Starlit waves

The night was calm, the sea gentle as though it had fallen into a deep slumber. The ship glided steadily across the dark waters, cutting through waves of wind and foam. Above, the stars shone so brightly that their reflections scattered across the sea’s surface, as if the heavens had descended and melted into the ocean itself.

Their journey toward the distant Naran Kingdom was long—two months across waters too vast to cross in one stretch. Between the two kingdoms lay an island called Aeloria, a lively haven where travelers paused to rest before resuming their voyages. Known for its bustling markets, fragrant spices, and unique traditions, Aeloria was a jewel of the seas. Merchants, sailors, and wanderers filled its streets with color and song. Princess Ninsula and her Guardian, too, would one day set foot on its shores, staying three days before continuing.

But for now, the ship rocked quietly in the waves.

---

Inside the dim storage room, Princess Ninsula lay curled in restless sleep, her face damp with tears. Again and again, she whimpered her father’s name… and Rose’s—the dear friend who had perished in the ambush. Exhaustion finally forced her into silence, but her dreams turned cruel, tearing her awake with a sudden gasp.

Her teary eyes blinked wide open. Only then did she realize she was clutching the Guardian’s hand with desperate strength. His lap was close to her head, yet he hadn’t let her rest there. He sat watch instead, his posture straight, his gaze fixed on the shadows. When she had first grabbed his hand, he had stiffened in surprise—but seeing her trembling so fragilely, he had not pulled away.

The faint lantern light revealed the shimmer of his purple eyes. Flustered, she yanked her hand back.“S-sorry… I didn’t mean to…” she whispered, her voice caught between apology and grief.

The Guardian lowered his gaze slightly, his voice steady as stone.“Master… are you well?”
She nodded quickly, brushing at her white dress as though to shake away her unease. Rising, she shuffled toward the door. He tilted his head, surprised.“I want to go outside,” she murmured, turning back with a faint, almost childish smile. “They say the sea at night looks like stars floating in the waves. I want to see it.”
His shoulders tensed. “Outside is dangerous,” he said firmly.

 “It’s better if you remain here.”

But the princess only pouted. Click. The latch gave way as she pushed the door open and slipped outside.
The Guardian sighed under his breath. “Tch…” His boots thudded against the wooden planks as he followed after her.

---

The deck was silent, most passengers long asleep. Ninsula’s silver-white hair fluttered like silk in the sea wind, glowing faintly beneath the starlight. Her eyes closed as she leaned over the railing, breathing in the scent of salt and water with childlike wonder.

Then—
Thud!
She stumbled back, her forehead smarting as it struck something solid. Slowly, she raised her gaze.
A bald man towered before her, muscles knotted beneath his dark clothes. His black eyes, marked by stark white pupils, glowed with the unmistakable mark of the Hagen tribe. A cruel smirk twisted his mouth, sharp teeth glinting in the moonlight.
Ninsula’s face drained of color. She gasped, breath catching in panic, about to scream—

Shff! A warm hand clamped over her lips, dragging her back into a firm chest. Her back hit the Guardian’s body with a dull thud. Relief struck her heart even before she saw his face.

Steel sang. Shiiiing!

The Guardian’s blade flashed toward the bald warrior. Clang! Sparks burst as axe met sword.
Whsshh! An arrow hissed through the air, grazing his arm. The Guardian’s eyes snapped up. Another Hagen soldier crouched on the roof, bow drawn tight.

“Stay here, Master. Do not come out, no matter what happens,” the Guardian commanded sharply. He shoved her back into the storage room and slammed the door. Bang! Darkness swallowed her.

---
Outside, the bald warrior laughed, licking his blade.“So the last loyal dog of Lorian dares to fight alone? Hand over the princess, and maybe we’ll sink you quickly!”
The Guardian’s voice was cold as steel.“Just do not make so much sound. It will cause trouble.”
Shiiiing.Twin swords unsheathed from his back, jade-blue steel shimmering like moonlight. His long black hair rippled in the wind, eyes glowing purple with quiet resolve.
Clash! The bald warrior’s flaming axe crashed down. Wood splintered under the force, sparks scattering into the night. But with a roar, the Guardian shoved him back, his twin swords striking in flashing arcs.
Slash! A clean cut across the throat. The warrior gurgled, blood spraying, before plunging into the sea with a splash.

The archer on the roof trembled, sweat dripping down his brow. “M-monster…” He turned to flee—

But in the next blink, the Guardian stood before him, purple eyes blazing. Swoosh! His blade arced, and the man’s head rolled silently before his body toppled into the ocean.

---
What followed was a silent hunt.Seven more Hagen soldiers lurked aboard, disguised as merchants and sailors. But one by one—
Shff! A throat slit in the shadows.Stab! A blade driven through ribs.Clunk. A body dragged into darkness.Gurgle… silence.
By dawn, seven corpses had vanished beneath the waves. The ship slept on, oblivious.

---
Inside the storage room, Ninsula pressed her ear against the door, heart pounding. She flinched at every sound—the clash of steel, the distant cries cut short.
“Master.”
She spun, startled by the sudden voice. He stood there, a shadow returned to life.
Relief broke her. She rushed to him, clutching his hand.“You scared me to death! And your arm—tell me you’re not hurt!”
“I am fine. Master, do not worry,” he said calmly. “They were only low-level soldiers. None remain.”
Her lips trembled as guilt sank heavy. Because of me…
“These soldiers,” she whispered, “how can they find us here? We concealed everything…”
He narrowed his eyes. “There must be a way they can track you. Any other explanation is impossible. We must reach Naran quickly.”
She nodded, though fear lingered in her eyes.

---
Later, on the deck again, her voice softened. “Wow… it’s so beautiful. At night, it feels even more magical. I could stay here forever.”
The Guardian stood silently beside her, watching her silver hair dance in the sea wind. A faint smile tugged at his lips, gone as soon as it came.
“Master,” he murmured, “lower your voice. Do not shout.”
She whipped around, glaring.“Don’t you dare call me Master again, or I’ll kill you!”
“But Master,” he answered almost innocently, “I am your Guardian. Almost your slave.”
She caught his hand suddenly, pressing her finger into his palm.“See? You’re flesh and blood, just like me. Why keep calling me Master? That title doesn’t exist anymore.”
He stared at her, unreadable, before slowly kneeling.“Master… it is difficult to explain.”
“You idiot!” she burst out, cheeks flushed.
Her laughter rang out, light and free, cutting through the heavy silence of the sea.

---
She gazed long into the horizon, remembering how once in childhood she had gone to the Naran kingdom with her father surrounded by all soldiers and maids. She never thought something would ever change that peace. her father’s hand guiding her as a child across the seas,she did laugh like a free child. He tells her the myths of the Sea God who ruled the waters. A soft sigh escaped her lips.“Happy memories hurt the most...”

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