerous places. Especially someone like you..."
Anna reached out a right hand and gently traced a finger over Margaret's soft, white collarbone.
"...So supple, delicate, and fragrant. Not just those ugly men, even I, would want to... devour you," Anna whispered and swallowed the saliva in her mouth.
Margaret's cheeks flushed red, and she gently pushed Anna's finger away.
Taking in the girl's embarrassment, a sly smile suddenly surfaced upon Anna's lips. She abruptly leaned in and planted a soft kiss on Margaret's cheek.
"Sister Anna... please stop teasing me like this. I-I'll come to see you again tomorrow," Margaret stammered as she ran off like a startled deer.
As Margaret's silhouette faded into the distance, the smile on Anna's face gradually disappeared.
***
Charles' eyes fluttered open, only to find himself submerged in the deep waters and surrounded by an abyss of darkness. He desperately swam upward, but the surface was never in sight.
The increasing sensation of suffocation made him feel as though his lungs were two red-hot coals, ablaze with fervor.
Gurgle, gurgle.
A series of bubbles floated up in front of Charles. They instantly attracted his attention, and Charles mechanically turned his head and peered downward. In an instant, a wave of despair caught his ankles and swiftly spread throughout his body.
Beneath him, a colossal monster stood erect. Its form was as massive as a peak, with octopus-like tentacles extending from it. Its flared scales, coupled with eyes that blanketed its body, induced a feeling of unease to anyone who dared to lay their eyes on it.
The moment Charles noticed the creature, the creature had also discovered Charles' presence. All of its eyes suddenly opened wide and looked upward collectively. In that split second, Charles' consciousness faded out.
"Mr. Charles, are you alright? Mr. Charles! Are you okay? Should I call Grandpa Doctor?"
The innocent tone of Lily's voice roused Charles from his slumber. A splitting headache hit him, and his surroundings seemed to whirl past him. Despite the dizziness, he could vaguely discern that he was in the captain's quarters.
He rolled off the bed and landed on the floor with a thud. Trembling, he struggled to crawl to the ship's window. Upon reaching it, his stomach violently ejected its contents.
As the little amount of food in Charles' stomach was emptied out, the feeling of faintness subsided just a little.
"Lily, get Doctor here. I think I'm sick."
"Got it!" The white mouse swiftly darted out of the door.
Soon, Laesto staggered into the captain's quarters and conducted a series of rough examinations on Charles.
"How are you feeling?" Laesto asked.
"Dizzy, nausea, weak, and cold."
"What did you eat earlier?"
"The same as the others. Five large salt crackers, two black vine fruits, and a bowl of mushroom soup."
"Did you dream of anything just now?"
Charles placed a hand on his forehead and tried to recall. After a few seconds, he shook his head and said, "No, I didn't dream of anything."
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