The Mansion Awaits Spring - Chapter 79

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 79
Pejin’s expression remained tense as he scrutinized the small vessel. Yet April, who would cross the Strait aboard it, seemed perfectly content with just the two of them on board. Especially compared to the police-filled boat she’d arrived in, it felt immeasurably more comfortable.
“Thank you. I’ll see you in the Grand Duchy.”
She waved to Pejin from the Harbor.
April, dressed in a white Dress with a white Hat, called out to him in bewilderment when he didn’t return her greeting, his hands buried in his pockets.
“What are you thinking about? You’re not even acknowledging me?”
“…….”
“Pejin?”
“Did you know white suits you?”
“Suddenly?”
“I thought I’d better say it now or I might never tell you.”
“I didn’t know.”
“The night Sea suits you too.”
Pejin laughed incredulously, watching April on the boat.
He’d encountered her so many times, and yet it wasn’t until this moment of parting that he realized how beautiful she was.
He found himself suddenly recalling just how bitterly, how deeply he hated the winter Sea.
He hated seeing April Lunos depart into this winter Sea.
“April.”
“……Yes.”
“You’re dazzling, you shine, and you’re somewhat insufferable.”
At his added remark, April feigned indignation but ultimately laughed.
Following her laughter, Pejin continued.
“Still, you’re quite fine, April Lunos.”
To his words, April, having breathed in deeply of the night Sea air, replied.
“You’re not impressive.”
“Right, I figured you’d say that.”
“Though you’re not entirely bad.”
“How flattering.”
“And I like you a little.”
“…….”
“Just a little, really.”
With that, April waved her hand.
The boat began to move, and Pejin, unable to respond further, stood motionless until the vessel disappeared from sight. Only then did he cover his face with his hands.
All strength drained from his body.
* * *
The weather had turned unexpectedly fine.
April knew that sailors didn’t speak of weather, so she refrained from mentioning it.
Having left the baggage of her mind in the Empire, she felt oddly unburdened.
Prison awaited her upon return, but she didn’t want that fact to spoil her present mood.
Irsa Joyce was a skilled sailor.
April sat near Irsa, carrying out whatever tasks she assigned.
As she worked, she learned several things: that the right side of a ship was called Starboard and the left was Port, and that ships always carried Ballast—water used to make a vessel lighter or heavier, or to tilt it to one side or the other.
Irsa had a loud voice and the strength to match it.
Once the voyage had settled into a stable rhythm, April returned with two cups of tea brewed in a Teapot weathered by salt water.
As Irsa accepted one cup, April cradled hers in both hands and spoke.
“I remember my father saying his preferred captain was one who was brave but not reckless.”
“If your father prefers captains of that sort, I should keep that in mind.”
“I meant you seem like that kind of captain.”
“Oh, a compliment then.”
Irsa sipped her tea with a grin and continued.
“But you’re wrong. I’m reckless too.”
“Are you?”
“Truth is, to captain a Lunos Family merchant vessel these days, being merely brave isn’t enough. You have to be reckless.”
“Is that so?”
“Seven years have passed. Only retired sailors have done long voyages. In all that time, every ship has only gone to Left Island because that’s sufficient.”
“I see.”
“I want to venture far. The open Sea, I mean. This Strait isn’t the Sea.”
“That’s true.”
April found herself smiling with genuine pleasure. Then she asked Irsa.
“By the way, don’t sailors believe in superstitions? Is it alright to have a witch on board?”
“We do. But the crossing went fine.”
“Right.”
“So you’re not a witch.”
“Well, if I’m not a witch, what about Fog?”
“For sailors, Fog means something like death. We’re always afraid of it. Nothing special about being more afraid.”
April nodded at her matter-of-fact response.
“You really are brave.”
“And reckless, like I said. You don’t listen, do you?”
“I’ve lived alone for seven years. Not much conversation to be had.”
“Then I’ve nothing left to say either.”
Both women found conversation with each other came easily—the kind of comfort that comes with old friendship.
Both understood, deep down, why they’d taken to each other from the start.
A sailor could not dislike the Lunos Family, and the Lunos Family could not help but love a sailor. They had admired each other, and accepted that fact naturally.
When Right Island came into view at the voyage’s end, April asked.
“Where will we Dock?”
“Lunos Harbor.”
“I need to go to the Grand Duchy Police Station.”
“No, that young master specifically told me to take you to Lunos Harbor.”
“Nothing’s been resolved though.”
April muttered to herself, but could only wait for the Docking, trusting Irsa’s word.
When Irsa completed the Harbor Entry swiftly and precisely, April spotted Baumann, Hannah, and Fred waiting for her at the Harbor.
Eyes widening, April waved toward the three of them.
Irsa, having dropped anchor, called out to her.
“My only crew member’s being lazy. Aren’t you going to set up the Gangplank?”
“Oh, right, I should.”
April hurried to help Irsa carry the large Gangplank.
When she took one end, it felt so heavy she thought her arm might snap off. Yet once they’d successfully connected the Harbor to the ship, Irsa remarked.
“Skinny thing’s got decent strength. You really are from Right Island, aren’t you?”
“You’re stating the obvious.”
April quipped back and gathered her belongings, then asked.
“Where will you go?”
“Well, this Fishing Boat was borrowed from Left Island, so I’ll return it. That means heading back to Left Island.”
“And your home?”
“The ship is my home.”
“Then where should I find you?”
“Go to a Harbor tavern and ask. Word gets around—any sailor can point you to me after two stops.”
With that, the moment April stepped off the boat, Irsa departed the Harbor without so much as a farewell.
The instant April left the ship, the children rushed forward and embraced her.
“Miss April!”
“We were so scared…….”
As April listened to the children alternately recount how terrified they’d been, she turned to Baumann and asked.
“But what happened? What about the gas bill?”
“That was resolved quite suddenly, it seems.”
“Suddenly?”
April’s brow narrowed.
“That doesn’t make sense. That gas dealer wouldn’t back down without payment.”
“I agree, but in any case, there’s nothing to worry about. Young Master Pejin assured me it was all settled.”
As Baumann spoke, both he and April realized simultaneously how she’d managed to return not to the Grand Duchy Police Station, but to her territory.
Baumann murmured with a sigh.
“The young master paid it himself. On your behalf.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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