The ocean breeze carried salt and frustration across the deck.
Vael leaned on the railing, staring at the horizon like it personally offended her. The waves crashed peacefully, but her temples throbbed like war drums.
How did my life come to this? she thought, rubbing her forehead.
Muffled screaming echoed below deck.
"LET ME OUT, YOU LITTLE BRAT!"
Vael didn't bother turning. "She's been at it for an hour now."
Below deck, Reider stood outside a locked cabin door like a bored guard. Mei's fury shook the wood like it owed her money.
"You'll get tired soon," he said calmly.
BANG.
"Oh, I'll show you tired when I get out of here!"
Vael walked down the stairs just in time to see the door rattle again.
"Still alive, Reider?"
"Yes." His tone flat, like dying wasn't even a realistic outcome. "She's loud, but ineffective."
"Careful," Vael smirked. "She might take that as a challenge."
Right on cue—
BOOOOOM!
The cabin door exploded off its hinges. Mei burst out like a demon freshly summoned, hair wild, energy feral.
Vael whistled. "Told you."
Mei grabbed Reider by the collar like she intended to fold him in half. "WHAT KIND OF SON KIDNAPS HIS OWN MOTHER?!"
Reider blinked. "We are almost the same age."
"I CARRIED YOU IN MY ARMS!"
Vael leaned casually against the wall. "To be fair, he's technically two months old."
"That makes me younger than both of you," Reider added.
Mei paused. Face flushed. Brain lagging. "…Damn it, that's weird."
Vael, loving every second, snorted. "Having a full-grown man as your son suddenly feels strange?"
"OF COURSE IT DOES!"
"But you said you'd be my mother," Reider reminded.
"When you were TINY!"
"Still tiny," Vael teased, "just mentally."
Reider crossed his arms. "I do not think I am small."
"Yeah, that's the problem," Mei muttered.
Vael leaned toward Mei. "So does that make you an old lady now?"
"EXCUSE ME?!"
Reider nodded thoughtfully. "You did say you raised me. That means you are older."
Mei pointed at both of them, trembling with outrage. "I HATE YOU BOTH."
"Looks like your mom is in denial," Vael sang.
"That is common in older people," Reider added.
"I'M GOING TO THROW YOU BOTH OVERBOARD!"
Vael dodged gracefully. Reider stepped aside like she wasn't even a threat.
Mei tripped on the rocking deck. "No—WAIT—!"
THUMP. She crashed straight into Reider. They tumbled into a heap.
Vael smirked. "You two really are mother and son."
Mei's face went redder than fresh blood. "W-WHY ARE YOU SO SOLID?!"
"I train."
Vael clapped, delighted. "Oh, I love this trip already."
"I AM TOO YOUNG FOR THIS STRESS!" Mei shouted, storming away.
Reider watched her go. "Does this mean I am grounded?"
Vael patted his shoulder. "Oh, you are so doomed."
"I HEARD THAT!" echoed across the ship.
"Should we let her calm down?" Reider asked.
"Or keep teasing her?"
Reider considered. "The second one."
---
Arriving in the City
Hours later, the ship slid into a bustling harbor. Towers glimmered in sunlight, bridges arched over canals, and the sound of merchants filled the streets.
Vael blinked. "Well… this is more lively than I expected."
"It's so crowded…" Mei whispered, overwhelmed.
Three robed officials approached.
"Travelers, state your names and purpose."
Reider answered instantly. "I have come with my wives."
Time stopped.
Mei froze.
Vael froze.
Even the seagulls paused.
A muscle in Vael's eyebrow twitched. Mei's fist clenched her cloak so hard it nearly ripped.
The officials nodded approvingly. "A noble journey. Welcome."
They moved on. Reider walked forward like nothing happened.
Mei and Vael stayed behind, souls leaving their bodies.
Silence. Pure humiliation.
They slowly followed. Avoiding eye contact. Faces red. Entire internal existence screaming.
Reider looked back. "Are you two coming?"
They both snapped upright. "Of course!"
Too fast. Too eager. Painfully suspicious.
They marched forward. Still not looking at each other.
Vael's cheeks stayed pink. Mei coughed into her cloak.
A jewelry vendor shouted, "Beautiful ring for your wife?"
Both women froze again.
Reider nodded. "Yes, they would like one."
Mei grabbed his wrist, whispering furiously. "Stop. Talking."
Vael smirked. "Why not try one on, Mei?"
"I will end you."
"Are you fighting?" Reider asked.
"Not at all!" they both forced, smiling like broken puppets.
Reider stared. Shrugged. Walked on.
Vael whispered, smug, "You're blushing."
"Shut up."
"I didn't say anything."
"You didn't have to."
They continued side-by-side, stiff and silent, glaring at each other every five steps.
Reider walked ahead, oblivious, already scanning the towering city for the path forward.
Behind him, his "wives" marched like two generals pretending not to be at war.
And neither of them dared mention it.
---
TO BE CONTINUED…