Chapter 9

The Saralegui Army Port we arrived at a few days earlier, is still blanketed under a tense atmosphere. Its different from the business ports here, all the vessels docked are navy ones, so the monotonous and dull colors cant be helped.

But there is one particularly eye-catching ship.

There wasnt such a luxurious vessel before, huh.

Waiting for us is the meticulously prepared, shiny sparkly golden Shou Shimaron royal ship.

The goddess statue praying for good luck on the helm of the ship us smiling gently, while theres a Shimaron flag billowing on the tail end. The body of the ship is a shade of deep green that goes well with the waves, the windows and rims are hand-carved and inlaid with gold. If they unfurl the yellow and blue striped sail on the amber-like wooden mast, then this ship would surely be as beautiful as a butterfly sailing on the seas. Another ship docked next to it looks real shaky, though, making the flagship all the more magnificent. Looks like the cargo ship is headed for Seisakoku too.

We must come prepared with a variety of things when dealing with others.

So, the cargo on that ship must be either bribes or presents? As expected from someone who graduated from the School of Kings, he thought of bringing gifts on a visit. Thats why hes different from me, and knows how to prepare for every eventuality.

Walking up the long gangway ladder, I cant help but be continuously in awe of the ships grandeur. All Im doing is voicing my honest thoughts, and to Saralegui, thats definitely not a displeasing thing.

Its so prettyDoes it have a name? Like SS The Queen or something?

The Golden Salmon.

Ah?

Its called The Golden Salmon, isnt that a wonderful name?

Golden salmons To be honest I prefer red salmon, its natural enemy should be the bears around Alaska.

Just when everyone else is being led into the luxurious cabins, Lord Weller is the only one who politely declines boarding The Golden Salmon, choosing another mode of transportation on his own.

Ill just ride that cargo ship.

That one? But its already filled with cargo, and the feeling of sleeping on cargo cant be good. Wont it be more comfortable in the flagship?

I dont mind about comfort during the journey, after all Im neither royalty nor nobility.

The ambassador from Dai Shimaron wordlessly heads toward the worn-out ship.

Hes weird, is it because he doesnt want to ride on the same ship as us?

His words have me suddenly breaking into a cold sweat, and I even think that hes realized Lord Wellers origins. Because Gnter suddenly went crazy just now, Saralegui knows his nationality; but about his background, how much does Saralegui know?

About that, Im not so sure either.

As we climb up the gangway side by side, Saralegui stares directly at me.

Do you plan on starting this voyage dressed like that?

Although its not unsanitary, but Im still in a personal chefs outfit. The long apron all the way to my calves may not be that convenient for walking, but it does help warm up my legs and knees.

Sorry, Im not wearing a tuxedo. If it were army uniforms, there should be suitable ones on our ship. But its all right if Wolfram was in uniform Problem is, Im not a soldier.

Theres nothing to apologize for, its just that voyages on the sea tend to have temperamental weather, be it the wind or the strength of the sun, its all different from when were on land! Thats why, if its possible, its best to prepare a coat that can wrap up your entire body.

But now theres not much time left for Captain Sizemore, whos docked on the opposite end of the jetty, to get a change of clothes. Actually I really want to go back to the ship and check up on Zeda and Zisha too, but since they say the high tide now is ideal for setting sail, the few of us who lack geological sense can only agree.

At this moment, Saralegui takes off his cloak, and shoves it at my chest.

If its all right with you, wear this. Its my usual cloak, and if you wear a hat with it then you can block out the wind completely. Since were not that different in size, Im guessing itll fit just fine on you, and I have several more cloaks anyway.

The light blue cloak hes giving me is made of a shiny and smooth material, you can tell its quality goods just by touching it.

Really? Geez! I keep making you worry about me!

Im glad to be able to help you, yknow. Crap, sorry, Storob is calling me. Were setting sail soon, can you board first and wait for me?

Having been called by his soldier subordinate, Saralegui jogs back onto land. On the way he even turns back to look at me, a childs smile on his face.

Oh, yeah, Yuuri, before we leave the bay you can stand behind the helmsman and enjoy the view! When the front of the ship squeezes out of the narrow bay, that feeling of awe is something you never get tired of, I always stand at the back and watch!

Is that so

And then we pop open some grape wine to toast the captain and the helmsmans skills, thats what we normally do on voyages.

I see

Although its a ship, but leaving the dock must be as tricky as an airplane taking off. Getting complimented as soon as the missions completed, must make the experts really happy. So this is how he captures his subordinates hearts! Who knew that staying by Saraleguis side would help me discover so many things worthy of respect.

Lord von Bielefeld brushes against him as he leaves, frowning. He probably doesnt think a trip for such an important reason isnt worth being so happy about.

Gnter asked me to give this to you, it might not fit too well.

Wolfram is also still wearing a kitchen apprentices clothes, and theres a thick white jacket hanging on his arm. Be it the sleeves, the hems, or the decorations, everything is supersized.

Oh! I dont need this anymore. Just now Saralegui lent me his cloak. Besides our heights arent that different, the size should be a better fit than Gnters clothes Wanna see?

Wolfram scrutinizes the cloak inside out, even bringing it to his nose, like a little rabbit sniffing at the fabric.

Mm--

Wolf What are you sniffing for! Saralegui did take a bath, you know!

Give this one to me.

Eh, why? He purposely lent this to me!

I look the third son from top to bottom. He has a smooth face that has never gotten tan, and eyes as green as the bottom of a lake. Compared to me, whose constantly outdoors practicing, his skin is so white it looks like it cant bear direct sunlight.

On second thought, it might be better if you wear it. Alright, mm, you take it, I planned on getting more sun anyway.

Because hes so fair, I ask him to put on his hat, and even help him to cover up all his golden hair. Now he looks just like a light blue weather doll, and I cant help but laugh with a pfffft.

How is it? What are you laughing at, Yuuri?

Because youre super cute No, I mean, it feels like the weather will get better. If we hang you up like a lucky item, the entire journey should be sunny!

You want to use me as a live sacrifice, and pray for a safe voyage?

Not a live sacrifice, weather dolls arent live sacrifices!

Then I turn my back on a displeased-looking Wolfram, and run off to tour the number one battleship in Shou Shimaron. Logically speaking, the equipment and firepower of the main ship are top secret military information, but theres no one on surveillance duty here at all, Saralegui really is a generous king.

WaseiThere are even cannons, but why isnt there any gunpowder

A young passing crewman even tells me helpfully, that theres a small scale catapult on board. Though they were our enemies twenty years ago, but in truth they are a bunch of friendly people.

The crew of The Golden Salmon consists entirely out of Shou Shimaron soldiers. Theyre wearing that familiar yellow and blue striped uniform. And they sport that even more familiar cropped ponytail. Everyones working hard and happily.

Just as everyones busily making preparations, Sunny[1] Wolfram walks over confidently. Arent you cold? Either you get into the cabins or put on an extra layer, otherwise Gnter will definitely pull you inside all nervous-like!

How is Gnter? After losing to Conrad UmIs he very down?

Nah, hes in a very good mood, in fact. Seems like its because you rushed up to protect him, and that makes him considerably happy.

What, he sure recovers quickly!

Wolfram rubs his frozen fingers hard, to get some temporary warmth. Maybe its because were by the water, so its fairly cold even though its not winter climate.

He excitedly said that hed come over as soon as he got his hands on the voyage map Yuuri, I think its still better if we go in, right?

But Saralegui said that before exiting the bay its best to stay on the deck and watch. And he said that the best position is behind the helmsman.

He said watching the ship leave the bay from here gives an amazing sense of awe, and that its a tradition when setting sail, as well as a highlight. Since its such a rare chance, lets just follow our seniors suggestions.

Just as Im putting on the excessive jacket of Gnters, the brass instrument instantly strikes up some loud music, like a shishi-odoshi[2] that rang a few hundred times in quick succession. The people on the dock all look up, and watch the Shou Shimaron kings flagshipThe Golden Salmon depart with reverent gazes.

Leaving behind the ropes and the gangway ladder, the anchor is slowly pulled up, accompanied by a deep rumbling.

After the ship makes a simple and short glide on the water, it begins to flow with the current within the bay. At first, its towed by the manpower boat in front. Then, thanks to the adjusting valve set up in the bay, the helm of the ship is immediately turned to face the outer sea.

Eh, is Saralegui on board already? Wasnt he called back onto land by his subordinate just now? I was even worried he wouldnt get back on time.

Come on. How could a ship leave without its master?

Oh, yeah. Youre right!

The Golden Salmon moves with a smoothness bellying its large size, and begins to sail on the calm ocean surface. Its not as simple as going with the flow, it takes skill from the helmsman to make the ship move from parking position to sailing in a straight line. From Wolfram and my position, we can see the miniscule movements of the ships wheel.

Behind us, is the tribute ship carrying Lord Weller and the cargo.

Thats odd

Whats up?

I pull back my chilly fist to rub around my right eye. Because theres a medium-sized ship approaching us from directly ahead in the bay.

Is it just me, or no, it shouldnt be. I say, Mr Helmsman. That dark brown ship seems to be coming right at us.

Its not just you. But, please dont worry, theres still a distance between us. Though it is odd that the first mate hasnt issued a warning

The middle-aged helmsman sounds very serious. Technically the first mate should be at an even higher position than the ship bridge, and should have made a warning upon discovering an obstruction ahead.

I help the helmsman peek at the position of the soldier with this duty, but all I see is a bulging yellow cloth.

A human? Is that a human? It should be a sleeping or fainted thing instead, right?

But the unassuming medium-sized ship is still headed straight towards us at top speed, the distance between the ships now close enough for us to discern each others armaments with the naked eye. Based on Shin Makokus navy, that would be a medium-level patrol ship. Standing in rows on the deck are people wearing the same uniform as The Golden Salmon, and a few sentinels are clinging tightly onto the mast thats currently lowering the sail.

This is bad. Were not filming Speed 2: Cruise Control here, it looks like the other party is serious, and the situation is dire.

WaaBrake! Mr Driver, quickly, braake!

Calm down, Yuuri.

Just when Im thinking were gonna crash and shut my eyes, bracing for impact, the body of the ship finally starts turning right. Turns out the helmsman had long since turned the wheel to make the helm change direction, but the patrol ship coming straight for us doesnt plan on turning. Since wed turned right to avoid them, now all we can do is face them with the side of the ship.

That ship plans on coming straight at us!

Hold on tight, keep low, and make sure to grab onto something!

Amidst the panic on the ship, a loud and clear mans voice yells several times.

Theyre coming! Everyone, hold on--

Wolfram and I immediately hit the deck. Just then, theres a dropping tremor just like an earthquake, making our shoulder knock together. Its the impact from the medium-sized ship crashing into the dark green belly of The Golden Salmon. And then theres a shaking from left to right, increasing in intensity, until the sound of breaking wood brings the scene to a climax.

The amber mast tilts as the belly of the ship fills up with water.

Whats going on?

I was gonna ask you! Why would a patrol ship that also belongs to Shou Shimaron crash into the kings flagship? Mr Helmsman, heyMy Helmsman but after such a crush, I guess even the rudder has been destroyed.

The ships wheel has long since broken apart, and a huge hole has also been blasted into the entrance into the cargo bay just ahead. To successfully get up on the deck thats now so slanted its hard to walk, we hook onto each others arms for support. Finally, we manage to get onto out feet.

Soldiers are running up and down all around us. Some are busy grabbing swords, some are raising their arms and directing others, some are running everywhere with buckets of water. Buckets of water?

Your Majesty, youre all right Yahoo!

Gnter runs over, stumbling. Waves beat on the slanted deck, making movement even more difficult, and finally he accidentally steps on the hem of his robes and falls flat on his back. Tries to get up, and falls back down! Now bent over, he stares at his palm, and suddenly the super bishies expression changes drastically.

This isnt water, its oil! Oils flowing in!

I stare at the top part of the slant, and see a man kicking down barrel after wooden barrel. It was the young soldier who had told me about the cannon and the catapult at the jetty, and now hes raising his fist high, excitedly singing goodness knows what.

Why?

Hearing the sound of the thick metal cable being hacked apart, I feel the air flowing strangely. Its a wind carrying the pressure of intense heat, and not the naturally calm air.

Gnter! Take it off, take off your clothes!

W-what? Y-Your Majesty, dont tell me you want do that kind of thing in this kind of place?

Gnter covers his chest with his hands. Youre already so old, there shouldnt be anything to be ashamed of.

Take it off now! Otherwise itll burn, itll ignite a fire!

The bright red fireball in midair is cutting a curve as it approaches us.

Thats not majutsu or houjutsu. Over a hundred flaming arrows descend from the sky, rapidly igniting the oil on the deck, plunging the entire ship into a sea of scarlet flames.

The old soldier cries out, almost in agony. As for the younger soldiers with the shorter ponytails, theyre singing a certain mans name.

Its Maxine, Maxines here--!

Master Maxine is finally here!

What about Crop Pony?

The weird thing is that medium-sized ships crew isnt trying to board our ship. Theyve already made such a daring assault on the flagship, but now theyre not moving into a close quarter battle, whats the meaning of this?

Are you all right over there, Gnter?

Wolfram grabs my shirt tightly with one hand, clapping his mouth with the other.

Y-youre seriously taking it off?

The super bishie is stripping his clothes off one by one, and doing it with gusto.

Why would you say so? Im always serious! Just like in my dictionary, serious is pronounced MAZO (as in masochism)! Thats what His Majesty taught me! Wolfram, protect His Majesty before I get to his side. Your Majesty, Sizemore is on his way right now, before he gets here, please try not to fall into the sea

Oh, yeah, Shin Makokus pride and joy Friends on the Sea was also docked in the Saralegui War Port. Once they see this huge fire, Captain Sizemore would definitely rush right over. Its just a fire, putting it out would be a piece of cake, theres no need at all for my super Maou mode

Thats right, after all he is the hero of the sea and the evening sea monster, Sizemore, right

At first Id planned to drag out that last sound up a pitch, so I can get Wolframs approval. But before the final sound reaches my lips from my throat, my breath stops.

A black line is aiming for my forehead.

If I measure the time with my G-SHOCK, it wouldnt be even one second. But it seems like an old recording out on slow-motion, slowly slicing through the air as it approaches me.

I thought Id get hit; I thought the bullet that wasnt supposed to exist would go straight through my forehead, so I waited to be impaled without moving a muscle.

I thought it was aimed for me.

But

What follows is a sound like that of sticking a bat into the sand of a beach, a sound that is incredibly hard to describe.

Its not a shot, or the sound of metal destroying bone, passing through flesh and blood. Its not the sound of blood spraying either.

Theres no sign of a shot anywhere on my body.

But in the corner of my left eye, there suddenly a flash of aqua blue.

Wolf?

The hand that was grabbing me so tightly suddenly lets go, and the body next to mine slowly falls forward.

Wolf?

His back is slowly approaching the flaming floorboards.

Wolf? Wolf! Wolfram!

Theres a metal arrow sticking out of the middle of his chest, slightly to the left.

How can this be? Wolfram? What to do, what should I do

careful ahead

He barely lifts his hand, pointing at the mast of a middle-sized ship. Even though his hand immediately falls back down powerlessly, but I see the man wielding the bow there cutting the rope that tied him to the mast with a small knife after his job is done.

So it was from that height and that distance that he attacked.

Although it doesnt sound too possible, but I saw his face, or at least I think I saw it. Because all I saw was an ugly sanpaku[3], but I didnt see his eye color or appearance.

Surprisingly, Im not at all angry, just shivering uncontrollably in fear of losing.

Is it that man?

I lay Wolf down on my knees, and lie over his body, putting my ear closer.

Its okay, hes still breathing! Theres still breathing.

Kinan

Eh, what? What are you talking about, I cant hear you? Can this be pulled out? Can I pull the arrow out?

The tail of the arrow has brown and white stripes. Although were in a huge blazing fire, but the metal arrow feels exceptionally cold, and the light blue cloak is free of blood stains. But if I simply try to pull it out, theres a high possibility of extreme blood loss, that might end up threatening his life instead.

Wolfram gasps for breath. But his face, contorted in pain from lack of air, is slowly becoming as white as paper.

What to do Someone call the doctor quick Gnter! Gnter!

But at this time Gnter just has to be hidden from sight by a wall of flames.

I hold my hand out to the arrow tail, asking if I can do anything. But at the same time Im scared that just the lightest touch will cause his already shallow breathing to instantly stop.

Wolf, dont do this! Stop joking around At a time like this, dont do this to me

Isnt maryoku meant for moments like this? That unexplainable power of mine, doesnt it exist so that I can save him?

Quick, concentrate, forget about the commotion around you!

I start imagining Wolframs wound, ready to slowly accept his pain. I feel the blood flowing in my hands, my shoulders and my chest, then I adjust my heartbeat to follow his.

Just opening my eyes isnt enough. So I use the warmth and pulse travelling through my fingertips, to feel the weak flow of his blood.

At this moment even my breathing starts slowing down, the two of us seem to be separated from the rest of the world by a thin veil, even the heat from the fire is gone.

W-Wolf!

Lord von Bielefeld releases a heavy breath, and then his whole head loses its strength. The face and eyes that were twitching with pain gradually stop moving, the labored breathing from his mouth becoming inaudible.

But my hand and heart feel no pain.

Wolf! Wait! What is this? Why cant I feel your pain, and the flow of your blood? Hey, answer me! Say something! Come on, call me a wimp, I dont mind no matter how much you scold me! Quick, call me a wimp!

I want to lift my hands from my knees and grab his shoulders, shake him, but then my gaze falls to the ground in front of me, to the blood stained army boots on the flaming floor.

Who--!

I wanted to yell whos there!, but I swallow my words back down.

How did this happen? That cloak wasnt that meant to be worn by the king?

The pale drawn face is tinted red by the flames. I stare at those thin single eyelids, and that man is staring back at us. That familiar deep brown hair of his is a little messy sticking to his forehead.

Nigel Weiss Maxine!

Ill never forget your face for the rest of my life!

And Ill never forgive you till the day I die!

Its you!

By now my surroundings turn a pure white, not the red of fire and not the grey of smoke.

I feel like Im alone in a valley with a blizzard, snow being blown around by the wind behind my back.

And theres not even a hint of heat, I guess I wouldnt even know if my body was burning up. Even though Im being cut by the white surroundings and cold ice, all I get are wounds that dont bleed.

I dont want to wait for anyones guidance anymore.

Even if I dont hear that certain someones voice, it doesnt matter; even though hes not there behind me to push me on, it doesnt matter. I just want to use my own power, for that burning rage within my heart.

How could you have done something like!

I swing my tightly-clenched fist at my target.

Nigel Weiss Maxine!

My tone is weird and almost indistinguishable, the nerves connecting the cells in my brain suddenly alight with sparks.

To get revenge for the king of Shou Shimarons attitude, thou actually led your men into a rebellion, thy nerve is inexcusable! In this ever changing world, the people cant differentiate between the greater good and their personal needs, even a hemiptera [4] cant help but issue a warning!

Y-youre still saying such random things.

The cropped-pony takes a few steps back in an instant.

Employing the part of my brain I rarely use I continue to spout lines that sound like they come from a historical drama.

And today we have become angered to the limit! Really really MAX-IMUM! Use your body to experience the killing move released after my energy has been charged to 120%...... Mmph!

Stop fooling around, Yuuri! I already told you not to use magic on human soil, how many times do I need to repeat myself for you to understand!

Wolfram, whose breathing had returned to normal, punches down hard on super-Maou mode Yuuris head.

"How is this possible? Puu[5] you, weren't you dead?"

Dont even try simply cursing me to death, I was just winded by the impact! We arent even married yet, how can I die!

No wonder even Yuuri couldnt heal his wound.

Who knew you can be so active even with an arrow sticking out of your chest, dont tell me you have the blood of an Arrow Mazoku Ohhhhh, its pretty exciting to discover another new life form!

Of course not!

Lord von Bielefeld holds the arrow he pulled out with one hand, and reaches into his jacket with his right. Theres a deep hole through the thick Collectors Edition novel.

See, the Poison Lady saved my life. Although I forgot to leave it in the hotel to spread the teachings, but this is the mass-produced version of the Poison Lady available for every household, never forget to bring it out with you wherever you go.

Maxine is so surprised he looks a little awed.

Thats some luckPuhaa!

Maxine, who seems to have clean forgotten his position as leader of the rebellion and is calmly rubbing his chin, suddenly flies out from an impact to his back. As a result, he doesnt even get the chance to grab on to the railings, falling headfirst into the sea.

Wuooooooooooooooooooooo--!

A wail of regret is followed by a high end-note.

The wall of fire disappears in an instant, and in its place appears Gnter, on one knee and in nothing but his underwear, the cylinder in his arms spewing copious amounts of white foam.

Aiya, I put the fire out.

Hmm Yup So to replace the outdated WATER BOYS[6], the FIRE BOYS protect the people of the world from fires but whether its cuttlefish or octopus, youre already so old, calling yourself a BOY would be too funny So why dont we make it that from today onwards itll be called the FIRE OLD BOYS

Snap out of it, Yuuri! Turn back into your wimpy self now!

However, perhaps due to the fact I never got to use my powers, I am stuck in the super Maou mode. Even though he grabs the collar of my chefs outfit, all I can do is cough.

*cough* Its decided! *cough* No objections!

Impatient Wolfram uses a tone that would have made the usual Shibuya Yuuri write the alphabet in miniature under the tennis court with his tears, threatening:

If you dont revert back to normal Ill use the princes kiss to wake you up!

Todays method of awakening Phoosh

The sound of air deflating is emitted from my nose and ears, and my raised eyebrows successfully return to their original position. And so the authoritative pomp young general turns back into the average baseball boy.

Hey, wait. So you hate kissing me so much? If so, Ill feel a little hurt.

What are you talking about, Wolfram? Of course His Majesty doesnt like kissing you!

Gnter throws down the fire-extinguishing cylinder, snatching Yuuri from the former princes clutches.

Eh Wolf Why are you suddenly okayWahGnter, why are you naked--?

Aaah, Your Majesty noticed? Please, dont worry, I, Gnter von Christ, left the last piece out of gentlemanly manners. Of course, this is all for Your Majesty

If its for me then dont wear those sexy G-strings, wear trunks!

G-strings? [7] Trunks[8]? Do both these proper nouns refer to men?

Even though he was just in a life-and-death situation, but his ability to create bad jokes with his misunderstandings hasnt been affected in the slightest.

Theyre mens, all right! But it isnt homo, its G-strings!

The boat suddenly begins to tilt, and the soldiers start yelling.