Secrets of the Azure Sea

“Truly, the things Her Highness does shorten one’s lifespan,” said Aura, shivering despite the warm, tropical breeze from the south.

It had been two days since she was rescued, but Floria had not crossed paths with Zanarf.

Like a neglected child, she was left alone in Zanarf’s room again tonight. Of course, she was free to roam the island, but Floria lacked the courage to venture out, ashamed of being the ex-wife of Franz, who had betrayed the islanders.

She spent the entire day confined to the room, passing the time with Aura. After a warm bath tonight, Aura carefully dried Florina’s freshly washed hair with a soft cloth and applied the island’s signature floral oil.

Floria had thought this was a savage, uncivilized island, but Zanarf’s domain proved to have a high standard of living and abundant local specialties and products. Though only a few days had passed since she was brought here, Florina had learned much. However, she still knew little about Zanarf himself.

To begin with, why had he spared her life during the attack and brought her to this island?? She was the wife of the man who had deceived Zanarf, she should have been an object of his resentment, a nuisance.

Yet, why? And when she had nearly perished at sea, why had he risked his own life to save her? If she had died, wouldn’t that save him time and effort?

What if he had been severely injured during the rescue? and this is why he’s not coming to see her.

Floria had been concerned about Zanarf’s condition when she disembarked. As Aura led her off the ship, Floria glanced back at Zanarf, but he was no longer looking at her. Instead, he was busy giving instructions to the crew members.

That’s when she noticed that his shoulder was swollen and reddened. She had informed Kirie, who had promised to return to the ship and check on Zanarf’s injury.

‘I wonder if he’s alright? I hope the condition hasn’t worsened.’

And just like Zanarf, Kirie’s figure was also nowhere to be seen. They were both probably still on the ship.

It seemed Kirie had often been around Zanarf, working as a healer. So she was likely attending to Zanarf’s treatment on the ship.

A vague, hazy feeling started to drift through her mind, and while she was lost in thoughts.

“Now now, Princess, please enjoy your dinner,” said Aura as she brought in a fragrant evening meal. Today’s menu was white fish sautéed in goat’s milk butter. It was seasoned with lemon and salt, to be eaten with steamed taro. Fresh fruit was also provided.

The cuisine of this island, though not as complex as the dishes she was used to from her homeland, was simple and delicious.

And yet, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of emptiness.

It was because the master of this room, Zanarf, was not there.

Was he so enraged that he did not wish to see her face? Or perhaps he was just avoiding her altogether.

When she was rescued and pulled up onto the deck, Zanarf was angry at her reckless actions. Looking back now, it was so foolish to chase after the parrot and drift away on the boat. She’s not a child, after all.

Of course, Floaria is usually not the type to act based on impulsive thoughts. But the betrayal by Franz and that marriage ceremony – what happened to her was far beyond her normal tolerance, and she lost her usual calm judgment.

But that’s just an excuse. In the end, it was her own carelessness that put Zanarf in grave danger.

And she still needs to thank him for saving her…

She wonders if there’s some way she can repay him. Even if she can’t heal his body like Kirie, there might be something she can do to help the people on this island. That could end up helping Zanarf in some way or another.

Tomorrow, she’ll muster up the courage to explore the island and see if she can find something she can do. She can’t just sit around idly.