Chapter 75.

The moment Seon-Hyeok was swallowed up by the giant monster, the a.s.sault on the Undutiful Son stopped as though it had all been a lie. The broken parts of the s.h.i.+p and the crew members asking for help were the only things floating around them.

Hurry up and rescue them!

Doppin, thought to be dead, was dragged up as the two sailors remaining on board saved those who had been tossed from the s.h.i.+p.

That monster didnt take me, Balboa

You f.u.c.king b.a.s.t.a.r.d!

By this point, Hansen and Jona.s.son had a rough grasp of the situation, and their gazes towards Doppin were full of anger. In fact, Hansen cursed as he grabbed the former captain by the collar before throwing him onto the ground.

You crazy b.a.s.t.a.r.d! If youre so desperate to die, go die by yourself!

This time, even the typically docile Jackson didnt hold Hansen back. Rather, he fetched a knife from the cabin in an attempt to slit Doppins throat.

Two sailors died. If you kill this b.a.s.t.a.r.d as well, the s.h.i.+p wont be operational.

But its because of this b.a.s.t.a.r.d that our lord...!

Jackson glared at Doppin with bloodshot eyes as Jona.s.son held him back.

Our lord isnt dead yet.

Jona.s.sons voice was both adamant and confident. Unconvinced, Jackson ran wild, saying he needed to avenge his lords death even if it meant killing the former captain. Hansen came to also hold Jackson down as he looked at Jona.s.son, asking for an explanation.

You idiots. The winds still blowing.

What about the wind. Why is the wind so

While arguing furiously, Jackson raised his head to follow where Jona.s.son was pointing. The left side of the s.h.i.+p was wrecked, and the s.h.i.+p threatened to capsize, but the wind struggled to keep it upright.

This wind was summoned by our lord.

Seon-Hyeok had never openly revealed his ability, but Jona.s.son had naturally come to recognize it after being his comrade for a long time.

Thanks to the crews quick actions, the Undutiful Son was able to avoid capsizing despite threatening to for a while. However, this was only a temporary measure, and the group needed to return to land as soon as possible. Even so, Seon-Hyeoks party refused to do so.

We wait for our lord.

But what if the monster reappears!

Theres no captain to guide the s.h.i.+p anyways.

Jona.s.son sent the protesting sailor back using the still-incoherent Doppin as an excuse.

This situation isnt good. They might wake up the sleeping captain and crew.

But we cant leave our lord behind and return. If they try to mutiny, we should kill them all and wait here for Seon-Hyeok.

Ill help as well.

Hansen and Jackson spoke solemnly, not even considering the prospect of returning to land.

Youre so loyal. So loyal.

Jona.s.son clicked his tongue as he sarcastically quipped, and Hansen, furious, replied.

Jona.s.son. This doesnt mean anything to you then?

You idiots! You need to be even more cool-headed during times like this! What happens if our lord returns, but were trapped here on this s.h.i.+p because there are no sailors? We have to think about how well sail this s.h.i.+p.

His words made sense. This situation wasnt one that could be resolved with loyalty alone.

Ugh. But youre certain our lords still alive?

If he wasnt, the s.h.i.+p would have sunk already.

Although the s.h.i.+p wasnt as upright as before, the wind continued to push the sail without rest.

What the h.e.l.l is our reckless lord doing?

Jona.s.sons old way of speaking came out in his frustration, but n.o.body paid him any mind.

The sailors attempted to wake the captain and crew still asleep under the influence of the incense. However, Jackson had been waiting for this and overpowered them, and the seditious plan ended unsuccessfully.

At the same time, the party began to feel that they were reaching the breaking point as they waited in place. The wind that kept the s.h.i.+p upright wasnt able to exert its previous strength, and the s.h.i.+p was now tilted halfway, pushed back and forth by the wind and the waves.

They prepared the emergency boat in order to abandon s.h.i.+p at a moments notice and waited anxiously for their lords return.

Huh?

Jackson, after staying up all night, opened his eyes wide as he looked at a spray of water in the distance. The sailors had been dozing off, and they raised their heads at the sudden noise before screaming.

The monster, which stealthily attacked from underneath the waters surface the previous day, now brazenly approached, half its body visible above water.

The monsters coming back!

Hold on tight!

The sailors ran about and caused a commotion, preferring to drown over being eaten alive by the monster. However, the monsters attack had been unavoidable even when the s.h.i.+p was whole, and there was no recourse with the currently immobile s.h.i.+p.

The sailors waited anxiously, while Hansen and the rest of the party drew their swords, determined to at least cut off the monsters scales before they died.

Roar.

The monster looked majestic as it tore through the dark blue sea. They all prepared for the worst as they watched the beautiful, yet terrifying, sight.

What a relief. Im not too late.

The missing lords voice rang out at that moment.

Ive been looking for a while because the s.h.i.+p wasnt where I left it.

The monster raised its head stiffly before lowering it onto the bow of the s.h.i.+p. Two people could be seen on the monsters head they were the lord and squire that the party had so anxiously waited for.

My lord!

Kim Seon-Hyeok, you d.a.m.ned b.a.s.t.a.r.d!

Jackson and Hanson ran forward, tears in their eyes.

Growl.

In their excitement, they had momentarily forgotten about the sea serpents presence. The two men stopped in their tracks as the monster expressed its displeasure.

Dont come closer. Hes a bit more particular than he looks.

Seon-Hyeok spoke unusually casually for having a fiercely growling monster behind his back.

What the h.e.l.l happened?

While Hansen and Jackson hesitated, Jona.s.son stepped up to ask about the situation.

What do you mean, what happened?

Seon-Hyeok looked back and leaned against the monsters strong jaw before answering.

I tamed him like Goldie.

***

In the end, the Undutiful Son sank, and the group separated themselves onto two emergency boats. The original captain and crew members were all gathered together and loaded onto one boat, and the still conscious sailors agreed to take responsibility for them. Seon-Hyeoks party and Doppin boarded the other.

Theyll have to struggle quite a bit to get back to land. I wonder if the boat will even move, given how many people are on it.

Theres a chance the sailors will throw the sleeping captain and crew into the sea. After all, if they were loyal people in the first place, they wouldnt have been climbing over each other to be the chosen survivors.

Seon-Hyeok looked at the sailors from the Undutiful Son with a complicated expression as they became smaller and smaller in the distance. He did not sympathize with their situation, however. Considering the countless pa.s.sengers they had likely taken advantage of in the past, he had shown them almost excessive mercy by keeping them alive.

Then again, was it merciful to load up the sailors on a boat without a sail in the middle of this vast sea?

Balboa. No, should I call you Doppin?

I went mad and put innocent people in danger.

Doppin looked like he aged decades in a single day. The white-haired, hunched-over man looked nothing like the healthy sailor from their first meeting. The only relief was that he seemed to have regained his senses. That said, the former captain looked to have lost his energy and madness that previously invigorated him, so Seon-Hyeok wondered whether Doppin was better off now than before.

You are Doppin, right? The captain who blocked the rescue of the other s.h.i.+ps crew.

Yes. Im that Doppin. Balboa was the name of one of the sailors aboard the s.h.i.+p at the time.

Doppin was the pitiable captain who managed to keep his own s.h.i.+p intact and save his crew, but could not absolve himself of his own guilt.

Seon-Hyeok could only shake his head, unable to even get angry at the former captain.

But how do we get back? Youre not suggesting we row back, are you?

Seon-Hyeok smirked when he heard Hansens question.

Bluegon.

The moment he spoke, Bluegon, the sea dragon, poked his head out of the water.

Push.

Wait. Huh? Ahhhhh!

Bluegon put his large snout underneath the boat before speeding forward at an incredible pace.

Remembering that Goldrake had been stuck at 99 obedience for a long time, Seon-Hyeok immediately named the sea serpent Bluegon. He thought it was a plausible name, short for Blue Dragon, but his naming sense was just as poor as it had been when he tried renaming Stella to Snow White.

Ugh. Im getting seasick. This didnt happen even when we were aboard the Undutiful Son

Bluegon was faster than any other creature at sea, but he was equally wild and violent. As a result, Hansen and the others repeatedly vomited, stomachs upset by the rough motions. However, the real troubles began when Bluegon disappeared after coming closer to sh.o.r.e. The men were forced to hold back their upset stomachs while fighting the waves.

It wouldve helped if Doppin could provide any help, but the former captain reverted to his original state after seeming completely sober for a day. In the end, Hansen, Jackson, and Jona.s.son had to ignore the insane Doppin and work even harder.

Ugh. Im never getting on a boat again!

Just when they were about to be completely exhausted, frustrated by their lack of progress no matter how hard they rowed, the party barely managed to reach the port.

Ugh. Im going to die!

Ugh. The grounds shaking!

Seon-Hyeok looked down at the drooling, groaning men lying on the floor.

Lets stop exaggerating and get up. We have to do something about Julian first. This could end up being serious.

There was a more urgent emergency.

It was Julian.

Having been drenched in seawater and survived a trip in and out of the sea dragons stomach, Julian suffered from a high fever for two days and had not come to her senses.

If youre looking for a priest, you should head down that street over there.

The officials at the port pointed the party towards a priest. However, the healing abilities of the old priest only interested in money was barely enough to boost Julians energy, and the young squire's condition did not improve.

Theres a mage whos good at treating people

Where is that person?

Belatedly realizing that Seon-Hyeok was a n.o.ble, the priest expressed his regret for ripping him off. With that, he suggested they instead visit the mage serving the Rugenburg lord.

Please ask for Harold Tyrone of the Rugenburg guard forces.

Who should I say is looking for him?

Wide-eyed, the priest asked Seon-Hyeok.

Tell him the Drake Knight is looking for him.

Harold Tyrone soon appeared. As though he had already heard of the situation on the way, the squire had even prepared a carriage to escort Julian.

Im ashamed to do so, but Ill ask you for this favor.

Seon-Hyeok was embarra.s.sed to ask the young man for a favor after coldly sending him away before, but there was no other option given Julians poor condition.

Not to worry. Im sorry we have to meet under such unfortunate circ.u.mstances.

However, Harold Tyrone rea.s.sured him and immediately guided them towards the lords mansion.

This way.

The mage, having been notified in advance, examined Julian as soon as they arrived.

Shes been poisoned.

The mage spoke after looking at Julians now blue face.

Theres no time. It looks like some time has pa.s.sed since this happened, and if we wait any longer, well lose our opportunity to treat her.

Then do you think treatment is possible?

Seon-Hyeok tried to keep calm as he asked the mage.

It wont be easy, but I will make sure to treat her.

It was fortunate.

Leave Squire Julian to the mage, and please dont worry too much. Hes not someone to make promises lightly, so he must be certain theres a way.

With those words, Harold Tyrone guided him to the Lord of Rugenburg. Seon-Hyeok was reluctant to meet him, considering he was in the position of asking for help rather than being a guest greeting a host, but he nonetheless followed after the squire.

Please take care of Julian.

Leave it to me, my lord.

Jackson volunteered to stay by Julians side, while Hansen and Jona.s.son followed after Seon-Hyeok.