Chapter 224: I Love The Sea! (5)
After finishing the training, I followed the man into his house.
Contrary to the mans dark and hideous appearance, his house was surprisingly tidy.
The two-story house, caressed by the sea breeze, boasted a remarkable view that became more appealing the longer I looked at it.
Do you live in a nice house?
I put everything I had into buying it. Wouldnt it be unfair if it werent nice?
Despite his gloomy expression, it seemed he had saved quite a sum of money.
Few can earn a living working at sea.
Among those, the job of a boatman is even tougher.
The fact that the man had managed to save money was not just due to his own capabilities but also because his greed had grown significantly.
His greed has grown so much that he lost his mind over four gold coins.
The man strode in and knocked on the door.
Knock- Knock-
Meina, Dads home.
Then the door opened, and a woman with hair tied up stepped out.
Youre home early today? Did you bring a guest again Huh?
She paused mid-sentence.
Beside her bandit-like father stood a young man and a woman with extraordinary appearances.
The young mans white hair, drenched in seawater, and the glimpses of his blue eyes were truly fantastical.
And the woman next to him?
Her holy-looking blonde hair draped over slender shoulders and her face, filled with a compassionate smile, evoked the image of a saintess from the Priyas Holy Kingdom.
Unable to speak, she just stared blankly at them, prompting the man to clear his throat.
Hem-hem Meina, its rude not to greet the guests.
Oh, s-sorry. Hahaha.
Could you prepare the meal?
Instead of replying, she stared intensely at the two once more.
Then Iriel awkwardly smiled and greeted her.
Nice to meet you. I am Iriel.
Her appearance was not the only exceptional thing about her; her voice was also remarkable.
Hi, I am Meina.
I apologize for the sudden visit today.
No, its okay. Please make yourselves comfortable.
After they exchanged greetings, Ray introduced himself as well.
Nice to meet you. Im Ray.
Ill be in your care today.
Feel free to your hearts content
While the three of them conversed, the man called out to him.
Kid, come here.
Why?
Dont talk back. Just come. I have something for you.
Ray, who was always eager for freebies and gifts, dashed over without hesitation.
He followed the man up to the second floor and into a secluded room, where the unique scent of an old book filled the air.
A study? Uncle, books dont seem to suit you.
It really doesnt, hahaha. This isnt my study.
He gently wiped dust off a small book placed on a cluttered desk.
The floor was covered with numerous books, clearly untouched for some time.
Ray looked around and then spoke up.
This is your wifes study?
You noticed well.
Its obvious. Although it looks neglected, theres a feeling of care here.
Thats a kind thing to say. Hahaha.
With a somber smile, Ray shifted his focus from the books to the man.
She passed away?
At that question, the man hesitated briefly before nodding.
It was my fault she died. She wanted to go out to sea, so I took her on a boat. We hit a big wave. I panicked, having no experience back then, and capsized the boat.
Thats unfortunate.
After that, I swore off rowing, but it was the only skill I had to provide for my daughter. I couldnt let her go hungry.
.
People talk about sea men, but really, Im just a boatman A boatman who caused his passengers death.
He laughed bitterly as he spoke.
Kheuheuheu. A sea man, eh? Im more like a man whos unworthy to hold an oar.
Lost in thought for a moment, he gazed blankly out the window and muttered.
They say the sea is made of peoples tears. Just as a few sad tears can gather to form the sea where life flourishes, so it is with this.
Thats an interesting way to look at it.
Originally, living beings thrived on sadness. There are those who dont know happiness, but no one is unaware of sadness.
After pouring out his heart, he looked directly at Ray.
My story ends here. Now tell me, why do you want to learn rowing?
A deep seriousness was evident in his eyes.
I have people I need to find.
Hmm Do they live on an island? If so, you dont need to learn to row yourself. Just hire a boatman.
Its not that simple.
He pulled a map from his bag and spread it on the dusty table.
Pointing at a detailed map of the Western Continent, he continued.
We are here. The place I need to go is across this sea
Following his finger, the man gasped.
The sea in front of Clarean!
Right. I couldnt find any boatman willing to go near that coastline.
Rays words made the man furrow his brow.
Of course not!
The sea in front of Clarean was notorious among boatmen as a death trap.
Once you went in, you couldnt come out, and the weather near it turned violent, making it impossible to row.
Moreover, the currents were so treacherous that boats often got split by the triangular waves.
Any boatman willing to go there would either be a swindler or someone seeking death.
Sighing, he spoke soothingly.
Sigh Youre looking for people? Sorry to say, but they are either dead or youve got the wrong place. Above all, this isnt an island. What kind of people would live surrounded by sea on all sides?
I think so too. But I cant just sit idly by.
No one could live in this insane sea.
There was no land to sustain a large group, let alone a spot to set foot on in this sea.
The messengers wouldnt have recommended this place just to mock him.
Therefore, it was worth checking out.
Ray picked up the map.
Seeing his unchanging determination, the man grew anxious.
This damned brat! Youll die if you go there!
Its okay. Thats why I have a backup plan.
A life insurance policy that can revive someone even if their heart bursts.
Suddenly, Iriel, who had become an excellent life insurance agent, called out to them at just the right time.
Dinner is ready. Please come down.
Following her words, the man glanced at Ray once and shook his head.
He must be crazy, definitely.
Why would he willingly go to such a place when he has other destinations!
It was too serious to be a mere whim of youth. Does he know a method, or is he just crazily wanting to die
After eating and taking a walk outside, Iriel approached and initiated a conversation.
Tomorrow is the end, isnt it? Are you planning to leave right away?
Yes, I have to. If it gets any later, I dont know what might happen.
If the way is blocked, they would be caught in a situation where they could neither advance nor retreat.
He wanted to avoid such a predicament at sea.
First, Ill tell you what you need to do tomorrow.
Whats that?
As soon as morning comes, gather water and food. Avoid greasy foods, and buy dry goods that will last a long time.
Would jerkies and dried fruits be suitable?
Yes, bring as much as you can.
Got it. Anything else?
A large leather bag that wont leak water and a blanket for sleeping. If possible, obtain clean cloth as well. Since the boat is small, lets start with these.
Iriel covered her mouth and smiled softly at his instructions.
Hehehe. This is my first time embarking on such a journey, so Im a bit excited.
Enjoy it while you can. Once we reach that sea, youll be frowning with each wave.
Theres really no romance in this at all.
Thinking about romance while being swept away by a giant wave would be quite an achievement.
Ray half-listened to Iriels pointless chatter and went over the schedule.
Tomorrow, well prepare and set out simultaneously. While Im receiving my final training, you gather the necessary items. Once ready, well depart immediately.
Thats not a big deal. Leave it to me.
She patted her chest confidently, but he couldnt quite trust her.
Ive asked the messengers to investigate the sea. It would be good to explain the schedule tonight and listen to their stories.
The two assigned by Hongyeong to protect The Saint couldnt stray too far.
It wasnt just about gathering information; the messengers also had to board the boat.
Thus, informing them of the schedule was essential.
Rays eyes tensed as he slowly formed a plan.
At dawn, he finished learning the basics of rowing.
He repeated what he had learned to internalize it and listened to explanations about the waterways.
If you must go, take this with you.
The man handed him a small book.
What is this?
Its a book about the sea. It will definitely be helpful.
Opening the book, he found drawings resembling a sea current diagram.
Its what Ive drawn over more than thirty years of rowing. I had some practice drawings in a book, and it happened to be with me, so take it.
The man coughed awkwardly while speaking, clearly embarrassed by the gesture.
The fact that he had rowed around and charted the waterways himself was impressive.
Wow, thats amazing.
A boatman usually has one or two of these notes. Of course, they mostly cover the waters around here. Consider it a memento for having learned to row from me.
Thank you, uncle. Ill use it well.
He felt it wouldnt be right not to repay such kindness.
He pulled a leather pouch from his bag.
It was the same pouch he had brought out when he suggested a wager.
Upon seeing it, the man immediately shook his head.
I didnt do this for money. Its true I wanted the money at first, but now forget it.
Just take it. You might need it someday.
Forget it, kid.
After his persistent refusals, Ray nodded.
If you wont take it, I dont need it either. Ill just throw it into the sea.
He really threw the pouch into the sea.
Plop
As the pouch filled with gold coins fell into the sea, creating small ripples, the man immediately jumped in after it.
After remaining underwater for a while, he surfaced, gasping for air.
Hey, you brat! How could you actually throw it! Do you think gold coins grow on trees?!
Despite what you said, you didnt hesitate to jump in after it.
You crazy guy!
Despite his harsh words, smiles spread across both their faces.
It was their last moment of levity before they started cursing the sea and unleashing a torrent of swears.
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