r18novel Page 6
Page 6
"Name?"
"A code name is fine too."
“Ulrich von Hutten…” After a considerable period of adjustment, Hutten’s face returned to the cold and aloof expression he had when they first met: “As long as you call me that, then I am ‘Ulrich von Hutten’.”
"Ulrich von Hutten?"
“I’m different from my other companions. Strictly speaking, my prototype ship in history… wasn’t officially launched, and it wasn’t even officially named, so it’s normal that you don’t know.” Seeing Xu Huan’s confusion, Hu Teng took the initiative to explain.
May I ask your name?
You can call me Xu Huan, I—
As Xu Huan was speaking, a sudden sound from afar interrupted their conversation.
"and many more!!!"
Royal Fortune, riding on its tentacles, finally arrived at the scene.
Chapter Eight: Home Field
After a period of rushing around, Royal Fortune finally arrived at the scene at this crucial moment.
She had no time to care about the complete annihilation of the Siren fleet. What shocked her was that Xu Huan, whom she had repeatedly told to stay in the cabin, was actually in a delicate standoff with that iron-blooded ship girl.
Was it not a Sirens, but rather a conflict between him and that ship girl?
The girl's previous guesses were overturned in an instant by a fact that was hard to accept, and she couldn't help but look at Xu Huan with a heavy gaze.
I knew you weren't an ordinary person!
With a light stomp of her foot, she didn't have time to dwell on when Xu Huan had secretly run away without her knowledge and how she could walk on the sea like a ship girl. She quickly ran to Xu Huan's side and immediately confirmed the exact identity of the Ironblood ship girl standing opposite her.
"Thank goodness it was Hu Teng..."
Looking at those distinctively alluring eyes across from him, Royal Fortune breathed a sigh of relief.
Although Hu Teng's personality wasn't exactly easy to talk to, he was considered one of the more amiable types among the Ironbloods.
The girl glanced again at the remaining flames and the still lingering waves nearby, then quickly summoned her tentacles to protect Xu Huan, secretly clutching the crystal pendant in her hand.
It seems they've clashed more than once; she could even smell a faint trace of residual mental energy in the air.
"Human... Xu Huan, are you alright?" The girl moved slightly closer to Xu Huan and asked in a low voice.
"It's alright," Xu Huan replied.
Royal Wealth knew Xu Huan harbored many secrets, but they never imagined he could go to such lengths...
With flesh and blood, he had to fight a legendary figure at sea... What kind of monster did he find on the island?
She felt a bit overwhelmed.
However, judging from the fact that Hu Teng's ship equipment was not deployed, he probably hadn't gotten serious yet, and his arrival was just in time.
Although she didn't want to provoke a major faction like Ironblood, she couldn't leave Xu Huan alone here no matter what.
While Hu Teng possesses formidable combat capabilities, he lacks effective methods against underwater vessels. If he so chooses, the enemy has few effective countermeasures. However, the situation is less certain regarding Xu Huan…
"that--"
Royal Wealth took a deep breath, intending to negotiate, but Hu Teng had no intention of paying attention. He tilted his head slightly and looked directly at Xu Huan, asking:
"Hurricane's...Royal Fortune? Is this your ship girl?"
“You mean the little octopus? No, strictly speaking, I’m her crew member.” Xu Huan shook his head.
"Huh?! You two knew each other before?"
The girl blinked, her gaze shifting back and forth between the two men with obvious shock.
Why is there no hint of hostility in the conversation between Xu Huan and Hu Teng, and why do their simple and honest tones sound more like those of old friends than enemies on the battlefield?
Also, how come I suddenly have a nickname out of nowhere?
The nickname "little octopus" seems completely unrelated to the image of a majestic pirate...
"No, we just met about a minute ago..." Xu Huan denied again.
The girl frowned: "But something feels off—"
"This isn't the time for chatting, is it, Miss Royal Fortune?" Hu Teng interrupted, giving Xu Huan a deep look, and said, "Aren't you planning to go somewhere else?"
-------------------------------------
Thirty minutes later, on the seabed.
Seven-colored beams of light pierced through the ocean and shone on the deck of the sailing warship. Outside the enveloping bubbles, countless schools of fish swam freely, creating a beautiful ocean scene that was breathtaking and delightful to behold.
Hot black tea was placed on the table, along with a dazzling array of seasonal fresh fruits and various fresh desserts. Seemingly to accommodate the status of the guests, some local iron-flavored sausages were also laid out.
The three sat around the dining table, each with their own set of cutlery in front of them.
Although the scene appeared very tranquil, there was actually an awkward silence.
Hu Teng was holding a teacup, savoring the excellent black tea, while Xu Huan curiously examined the various desserts on the table, occasionally picking one up and putting it in his mouth to taste its sweet flavor.
To maintain his good physical condition, he hadn't tasted this kind of joyful food in a long time, and now that he was finally able to relax, he naturally wanted to enjoy it to the fullest.
As for the ship's owner, the Royal Fortune, he was also sipping a cup of black tea, but the occasional glances he gave revealed his inner turmoil.
The girl wanted to break the awkward silence and ease the somewhat uncomfortable atmosphere, but she really didn't know what to say.
A long time passed, until Hu Teng's teacup was nearly half empty, before she put it down, squinted slightly, and exclaimed in admiration:
"Not bad tea, it tastes almost exactly the same as the royal tea..."
"I stole it from over there... but my skills are definitely not as good as the head maid over there. If I had to say, it's a bit of a waste." Royal Wealth answered quite frankly upon hearing the other party's praise.
Her pirate identity was already well-known among the ship girls, and she had even been wanted by a warrant for her arrest, so there was no need for her to hide it.
"Is this why you usually don't want me near the warehouse?" Xu Huan asked, swallowing the dessert in his mouth.
"Otherwise, what else could it be? That contains most of my life savings!"
"Does that mean if there are no guests, I won't be able to taste these things?"
“That’s not it… I’ve always been very generous to crew members who follow the rules. As long as the time comes, they’ll definitely have a rich and delicious meal.” Royal Fortune said, pursing her pink lips and emphasizing the words ‘follow the rules’.
Xu Huan seemed not to hear him and stuffed another piece of cake into his mouth.
"You two... seem to know each other quite well?"
Watching the silent exchange between Royal Wealth and Xu Huan, Hu Teng seemingly casually inquired:
"No, that's not it. He only boarded the ship today..."
"Oh? Today?"
“Yes… right there—” The girl was about to answer when she suddenly realized something, and a hint of displeasure flashed in her red eyes: “Isn’t it inappropriate to inquire about other people’s crew members like this, Miss Hu Teng?”
Keep in mind, we're underwater right now...
This is her home turf.
Chapter Nine: While You Were Away
"I'm just asking. You don't have to answer if it's inconvenient for you."
Seeing the girl's reaction, Hu Teng's lips curled into a subtle smile. Rather than the specifics of the situation, she found this somewhat embarrassed and annoyed reaction more amusing.
Having only known each other for a short time, why are you already so wary?
Or is it possessiveness?
At this moment, Xu Huan, who had just finished the dessert on the table, stretched and stood up.
"You guys chat, I'm a little sleepy after eating, I'm going back to rest."
The rise in blood sugar after a meal can easily make people sleepy. Normally, it wouldn't be a problem, but since it's rare to have a place where he can rest properly, Xu Huan doesn't mind being lazy.
Royal Wealth nodded: "Okay, I'll call you when it's time for dinner..."
"Well....?"
Xu Huan was somewhat unaccustomed to the girl's rapid change in attitude towards him.
Before, she was always calling out "human," but why does she suddenly act so amiable when there are other ship girls around?
And what's with this strange ending sound?
Perhaps she wanted to present a very good image in front of her own kind...?
"What? Is there a problem?"
"No, no..." Xu Huan waved his hand cooperatively.
Only after watching the young man walk into the cabin did Royal Fortune turn its attention back to the dining table.
She wasn't sure why she was acting this way, but ever since Hu Teng showed interest in Xu Huan, she suddenly had a feeling that something might be taken away from her.
Pirates' intuition is always very accurate.
Therefore, she subconsciously wanted to show Hu Teng the amicable relationship between her and Xu Huan, in order to reveal an unfounded chasm between them and Hu Teng.