On the deck of the Indus vessel, Endi lay on the brink of life and death.
Two-thirds of his blood had drained away, and death loomed just a breath away.
While everyone else fretted over Endi, Darmaine sneered.
"Save him, you say? Even if you were some world-class surgeon, it'd be impossible!"
Lamia ignored his heartless taunt, silently placing both hands over Endi's abdomen.
At once, a radiant, mystical glow burst forth from her palms, gently enfolding his body.
The brilliance shone like a sacred light tearing through the night sky of stars. Jessica, Darmaine, and the mafiosi held their breath.
"Stop that! Stop it right now! On this glorious day I've finally earned my freedom, and you're gonna let some half-dead brat stain my ship with bad luck? Toss him overboard at once!"
Darmaine stomped forward. But Jessica raised her dagger, standing firm before him.
"Take one more step, and you'll regret it. Touch Endi, and I'll never forgive you."
Her voice rang like a blade that commanded the storm. Darmaine shrank back, visibly unnerved.
"You're mafia, aren't you? I've seen you in Mildonia before. Why in the hell are you shielding Endi?"
"L-look… Jessica, look!"
One of her subordinates gaped and pointed.
When Jessica turned, she saw the glow spilling from Lamia's hands, wrapping Endi as his wounds closed before their eyes. The sight was as if a miracle from legend had been made manifest. The crew gasped in disbelief.
"So that's what it is."
Cain landed on the deck, his face grave. His eyes glimmered like they were peering into forbidden depths.
Endi's consciousness drifted once more into that strange dream at the edge of death.
Under a clear blue sky, a single cherry tree bloomed in full splendor. Pale pink petals fluttered like snow, while a gentle breeze caressed his heart with warmth, filling his chest with happiness. From behind, a woman embraced him, and joy surged through his soul. Just as he turned to glimpse her face—the dream dissolved.
Slowly, Endi opened his eyes.
His wounds had vanished, and vitality visibly surged back into his features.
Lamia's tears and smile greeted him.
"Endi… you came back to me again. Thank you. Thank you for being alive."
Her voice flowed like the whisper of a spring fountain. Tears welled in Endi's eyes as well.
"Lamia… I'm so glad you're safe."
Relief welled from his chest, like the morning sun dissolving the dark.
Lamia bowed her head.
"I'm sorry for keeping it secret. I can heal wounds. That's why they were after me. I dragged you into this… I'm so sorry."
Her confession shone like the release of a hidden star's light.
At that moment, Darmaine clapped mockingly, his expression feigning admiration.
"Remarkable, Lamia! I'd heard rumors of your gift, but to think you could heal flesh and bone itself… no wonder Azbal wants you. If it weren't for me, you'd still be a slave to them 'til your dying breath!"
"Hmph. Spare me. You ignored my warning and set sail anyway. You planned to use her as a hostage to make your getaway, didn't you?"
Cain's piercing words made Darmaine stiffen.
Jessica pressed even harder, merciless in her rebuke.
"You sacrificed the convicts in the punishment cells, using them as decoys, all just to escape alone. So many died for you. You're the lowest kind of scum."
"Sh-shut up! Everyone's alive, aren't they? All's well that ends well!"
But Darmaine was already drowning beneath their scorn, like a forsaken ghost.
"At least try to redeem yourself. You're going to take us to Baleralc."
"Baleralc!? Are you insane? That's walking straight into a noose!"
"You won't be caught. I'll show you a secret route—absolutely undetectable. And if you've got nowhere to go once we arrive, you can join my crew."
Jessica's words made Darmaine's fury flare. But when Cain glared, he crumbled.
"You'll do as told. Got it?"
Grinding his teeth, Darmaine slunk toward the helm.
Jessica turned to her men.
"Keep an eye on that coward. Don't let him out of your sight."
"Aye!"
Four subordinates trailed after him.
Endi trembled in awe as his wounds were gone.
"Incredible… I'm healed."
"Don't move yet. The wounds are gone, but the blood you lost hasn't returned. Rest for now."
Lamia rose, bowing deeply to Cain and Jessica.
"Thank you both. You fought alongside Endi, didn't you? Without you, I'd still be a hostage, and I never could have healed him. Truly, thank you."
Her gratitude flowed like a clear stream over stone.
Jessica smirked.
"I heard you're a royal maid. Someone like you bowing to a mafia? Be careful—I might lock you up myself when we reach Baleralc."
"Oh, that doesn't matter. Besides, you're not the kind of person who'd do that. You don't look bad at all. My name's Lamia. Nice to meet you!"
Her smile gleamed like morning dew.
When she extended her hand, Jessica reluctantly shook it, cheeks faintly flushed.
"…Jessica. And if you're thanking anyone, thank my subordinates—they're the ones who flew the craft to rescue us."
"Then we're friends now, right? If you're ever hurt, just tell me. And what's your name?"
She turned to Cain.
"Cain." He answered curtly.
"Are you Endi's friend?"
"Not really."
Cain walked away toward the edge of the deck.
Endi grinned, teasing.
"Don't be shy, Cain. He was all alone on that island, so I dragged him around to keep him company."
Cain scowled and shot him a glare.
Meanwhile, Lamia tugged Jessica toward the galley.
"Endi, Jessica and I are going to cook now. You stay put and rest, okay?"
"Hey, why me!?"
"Don't worry about it, come on."
The two walked off like newly bound sisters.
Endi sat up slowly.
The eastern sky blazed with sunrise, gilding the deck in gold.
"Wow… beautiful!"
Lamia's voice trilled like a bird in the dawn breeze.
Endi, captivated by both the dawn and her beauty, murmured:
"Yeah… beautiful."
His words resounded like new hope echoing across the sea.