Secrets of the Azure Sea - Chapter 44 Part 1

Zanarf quickly finished dressing, gathered a few weapons, and headed toward the ship.

The young, strong islanders, who usually worked as fishermen, would take up arms aboard the warship in times of crisis, fighting alongside Zanarf to protect the island. To him, they were worth a thousand soldiers each, trained rigorously every day to reach that level.

A crowd of islanders had gathered at the harbor to see them off. While Floria watched from the bedroom window, accompanied by Aura and Kyrie, as Zanarf set sail. His large warship was to rendezvous with the other vessels stationed at nearby islands and drive away the intruding fishing fleets from the mainland.

Emblazoned with the image of a blue heron, an emblem that struck fear into all who saw it, the ship’s sail filled with the wind. It billowed large, carrying the vessel steadily and ominously toward the open sea.

With Zanarf himself at the helm, the ship carved a clean path through the island’s swirling currents, his extraordinary skill guiding them steadily toward the horizon.

From this distance, Floria could no longer see him, but she clasped her hands over her chest and prayed.

‘Please, let Lord Zanarf return safely…’

Even when the ship disappeared from view, she continued her silent prayers.

“Lady Floria, there’s no need for worry.” Kyrie gently mentioned, trying to soothe her, and continued, “Lord Zanarf is unmatched in naval warfare. Driving away a fleet of fishing boats is a simple matter for him. Among the people of the sea, excessive prayers are said to invite misfortune. That’s why the islanders always send off their warriors with smiles. Praying in desperation is believed to summon an unlucky future. We trust in their strength and send them off as usual.”

After hearing this, Floria, who had been praying so fervently, lowered her hands.

“R-Really? I’m sorry… I didn’t know.”

“No need to worry. You’ll learn in time,” Aura reassured. “Your prayers must have reached Zanarf-sama just fine. Oh? Lady Floria, that ring on your finger…?”

Aura’s sharp gaze immediately fell upon the pearl ring adorning Floria’s ring finger.

“What a beautiful pearl! It’s larger than any I’ve ever seen! Did you purchase it at the market earlier?”

Aura’s eyes widened, and she gasped in admiration at the large, luminous pearl.

“No… Zanarf-sama gave it to me. As a token of our marriage. He dove into the sea yesterday to harvest it himself.”

Floria, blushing shyly yet unable to hide her joy, extended her hand so Aura could see clearly.

“What a rare, exquisite pearl. And to think it was harvested personally by Zanarf-sama. Kyrie, Look! Lord Zanarf’s feelings are truly poured into this.”

Overcome with emotion, tears welled in Aura’s eyes.

“Aura? Why are you crying?”

“…It’s just… when Lady Floria was first abducted by the barbarians and even forced into a marriage, I feared the worst. But now, I’ve resolved it in my heart. But now, I’ve decided. I will stay on this island and protect you, my lady, however I can. So that you and Lord Zanarf may find happiness together.”

“…Thank you, Aura. I feel like meeting with Zanarf was a fated encounter, so please don’t cry. I’m happy.”