Episode 64
Miel’s sudden offer surprised not only Jade and Troy, but even Koselico, who was hiding under her hood.
But the most shocked of all was the man himself.
“If I pay for his fare, can he board the ship?”
Miel stepped forward and asked the staff member.
The worker, flustered, released the man.
“Ah, yes. The ship is about to depart, but there’s still plenty of room…”
Miel immediately pulled out her money pouch.
For the first time, she used her personal funds to pay the fare—she had never needed to before.
Usually, Troy handled the expenses. Occasionally, Jade did as well.
“Th-thank you…!”
The man approached her as she handed over the fare.
His expression was a mix of disbelief, relief, and deep gratitude as he looked at her.
“It’s nothing.”
Miel quietly studied him.
At a glance, he was quite handsome—though not on the same level as Jade or Troy.
Still, he had features that many women would find appealing.
His physique was also impressive.
Miel looked at him for a brief moment before turning back toward her companions.
As she rejoined Jade and Troy, the first to speak was Jade.
“Miel, why’d you help that guy?” he whispered.
The man was following behind her.
“Well… we don’t know much about the Eastern Continent. I thought he might be of help once we’re there.”
She gave a reasonable excuse, though her real reason was different.
“They say the Eastern Continent values etiquette, so I doubt he’d ignore someone who helped him.”
The truth was, Miel was simply curious about the man’s personal story.
But she didn’t feel the need to explain that aloud.
‘Still, showing too much interest in someone else’s business can be considered impolite.’
Even so, her curiosity was hard to suppress.
“Miel.”
Troy, standing beside her, also whispered softly.
“I could’ve paid for him instead.”
“It’s okay. I can afford that much… Not as much as a duke, of course.”
She teased lightly, causing the tips of Troy’s ears to turn red beneath his hood.
Fortunately, it was hidden.
With that, the three of them boarded the ship bound for the Eastern Continent.
When they showed their tickets and boarded, the ship’s massive size became evident.
‘I don’t know much about ships, but this one is huge.’
It was the largest vessel Miel had ever boarded—and it even had guest cabins.
While they were taking in the ship’s size, the man Miel had helped approached her hesitantly.
“Um, excuse me…”
He lightly tapped her shoulder, just enough not to startle her.
“Y-yes?”
Miel turned, and the man bowed deeply from the waist with sincere gratitude.
“Thank you so much. I’m Hanlim, from the Eastern Continent.”
“I’m Miel Mimer.”
Miel smiled softly.
Hanlim—his name sounded distinctly Eastern.
“Miel, I’ll repay your kindness as soon as we reach the Eastern Continent.”
Hanlim spoke with determined eyes. Miel looked slightly taken aback.
“Please, just call me Miel. Being called ‘Miss Miel’ makes me a bit uncomfortable.”
“Ah… okay, Miel.”
“And you don’t need to repay me. I didn’t help you expecting anything in return.”
At her gentle refusal, Hanlim looked surprised.
Then Koselico whispered from inside the hood.
“Miel, I heard it’s wise to be careful with debts…”
But Miel didn’t really care.
“Still, I really want to repay you.”
Hanlim repeated with a firm voice. Miel shrugged.
“Well then, since we’re traveling together, tell me your story.
I was curious why you were so desperate.”
It was the perfect opportunity to satisfy her curiosity.
“Oh—and I’d also like to ask for a bit of guidance once we arrive.
None of us have ever been to the Eastern Continent before.”
“That’s the least I can do! Of course I’ll help.
But… is that really enough to repay you?”
Hanlim’s face brightened slightly, but quickly turned serious again.
He didn’t feel that guiding them could possibly equal the cost of the fare.
“It’s more than enough. Let’s head inside now—the wind is getting chilly.”
Miel walked ahead, and Jade and Troy respected her decision.
They led the way, making space for her through the narrow corridor.
“Just a heads-up though, Miel… my story isn’t that interesting.”
“That’s fine.”
For Miel, the point was simply to satisfy her curiosity.
They made their way to the cabin.
When they had bought the tickets, Troy had also purchased cabin lodging for a more comfortable journey.
There were two cabins for their group.
One for Jade and Troy, and the other for Miel alone.
Miel had said she didn’t mind sharing, but the two men insisted she have her own room.
Thanks to that, she would be able to rest comfortably.
Jade and Troy had hoped to sleep separately, but the remaining rooms were limited.
They reluctantly agreed to share a cabin.
Thankfully, their room had three beds, along with a table and a small bathroom.
As they walked down the hallway, Miel turned and asked softly,
“Master, Your Highness, would it be alright if we spoke with Hanlim in your cabin?”
“Of course, Miel.”
“No problem at all, Miel.”
Truthfully, both men were happy to spend more time with her.
Thus, the three of them—Jade, Troy, Miel—and Hanlim entered the spacious cabin together.
“Wow… I didn’t expect to be allowed in here.”
Hanlim looked around in admiration.
The men’s cabin was a deluxe suite.
The interior was elegant, perfect for a comfortable journey—and it even had a window with an ocean view.
“Oh, it’s beautiful.”
Even Miel was impressed.
On the large table in the center of the room were fruits, bread, and warm soup—a basic amenity in first-class rooms.
“If you’re hungry, help yourself. We already ate,”
Jade said casually as he took off his robe and sat on the sofa.
“Make yourself comfortable.”
Troy removed his hood and sat across from him.
When Hanlim saw the men’s faces clearly for the first time, his eyes widened slightly.
He had assumed they were simply tall and broad-shouldered men.
Now he realized they were incredibly handsome—nobles? Maybe even royalty?
‘I’ve never seen such striking men, even in the Northern Continent.’
As Hanlim marveled silently, Miel removed her own hood.
“Please, have a seat, Hanlim.”
She gestured to the chair at the table.
When Hanlim finally saw her face, his eyes grew even wider.
‘She’s… beautiful.’
There was something mystical about her aura.
Hanlim suddenly felt nervous.
“Th-thank you.”
As he looked at the three of them, he wondered if he really belonged there.
But that doubt disappeared the moment Miel handed him a bowl of soup.
‘I haven’t had a proper meal in days…’
Without hesitation, Hanlim began eating—soup and bread together.
Miel sat across from him, watching.
Koselico had already disappeared into stealth mode.
“Take your time,” Miel said kindly.
“Th-thank you, Miel.”
As she watched him eat, Miel picked up an apple from the table, wiped it, and took a bite.
Crunch.
‘Not bad. Not as good as Hurow’s apples, though.’
Jade and Troy also began picking at the grapes on the table.
They were simply waiting for Hanlim to finish eating before starting the conversation.
Miel’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“Aah… that was a great meal,” Hanlim finally said, setting his spoon down.
“Then… can we hear your story now?”
Miel asked brightly.
