PBGS 24

chapter 24

“Rinka, are the dishes all warmed up?”

“Yes.”

“Put them over here.”

The ship floating on the night sea glowed as if it had been born for a festival.

Expensive food and wine bought in Lavanto filled the deck, and beneath the bright lights, songs and laughter flowed without pause.

The smell of grilled fish spread from somewhere, while platters of moist seafood dishes and fresh fruits were lined up in rows.

The clinking of wine glasses, someone’s clumsy singing voice, and the lively beat of drums echoed across the dark sea.

It was a party at sea to celebrate their safe return from Lavanto.

This event—usually held only after the Ghost Ship docked on the continent—was being held a little earlier this time.

For Rinka, who would disembark once they reached land.

Rinka was smiling. As if the moment when she had confessed her heart was pounding too much with embarrassment had never even happened.

She mingled among the sailors, lightly sipping from her glass, bumping shoulders with those she had grown familiar with, her bright smile shining.

Under the glowing lights, the deck sparkled more brilliantly than the stars. Moving between the flickering shadows, Rinka felt her chest pounding again.

It must be the excitement of the atmosphere—yet, she realized her eyes kept drifting in one direction.

Ananta.

A man like moonlight spread across the black sky and the endless black sea.

He wasn’t dressed flamboyantly, but in neat clothes that suited him. He stood not at the center of the party but a little aside, holding a glass.

His soft smile felt strange to her.

Not the usual sly, confident man—but someone quieter, more at ease.

Rinka quickly looked away.

The moment her gaze was caught in those blue eyes, darker than the sea, her heart pounded again.

“Am I the only one… like this?”

Her whispered murmur was swallowed by the party’s noise.

Just as she was about to slip back among the sailors—

“Rinka, Rinka!”

“Yes?”

“Come here a sec.”

Her arms, full of food she was about to serve, were suddenly seized by female sailors dragging her away.

Inside the cabin they pulled her into, dresses from Lavanto were hanging in abundance.

What… is this?

Before Rinka could even ask, a dress was thrust in front of her.

“What about this one? It’ll look amazing on you!”

Hands turned her this way and that, pressing one dress after another to her, while Rinka laughed awkwardly, her face flushing.

“This is way too fancy…”

“But it’s pretty! Lighter colors really suit you—maybe because of your hair.”

“Dark colors too. Maybe it’s because your skin is so pale.”

Unfamiliar silk and ribbons, a design that bared her shoulders—Rinka fussed with her hair, flustered.

Still, when she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror, a small smile slipped out.

She’d never had this kind of experience before, but it wasn’t unpleasant.

Half the reason was probably because the women around her looked so happy.

“Try it on, Rinka. We’ll wear dresses too.”

“A party needs dresses!”

Her excuses of never having worn such things didn’t work.

Rinka, blushing, fiddled nervously with her fingertips.

“There’s no need to go this far…”

“There is! How often do you get a night like this?”

“You never had a debutante ball, right?”

“Well, those are only for nobles.”

Embarrassed, yet unable to take her eyes off the dresses before her, Rinka muttered softly at her reflection.

“Here, try this first!”

One sailor held out a soft pink tulle dress.

The sweetheart neckline sat just above her chest, the full skirt doll-like in its charm.

At last, Rinka carefully changed and stood before the mirror.

“Wow, so cute…!”

Cries of admiration followed—she really did look like a doll. Rinka only blushed, crossing her arms to hide her shoulders.

“This is way too embarrassing…”

Next came a deep blue dress. With its rich, ocean-like hue, neat V-neck, cinched waist, and delicate beaded embroidery that glimmered under the moonlight—it transformed her.

Wearing it, her golden eyes shone even brighter, and her orange-tinted hair looked like a sunset along the shore.

“She could wear this to a coming-of-age ceremony.”

“…It really is pretty.”

For once, Rinka admitted it with genuine sincerity.

The last was a champagne-gold off-shoulder dress.

“No, this one. This is perfect for you!”

The dress shimmered with delicate lace and tiny pearls, softly glowing under the moonlight. From the waist down, sheer chiffon cascaded in flowing layers, like waves scattering.

“Just this last one. Try it on.”

When Rinka finally stepped out in it, the sailors drew in their breath.

“Wow… truly beautiful.”

Her orange hair fell naturally over her shoulders, blending harmoniously with the dress. Her golden eyes gleamed vividly under the candlelight.

Her pale skin glowed between the sparkling embellishments, and even the tiny pearl resting on her shoulder seemed to highlight her.

Lace and pearls fluttered lightly, the hem rippling as if it held the wind.

Rinka stood before the mirror, holding her fingertips together delicately. This time, a smile spread naturally.

“I think… this one is the best.”

In that dress, she looked like starlight cast upon the night sea. Though she’d been shy at first, now her excitement showed.

“Too fine for a first dress?”

“That just makes it more memorable!”

Perhaps giddy from drink, the sailors added a thin shawl over her shoulders once she was dressed, making her feel like she was at a true party.

It was awkward, but she was happy. It was the kind of moment she’d only imagined as a child.

On the sparkling deck, the party had reached its peak.

Golden lanterns glowed like stars, sailors laughed with glasses raised, savory scents of roasted meat and seafood wafted in the sea breeze, and music swelled all around.

The deck was alive, like a small festival floating on the sea.

As Rinka was placing grilled clams onto a plate, someone stopped before her.

“The dress suits you well.”

The voice wasn’t one she often heard, but it was kind.

She turned—and saw a man with curly brown hair, smiling lips, and a playful wink.

Ken.

He often stuck close to Deloem, wielding a sharp sword like a knight would.

Tonight, instead of a sailor’s garb, he wore a black shirt with a vest, a wine glass in hand.

His elegance seemed more nobleman than sailor, and Rinka found herself a little impressed.

“I never knew you were such a beautiful lady.”

“Oh, please…”

He was also the one who didn’t know the first thing about dishwashing, always scolded by her on duty.

But tonight, his flattery didn’t feel unpleasant. Rinka smiled lightly and greeted him.

“Sorry, too blunt?”

Ken chuckled, his tone teasing. At the sound, another face flashed in Rinka’s mind, making her ears warm.

Why am I thinking of someone else now?

“Right now, you could really pass as a lady.”

“Don’t tease me.”

“I mean it. Lady Meribel, would you grant me a dance?”

Ken bowed gracefully, still grinning.

What? Dance? Here? Now?

Flustered, Rinka dropped her gaze to the plate in her hands.

“I’m not good at dancing…”

“That’s fine. Sometimes you step on a partner’s foot—that’s all part of it. And I’m good enough for the both of us.”

Laughter rose around them—others had been watching.

After a moment’s hesitation, Rinka carefully extended her hand.

Alright. Just once, eyes shut tight, why not?

She couldn’t stay here forever, and once she left this ship, she might never have such an experience again.

“If I step on your foot, don’t blame me.”

“Of course. I’m a gentleman—I’ll overlook a lady’s mistakes.”

…And all her worries proved needless, because Ken really could dance.