The veteran who had apologized after the fight introduced himself as Valen, a skyfarer traveling with his party.
He explained, almost sheepishly, that they were currently Starforged rank, not exactly the highest in the guild hierarchy, but far above novices. Normally, his team traveled in their own vessel, but after a disastrous encounter with a devil leviathan that had left their ship in drydock for repairs, they were forced to use public transport for the time being.
As he spoke, I felt Lira's arms slide around me from behind. She hugged me tightly, pressing herself against my back with deliberate affection, her golden eyes gleaming with pride. Her hands roamed over my chest and shoulders without shame, her touch claiming me as much as comforting me.
I had grown used to her sudden waves of shyness when it was just the two of us. But in front of others? That side of her vanished. Here, she was bold, almost provocative, staking her claim so that every skyfarer on the deck would know exactly who I belonged to.
The envious glares that shot my way made that intention perfectly clear.
Still, I ignored them. Let them stew.
Valen's eyes lingered on my pistols. "You said your mana capacity matches well with those? Fascinating. I've trained my whole life in physical enhancement, blades, and speed. I've never even had the chance to fire a mana pistol."
His curiosity was genuine, not condescending. That alone made me warm to him. I gladly showed off the pistols, explaining what little I knew of their function. He nodded along, thoughtful, as if already imagining the possibilities.
Before long, uniformed crew members appeared on deck. One bowed and addressed us with crisp politeness.
"Skyfarers, thank you for aiding the ship in our time of need. The captain wishes to extend his personal gratitude. He invites you all to join him for dinner this evening at seven o'clock. Please come dressed for the occasion."
He gave another low bow and departed, leaving us buzzing with surprise.
Valen and his party offered me a few more apologies, genuine ones this time, before taking their leave. Lira and I, satisfied with our work and our new reputation, returned to our cabin.
"Max, that was incredible," Lira said the moment the door closed. She pressed herself against me again, her voice almost sing-song with delight. "Not only did you save the ship, but you used those pistols in ways I didn't think possible."
I scratched the back of my neck, half-pleased, half-irritated. "Thanks. Though I hate that I couldn't shoot both pistols at the same time with any accuracy."
Her brows lifted. "Why even try that?"
I shrugged. "The original owner must have had a reason for carrying two. I figured maybe using them together unlocked something."
Her lips curved knowingly. "Truth be told…" She launched into an explanation while we dressed for dinner.
According to the books she'd taken from the ruins, the pistols' original master had been an Arcane Marksman who specialized in dual-channeling. He would infuse each pistol with a different element, lightning in one, void magic in the other, combining their effects to devastating results. Without spellcasting ability, I couldn't replicate his techniques yet. Still, training both hands in accuracy would eventually pay off.
That thought settled in my mind as Lira laid out clothes for me. She had chosen a dark blue suit with a lighter shirt, the top button tastefully undone, and polished black shoes that gleamed like obsidian. She even styled my hair with some scented oil she'd bought earlier, making me look more polished than I'd ever felt in my life.
Her own gown nearly made me forget we had dinner to attend at all. A baby-blue silk dress, backless and clinging just enough to reveal the curves it concealed. Paired with delicate silver earrings and heels that clicked elegantly against the floor, she looked every inch a noblewoman.
"I can't wait to peel this all off later," she whispered, teasing.
We walked arm in arm through the corridors, her heels tapping rhythmically against the planks. Every passenger we passed gave us long looks, some admiring, many jealous. For once, I didn't mind being the center of attention.
The captain's mess was a small but richly decorated chamber. White curtains hung between golden-trimmed walls. Tables draped in linen dotted the space, and two long buffets at the far end displayed food and desserts like a painter's palette of colors.
Most of the other skyfarers had already arrived, including Valen and his companions. None were dressed as finely as we were, and Valen wasted no time commenting.
"You two certainly look the part," he said with a grin. "You aren't nobles, are you? Those clothes are too fine for simple skyfarers."
I opened my mouth to deny it, but Lira interjected smoothly.
"Actually, I hold an honorary baronette title. Non-hereditary, of course. And when my partner and I marry, he won't inherit it."
Her words landed like thunder in my chest. Marry? She spoke as though it were inevitable, a simple fact. For a dark elf who believed in mana resonance bonds, perhaps it was. But still…
I also hadn't known she was technically nobility. It wasn't much, a recognition of service, not lands or responsibilities, but still, it changed the way others looked at her. And at us.
A maid in a crisp uniform arrived with drinks, and I was introduced to something I immediately recognized as divine: bourbon. Strong, sweet, and smooth, it burned its way down my throat in the best possible way. Lira explained it was distilled liquor, a favorite among nobles. My respect for noble taste skyrocketed instantly.
The room hushed as the captain arrived.
Tall, broad-shouldered, with streaks of grey in his hair, he wore a navy-style uniform reminiscent of Arcadia's military. He removed his cap and bowed.
"Before we begin," he said, voice carrying command, "allow me to offer my deepest gratitude. I am Helius Dectus, captain of this vessel. Tonight we honor ten brave souls who, though passengers, risked themselves to protect this ship."
His eyes swept the group, landing briefly on me before moving on. I instinctively opened my mouth to downplay things, but Lira squeezed my arm sharply. I kept quiet.
"There are over sixty registered skyfarers on board," he continued, "yet only you stepped forward. For that, you have my thanks."
A crewman moved among us, handing each skyfarer a small pouch.
"Inside, you'll find your fare refunded, and a card for unlimited food and drink until we reach port. Additionally, I'll be reporting your actions to the guild for an official rating adjustment."
My heart leapt. Free food, free drink, and a reputation boost? That alone was reward enough.
But then the captain turned directly to me.
"Now, which of you is Maxwell? I am told your efforts carried the greatest weight in our defense."
The others nudged me forward. Helius smiled and presented two more gifts.
The first was a bronze pocket watch, ornate and weighty. Not just a timepiece, but a navigator's tool: a compass, a chart, even capable of tracking registered mana signatures. A captain's privilege, rarely given to outsiders.
The second gift was unexpected. When he asked what else I might like, I simply raised my glass of bourbon.
His laugh boomed, and he personally arranged for me to receive fifteen bottles from his private collection, along with two crystal glasses enchanted to maintain perfect temperature.
By the time Lira and I returned to our cabin, both of us were flushed with satisfaction, her from pride, me from bourbon. She tugged me close, whispering with a wicked grin, "I need a shower after all that. And you're going to join me."