Chapter 73
Because of the trouble of pulling the idiot who fell into the sea back up, the departure of the tour boat was delayed by about twenty minutes.
Eventually, the boat carrying Reina, Clael, and the four capture targets began to move forward.
The boat, slicing through the water and riding the wind, was powered by magic, so it could move forward even without sails.
The sunlight was strong, but a pleasant sea breeze blew in, making it feel cool.
"Everyone, please look to your right. Over there is 'Seabird Island.'"
The female guide pointed to the right side of the boat.
There was a small green island, with countless seabirds circling around it.
"That island is uninhabited, but seabirds build their nests there. The albatrosses are generally white, but occasionally there's a golden one, and it's said that seeing it brings good luck."
The sight of countless white seabirds flying around was quite spectacular, though it felt a little unsettling.
"Lord Clael! Look down below!"
"Down?"
Reina tugged on Clael's sleeve.
As told, he looked below the boat... and there, swimming alongside the boat, were several shadows moving through the waves.
"Aren't those dolphins?"
"Dolphins... I know them from plushies, but this is my first time seeing real ones!"
Reina's cheeks flushed with excitement.
Likewise, children and young women among the passengers squealed in delight at the sight of the dolphins.
"Ah, those are Amira Dolphins, native to these coastal waters. They are gentle and kind-hearted, and there are even cases where they've rescued drowning people."
The guide promptly added an explanation.
It was unclear how many of the excited passengers were actually listening.
"Zzz..."
Meanwhile, some passengers were staring off in completely the wrong direction, at neither the dolphins nor the seabirds.
It was the four capture targets. They were oddly fixated on Clael and Reina.
Vincent and Will mostly gazed at the sea, occasionally glancing toward Clael and the others.
However, Eric was more blatant in his staring, and Luy was outright glaring.
(Are they trying to find a chance to talk to Reina after all?)
So thought Clael... but he was also receiving their attention.
(Are they watching me? Why?)
Clael was, after all, just a mob character.
Though he was Reina's foster parent, he wasn't in a position to be involved with the capture targets.
(Could it be that they're trying to win me over to get closer to Reina?)
Shoot the horse before the general.
Trying to use Clael, the foster parent, to gain Reina's interest was a plausible tactic.
(Well, I get it. If you want to woo a girl, you try to get in her dad's good graces. From the guy's perspective, it's tough with the old man watching.)
If he were to care about the capture targets, he should probably step aside quietly... but today, Reina came first.
Since Reina prioritized enjoying the trip over romance, it was best not to overthink things.
(Sorry, but I'm staying out of it today. Do your best when I'm not around.)
"Lord Clael! Over there, look, over there!"
"Ah, a whale is spouting. That's a rare sight."
"A whale... it's so huge! It's like a mountain!"
This time, Reina shouted in delight upon spotting a whale in the distance.
Clael gave a wry smile and gently watched over her.
"Kuh... That really is...!"
"They're seriously close, huh."
"...Yeah. Is he really just her foster parent?"
"Reina Onee-chan is mine...!"
The capture targets cast suspicious glances at the two, whose closeness didn't seem like that of a parent and child, but Clael remained unaware and continued to watch only Reina.