I looked up at the gigantic ship in front of us where groups of sailors were busy preparing the ship for disembarkation.
Odeta came to stand beside me, “Woooow~ Even though we’ve already seen it before, seeing it again is still impressive!”
Katsuki also joined me on my other side, “Indeed it is. It truly makes me wonder how something like this could stay afloat…”
I noticed a hint of trepidation in Katsuki’s voice.
Oh, that’s right, this would be Katsuki’s first time sailing on a ship right?
“Are you worried about the sea, Katsuki?”
“Not exactly, Mistress. If it was an assassin or bandit, I’m confident that I could protect you. But if something were to happen to Mistress while we’re out at sea… I’m not confident in my skills to help Mistress in an event of the ship capsizing…”
“Do not worry, little Katsuki, that is what I am here for,” A voice came from behind us.
All of us turned to see our family’s Head Combat Butler Sebastian standing behind us, his posture ramrod straight while carrying our luggages in his hands without much effort.
I’ve not really interacted much with him ever since that day when I registered as a Dungeoneer despite seeing him around the mansion a few times. Katsuki however, spent quite a lot of time with him while he was training her combat skills.
“Hello Sebastian,” I greeted him with a smile. “Will you be following us on the cruise as well?”
“That is correct, young Mistress. Both Mary and I shall be in charge of you, your friends and the Madam’s safety and comfort.”
Odeta puffed up her chest, “I can protect myself and sister Aster too!”
“Oh, I’m sure you can, young lady. If anyone were to get past me, I will be counting on you to protect our young Mistress.”
“Wahaha! You can leave it to me!” Odeta thumped her chest proudly.
Sebastian already knows how to handle her it seems, he’s quite perceptive.
Right then, I spotted Lisa running towards me with a bright smile on her face and a backpack slung over her shoulder, “Assssteeeerrr~ I’m here!!”
That was when I realised she was not wearing the ring that prevented people from seeing her true form so her Infrid features were on full display.
Odeta and Katsuki were both visibly stunned by that fact and gaped at her even as she reached us. Sebastian, on the other hand, showed no reaction to her.
“I’m here, I’m here! I’m not late, am I?”
I giggled, “Ufufufu, not at all. I’m surprised you’re not wearing that artefact of yours though?”
“Oh! We’re leaving the city anyway so it doesn’t matter~ Besides, it’s better like this, isn’t it?”
Odeta pointed a finger at her, “Lisa?”
The Infrid waved at her, “Hi! I guess this is the first time you two are seeing me in my real form eh? I usually wear a ring that prevents others from seeing my real self~ I guess I should introduce myself again. I’m Lisa, an Infrid who came here from Arwan Territory and Aster’s… Ahem. And Aster’s friend! Nice to meet you!”
Oh god, she definitely almost introduced herself as my cumdumpster there… She really would use that as her introduction…
Sebastian bowed, “Good morning, Miss Lisa. I am Sebastian, Head Combat Butler of the Nilm Family.”
Katsuki recovered from her surprise quickly, “Unn… Nice to meet you… Lisa.”
Odeta was still in shock over the revelation so all she could do was stare at Lisa with her mouth opened.
“Ara, ara? I see my little one’s dear friend has chosen to be yourself on our trip?” Mother giggled, appearing behind Sebastian with Mary escorting her.
Lisa scratched her head, “Ehehe~ That’s right, Mama! Aster likes me like this after all!”
“Ufufufu~ Then that’s perfect~ I see we are all here now, shall we board the ship?”
Mother came beside me and held my hand in hers, leading the way towards the ramp that served as the boarding area for the ship.
There were a few such ramps present and it seems like we weren’t the only ones who were going on a cruise aboard this ship. There were also others who were using the ship as a means to travel as well with quite a number of them being Mercenaries, judging by their equipment.
The good thing was that Mother got us the VVIP package so we went to the ramp that had no one queuing up to board on it.
Waiting there was Emilia herself, the Nekomata’s face brightening up the moment she saw us.
She did a perfect ninety degree bow, “Good morning, honoured guests. We are pleased to welcome all of you aboard the Floating Pussy. We hope that your journey with us will be an enjoyable one.”
“This is the first time I’ve actually seen her being so polite. Must be because of the money Mama gave her,” Lisa whispered beside me.
Emilia then straightened herself before gesturing towards the ramp, “Please follow me, I will show you to your suite.”
She led the way up the ramp before moving towards the aft of the ship, showing us a private staircase that was being guarded by a pair of Nekomata sailors.
Descending down the stairs, we reached the bottom where the path was blocked by an ornate double door with gold trimmings. Even with my limited knowledge, I could guess that door was enchanted in some way.
Emilia took out a set of elaborate keys and unlocked the door for us, showing the way in to reveal a sitting room with a luxurious interior inside.
Granted, it wasn’t as big as my current room nor was it as extravagant, but the walls and floor were actually made of what looked like marble so you could not even tell that you were on a ship just by looking at the room alone.
“This is our best Family Suite. The package you paid for is all inclusive and we have a servant assigned to this suite as well,” Emilia explained.
She stepped aside and a female Nekomata wearing a maid uniform appeared before us.
“I am Prifa, please allow me to serve you for the duration of your stay.”
Unexpectedly, Mary had stepped in front of her, “Unnecessary. Madam’s and Mistress’s needs shall be handled by us. We do not need additional people.”
Prifa seemed to be at a loss on what to do but Emilia quickly nodded, “I understand. I will assign her to be the liaise for this suite so if there’s anything you need you can contact her. But she will not serve dear guests directly.”
Mary nodded, “That is acceptable.”
I wondered why Mary was turning down extra help but maybe it’s a matter of pride or something?𝑶𝒱𝓵xt.𝒸𝑂𝓶
Emilia then continued forward, “Over here are the bedrooms that are free for you to use. Each of them has a bathroom attached to it as well.”
There were four doors in total which meant four bedrooms. That was a problem considering there were seven of us. How are we supposed to split ourselves?
“Would Mistress like a room for yourself?” Sebastian asked.
“Eh? Umm… I don’t mind sharing if that’s what you’re asking,” I replied quickly.
I mean, I invited Odeta and Lisa to come along, there’s no way I’ll just throw them in another room and take one for myself, right?
Sebastian nodded and turned to Mary, letting her decide on how to proceed.
“Madam will have the master bedroom while Mistress and her friends can have the room beside it. I’ll share a room with Katsuki and Sebastian can take the room closest to the door.”
Yep, that’s what I expected.
As long as I wasn’t alone in the room with Lisa, she probably would restrain herself more. Otherwise, I’d think she would be riding me from morning till night every day.
Seeing that we were done discussing room arrangements, Emilia continued with her introductions, “There is a bell attached at the front door that has been enchanted to ring another bell when struck. If you require any assistance, you can make use of that and Prifa will come and aid you.”
The maid in question bowed her head in response.
Emilia then turned back to us, “I’ll leave all of you to get settled in, the ship will be disembarking shortly as soon as everything is ready. If you require anything at all, please do not hesitate to inform me and I will do my best to accommodate you.”
She bowed before leaving us with the maid following behind her, allowing us to get ourselves familiar with the room.
Sebastian went to his assigned room while Mary went with Mother, leaving Katsuki, Odeta and Lisa with me.
The four of us entered our room and we found a lavishly decorated bedroom with a four poster bed and carpeted flooring. When Emilia said they pride themselves on serving nobles as well, she wasn’t kidding.
Odeta immediately started rolling on the floor, “Woooow!! Sister Aster! The ground is so soft and comfy! This place is great!”
“Ehehe~ This bed looks sturdy enough Aster… Shall we test if it creaks?” Lisa giggled.
Katsuki picked up my luggage in her hands, “Mistress, I shall be unpacking your luggage over here.”
The three of them were already doing their own things eh?
Well, we’re on vacation after all, I should relax too! It’s my first time on a ship in this World and we’re even going out to sea!
I wonder what kind of sweets they have here? Maybe we’ll even get to see mermaids on the way?
Ohh! Surely they will have sweets too, right? I can’t wait to set out already!