NOVPUBChapter 1373: 647 Across the Ocean_1 Chapter 1373: 647 Across the Ocean_1 On this day, under the high and clear sky, a pleasant breeze mixed with the salty, damp air of early spring caressed the skin, making one feel as if every pore was opening up in delight.
At Dolumb Port in Pethkids, a mid-sized cargo ship was docked.
People wearing uniform sailor outfits were conducting the final checks.
Meanwhile, on the open area of the pier, stood twenty tall and intimidating men, with fierce and courageous auras.
At a glance, one could tell they were accomplished fighters.
Before long, a sedan drew up at the pier and dozens of eyes turned eagerly towards it.
A young lady garbed in white disembarked from the sedan.
...
She was slender and tall, her skirts billowing as the wind swept by, lending her an ethereal beauty that seemed out of this world.
This was the master they were to serve henceforth – a seemingly fragile young girl.
Some among the crowd couldn’t help but frown in disdain.
A man emerged from the car and the crowd instantly bowed their heads in respect, “Master McKay, Mistress.”
Agave Rinto stepped forward.
With an icy demeanour, he scanned the crowd.
“Without spending much time on pleasantries, the sole purpose for your journey is to ensure the safety of our young lady.
Should any harm befall her, you are well aware of my ways.”
The crowd immediately showed signs of trepidation.
Choruses of affirmation filled the air, “We swear to risk our lives to protect her.”
Then the young lady’s soft voice, light as a feather, broke through, “My life indeed matters, but so do yours.
In dangerous situations, take care of yourselves first.
I have only one requirement from you – loyalty, no hidden intentions.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The lean man leading the group came forward and respectfully said, “Mistress, it’s getting late.
We should set off.”
This man, Leandro Alvarez, had been personally selected by Aubree Groove to lead the twenty-man squadron.
Aubree Groove nodded, “You go on ahead.”
Leandro Alvarez bowed and turned to command others to load large containers onto the ship.
“Are you sure you’re only taking these men?” Agave Rinto frowned, a face full of worry.
“In utilising people, the focus should be on quality rather than quantity.”
“And what about you?” Agave Rinto looked at her up and down, “Not to mention food, drink, or cosmetics, surely you should take some clothes at least.”
“All those are transitory possessions.”
Agave Rinto’s brow furrowed even deeper, she was truly unlike those who indulged in vain decorations.
Never needing makeup, her skin had a natural glow, like an eggshell.
She never donned colourful outfits, yet her charm was unmatched.
Is it true that to let it all go, one can truly have it all?
This was the first time that Agave Rinto found himself pondering this question.
“Pethkids is rife with undercurrent.
It’s all up to you now.
Please look after my juniors, as I fear some might take advantage of my absence and act against them.”
Agave Rinto watched as her silhouette, displaying an unconventional poise under the brilliant sky light, didn’t look back but walked up the bridge.
Agave Rinto was constantly anticipating her turning back but in the end, she did not.
Agave Rinto clenched his fists, finding it hard to understand how her heart could be so resolute.
It was only when the cargo ship set sail, gradually distancing itself from the dock that Agave Rinto, who stayed still on the pier, moved at all.
He didn’t know what changes her departure would bring, but he knew that her absence had left a void in his heart.
As hollow as the deserted dock, where the sea breeze blew mercilessly.
A sport car roared in.
The tires screeched against the ground penetratingly as a woman hopped out and rushed over, asking anxiously, “Where is Aubree Groove?”
“She’s gone,” the man uttered impassively.
“Damn!” Kelly Martinez cursed, “That sneaky Aubree Groove, how dare she hide it from me.”
Kelly Martinez, fuming, was having a rage-fueled fit.
She turned to glare at Agave Rinto and let out a scornful laugh, “Master McKay, what a profitable business you’ve got going on.
Making my sisters risk their lives while you comfortably fish.”
Despite knowing Aubree Groove’s intentions, she couldn’t help but feel indignant.
Why should this man reap the rewards?
Agave Rinto suddenly turned, his cold eyes, dark like an endless abyss, made her shudder involuntarily.
“In what capacity are you talking to me?
As Kelly Martinez, as Zurich Brian, or as the notorious Arianne?”
He turned on his heel and walked off, without giving her another look.
Kelly Martinez was taken aback, staring at Agave Rinto’s retreating figure in confusion.
What exactly does he know?
Aubree Groove would certainly not disclose her identity to him; could it be…
——
This medium-sized cargo ship was designed with two layers for above and below deck.
Below deck was for stowing goods, oil and fresh water, among other living supplies.
Above deck was configured with bridges at the bow and stern, serving as the workplace for the sailors.
This cargo vessel, larger than those of standard specifications, was not a simple bulk carrier.
It had three floors with cabins for passengers to rest, a recreational area with card rooms, dining area and table tennis room, and a driving desk, maritime atlas room and the telegraph room among other workspaces on the third floor.
