Chapter 238: Preparation For Departure (3)
If its about the timber, everything is ready. The tribe leader said by morning, but its better to finish early. How about you?
Were about halfway done over here.
Contrary to his words, his voice lacked strength.
You dont look so good for someone whos almost done. There must be some problem, right?
He nods in response to the gentle question.
Im worried about the size of the ship were building. A ship this big will be crushed by the waves as soon as it hits them.
Hmm It is indeed too big, but we have no choice. The whole tribe needs to board it.
Hael, who was carefully handling the finished iron plates, spoke.
Dont worry too much. Its good to work hard like now, but its also a good idea to take a break and think from a distance.
His hearty smile somehow seemed to bring comfort.
When she didnt respond, he continued.
Everyone knows its a dangerous but unavoidable situation. Since theres no proper solution, we have no choice but to face it.
Well, thats true.
So What do you think are the chances of a ship this size making it through the waves?
After pondering her serious question, he raised a finger.
About ten percent.
Ten percent
Thats an unacceptably low probability to risk the lives of the tribe.
That sounds almost impossible.
Honestly, even ten percent is generous. Theres no guarantee the ship will withstand the waves, and no one is educated about maritime matters. And we dont have time to build more ships.
The gravity of the current situation turned Haels expression dark.
But that lasted only a moment.
She quickly composed herself and began to look for other solutions.
If we make thick and wide timber and connect it like a bridge to freeze the sea, how far could it go?
Ray turned his head sideways at her words.
A voice slipped out, Do you really want to turn into dough?
How far it goes isnt the issue. Itll break as soon as we freeze it. Right now, building a ship is the only way.
This is troublesome. We need to discuss this immediately.
Let me know as soon as a good plan comes up. Ill set up the frame for building the ship in the meantime.
Hael looked at him worriedly.
Are you sure youll be okay alone?
Alone?
His eyes widened as if he had heard a dog speaking human language.
Looking around, he saw young men being used almost like slaves, though without slave markings.
As Ray whistled and gestured, they rushed over, their eyelids fluttering.
Huff huff, did you call for us!
Start gathering more people and bring some timber; we need to start building the ship.
Understood!
They ran off, kneeling in loyalty like undead obeying a lichs command.
Seeing the tribes children, who were adored, turn into obedient puppies overnight left Hael dumbfounded.
Oh, youre not alone.
We have to work together.
His sitting cross-legged on a barrel, enjoying the sea breeze, showed a striking contradiction between his words and actions.
She sighed deeply and shook her head.
Please do your best.
Of course. Right now, Im just taking a little break from the fatigue.
Her mouth is as smooth as if greased, speaking fluently and effortlessly.
She became deeply curious about which of the two, Saein or Eil, the child resembled to turn out so naturally charming.
Inside the village, discussions among the leaders continued.
After moving Elder Maerd, who was lying about like a lump, to a bed, they exchanged opinions, raising their voices about the serious situation at hand.
The first to voice her opinion was Kairin, the only female elder besides Hael.
She frowned gracefully and said,
Crossing the sea on a ship! If we all get swallowed by the waves, what then?
Then, an objection came from across Kairin.
Then what other way do you suggest? Surely youre not suggesting we build a bridge to cross over.
Hael flinched at the elders words.
Thats not what I mean! What Im trying to say concerns the dangers of using a ship as our means!
She opened a window herself and pointed to the sea.
The waves looked ferocious, threatening the coast, enough to send shivers down anyones spine.
To carry the whole tribe, we need to make a big ship. The bigger the ship, the stronger the waves it faces. With waves like those, the hull will break upon impact, and well all end up dead.
Thats a bit of an exaggeration.
Another elder showed discomfort, and her voice grew even more subdued.
Just try floating a small ship as a test. How far do you think it will go? A minute? No, in thirty seconds, itll be shattered to pieces.
Hmm
Well, that may be, but we have no other option. If the waterway closes, who knows what will happen?
We may not know, but its better than dying. What Im trying to say is, getting on a ship will definitely be dangerous. Arent we discussing this to avoid danger?
Her logical argument made the opposing elders nod in agreement, showing their affirmation.
Youre right.
I, too, am now reluctant to board a ship.
Hael was frustrated with the situation.
The ship was already being built, and Ray had said that boarding it was the only way out.
And now, opinions were starting to diverge, which was maddening.
Its a headache. I understand the concern for the future, but at this rate, were making no progress.
As the majority of the elders opposed boarding the ship, voicing a different opinion became difficult.
Eventually, the days meeting had to end like that.
Upon hearing the story from Hael, Ray exhaled incredulously.
Huh, so theyre opposing boarding the ship now? At this stage?
Yes.
But, how did it come to this? Werent they discussing plans for a solution?
How could a strategy meeting turn into such a worst-case scenario!
As he huffed, ready to run and engage in a physical discussion, Hael calmly continued.
It was fine up to a point.
What happened? Its unusual for the supportive elders to turn their backs so quickly.
Fear. The fear of what could happen if the ship fails has chained their ankles.
Aigo.
He slapped his forehead and let out an exclamation.
This was like having elders ranked by their fearfulness, making it hard to find any proper elder.
First, he was fed up with their whimsical behavior, and now hes exasperated with their cowardice, too afraid even to board a ship.
So much for the bloodline of a hero.
Even a young child just starting to play would be braver than these people.
The strength drained from his hand holding the hammer to pound the iron plates.
It looks like Ill have to step in.
If this continues, we wont even accompany them, just wave from outside the island.
He stopped hammering the iron plate and stood up.
Iriel, you know what I mean, right?
Familiar with the atmosphere in the Holy Kingdom, Iriel twitched.
Youre assigning me another task? Another troublesome task!
Iriel, who had been giving orders around in his stead, spoke with an exhausted expression.
If you dont like it, please just say so. Dont make me suffer anymore.
Give the hateful one an extra rice cake, hit the beloved one harder, as the saying goes.
Id rather you hate me.
Though he said that, he took the place and soon held the hammer in his right hand.
Hammering the iron plate was physically demanding, but not particularly skillful.
Iriels lips pouted as he muttered something, but his convenient ears that only hear good words blocked out anything unfavorable before it could reach him.
Having roughly organized the area, he said to Hael,
Lets go.
The puzzled Hael asked,
Where are you talking about?
Lets go and have a talk again.
You dont mean going to the holy ground, do you?
Haels eyes, wide like a maiden encountering bandits for the first time, couldnt hide her surprise.
Then he replied dryly and calmly,
Whether its holy ground or a mere piece of wood, we need to address it. It feels odd to say this myself, but theres never been a time when a conversation with me didnt resolve the issue.
He seemed embarrassed to admit it, shifting awkwardly as he spoke.
Naturally.
Every time he engaged in conversation, he made sure to eliminate one or two problems, ensuring nothing could go awry.
Thinking of a fist as a means of dialogue, he appeared nonchalant.
No, rather, he was confident.
Hael hesitated for a moment before speaking.
There wont be any opposition. Are you okay with that?
He gave a slight nod.
It doesnt matter.
In his life, aside from his family, the number of times he had been welcomed could be counted on one hand.
He hadnt expected or desired it, so the emotional impact was almost negligible.
Alright. Ill arrange the meeting. Just be aware that the elders attitudes might be somewhat biased.
Haels words elicited a nod from Ray.
Always generous and lenient towards himself, but towards others, he was seen as just another commoner harboring grudges and seeking retribution.
I despise people who dwell on the past more than anything in the world.
She glanced at Ray.
Early in the morning, under Haels arrangement, a meeting was convened once again.
The elders, visibly exhausted, asked with indifferent expressions.
What is it this time?
If youre planning to interfere in the tribes matters again, its best to refrain. You wont receive any praise.
Before Hael could respond to their hostile remarks, Ray interjected.
Were short on time, so lets cut to the chase. Why cant you board the ship?
His straightforward question caused them to cough and shift uncomfortably as they each presented their reasons.
Its too risky. To evacuate the entire tribe from the island, we need a large ship, but its likely to be destroyed by the waves. Who in their right mind would venture into the sea, knowing its a death trap?
A scornful sneer formed on their lips.
They were belittling those attempting to leave by boat.
He firmly shook his head, disagreeing.
We cant get out without taking risks.
Its Gods will that we leave, but theres no need to insist on a boat.
Thats right. If you really want to go, you or your people can take the boat. Youd look just right rowing it.
Hahaha.
At their laughter-filled words, Ray couldnt hold back anymore.
Whats the use of keeping your head if youre not going to use it? The waves are getting fiercer over time, and the only way out is across the sea. How do you plan to leave the island?
Thats something to think about from now on.
If we discuss and come up with a brilliant idea, we might leave safely.
At their words, he couldnt help but scoff.
I thought you were heroes of the age, talked about in legends, but now I see youre just cowards.
Their fierce criticism made the elders bristle.
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