Ch. 1: An Invitation to a Ship
Country of Pirates, Ancula, Month of Brilliance…-.
The sea spread out far beyond the horizon, beautiful and clear…-
On the land beside the world's most beautiful sea, a prince whom I'd just awoken was now smiling at me.
Douglas: "Thanks for the rescue. I'm Douglas. And you are…?"
His extended hand was so broad that it completely swallowed my own.
OO: "…I'm OO."
Douglas: "OO…a beautiful name. Nice to meet you."
I looked at his sturdy frame and noted how his silver hair sparkled and swayed in the sea breeze.
Douglas: "OO, I'm in your debt for saving me. You have my utmost thanks."
OO: "Oh, that's alright…"
Douglas: "No, words aren't enough. I know! Come to my country…my ship."
OO: "Your country…is a ship?"
Douglas smiled with pride as he saw my expression.
Douglas: "That's right, I'm a pirate after all."
Pirate…? The prince?
As I held on to my doubt, I was invited to Douglas' ship…-.
…
……
I arrived at the harbor that had been pointed out to me, and the shimmering, blue sea stretched on before my eyes.
So beautiful…
I walked out onto the wharf and looked down, seeing the tropical fish swimming in schools through the coral at the bottom of the sea.
Oh, clownfish! How cute.
The sea was so beautiful it took my breath away, and the sight of the fish made my heart dance. Then I heard a voice that I recognized.
Douglas: "Sorry to keep you waiting."
OO: "Douglas!"
Douglas: "Glad you made it. We need to stock up on supplies and food here in the town before we set sail, so do you want to go for a walk through town?"
Douglas shot me a casual wink and I felt my cheeks heat up slightly.
OO: "S-sure."
I tripped over my answer, then he grasped my hand…
Eh! My hand…!
OO: "Um…!"
Douglas: "Hm? What's wrong?"
OO: "N-nothing…!"
Douglas: "I'll show you the best seafood restaurant in town."
I slowly placed my other hand over my pounding heart as I walked beside Douglas, who was practically beaming.