Voyage Of The Villainess

A school of fish started jumping at the nearby coast. But this sight, though amazing to any onlookers to the birds that were flying above, it was another set of a grand feast to them. The fishes who were caught to this bird's sharp beak never thought that they would not be able to return back to the waters they always live for, anymore.

"What tragedy for those poor fishes..." Nicholas Grande situated at the highest point of the fundamental mast of the boat in his shipyard watched the scene with great interest playing in his eyes.  "Hmm. Now that's make wondering. Let's see what would the world have laid for me?" He plucked a card from his left sleeve.

The wind blew excessively hard today, making his bright green coat fluttered along with it. Waves, from time to time, rocking the ship as well. But it seemed it didn't frighten the young man. Albeit, he was already used to it.

"Oh. Nine of Pentacles, up!" His eyes flickered with excitement.

"Boss! Someone is here, looking for you!" At the same time, someone shouted.

A grin formed across his dashing face. "The world seemed generous to me today." With his crane, he slid to one of the ropes of the sail. He landed perfectly on the ship deck.

And from the harbor, his sharp trail of sight caught three cloaked figures already waiting for him.

"Boss!" One of his newest recruit workers and wearing a sleeveless grey shirt waved at him.

"Well, well, well." He climbed down the ladder of the ship with a huge grin across his lips. "Is it already my due date, dear customer?" Nicholas Grandez halted as he observed the three people standing in front of him.

"It's a bit early," Malaya replied. "But I do hope there is something pleasurable I could already see so our time here will be meaningful." 

"Of course. I'll show you the way, follow me, dear customer." Nicholas Grandez had an elevating chin, gestured to his worker. "Go back to your work now." 

"Yes, boss!" The worker bowed down and whisked away.

Nicholas Grandez took the lead and walked ahead of them. As Malaya trailed after him, the coldness of the wind still seep through her skin despite being covered with a cloak already. But instead of feeling cold, it only gave her a refreshing sensation to her body.

She also took notice of her surroundings. A large number of workers were currently busy building one ship after another. Huge men with chiseled muscles hauling massive logs across the area. Some were pounding objects with huge hammers, while others kept their gaze fixed on them for a brief moment before returning to their tasks.

"This spot isn't anything amazing contrasted with the Naval Duchy of the empire," Nicholas said as he continued to walk.

"Well, you are right"  Malaya replied with honesty. He was right to the fact that in terms of the advancement of technology of the things used to build the ships in their duchy, this place was nothing to compare there. It was completely understandable since they were only a private company that rely on their sales income.

"But compared to your famed skills, even the Marina shipbuilders couldn't hold a candle to yours. You have something different that no one else can copy and I feel that is distinction can lead you into something a lot more noteworthy."

"Dear customer, even if you sing praises of me, don't expect to get any discounts." Nicolas raised his left eyebrow but nonetheless, he maintained his casual business smile.

"That's a pity." Malaya let out a giggle. "I'm a bit in a tight situation right now, won't you cut me some rope?"

"Milady, who would believe you, if someone who was supposedly banished is still laughing and wandering around in some corner of the empire?"

Hearing the word banishment, Rein, who was on the left side of Malaya, couldn't help but clench his fist.

Even Dorris' face distorted in a foul mood. 'This clown! How dare him to bring this up!'

"You do know that meeting with a convict could put me to harm as well." Nicholas halted his steps. "But I could sweep everything clean if I receive more price to remove even the tiny specks of dust?" He then faced them with a sly smile on his face. Both of his hands were at the top of his crane. That indeed irritate and triggered them.

'This sly bastard.' Malaya scoffed inside her mind.

"Don't you dare threaten, Milady!" Dorris' stares were cold as ice, she ground her teeth that cause only Nicholas more joy. No matter what, this was the shipbuilder's intention, to stir the emotions of these people so more interesting things could happen like...

With practically no doubt Dorris immediately materialized her scythe and directly attacked Nicholas. But Nicholas simply blocked her attack with one piece of white card. However, the collision of their weapon created a mixture of reddish and violet sparks.

"You're still too early to fight me, kid." This comment annoyed Dorris even more.

She took one more action to assault Nicholas utilizing her little knife on his midsection. However, one more piece of white card blocked her assault. This cause Dorris considerably more of the flames of anger in her eyes licked through him. The mixture of reddish and violet sparks became more visible and intense because of her attack.

'Nobles are all the same. Just because someone displeased them, they always resort to violence. Hah.' Nicholas waved his hand and Dorris' scythe flew with great force. But before it could hit the ground it disappeared.

"Ah!" Rein caught Dorris who almost tumbled on the ground as well. However, Dorris aimed to attack for a second time by not being satisfied with being defeated like this. 

"Dorris, that's enough." Dorris halted before the second time she could reach Nicholas.

"Milady! I couldn't let anyone disrespect you like this!"  anger thrummed through her veins and resentment clouded her thoughts.

"I understand but Dorris..." Malaya stepped forward as she faced Nicholas. "Like he said I'm already banished here, if this commotion attracted more unwanted attention, that would certainly not put me in a tight spot but also everyone here."

Dorris wanted to refute but she closed her mouth again. All her lady's words were correct. She pursed her lips and she looked down, dejected. 'It's all that trashy prince's fault. If not for him, Milady will not suffer like this.'

As if Malaya could read Dorris' mind, she walked towards her and tapped her shoulders. "Dorris, that banishment doesn't cause me any sufferings since," Malaya caressed the chain bracelet Dorris gave her yesterday. "I have trusted friends who always look out for me."

"However it doesn't mean that I'm the only one who did something wrong." Malaya turned around with a cold smile. "If you're asking for more price, Rein?"

Rein stepped in front of Nicholas. "Please have this." 

Nicholas received a scroll from Rein. "What is this?"

"Please read," Malaya gestured.

Nicholas opened the scroll with a bit of wariness laced to his dashing face. As he read the contents, his brows kneaded and his eyes became completely cold and dark.. Though his grin still remained.