Chapter 71: Rest (part 2)
“Hey, hey, look at those two Navy Soldiers! They’re not even up to Lord Burufaruto’s chest height, yet they have such great strength!”
“Exactly, that huge mast is like a toy in their hands!”
“Is this the Navy? Are all the Navy people this strong?”
“Probably not, look at those ordinary soldiers nearby, they all look surprised too. It’s probably only these high-ranking ones who are so powerful.”
……
The townsfolk chattered about it, these ordinary residents who rarely left the island now had a rare opportunity to make close contact with the legendary Navy.
However, this spectacle of onlookers didn’t last long; before the sky was completely dark, they took their wives and children home to sleep.
From beginning to end, no one dared to take the initiative to step forward and communicate with the Navy.
Zephyr saw all of this in his eyes, yet he couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed.
Garp saw this and understood the discomfort in his old comrade’s heart, so he patted his shoulder to comfort him.
“I’m fine, Garp. Have the soldiers prepare, then get ready to rest.”
And just as Zephyr was sorting out his mood and preparing to arrange night watches and sleep for everyone, a familiar voice rang out.
“Planning to rest?”
It was Miss La, her voice still as ethereal and gentle as ever.
The mild and soothing tone added even more dreamlike quality in the night, almost to the point of stirring people’s hearts.
She didn’t know when she had arrived, holding an old-fashioned oil lamp in her hand.
“Oh! It’s Miss La.”
“Miss La is here?”
“Where? Let me see!”
……
Although they had only met once that morning, Miss La’s beauty and gentleness left a deep impression on the Navy Soldiers.
After all, who doesn’t like a cute, sensible, and well-behaved little girl?
“Haha! Blonde girl, what brings you here?”
Garp was still as blunt as ever.
“It’s late, I came to see if you have a place to stay.
After all, the Town Chief asked me to host you, I can’t let you sleep outside.”
“We’ll sleep in the cabin, these rank-and-file soldiers are used to it, no need to trouble you further.”
Zephyr saw Miss La arrive and jumped down from the deck to stand before her.
“I saw your cabin was flooded when you arrived, it’s probably still damp now.”
“Hahaha! Little girl, no need to worry.
We’re all sturdy, roughing it on the ship for one night is nothing, we’ll leave first thing tomorrow anyway.”
『Just as I guessed, leaving tomorrow morning?』
“Since you’re in a hurry to leave tomorrow, you should rest well tonight.
The Beasts Pirates’ garrison still has plenty of empty rooms left, they’re a bit messy but still dry. Why not stay there for the night?”
Zephyr and Garp exchanged eye contact, then looked at the soldiers around them, thought for a moment, and made up their minds.
“Mm, alright.”
“Half the night watch stay to guard the ship, the rest go pack your things.”
“Yes!”×n
“Hahaha! This old man hasn’t stayed in a pirate’s room before!”
The young-at-heart Navy Hero was the first to cheer.
The soldiers felt it was somewhat novel too, excitedly packing their bedding.
“Then follow me once you’re packed.”
Miss La had actually tidied up the Beasts Pirates’ dorm a bit before coming, ensuring nothing important was left inside.
As for why she deliberately led the Navy to the Beasts Pirates’ dorm…
On one hand, it was for close surveillance, to prevent them from wandering at night and noticing anything.
On the other hand, it was her habitual tendency to take care of people acting up again.
Like cats of different patterns, these humans with desires completely different from pirates made Miss La unable to resist getting close to observe them carefully.
……
“Oh oh oh! Is this where pirates usually live?”
“No different from ordinary dorms~”
“Look! This is the latest fashion magazine of ‘Sumo Panda’~ Didn’t expect pirates to read this stuff.”
“There’s also a ship catalog from the Seven Water Capital.”
……
“Not bad~ I thought pirates’ places would all stink of mold and sweat!”
Garp casually tossed his bedding onto a bed.
“I aired it out for a bit before coming.” Miss La, who was lighting the lamps, responded.
“Thanks for your trouble, truly too much hassle for you.”
Zephyr saw the obviously tidied room, and a sense of guilt rose in his heart again.
These Navy had never given any help to these townsfolk, yet they were hosting them so earnestly.
And this sensible little girl right in front of him…
The soldiers, still excited, quieted down upon hearing Zephyr’s words.
They had encountered lavish hospitality on past missions too, but only after they risked their lives to drive off vicious pirates.
Or when locals hoped they’d stay on as bodyguards for the nobles.
A situation like today, where these Navy hadn’t done anything for the town and no demands were made, yet they were hosted so earnestly, was unprecedented.
“Thank you, Miss La. Thank you all.”
“Sorry, we haven’t done anything for you!”
“Miss La, why not join the Navy? With us around, no one can bully you.”
“Admiral Zephyr, can’t we really stay to protect this town?”
“I, I feel guilty inside, Admiral Zephyr!”
……
To be fair, the town residents hadn’t given them any special care.
They paid for meals, paid for goods, and those bosses and merchants even made a little profit from their arrival.
But for these soldiers, it was different.
They had just survived a near-death shipwreck, starving and exhausted, and finally reached a town.
Then without a word, they were led to a hearty meal, with arrangements made clearly so no one was left out.
At night, they worried about poor sleep and specially prepared dry rooms, even airing them out in advance for any smells.
Especially since the one arranging it all was such an exceptionally cute and sensible little girl!
Though it might not be their best meal or lodging ever, this care hidden in the details made these soldiers far from home feel an indescribable warmth.
……
The soldiers’ words made Zephyr fall silent; he knew he couldn’t give them the response they wanted.
“Enough, quiet!”
“Don’t trouble the little girl further, everyone tidy your bedding and prepare to sleep.”
Garp saw his old comrade’s helplessness and conflict, so he stepped forward to stop everyone.
Miss La, at the center of the crowd, looked at the scene somewhat puzzled.
After all, from her perspective, she was just keeping these Navy under her control, best if they followed her arrangements completely, so she hosted them.
Anyway, she was idle, interacting with them could yield more intel on the Navy.
But these soldiers’ grateful words somewhat surprised her.
『Lately, human emotions feel harder and harder to understand.』
『Is it because the fusion with my divine side is deepening… Looks like I need to figure something out.』
……
“Thanks for your kindness, may you all sleep well tonight.”
Under the grateful gazes of the Navy group, Miss La carried the oil lamp and exited the room.
With the sound of the door closing, the soldiers began whispering again.
“So nice, this child.”
“Yeah, cute looks, beautiful voice, just like the legendary Siren.”
“Don’t compare such a cute child to a siren, hey!”
“Isn’t it because her voice is too beautiful?
Now I get why sailors at sea in legends are captivated by the Siren’s song.
If I heard that little girl sing, I’d definitely be captivated too.”
“Alright, alright…”
“Time to sleep, haven’t slept in two days, exhausted.”
……
