NOVPUBAs it turned out, Aquaria could technically get X-Piece across the ocean. However, she would only use her power when she thinks that Kuufa was capable enough of handling it.
“We’ll just have to wait. We’ll also have to inform Power Robin-san that we’ll be delayed using the Harpy transport, just in case…”
“I’ve got tickets for the last ship, you know…”
The man who spoke to X-Piece was a middle-aged man of good physique. They could tell this person was a man of the sea, and his presence was imposing enough to show that he was in a leadership position.
His confident smile made a good impression on X-Piece.
“And you are?”
“I’m Baroque, I’m the dock master. The guy at the desk there is a new guy. I guess you were in such a hurry to tell everyone that the tickets were all sold out.”
“I, I’m sorry! Baroque-san!”
The receptionist rushed over and bowed to Baroque.
“Don’t worry about it. You go take a break. I’ll take care of the last passengers, including these kids.”
“Yes… Thank you so much for your help.”
The new guy, who was so dreading his mistake, soon moved away. Litty watched Baroque’s interaction with his subordinate and liked his good-natured, subordinate-friendly personality.
It reminded her of Rogai who instructed her some time ago.
“Thank you very much, Baroque-san.”
“Hey. It’s our job to make sure no one misses their ferry. So, are you really adventurers just as I assumed?”
“Yes, we are a party called X-Piece. We are all 3rd Rank.”
“3rd Rank!? And only girls… along with beings I don’t even recognize…”
He seemed to be unfamiliar with Aquaria, but she was probably not the one he was referring to.
For some reason, even though Baroque was happily chatting with X-Piece, however, through all this, Myan who was wrapped around Litty, was not moving or squealing.
At first, Aquaria found it strange, but then she decided to ignore it and not mention it.
“…Well, it should be fine…”
She took one look at Mirai, who was still attached to Kuufa trembling, and then continued what she was usually doing.
***
“Ah, I’m so tired…” (New employee)
“Good work. It must be difficult to work on the shop floor, isn’t it?”
“Yes, the number of customers has really increased recently…” (New employee)
The sun went down, and the day came to an end for those that were working at the docks. In the break area of their office, the workers spent the rest of the day chatting about the day’s events.
The new guy leaned back in his chair and reflected on the events of the day.
“I got screwed at the last minute today, senior. I didn’t realize that we still had last-minute tickets to board a ship, and I almost caused the girls to lose money staying at an Inn waiting for the tickets to be available.”
“…hmm?”
“If it weren’t for Baroque-san, I would have let them go home. I still can’t seem to get rid of this kind of mistake.”
“What are you talking about?”
The veteran man froze, still holding the glass with the drink in it.
“I’m talking about Baroque-san. That man is really dependable, isn’t he? That’s why he’s a dock master, you know.”
“You got Baroque-san to save you? Seriously? Really? Oi…”
“Yes, that’s right. You also said that he helped you, as well, right?”
“…I’m going to hit you, even if you’re joking.”
The new guy was grabbed by the chest. Unsure of the reason he was dragged along, the new guy was left to the mercy of his senior.
“Wait, what are you doing?”
“Don’t make a joke about a man who committed suicide last year.”
“What?”
“You saw it too, didn’t you? You saw him hang himself in his room…”
