flstandardbreds Chapter 114: Setting Sail, Targeting Liyue
Chapter 114: Setting Sail, Targeting Liyue
The next morning, the sun shone down on the outlying island harbor, and a bustling crowd had already gathered. Even the current head of the Hiiragi family, Chisato Hiiragi, had come in person. When Xinyang and Linghua hurried to the outlying island, they were stunned by the spectacular sight before them.
Xin Yang couldn't help but joked, "Wow, it seems my wife is really popular! Apart from holidays, I've never seen such a large crowd gathered in this place."
Linghua glared at him and said angrily, "Don't talk nonsense. How can I have such a big influence? Besides, we didn't publicize our departure too much this time, so people may not know we're leaving. After all, this is a port, and the flow of people is relatively large. This is also a normal thing."
Despite saying this, Linghua knew deep down that even at a port, there shouldn't be so many people gathered there. Linghua's curiosity was piqued, and she secretly wondered why these people had come.
"Look! It's Princess Bai Lu!" No one knew who was the first to shout this sentence, but at that moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Linghua.
Chisato Hiiragi stepped forward, bowed to Ayaka, and spoke, "Ms. Kamisato, we, the Kanjo Bugyo, have received intelligence that you will be temporarily leaving Inazuma today to embark on a new journey in another country. We've prepared the necessary arrangements on the outlying islands in advance, considering that a large number of people may come to see you off."
At this point, Hiiragi Chisato paused for a moment, then continued, "Five years ago, due to the wrong decision made by our Kanjo Bugyo, you, Miss Kamisato, suffered great harm. I have always felt guilty about this matter, and our entire Kanjo Bugyo owes you an apology. I am truly sorry!"
Linghua wore a faint smile, showing no sign of wanting to embarrass Chisato Hiiragi. "That incident is a thing of the past, Chisato has nothing to do with you. I still remember that you spent an entire day with me on the outlying island. No matter how the positions of the two magistrates change, we will always be good friends."
Hearing this, Chisato Hiiragi's heart was filled with emotion. She hadn't actually known the details of the conspiracy back then; she had simply followed her father's instructions and helped Linghua celebrate a special birthday. Those times were undoubtedly beautiful and unforgettable, and the memories remain deeply etched in Chisato Hiiragi's heart.
"Thank you, Ayaka," Hiiragi Chisato replied softly, tears glistening in her eyes. She was deeply grateful for Ayaka's understanding and tolerance, and at the same time, she was grateful for the precious friendship between them.
Hiiragi Chisato quickly wiped away her tears. "I lost my composure. Thank you for accepting my apology. I'm sorry for wasting your time. The Southern Cross fleet has arrived at the port and is ready to set sail. Please get on board."
Linghua gently hugged Chisato Hiiragi and whispered, "Thank you." Then, the people at the port who came to see Linghua off spontaneously made way for her.
Linghua and Xinyang boarded the Southern Cross Fleet's ship together. Standing on the wide deck, they gazed at the islands drifting further and further away, their hearts filled with emotion.
The sea breeze gently caressed Linghua's hair. She turned her head, her eyes gleaming with eager anticipation for the journey ahead. "This is my first time traveling on such a large ship. I'm so excited for the journey ahead!"
Xinyang held Linghua's hand tightly, a smile on his face as he replied, "That's right. When I was in Inazuma, every day was occupied by busy work, so there was no free time to go out to sea. Not to mention the frequent thunderstorms in the open sea. Now that there is suddenly nothing to do, it's really a bit hard to adapt."
The ship sailed smoothly across the sea, like a lone leaf swaying in the rough sea. Soon, a few dark clouds drifted across the sky, gradually converging into a thick, black curtain, foreshadowing the coming of a storm. The sea breeze also picked up, whistling over the side of the ship and stirring up layers of waves.
Beidou stood at the bow, her figure like a resolute reef, unafraid of the impending challenge. She stamped her sword under her feet and shouted, "Brothers, the wind is about to pick up! Get ready!" Her voice was clear and resonant, piercing the roar of the gale and reaching the ears of every crew member.
The crew sprang into action, their work clearly divided. They quickly furled the sails, secured the ropes, and checked the cabins for leaks. Each had a serious expression, but their eyes betrayed trust in Beidou and confidence in their own skills.
Linghua's expression grew worried, clinging to the side of the boat tightly, her gaze fixed on the dark clouds rolling in the distance. Xinyang, standing nearby, noticed Linghua's uneasiness and reached out to hold her hand tightly, reassuring her, "Don't be afraid, this is just a minor incident. Beidou's ship has weathered countless storms and they have extensive experience; they'll definitely make it through this."
Beidou smiled, a smile full of confidence and determination. "Of course, the Dark Star was born for storms. We will sail through every storm and reach the other side."
The storm arrived as expected, the waves pounding against the ship like a ferocious beast. The ship rocked violently, threatening to be swallowed up at any moment. Linghua and Xinyang supported each other, struggling to keep steady. Together with the crew, they fought the storm with all their might.
The seawater surged onto the deck, soaking everyone's clothes. But no one flinched, sticking to their posts and guarding the crumbling ship together.
After a thrilling battle, the storm finally subsided. The sea returned to calm, and sunlight streamed through the clouds, illuminating the shimmering surface. Linghua and Xinyang looked at each other's bewildered appearance and couldn't help but smile at each other.
"It seems like we've been given a warning at the very beginning of this trip." Xinyang joked after helping Linghua tidy up her hair.
Linghua nodded gently: "Yeah, but there's no rainbow without wind and rain."
Over the next few days, the sun shone brightly, the sky clear, and the sea breeze caressed the sails, propelling the vessel forward at a rapid pace. The crew, in high spirits and full of energy, worked tirelessly to steer the vessel. Thanks to favorable weather, favorable wind direction, and favorable speed, the vessel's speed far exceeded expectations.
Finally, after a pleasant and smooth voyage, the ship arrived at Liyue Port ahead of schedule. From afar, the bustling outlines of Liyue's city gradually became clear. The docks were bustling with activity, busy loading and unloading cargo, welcoming and seeing off passengers. The ship slowly approached the shore, and the crew happily disembarked, taking in Liyue's unique atmosphere and warm sunshine.