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Chapter 25

The innkeeper still looked uneasy as he spoke.

“But there’s only one room. And one bed. It’s big enough for two people, so don’t worry. I mean, it’s late at night and you’re traveling together—sharing a bed shouldn’t be a problem.”

Some people in the tavern giggled.

One room? And just one bed?

I wanted to yell that this wasn’t okay, but I knew if I said no, I’d end up sleeping on the floor.

And it’s not like Frederick would give up the bed for me either.

So I had no choice but to nod.

“While we get the room ready, rest here. I’ll bring you both a glass of beer. Honey, let’s go get the room prepared.”

The innkeeper and his wife poured us two glasses of beer and went upstairs. Frederick and I sat at a nearby table with our drinks.

The table and chairs were made of wood and a bit rough, but they were surprisingly comfortable.

I looked around the tavern. The place looked at least a hundred years old—it had that kind of deep, old atmosphere.

Then, I saw that guy again.

“If you don’t mind, may I join you?”

Before I could even answer, Tiago sat next to me.

Frederick frowned like Tiago was annoying him.

“The mysterious trade prince Frederick. It’s good to finally see you in person.”

Tiago raised his glass for a toast, but Frederick set down his beer and turned away.

Ugh, how rude. Does he have to be like that?

I felt awkward on Tiago’s behalf, but he didn’t seem bothered at all. He clinked his beer glass gently against mine.

“My name is Tiago. May I know yours, my lady?”

“I’m Delphine.”

“Nice to meet you, Delphine.”

He tapped his glass to mine again. Some foam spilled onto the floor. I took a sip.

Whoa! This is really good. Did they brew it themselves?

It was super fresh and tasty—probably one of the best beers I’d ever had.

Tiago laughed happily as he watched my reaction.

“Haha, it’s good, right? This tavern is famous around here for its beer. And you seem like someone who’s honest with their emotions. I noticed earlier—you don’t lie.”

Tiago had a cheerful, charming personality. He made people feel good just being around him. He was confident, but not in an annoying way—he was actually cool.

To be honest, he was attractive.

But he’s someone I’ll only see once, probably. And he gives off player vibes—too smooth.

Instead of saying anything, I just smiled slightly. I didn’t want to get too involved. He felt… dangerous somehow.

Maybe he liked my reaction, because he grinned and said slyly,

“Delphine. If you need me tonight, just say the word.”

What?! Did he seriously just say that to someone he just met?!

I set down my beer and stared at him like, Explain yourself.

He smiled and stroked his beard with one hand.

“You’ll need me tonight. I’m sure of it.”

What the hell… let’s hear this nonsense explanation.

I raised my chin slightly and asked,

“Why?”

Tiago didn’t answer. He just kept drinking his beer.

“It’s because of the spirit fire.”

Surprisingly, it was Frederick who answered. He tilted his head and crossed his arms, glaring at Tiago.

Frederick asked, clearly annoyed,

“You sure know a lot about spirit fire. Can you really just sense it on people?”

Thud!

Tiago slammed his glass down and laughed loudly.

“Of course. I know it very well. Maybe even as well as you do. I’ve heard a lot about you, young master. Tonight, I might get to see if the rumors are true.”

“My rumors?”

Frederick scoffed.

“Compared to your rumors, mine are nothing. You’re way more famous across the seas.”

The two glared at each other like they were having some sort of silent fight.

Ugh. Another ego battle between guys…

It reminded me of the tension between Frederick and Leo. Why does Frederick always act like this around other men? It’s so weird.

And honestly, I was over it.

I’m tired. Can we not do this?

I took a sip of beer and looked at Tiago.

“Even if it’s because of the spirit fire, don’t say things that make people misunderstand.”

Tiago nodded, keeping his eyes on mine the whole time.

I put down my beer and looked around the tavern. It had felt full earlier, but now people were getting up and leaving one by one.

“Time to sleep.”

“Yeah, I have to wake up early. Captain! What time are we heading to the port tomorrow?”

A chubby, muscular man asked Tiago—the captain?!

Tiago stood slightly and replied,

“Same as always. At sunrise.”

The men nodded and left the tavern.

“You’re a captain?”

“Yup, Delphine. I’m a captain. I even command a few ships that Frederick here invested in.”

I gave Tiago a quick once-over. He was more than just healthy—he was solid. Not what I imagined a captain would look like. I guess I watched Pirates of the Caribbean too much.

“Frederick, are there really captains this young?”

I leaned over and whispered, but Tiago still heard me and winked.

Ugh! A wink? So cheesy.

He was weird. Smooth, flashy, over-the-top—but somehow, it fit him. He was so cringey that it made me laugh instead of making me mad.

“This guy…”

Frederick replied while still staring at Tiago with serious eyes. That awkward look from earlier? Gone. He looked intense now.

But Tiago cut him off.

“Let me introduce myself properly. It’s only polite to the lady. Delphine, I’ll tell my own story.”

Please, innkeeper, finish prepping the room already. I want to escape this testosterone battle.

All I wanted was rest. I already had more than enough drama today with the spirit fire!

But Tiago clearly wasn’t done…

He suddenly stood up, looked around the tavern, and spread his arms like he was on a stage.

“I’m Tiago. I’ve been on ships since I was six. I was a runaway slave with no family name, but I climbed my way up to become a captain. People call me ‘The Prince of the Sea.’ I’m skilled in navigation, a great leader, and—well, just look at me.”

Did he just say that out loud? Is he insane?!

My jaw dropped. People nearby giggled and laughed. Some even clapped and cheered.

Tiago saw my frown and winked again.

“Ughhh…”

I groaned. He was nuts. I needed to get out of here before he kept going.

Frederick didn’t look too surprised though—like he already knew what Tiago was like.

Tiago went even further, putting one hand on his chest and the other reaching toward me.

“My heart always burns with passion. Even the demon Kerman would fall for my looks. People call me a playboy, but they just don’t know me. I’m waiting for my one true love.”

“Wheee~!”

One of the sailors whistled.

Please stop encouraging him. Look at him! He’s on fire now!

Tiago jumped up on his chair. He was already tall—now his head was almost touching the ceiling.

I covered my face with both hands. Frederick turned away and stared at the tavern door.

“And today, I finally met fate. All those other women were just steps leading to you.”

He can’t mean me, right? Right??

I was about to scream.

“Wow, if my wife heard that, she’d be really hurt.”

That voice came from the stairs. The innkeeper and his wife were coming down, and they felt like my saviors.

The innkeeper’s wife gave him a mock-hurt look and shook her head.

Tiago jumped off the chair and ran to her. As she stepped off the last stair, he dropped to one knee and held both her hands.

“You’re not one of the women who passed me by. You’re still here with me.”

“Bwahaha!”

“Classic Tiago!”

“He really knows how to talk!”

Laughter spread across the tavern. It was a little ridiculous, but warm and fun. Even I started smiling. The only one not laughing was Frederick.

“Oh, you’re impossible. Get up, Tiago.”

The innkeeper’s wife shook her head and playfully smacked his shoulder. Tiago grinned and got up.

The innkeeper laughed heartily and turned to us.

“Alright, your room’s ready. Top floor, last room on the right. Bathroom’s downstairs.”

He pointed toward the first-floor bathroom. It was dark, dirty-looking, and honestly kind of creepy.