Ch.35Chapter 35. Archipelago!

“Eh~ Hello, dear passengers aboard our ‘Gundo Goes Wherever It Pleases’ ship. I am Dr. Gundo, both captain and navigator. Our ship is scheduled to depart for the Zramun Archipelago in exactly 13 minutes…”

Why would someone who’s both captain and navigator call himself doctor?

Maybe his surname is Doctor.

And for a captain of a small port town, he sure had excellent customer service.

Explaining the voyage plan in such detail with the highest honorifics—how modern.

“The ship is surprisingly large.”

Lucy’s surprise was understandable.

Though it was the only ship to the Zramun Archipelago, it was sailing vessel-class.

“And there are quite a lot of people too.”

Indeed, this sailing vessel was packed to capacity with passengers.

Lin, filled with the memories of the reincarnated Mr. Lee, explained the reason to Lucy.

“The Zramun Archipelago is currently in its festival period.”

“Festival?”

“A festival honoring the Second Hero.”

“I see…”

Lucy had already been told about the Second Hero and the demon sword.

A hero who, like herself, was framed and betrayed by companions.

Both the Second and Fourth Heroes were backstabbed.

To be precise, the First and Third died fighting demon invasions, while the Second and Fourth were betrayed.

Lucy had the distinction of at least completing her demon lord subjugation.

Come to think of it, they were both betrayed right after achieving their greatest accomplishments.

“They say it’s a festival to honor the Second Hero’s achievements and spirit. It’s not widely known, but apparently it draws a decent crowd every year.”

“…What’s the point of honoring someone after they’re dead?”

Lucy complained grumpily.

She was probably irritated because she saw parallels between herself and the Second Hero.

“If I had died right after defeating the demon lord like they wanted, would they just hold a festival for me and be done with it?”

“Well, it’s a bit different. Very few people actually know that the Zramun Archipelago festival is for the Second Hero.”

“Why’s that?”

Lin gave a bitter smile.

This was also uncomfortable to tell Lucy.

“The Zramun Archipelago was the Second Hero’s homeland. Since the hero’s younger sister and the islanders couldn’t openly hold a funeral for the Second Hero who was executed as a traitor, they deliberately started it in festival form.”

“What kind of…”

“It doesn’t make sense that so few people know about a festival meant to honor the Second Hero, right?”

“True.”

Though she seemed to accept the explanation, Lucy wasn’t satisfied and leaned her head on Lin’s shoulder.

“I’m annoyed. I don’t like it.”

Lin also disliked the Second Hero’s story just as much.

Even in the game, only the Goddess’s punishment after his framed death was explicitly revealed, while other behind-the-scenes details were merely hinted at like Easter eggs throughout the game.

That’s why even Lin didn’t know the complete story of the Second Hero.

“Hey, Lin.”

Lucy pressed closer to Lin.

“The Goddess directly punished those people after the Second Hero died, right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I think you’re the person the Goddess sent for me.”

She buried her face in Lin’s shoulder, seemingly embarrassed.

“I’m lucky. The Second Hero only received divine punishment when the betrayers’ grandchildren were grown, but I was saved by you before I even died.”

Lin felt awkward too.

In a way, Lin had been moving intentionally since awakening memories of the past life, so Lucy’s words weren’t entirely wrong.

But being praised like this was embarrassingly flattering.

Even if it was just a private conversation between them.

The Goddess, huh…

Actually, the Demon God is more problematic than the Goddess.

While the Goddess generally uses her influence to strengthen humanity, the Demon God secretly works behind the Goddess’s back to weaken or betray humanity through countless schemes.

Especially those random events where heroes’ parties and other heroes are offered irresistible deals to form contracts—those were blatantly designed to screw over players.

Since one party member would turn against you, in the original version, that event meant an automatic reset.

But after too many player complaints about that event, the developers completely removed it when they released the DLC.

If it was just a simple deletion, couldn’t they have just released a patch instead of waiting until the DLC launch?

Anyway, these game companies have an incredible nose for money.

Well, even though the event was deleted, I should warn her just in case.

“Lucy.”

“Yes?”

“If some unknown entity comes and offers to grant you a wish, you must be suspicious.”

“A wish?”

“For example, changing the past?”

That was Arsil’s wish when he fell.

“Or wanting to change your personality or tendencies?”

That was Naidrian.

“Or wanting to erase someone’s existence?”

That was Tigria, though I don’t know why she wanted such a wish.

There’s no information on that.

“Something like that?”

“Those are wishes that seem both simple and complex.”

And every one of them was a wish Lucy would be tempted by.

Lin was just listing the party members’ wishes, but the current Lucy wanted all three:

To change the past where she mistreated Lin,

To change herself who used to lash out and speak harshly to Lin,

And to erase the existence of Rainford, the major blemish on her affection for Lin.

She couldn’t help but be tempted.

But Lin told her not to.

If Lin said not to do it, then she shouldn’t do it.

“Okay, I understand. If anyone approaches me like that, I’ll just cut them down.”

“No, don’t just cut them down.”

“Hehehe.”

Still buried in Lin’s shoulder, she deeply inhaled Lin’s scent.

Lin’s body odor always made her feel comfortable.

Additionally, Lucy was in a great mood because she had finally achieved her goal of having casual conversations with Lin, just like Ravin did.

I’m so happy.

I shouldn’t get carried away like this. I should just live solely for Lin by his side.

—

Naturally, the archipelago wasn’t a distance that could be reached in a single day.

The extremely bored Lin and Lucy went out on deck every day to chat with each other.

“I heard a few people fell into the sea last night.”

“People?”

It was Lucy who threw them.

“They were apparently a group of troublemakers who caused problems.”

While carefully patrolling on her own while Lin slept soundly, Lucy overheard the troublemakers talking.

“I remember. Those people who were always drunk and picking fights?”

“Right, you were going to teach them a lesson once.”

After hearing them say they would kill Lin and then “have” her, Lucy threw them all into the sea on the spot.

“That’s not all.”

“There’s more?”

“Those women with heavy makeup wearing loose clothes, you know?”

“…”

“What’s wrong?”

“When did you see them wearing loose clothes?”

“No, I mean, why are you asking about how they dressed…”

So Lucy threw those women into the sea too.

Right after dealing with the troublemakers, she heard these words:

“That decent-looking brown-haired girl next to the black-haired guy who seems diligent?”

“What? He’s the target this time? Seems weak.”

“You idiot, don’t you know those meek-looking guys often save up money like treasures? Perfect for a quick robbery. Once I get his money pouch in my hands, I’ll just slit his throat and dump him in the sea.”

“But the girl with him was pretty. Will she fall for us?”

“You don’t know anything.”

The woman who was planning to seduce Lin raised her nose haughtily.

“Would a girl who knows she’s pretty go for a guy like that?”

So Lucy revealed herself and asked:

“What’s wrong with Lin?”

“Who the hell—urk!”

Screaming would wake Lin from his sleep, which would be troublesome.

She punched both women in the solar plexus with all her might, grabbed them by the collar, and threw them into the sea.

The waves were so rough that the splash wasn’t even audible.

“Compared to Lin, I’m far from enough.”

After confirming no one was around, Lucy smiled brightly at the moonlight.

Goddess, today too, I protected the world for Lin.

“Lucy? Lucy?”

“Yes, Lin, I’m listening.”

“Anyway, let’s be careful on deck. Especially don’t get too close to the railings.”

“Okay, thanks for worrying about me, Lin.”

It’s ecstatic to receive his concern.

Don’t show it too much.

I might make Lin uncomfortable, so just a kiss on the neck would be enough…

“Eh~ Hello, dear passengers aboard our ‘Gundo Goes Wherever It Pleases’ ship. I am Dr. Gundo, both captain and navigator. Our ship is scheduled to arrive at the Zramun Archipelago in exactly 13 minutes…”

Lucy was startled by the sudden announcement.

It was mysterious in many ways—the town they operated was small, yet the ship was sailing vessel-class and even had magical broadcasting equipment inside.

“Lin, we’re arriving!”

“Yes, let’s get ready.”

Lucy felt both regretful and excited about the journey ahead.

During their time on the ship, she hadn’t done anything to displease Lin and had enjoyed plenty of the casual conversations she’d dreamed of.

The ship schedule was ending, but the Zramun Archipelago was in its festival period.

Lin had warned her in advance about demons being present, but Lucy wanted to quickly obtain the demon sword, eliminate them, and enjoy the festival with him, even if just a little.

Finally, the ship docked at the pier.

“Lin, what should we do now?”

She asked with anticipation.

“Don’t worry, Lucy. I’ve prepared everything.”

“Really?”

“We’re going straight to where the festival is being held.”

“Really?!”

Lucy was overjoyed.

So Lin had the same idea.

A festival date with her… No, no.

Don’t get carried away, Lucy.

You haven’t been chosen by Lin yet, nor have you been forgiven. Stop getting ahead of yourself.

Still, she couldn’t help but let a grin escape.

“Not completely, but we can enjoy the festival while earning money too.”

No way! Look at this! He said we can enjoy it!

And earn money too!

…Huh?

“How will we earn money?”

Lucy asked blankly.

But before Lin could answer, a large figure jumped out at the dock and shouted:

“Hey! Anyone here for the festival porter job, get out here now!”

“Me! Me!”

Lin raised his hand high and shouted as he rushed forward.

He looked slightly excited, unlike his usual self, which was unfamiliar.

“Oh! Good spirit! What’s your name?”

“Chunsik! Lee Chunsik!”

“Alright, Chunsik! Are you alone?”

“No!”

Lin gestured toward Lucy.

“Sooni! Come over here quick! This is popular! Spots fill up fast!”

The old Lucy would have been disappointed and deflated at this point.

But the current Lucy’s heart was pounding uncontrollably just from seeing Lin smiling and gesturing toward her.

“Sooni!”

“Coming right now!”

Sooni also ran energetically to Chunsik’s side.

“What kind of Sooni are you?”

“L-Lee Sooni!”

She subtly used the same surname as Lin.

As if they were a married couple.

“You’re a girl… it might be tough, but can you handle it?”

When the big man asked worriedly, Sooni smiled brightly and pointed at Chunsik.

“I can do well if I’m with him!”