Chapter 295

Chapter 295 – Wanna Get Fucked?

The coastal territory of Cocartana, the settlement of Kotana.

Situated along the eastern fringes of the empire, this specific locale was celebrated for its plentiful seafood and bustling commerce, though it simultaneously ranked as one of the continent’s most premium vacation and getaway hubs.

What did that signify?

…Property prices in this area are completely outrageous.

The standard rate already eclipsed that of most municipalities in the empire’s central zones, and depending on the precise neighborhood, it could match prominent urban centers… like Hazen, for instance. And how was I aware of this fact?

“…A position right on the water, a panorama like this, a plot of this scale… At this tier, money alone wouldn’t cut it—such places simply never hit the market…”

It was owing to Evelyn, who had been completely stunned into silence from the very moment she caught sight of the Blandoga property and was currently trying to calculate its monetary worth.

The exact numbers didn’t quite register with me…

…But wow, it’s something else.

This was the seasonal residence frequented by Damian’s grandfather—the former patriarch of the Blandoga Family—and it certainly lived up to its reputation.

A massive stretch of golden-hued beachfront lay before us, meeting the deep blue tides that crested softly in the distance. The tranquil waters gleamed beneath the sunshine, where a sharp, defined horizon line merged directly with the heavens.

The sky commenced as a soft azure where it kissed the water’s edge, turning increasingly radiant the further up it climbed.

And across that spotless blue expanse drifted pristine white clouds.

Even an individual as indifferent to natural beauty as myself felt a sudden wave of admiration welling up inside, making it entirely worthy of being labeled magnificent.

Immersed in that uncommon instant of quiet awe, unable to turn my gaze away—that was the exact moment individuals stepped out from the main building.

“You have made it safely.”

It was the expressionless attendant, Ransi.

He must have journeyed ahead of our group from the primary Blandoga residence, likely because our party had taken a roundabout path, pitching tents along the route.

Damian offered a cheerful gesture upon spotting Ransi.

“We made it!”

“Was the travel to this location pleasant?”

“Yeah, we had a great time.”

“In that case, please step indoors. A spread has been set out for you. Your baggage will be taken care of by the staff.”

The attendants stationed around the property moved forward without a sound, gathering the packs we had carried, and vanished just as discreetly as they had arrived.

Following behind Ransi’s lead, our group made its way to the third-floor veranda of the residence.

“…Wow.”

“Incredible…”

Chenbi and Evelyn appeared completely breathless at the sight from the veranda, even if their internal thoughts were miles apart.

“…It is truly marvelous.”

Chenbi was experiencing pure wonder at the landscape.

“…Just how large of a fortune does a place like this demand?”

Meanwhile, Evelyn was still mentally tabulating the expenses.

Paying them no mind, Damian, who seemed rather famished, pulled out a chair at the dining table.

I claimed a spot close by, and it wasn’t long before attendants filed out carrying platters of food.

Not a single recognizable countenance among them.

“Haha, Chenbi, Miss Evelyn? Pray, begin your meal. The view will remain right where it is.”

It was the chief majordomo, Alfredo.

…What in the world?

Why had this fellow shown up here…?

I could comprehend Ransi making the trip.

Damian might be progressing far better these days—significantly better, in truth—but he remained the isolated black sheep of the Blandoga Family.

Only his stepmother and Ransi were capable of managing him.

Yet the Chief Majordomo Alfredo…?

Has he still refused to throw in the towel?

No, that explanation didn’t seem quite accurate either.

“Young Master Damian, I merely wished to present my greetings. I trust you and your companions will experience a delightful stay.”

He offered Damian a respectful nod and smoothly stepped away.

I directed a skeptical glance toward Alfredo’s retreating back, but the attendants soon converged on the table with their serving platters.

“We shall begin serving the course.”

It was a brilliantly colorful spread.

The crimson shell of an impeccably prepared lobster sat next to its snowy meat, garnished tastefully with fresh green herbs. Alongside it was a deep brown glaze that triggered an instant watering in my mouth from the scent alone.

A maritime salad presented a flawless blend of yellows, crimsons, and greens. Octopus, seared fish, and a rich, hearty broth arrived in rapid succession across the tabletop.

“Young Master Damian, would it please you to hear a breakdown of these preparations?”

“I’m alright, but… what about the rest of you?”

In response to Damian’s inquiry, Chenbi gave a nod.

“I would love to hear it.”

“Count me in as well.”

“Didn’t direct that at you, Evelyn.”

“Now I am genuinely intrigued. Won’t you ask me?”

“Pass.”

Damian shifted his gaze away from Evelyn’s irritated stare. The staff offered gentle expressions at the banter, serving as a reminder that the Blandoga household maintained a distinctly different atmosphere compared to other high-ranking noble houses.

Regardless of how youthful an incoming successor might be, retainers seldom displayed their inner feelings before members of the core lineage.

Yet these Blandoga workers looked upon Damian with heartfelt warmth. It was quite remarkable.

At any rate.

“To commence with this particular dish, the centerpiece is a gechee lobster—a local delicacy of Cocartana—accompanied by a reduction of…”

The attendant positioned beside Damian began describing the culinary creation in a smooth, pleasant tone. It was undeniably worth paying attention to.

Moving past the mere identity of the food, they outlined the optimal method of consumption to extract the finest flavors, the specific profile the culinary artist intended to achieve, and the concept behind the presentation.

Which meant that if someone desired to truly relish the experience, staying focused was a wise choice. It was right then that Chenbi hesitantly raised a hand.

“Um, excuse me… Could you perhaps demonstrate the proper way to handle this piece one more time?”

Chenbi appeared slightly self-conscious about asking.

However, the attendant offered a reassuring smile in return.

“My initial description must have lacked sufficient clarity. Would it be acceptable if I provided hands-on assistance at your side?”

“That would be wonderful, though I don’t want to trouble you…”

“Please, think nothing of it.”

The servant’s practiced grace instantly put Chenbi at ease.

Granted, food delivered satisfaction regardless of how one consumed it, but I could appreciate Chenbi’s perspective.

When it’s an entirely unfamiliar experience—you naturally want to execute it flawlessly.

Every person possessed their own method of appreciating a meal.

With that, the dining commenced in earnest.

In all honesty, these were varieties of seafood I had encountered in the past.

…Though labeling them as ‘culinary creations’ would be a stretch.

One wouldn’t exactly classify raw, unrefined sea life as fine dining.

During my previous existence, when I found myself stranded on the ocean for roughly a month alongside operators smuggling undocumented travelers, we lacked the luxury of being selective.

Fortunately, at least one traveler possessed angling knowledge, allowing us to harvest some basic ocean life.

Observing these current delicacies…

…This location must be relatively close to the region where we drifted back then.

Regardless, I spent some time enjoying the exquisite tastes while reflecting on those ‘memorable’ historical events.

As the main course concluded, the final sweet selections arrived.

“Should anyone desire an additional portion, simply notify us.”

“Uh… Would it be possible to obtain another serving of this custard?”

“Me as well.”

“Evelyn, none for you.”

“Wanna get fucked?”

“Evelyn, your temper flares up so easily.”

Damian, clearly taking pleasure in provoking her, persisted in baiting Evelyn.

She countered sharply without yielding an inch—a dynamic that would have been entirely unthinkable back within the academy walls.

It was likely the result of our travels over the past few days bringing the group closer together.

By the time the final sweets were cleared away, the day had already transitioned into the later hours of the afternoon.

Our mid-day meal had commenced rather late, and the dessert portion had stretched far longer than initially anticipated.

“Yawn… So, what is the plan now? It feels a bit late to venture into the town.”

She shielded her mouth during a brief yawn, appearing slightly weary.

Damian and Chenbi mirrored that same sluggish energy. Right at that moment, Alfredo stepped back onto the veranda.

“How was the meal? Did it bring you satisfaction?”

“Yeah, it was really nice.”

“Haha, wonderful to hear. Do you possess any further arrangements for the remainder of the afternoon?”

Faced with Alfredo’s inquiry, Damian shook his head in a lethargic manner.

“Not really.”

He was fatigued, yet not quite inclined to retreat to his private quarters just yet.

Alfredo extended a proposition that proved far too tempting to decline.

“In that case, how would you feel about an excursion out onto the open waters?”

“…The open waters?”

Damian tilted his head to the side, prompting Alfredo to clarify.

“Indeed. Perhaps you were far too young to retain the memory? There is a particular vessel that the former master of the house took great pleasure in navigating.”

“…Oh! I recollect that!”

“The climate is ideal, and the swells are entirely gentle. It could prove highly refreshing. Observing the waters from the shoreline is magnificent, but looking back at the shoreline from the water possesses its own distinct splendor.”

Alfredo stood quietly, awaiting Damian’s verdict.

Damian was on the verge of shouting “Let’s do it!” out of sheer thrill, but he caught himself, remembering the exhaustion of Chenbi and Evelyn, and cast a glance in their direction.

And as expected…

“…I have always harbored a desire to experience a vessel.”

“The ocean… Now that I think about it, I have never actually sailed out onto it.”

Chenbi and Evelyn voiced their approval.

Damian’s attention then shifted toward me.

“What about your stance, pal?”

“For me…”

It sounded like an appealing prospect.

Except…

“Would it be possible to arrange for some netting or angling gear? Or perhaps a sharp harpoon…”

“…For what purpose would you require…”

Alfredo tilted his head in confusion.

I provided an explanation.

“This particular body of water… is tied to some rather melancholy recollections for me.”

“What sort of…”

“I intend to ensure no such recollections repeat themselves.”

“…”

Alfredo’s eyelid twitched imperceptibly.

Regardless.

Harpoons, netting, and angling rods—all successfully provided.

No further anxieties regarding being left adrift.

Our group reached the docking area via horse-drawn carriage.

Confronted by the vessel, even I could fully comprehend Evelyn’s earlier state of mind.

What sort of craft is this supposed to be…?

The residential property made logical sense.

Affluent aristocrats or prominent merchant lords frequently constructed lavish seasonal homes at popular retreats.

But this item? It deviated entirely from the norm.

“An elite passenger vessel from the Irecane Shipyard…”

Evelyn offered a stunned whisper.

While my knowledge regarding high-end luxury items was limited, the vessel preferred by the former patriarch looked incredibly costly at a single glance.

Furthermore, its proportions… While smaller than a colossal commercial liner spanning dozens of meters in height, it was absolutely mind-boggling for a land-locked noble lineage to possess.

“Please step aboard.”

Alfredo escorted us to the gangway and tactfully stepped aside.

Myself, Damian, Chenbi, and Evelyn—the four of us stepped onto the deck, and shortly thereafter, the vessel’s horn resonated.

Bwooooooooom—

Announcing our departure, the craft began its gradual progression into the open sea.

The netting and angling gear… will probably end up sitting completely idle.

Who could possibly envision a vessel of this caliber taking on water?

Consequent to that, the massive craft surged forward into the tranquil, windless waters, driven by what appeared to be an enchanted propulsion system…

Up on the primary deck.

We absorbed the passing views amidst the steady headwind generated by the vessel’s forward momentum.

“The world truly is… immense.”

“Yeah, it really is. It’s finally starting to sink in for me.”

“Just how much capital does an asset like this…”

Even I found myself forced to reevaluate the situation.

The Blandoga Family… operates on an entirely different level.

Possessing a vessel of this nature purely as a recreational asset for a vacation retreat required an astronomical amount of fortune.

But putting that aside.

“…This is quite pleasant.”

“Is it not?”

I gave a nod in response to Damian’s question.

In a strange way, the heavy sensation that had been lingering within my chest seemed to vanish completely.

Perhaps my expansive, ocean-like spirit, when brought face-to-face with the actual ocean, recognized a need to broaden its horizons even further—and did precisely that.

…Though if it expands any further within this space, that could spell trouble.

“Hey, pal.”

“…Yeah?”

“I have no clue what is running through your mind, but that expression tells me some absolute nonsense is about to come out of your mouth.”

…What on earth is wrong with this guy?

Completely taken aback, I directed an annoyed look at Damian just as Evelyn and Chenbi’s voices chimed in to agree.

“Damian notices it too. That is precisely the countenance he makes right before delivering some ridiculous statement.”

“I am glad to see I was not the only person who picked up on that.”

“…”

A wild creature left isolated due to a total absence of companions.

If an individual wished to know my identity, that is precisely how I would define myself.

…

However.

I shifted my focus away from the horizon and surveyed our immediate environment.

…Am I merely imagining things?

As my gaze swept across the area.

“Pal! Cast your eyes over there! A pod of dolphins!”

“…Wow.”

“Dolphins… how beautiful.”

The view unfolding before us was far too magnificent to allow room for any conflicting thoughts.

Utterly magnificent.