As night deepened, they boarded the ship under the guidance of a sailor.

Aidan’s horse, Blaeckice, seemed uneasy as it stared at the dark water beneath it, but quickly regained its composure when Aidan calmed it down.

The ship appeared to be a passenger liner crisscrossing the sea from north to south.

Apart from Aidan and Brody, the other passengers seemed mostly to be clergy or pilgrims, judging by their reverent attire.

“The numbers have decreased these days since the North separated from the Empire. The North seems to be taking a moderate approach in the regions they’ve occupied, but we’re all watching to see what happens next.”

Brody and Aidan nodded at the sailor’s thickset explanation as he guided them through the ship.

The sailor showed them to a cabin on a lower half-deck.

“Both of you can stay here.”

To avoid drawing attention, the two decided to continue pretending to be a married couple.

Therefore, the sailor gave them a room without any particular suspicion.

The cabin, fitting for a small ship on a two-night, three-day trip, was efficiently organized.

There were bunk beds, a makeshift table, a washbasin, and a small window.

“Just be cautious with fire, and you can move freely. You can always go to the dining hall for food, and… ah, try to keep the noise down. We’ve had complaints from neighboring rooms when newlyweds are on board.”

‘Newlyweds…’

Aidan blushed at the implication, while Brody scrunched up her nose.

Thankfully, the sailor didn’t look at them with a sly smile.

“I think that should cover it,” he said flatly, leaving the room.

The awkwardness was left to the remaining two.

“Ahem, ahem.”

Aidan cleared his throat unnecessarily and helped Brody down.

The moment Brody sat on the bed, a damp wooden scent filled the air.

Careful not to bump his head, Aidan cautiously got up from the bunk bed.

His large physique made the small cabin seem even more cramped.

The room felt full just with him in it.

After putting away their luggage, Aidan neatly arranged the bedding so Brody could rest.

Soon after, the ship’s horn blew, and the vessel started to sway lightly.

“We must be setting sail.”

Aidan squinted his eyes as he looked out the small window.

The scenery was slowly moving.

“Wow, can I go out and see?”

“You’ll be tired, won’t you?”

“But it’s my first time on a ship. I want to see.”

Without further urging her to rest, Aidan nodded and helped Brody up.

They went up to the deck.

A few people were standing at the front deck side, seemingly watching the ship set sail.

Aidan and Brody found an empty spot and settled there.

The ship moved forward, cutting through the wind.

It was cold, but a pleasant saltiness mixed with the wind that scattered Brody’s hair.

Aidan wrapped her tightly in a robe and stood behind her, arms outstretched against the railing.

Though they had been close for several days, the scent of Brody mixed with the sea air seemed new and stimulating to Aidan.

More attentive to the sensation of her hair brushing against his cheek than to the sea view, Aidan savored the moment.

The dark landscape relied on starlight to reveal its faint outlines.

A series of low ridges looked like a sprawling, lying-down dinosaur.

Far away, the dock lights flickered.

Dark clumps of water seemed to churn ominously before hitting the ship and scattering into white foam.
Surrounded only by the sea, it was a safe and small expanse, yet the boat felt like dust floating on a massive plate.

Somehow, the sheer vastness of the sea stretching out endlessly before her made Brody’s heart feel invigorated.

But the scenery was an endless repetition.

As she grew accustomed to the waves and starlight, Brody let out a small yawn without realizing it.

“Shall we go in?”

“Yes.”

As if it were a given, Brody stretched out her arms, and Aiden effortlessly lifted her into his arms.

People around them stole glances, but it was nothing more than a light surprise towards a cheesy couple.

The boat swayed, but it was much better than being on a horse.

Brody felt pleased at the thought of finally being able to lie down in a space enclosed by walls and a ceiling after a long time.

However, she couldn’t help but be flustered due to Aiden cramming his body into the narrow single-layered bed soon after.

“Are we sleeping here?”

“Um, this does seem uncomfortable.”

Scratching the back of his neck, Aiden began laying a sleeping bag on the floor.

“Are you sleeping there?”

The action was enough to make Brody feel disconcerted.

“Is the bed uncomfortable? If so, I’ll quietly sleep on top if you help me up.”

“No, it’s not that. I just want you within arm’s reach in case of an emergency.”

He seemed to be worried about a spell that might affect her.

Brody tilted her head and asked.

“Could we be tracked on the boat?”

“Accidents happen in a moment. I don’t want to regret from making such a mistake again.”

“……”

He didn’t want to leave room for any mishap.

But then sleeping on the floor? Brody’s discomfort was growing.

“It’s fine. This is nothing compared to camping out.”