The roar of the waves gradually calmed as the ship that had been sailing all day, carrying Serena and Arthur, finally reached its destination: the Kingdom of Roland specifically, the capital known as the Wandering Isle, the city of Sancadium.
The ship picked up speed as the crew began preparing for docking.
"Everyone, get the cargo ready to unload. And don't forget to drop the anchor," the head of the crew called out. But something felt off like he was forgot something.
"Wait... they're still inside!"
He hurried off toward the crew's quarters to check on Serena and Arthur.When he opened the door, he found the two still asleep, lying far apart. Sunlight streamed in through the door, bouncing between them and slowly waking them.
Arthur stirred first, blinking groggily.
"Ugh… what happened?" he muttered as he sat up, stretching stiff joints with lazy motions. His eyelids still felt heavy, refusing to stay open for long.
Serena, still fast asleep, didn't react until the anchor was dropped. The sudden sway of the ship jolted her from her sitting position.She hit the floor with a soft crash and instinctively opened her eyes.
"Ow, that hurt," she groaned, rubbing her forehead where it hit the floor.
"Ouch… there's definitely a bump," she muttered, wincing as a few tears welled up from the pain.
The head of the crew hesitated, worried for a moment — but relaxed when he saw she was okay.
"Sorry to wake you like that, but… we've arrived," he said, wiping the sweat from his brow, nervous about how they'd react. After all, he'd seen what they were capable of during the journey fighting off godlike beasts wasn't something easily forgotten.
"No— it's fine," Serena replied, brushing it off. The pain in her head was minor compared to everything else. "Let's just get off the ship."The two grabbed their belongings and disembarked. Once on land, Arthur turned to the head of the crew.
"Here's your payment, boss." He tossed him a small bag of coins.
But the man caught it and immediately threw it back.
"Arthur, you don't have to do that. You and Serena saved us from that Hydra — that's worth more than anything I could ever charge."
Arthur hesitated, but the man insisted. "Take it."Arthur finally accepted, then followed Serena into the city.They wandered the unfamiliar streets, Serena leading the way while flipping through a worn guidebook, trying her best not to get lost.
"Stop," she said suddenly, halting. Arthur nearly bumped into her.
"I think it's this way." She pointed toward a narrow, dimly-lit alley beside them. Arthur frowned.They followed the path toward what should be the city center. The buildings were tightly packed on either side, and the road above them was paved and enclosed as if the whole place were underground. Only a few dim lamps lit the way. No one else was around.
"Are you sure this is right?" Arthur glanced around nervously. "Shouldn't the way to the town square be more… open?"
"We're taking a shortcut," Serena replied, still buried in her book. She didn't even look back.
Arthur sighed. He didn't like it, but arguing wouldn't help so he kept walking, staying close to her.Eventually, they saw a light ahead. The closer they got, the more they could hear voices, laughter, the sound of life. As the light reached Serena's feet, she looked up and put the guidebook away, stepping out of the darkness.
She paused, eyes wide in wonder.Arthur noticed her stopping and stepped out beside her. He, too, was stunned.Before them lay the heart of Sancadium the town square. At its center stood a statue of the island's founder. Above, floating islands hung like massive ornaments, casting patterned shadows.
The architecture felt like it belonged to another world glass towers, glowing signs like holograms, the buzz of tiny speakers broadcasting announcements. People walked around using thin cards, not unlike smartphones from Earth.Children's laughter filled the air. Vendors shouted from their stalls, selling everything from food to trinkets. Travelers from distant lands mingled and traded. The entire square pulsed with life."Arthur…" Serena whispered.
Arthur didn't answer lost in the memories of his old world. Something about this place struck a chord."Arthur… Arthur."
He blinked. "Hm? Yeah?"
"We need to find a place to stay." Serena had already started walking into the crowd.
Arthur quickly followed, The streets were busy, but not so packed that they had to push through. The high sun lit everything brightly, even with the towering buildings and floating islands casting shadows.Serena stopped in front of a small shop, captivated by a seamstress working behind the window. The woman skillfully stitched clothing with the help of a stone powered sewing machine.
Unconsciously, Serena had been watching for a while.The seamstress noticed and stepped outside.
"You there," she called. Serena snapped out of her trance.
"Yes?"
"Come in and take a look at our new collection.""Eh? No thank you, I'm good," Serena stammered.
"Why not?" Arthur asked, raising an eyebrow.
"I don't really… have the money," she whispered to him.
Arthur understood, but gently nudged her toward the shop.
"Come on. You said we weren't here to shop just look."With a conflicted sigh, Serena gave in.They browsed racks of stylish clothes. Arthur could tell Serena wanted to try something on, even if she wouldn't admit it.
He encouraged her until she finally gave in, picking out several outfits and slipping into the fitting room, when she stepped out in the first outfit, Arthur gave her a nod of approval, He commented on each look, completely unfazed as if this were normal, after trying everything on, Serena changed back and returned the clothes but Arthur had already snuck them to the register."Come on, Ar— What?!" Serena's eyes widened when she saw him holding a pile of shopping bags.
She was about to scold him when someone bumped into her.Thud."Oh, sorry my bad," said a girl's voice.Arthur's eyes narrowed. He had a feeling.The girl tried to move away quickly, but Arthur stepped forward, subtly sticking out his leg.
She tripped — and from under her coat, a cascade of stolen items spilled onto the street, gasps rang out, angry voices followed, the crowd grew.
The girl froze in place, too scared to run. Arthur's presence alone was enough to paralyze her.
Local guards arrived moments later and led her away. People picked up their belongings, including Serena, who retrieved her missing earrings.
Even after realizing what had happened, Serena couldn't bring herself to speak to the girl even though she had stolen from her.
"…Arthur," Serena finally said, "How did you know?
"Isn't this just a common plot that happens in stories from another world?" Arthur said, not too seriously.
"Eh, what do you mean?"
Arthur turned to Serena, and for a moment, he ruffled her hair a bit, "Looks like you still have a nice side, huh."
Serena swatted Arthur's hand away, hiding her face from him, her cheeks turning a little red.
"What's wrong?" Arthur tried to see Serena's face, but she kept turning away from him.
"It's nothing, really."
They quickly set off to find the nearest inn, and after a short search, they found one and went inside to book a room.
"Welcome, traveler. How many people for a room?" said the receptionist.
"Just one, please," aware of their presence, the receptionist then recommended something else.
"If you want, there's a couple's room package that has one room left," the receptionist tried to entice Serena.
Serena, not really focused, nodded absentmindedly, unaware that they were renting a couple's room, and they made the payment.
"10 copper coins for one night," said the receptionist. Serena paid, and then she was handed her room key.
"Here you go," he said while handing her the key, "Enjoy your stay in our couple's room, newlyweds."
Serena took the key without paying attention; her mind had been distracted by all her new clothes, and when she turned to head to her room, she realized,
"Eh?"
Meanwhile, Arthur, who had heard it clearly from the start, didn't care about it.