Nightfall
I lay in my cabin, but sleep refused to come. I'd already had enough rest during the journey, and now, no matter how much I closed my eyes, I just couldn't drift off.
I let out a quiet sigh. What would happen to my life from here on?
I hope everyone back in the village is safe…
Lost in thought, my ears caught the distant sound of music outside.
I sat up on the bed, stretching a little. As soon as I opened the door, the cool night breeze greeted me, carrying the sound of laughter, stomping feet, and the rhythmic beating of drums.
What's going on out there?
Curious, I followed the music, my steps leading me toward the main deck. The closer I got, the clearer the singing and clapping became.
And when I finally arrived, I was taken aback.
They were dancing in a circle—hands linked, feet stomping the wooden floor in sync with the beat. Their voices echoed with passion, accompanied by the deep, resounding thumps of the drums.
I smiled. A haka dance. It had been a long time since I last saw one in person.
Under the starlit sky, aboard a ship swaying gently over the waves, these people celebrated as if the cruel world beyond this vessel didn't exist.
"You don't want to join them?"
A voice from behind made me turn around.
A woman stood there, a subtle smile on her lips.
Her wavy red hair gleamed under the lanterns, her emerald-green eyes sharp yet inviting, and the hat on her head made it clear—she wasn't an ordinary sailor.
I froze for a moment. Captain Élodie.
A name well-known among merchants and the less fortunate. A captain who fought for the poor, whose deeds had even been printed in newspapers. (I knew that because my aunt used to tell me stories, hehe.)
I swallowed. "Élodie?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.
She chuckled softly, her voice carrying a playful tone.
"Hahaha, first time someone called me by name without a title." She raised an eyebrow. "Who are you?"
"Nao." I grinned. "You'll probably forget that name soon enough."
She shook her head lightly, still smiling. "Nao? I remember every name of my crew, you know?"
She turned toward the group of dancers. "That's Casim, Dany, Robit…" She listed each one, as if proving her point.
I chuckled. "Alright, you win."
I studied her for a moment. "Why aren't you joining them?"
She shrugged. "Same reason as you. Just watching is enough for me."
Then, she leaned against the ship's railing, her gaze still on the celebrating crew. "Besides, I'm the captain. I can't afford to get carried away."
I nodded slowly. That made sense. She wasn't just another sailor—she was their leader, the one everyone relied on. If she let her guard down, if she made a single mistake, this joyful night could easily turn into disaster.
I hesitated before asking, "What's it like to be famous?"
Her smile faltered for just a second—so quick that I almost missed it.
"Famous?" she repeated softly. "It doesn't really feel like anything. I just want to see them smile."
I fell silent.
"Captain!!!"
A loud voice called out from the middle of the celebration. "Come drink with us!" They were clearly in high spirits—probably drunk, too.
Élodie laughed. "Nao, I have to go."
I watched as she walked away, her steps casual yet full of confidence.
From behind, she looked tall and commanding—perhaps in her early thirties.
I took a deep breath. Maybe I should explore the ship a little.
With my hands in my pockets, I strolled along, whistling softly.
---
Meanwhile…
A group of individuals moved through the shadows, their steps calculated and silent.
"Shhh." One of them gestured for silence, pressing a finger to his lips.
He peeked into a cabin, eyes scanning cautiously.
Once certain the coast was clear, he motioned for the others to enter.
One by one, they slipped inside.
The last person closed the door behind them, carefully ensuring it made no sound.
Click.
The door locked shut.
They had successfully infiltrated the room.
But what exactly was inside?
And more importantly…
Who were these intruders?