Secrets of the Azure Sea

Zanarf continued speaking as he held her. 

 

“Floria, I didn’t say those things to hurt you. Forgive me; you’re a good girl.”

 

What had she done? Even though she had been abducted and subjected to humiliation by this man, being held by Zanarf brought a gradual sense of relief to her.

 

“And besides, you were brave. You risked your life to protect Franz. You’re a woman worth more than he deserves. So, don’t cry.”

 

Like comforting a small child, he patted her back gently, making her feel embarrassed.

 

“Come, let’s take a walk on the sandy beach like this.”

 

“Eek, but my clothes…”

 

Zanarf turned around and headed towards the door. Floria was taken aback, and her tears subsided. She was wearing only a simple cotton garment. She panicked in his arms, and Zanarf laughed.

 

“It’s fine as it is. The beach is just below. There’s no one there.”

 

Even if he said that she wasn’t wearing a petticoat or a corset. With just a single cotton garment, which felt too thin and uncomfortable.

 

Zanarf instructed Aura to prepare a light meal and wait, then he left the room, still holding Floria in his arms, and descended the stairs. A passing servant smiled at them without any surprise.

 

From their appearance, it seemed like they already recognized Floria as Zanarf’s possession.

 

Did they witness her embarrassing state during last night’s ritual? Thinking about it, her head turned bright red, heat rushing up so intensely that she buried her cheek in Zanarf’s chest as if trying to hide her embarrassment.

 

Every time she faced the people on this island, she couldn’t help but be reminded of the ritual from last night.

 

The thought was unbearable. Yet Zanarf casually descended the stairs as if flaunting Floria.

 

Zanarf’s castle was like a fortress built on a sheer cliff.

 

There was an observatory on the rooftop, and just below it was Zanarf’s bedroom. As they descended the stairs, they passed by several rooms, creating a complex maze-like structure. Finally reaching the bottom, a dazzling white sandy beach stretched out before them.

 

In the corner of Floria’s vision, she could see a pier and several small boats linked together by a strong robe.

 

“Can you walk?”

 

Perhaps he was concerned about her body after last night’s events. When Floria nodded slightly, Zanarf gently placed her feet on the sand.

 

It was the silky white sand characteristic of southern islands.

 

If they had safely arrived on this southern island with Franz, they would be standing here together, gazing at the blue sea.

 

“…Why did you attack the ship?”

 

If Zanarf hadn’t attacked Floria and the others’ ship, she wouldn’t have been abandoned by Franz. Despite knowing it was a selfish thought if Zanarf hadn’t appeared, they could have been a happily married couple.

 

“…It was for revenge. Against the deceitful traitors who deceived us.”

 

“Traitors?”

 

Floria looked up, and Zanarf was gazing at the distant sea.

 

“Yes, my clan is a proud one. We don’t forgive betrayal. I will make them pay with their own lives.”

 

His figure resembled the heron that landed on the deck that day.