Chapter 420: Keshia is on Board!
Aboard the God's Ship of the Dragon Hunter Pirates.
"Captain, a ship has appeared ahead," Conrad reported quickly from the lookout's post. "Perona's on board—the same one who stayed here before. But she's not alone. There's another woman with her, someone who looks a little like Perona, though our intelligence network doesn't have any data on her. No records, no affiliations. Likely someone unknown."
Ryuunosuke leaned back in thought. "Strangers, arriving with Perona… Could it be connected to that man?"
For a moment, Brook's name flickered through his mind, but he dismissed the thought just as quickly. If it were truly one of Brook's people, they wouldn't simply stroll up to him so boldly.
"Let them aboard," Ryuunosuke said after a pause.
The ships closed distance. Perona floated lightly onto the deck with her usual ghostly grace, while the newcomer—Keshia—folded her ship into a tiny charm, hugging it to her chest before stepping onto the deck with confidence.
"Perona," Ryuunosuke greeted with a smile, "what a surprise. Why are you here instead of sticking by Moria?"
"Hmph! Captain Moria sent me here. What, you're not happy to see me?" Perona crossed her arms with her familiar pout.
Ryuunosuke only chuckled. That attitude was simply her nature.
His gaze shifted to the newcomer. "And who might you be?"
The moment Keshia boarded, he had sensed it—an aura not unlike Sevian's. This wasn't some spoiled eccentric like Perona. No, this woman carried the heavy pressure of a Guardian.
"My name is Keshia, and I'm… well, a lovely person," she said boldly, as if the declaration alone carried weight. "I came here to see what you're all up to. I might stay on this ship for a while. Can you arrange a cabin for me?"
The crew blinked in silence. Ryuunosuke raised a brow. Of all the introductions he'd ever heard, this one was truly unique.
"…Welcome," Ryuunosuke finally said, lips twitching. "Najenda, prepare a cabin for Keshia. Everyone else, carry on."
He turned and left without further explanation, leaving Najenda to deal with the two guests.
"Miss Keshia, Miss Perona, please follow me," Najenda said politely. "I'll arrange your cabins. If you need anything, let us know. You're also welcome to join in our activities on board."
After settling them in, Najenda excused herself.
Keshia sat on her bed, brows furrowed. "Have the Dragon Hunters always been this… lax? Even though I'm cute, this is far too casual. Shouldn't they be more cautious?"
She had also noticed something else—many on this ship radiated power, strange and vibrant, not at all like some ragtag pirate gang.
"I don't know," Perona shrugged. "When I first boarded, the captain recognized me right away. He gave me a place without question. The rest… I can't really say. This ship is strange. The people here laugh, train, fight, feast—it doesn't feel like other crews."
"Strange, huh?" Keshia muttered, intrigue flashing in her eyes. "I'll see for myself. Maybe they'll reveal something to confuse us."
In the control room, Nojiko frowned. "Captain, isn't it… improper for us to be listening in on a woman's room like this?"
Through Gaino, the living spirit of the Ship of the Gods, every sound aboard the ship reached them. Keshia and Perona's words were no exception.
Ryuunosuke's face remained unreadable. "They're testing us. That much is clear. For now, we ignore it and continue our plan."
Leaving the control room, he stepped onto the deck. The crew had just finished training when Ban stretched and called out lazily.
"Captain, can we have some wine? Nothing refreshes after battle like a drink."
Ryuunosuke smiled faintly. "Prepare a banquet! We'll reach our destination soon enough. Another battle awaits—so enjoy yourselves while you can."
Cheers erupted, and the deck was quickly transformed into a lively feast.
When Keshia finally emerged, the party was already in full swing. Long tables groaned with food, mugs clashed, laughter boomed across the deck.
"So this is a pirate banquet?" Keshia muttered, unimpressed. "It doesn't seem that special… Just a noisy meal. Hardly dignified."
Nobility and Guardians didn't indulge in such crude chaos. Surely, someone as refined as her wouldn't lower herself to join.
"I'll get something first," Perona said brightly. "The Dragon Hunters' food is delicious. You'll see." She floated off into the party without hesitation.
Keshia eyes flicked toward the laughter and chatter. The warmth, the cheer—it was unlike anything she had ever seen among the Guardians.
"…Is it really that fun?" she whispered to herself. "No… I'm Lord Keshia. I couldn't possibly—"
"Have a drink?"
She froze. Ryuunosuke stood before her, holding out a glass of wine.
Keshia blinked, flustered. "Wh-what's so good about this? I suppose… Let me try."
She raised the glass, took a sip—then coughed. "Ugh! So bitter! This is wine? It tastes awful!"
But soon, after another hesitant sip… then another… her cheeks turned rosy.
"Hahaha!" Keshia suddenly laughed, swaying slightly. "So this is drinking? They never let me try before! This is… actually kind of fun!"
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