Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 146: Constantly Cutting in Line Passengers

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

"Lord Grayman, I have an awkward request," said the female consultant quietly approaching Paul after everyone returned to the naval base.

"What awkward request, Miss Ladia?" Paul inquired.

The consultant hesitated, "May I accompany the ship southward?"

"Are you interested in exploring the new route?" Paul asked.

"Not quite, I want to travel on the Southern Star to bring my mother to live with me from our hometown. Even though the Southern Star may not reach the Angle Bay, I'll manage the rest of the journey on my own. You see, due to my other identity, traveling by sea is more convenient and quicker."

Paul wasn't pleased hearing this; the 'witch' before him was a key to understanding unknown territories. What if this 'key' was lost along the way?

However, outright refusal would be unkind, especially given her legitimate reasons.

"I've been neglectful of your family matters. Let me speak to Austin; I'm not familiar with ship matters and don't know if we can accommodate one more person."

The consultant bowed slightly, "Thank you, my lord."

Paul continued, "But haven't you always been traveling with your adventurous companions? Is it safe for you to travel alone after disembarking?"

Confidently, the consultant replied, "I have traveled alone for a long time."

"Perhaps I could send someone to bring your mother here? Then you wouldn't need to make such a long trip," Paul suggested.

"No, I must do this myself. If the Commander of the Navy disagrees, I will travel south by land," the consultant insisted firmly.

"In that case, I will instruct the Southern Star to sail as far south as possible and have the crew accompany you ashore for assistance."

...

"Well, since it's the Earl's wish, the ship can accommodate quite a few more people," Paul informed Admiral Austin of Ladia's request, which he reluctantly approved.

Seeing the Admiral's furrowed brow, Paul knew Austin was extremely reluctant.

"Is there a difficulty?" Paul inquired.

"Yes, my lord. Generally, it's not advisable for women to travel on a warship. With men everywhere, the moral implications aside, the amount of fresh water they consume is unbelievable. They want fresh water for washing small items, and they will go to any lengths to get it. They can corrode sentries, sergeants, and even officers on the ship - in short, they corrode the entire ship's officers and men, even if this is not their intention."

Austin added solemnly, "Especially a beautiful woman like Miss Ladia, even if she just goes up on deck to get some fresh air, it can distract many men who lack determination from their duties."

"And besides, the Southern Star isn't a large ship; it only has one separate cabin for the captain. Where would you let her sleep?"

"Well, I'll talk to her again."

...

"I didn't expect Admiral Austin, who has always been courteous, to harbor such prejudices against women! It's really unbelievable," the consultant complained angrily. "Does he think every woman is a delicate hothouse flower? As a former adventurer who has traveled many seas, do I not understand how precious fresh water is on board?"

Paul shrugged helplessly, "Well... there's nothing we can do. The Southern Star is testing its endurance, which means it will try to avoid shore as much as possible, making fresh water on board even more scarce than usual."