Chapter 5: Red is not the new Black

If there is ever a time for me to willingly propel the ship forward with the oar that despises me so, this is the perfect time to do so.

Heck, I could row for eternity right now if I could! Anything to keep me distracted from the maelstrom brewing within me.

Just when I thought that I was starting to feel safe aboard dimly lit ship that is nearly quarantined from the outside world, with only the sweaty stale air, the reeking odor, and my rowdy crewmates to fill the void, my soon to be savior has to shatter my illusion of safety by telling me that Girlboss Ori is not to be trusted.

According to my knight in rags, if Ori has her way, she would have me plunged to the bottom of the sea.

"Like I said much much earlier; the crew seemed convinced that you're better off to us with all your limbs and organs intact."

So, the only reason I'm still breathing is because this crazy bunch needed more cheap labor? I'm content to leave it at that conclusion, but I cannot help but wonder if there is more to it than that.

I highly doubt the whole crew would back me up. A lot of them would rather not have another mouth to feed. Heck, I think that's true for most of these guys! Soo... if Ori didn't convince them, and if these guys didn't back me up, then... the only one who would have my back would be...

"Are you alright?"

Concern. Genuine concern for my wellbeing. I don't know why that causes me to nearly let floodgates run loose.

I’m able to contain the potential disaster with a vigorous shake of my head and my cheeks being squashed by the palms of my hands.

I turn to see her, the girl who’s going to get me out of here! And it does ease me somewhat that she’s by my flank, like a guardian angel watching over me here in the unknown.

Her visage is painted with a hardened resolve and that’s smoothly mixed by a compassionate smile. It does wonders for my nerves. That’s the face of someone that says ‘I know what I’m doing, so just stay close to me.’

“I am.” That’s only a half truth. I’m still on edge but having someone friendly close by does wonders.

I want to press her on what sort of situation I found myself in. Where exactly is Ilroint? Who are these randos? Who is she exactly, and does she have any beef with these guys? But anyone with any semblance of sense will know that just blatantly spewing out contrived questions like that will just make me look suspicious. Especially since…

“Until then… wait for me, sire.”

I can’t let her find out that I’m not the VIP she’s come to bust out. If she does, there goes any chance of me smelling fresh air again.

Not to mention, I’ve watched more than enough anime’s where the protagonist humiliates themselves by acting like complete and utter idiots by saying stuff like ‘Umm… am I a prince or something?’ ‘I’m telling the truth! I’m from another world!’ ‘Where exactly am I?’

Alright that last example I kinda screwed up on, but at least I was smooth about it. At least… I hope I was.

So right now, my only strategy is to play it nice and cool, and hopefully, I’ll be able to gather hints along the way about her, these people, and more about where I am.

Seems easy enough, now all I need to worry about is HOW am I supposed to do that without looking suspicious!

“Forgive me…” My rescuer mumbles, clearly keeping her voice down. “I know these… conditions… leave a lot to be desire… but again, we need to be patient. It won’t be long until The Lord Marshall sends in the calvary and…” She leans in closer, and I barely catch her whispering words. “And finish off these Madmen once and for all.”

Okay, I’m sensing some conflict here. From video game and RPG logic, I’m guessing she’s part of a faction that’s locking horns with Ori and her crew. But… if her boss is… what was it, a Lord Marshal then…

I clench my teeth, desperate to choose my next words are carefully as I can.

“There’s nothing to forgive…” I choose to start off with assurances, since I want to have a good relationship with my rescuer. But adding sprinkles of gratitude can go a long way. “I should be thanking you for coming to my aid.”

She appears taken aback by this, and my muscles lock in place, fearing I might have given myself away! But I relax seeing a gracious smile stretching across her cheeks.

“Think nothing of it.” She offers her hand. “You may call me Yani.”

Something tells me that’s not her real name given that she’s undercover, but even I know better than to delve further into that mess.

“And you may call me Ken.” After all, I’m doing the same thing.

I’ve always been meek when it comes to handshakes but even I’m caught off guard by the strength of her grip. Whoever she is, she’s certainly no pushover.

“An honor, Ken.” She says before instinctually bringing a fist to her mouth, her cheeks puffing in the blink of an eye. “Damn this voyage… I know we’re trapped with Madmen, but do they REALLY have to live up to their reputation?”

I raise my eyebrow, curious by what she means. “So they’re really that… unorthodox?”

She lets out a bitter laugh. “They take on after their leader.” Her expression darkens. “And just when we were about to finish them off they just…” She quickly gathers herself after releasing a bounty of air through her nostrils. “Had we known they scrounged up this vessel… none of this would have happened.”

I couldn’t help but expel a quiet gasp. So that’s what Ori meant when she said…

"Gee and just after escaping the jaws of death, on top of it!"

I can feel my heart slamming straight down to my stomach, more frightened by who I'm trapped with.

"D-don't take this the wrong way, but..." I lean in closer to keep the volume low. "I take it the Lord Marshal won't get... carried away with sinking this ship with us on it."

She casts an amused glare. "He won't leave us to that cruel fate." She assures without a hint of doubt in her voice. "After fighting alongside The Lord Marshal more than enough times, I know he's not the one to leave us behind."

The image of such an honorable leader capable of restraint and care for those that serve him is a small but precious comfort. I honestly wish that I was in the custody of Khazzar that Ori right now.

So what I have been able to gather so far with the information I have is that this land, realm, whatever, is Ilriont, and Ori’s band turns out to be a major thorn in the side of this Khazzar guy who happens to be some military leader or somewhat. And right now, he seems to be my only hope of salvation.

Especially since he might be more generous to me given how I’m occupying a body that happens to be drenching with royalty.

But waiting around for a rescue is bound to drive me crazy! There must be something I can do! I mean I’m clearly not the protagonist of this world, but if I can at least contribute to the hero’s mission, especially since it will secure my safety, then I can’t just stay locked up in here propelling the ship forward while risking getting socked in the nose again.

“But…” I dread to ask, believing that the best chance of surviving the oncoming attack is to just hope for the best and not get in the way. “What are we supposed to do? I-I mean… is there…”

Gee how do say ‘How can I help bust each other out of this joint?’ without sounding completely obvious.

Thankfully, that confident grin adorning that ghostly visage assures me that she has deciphered my indecisive rambling.

“Trust me, the Lord Marshal planned of everything.” Yani leans in closer with devious expression. “If you can’t pierce an unbreakable citadel, then starve it out.” She motions her head, signaling me to gaze behind me to see a sight that I noticed before but paid no mind.

Sitting across from us a loose knit circle of guys on edge before one of them aggressively shoves the man close to him making my heart leap into my throat.

“You bastard! The void are you doing with my loaf?!”

“Oh get off!” The man snaps back. “Don’t come crying to me just because you can’t find your snack!”

“What did you-“

I expect it to happen, but to see it actually play out before my eyes, I guess I can never be ready for stuff like this, even if I am aware of the eventuality.

The accuser is quick to lunge into an unprovoked attack, quickly dominating the man in question. Their linear struggle is raw and brutal, paralyzing me to the point where it’s impossible for me to look away.

It’s only when the attacker begins unleash a volley of punches to the face is when a familiar and insufferable ‘supervisor’ is quick to break up the fight and is quick to restore order with threats of punishment and saving that energy for rowing the ship.

A sinister chuckle releases me from the spell I was under, and I return my attention to Yani.

“Seems like food’s running a little bit low around here.”

My brow shoots up as I begin to connect the pieces. Even an idiot like me knows what happens when people don’t have enough food: they grow desperate.

“If this keeps up, Lord Marshal Khazzar will be the least of that wench’s problems. Her crew stuck in this taint pool, going stir crazy with no food. It can only lead to one inevitable outcome.”

“Mutiny.” I mouth the answer with my breath barely giving life to the game changing word.

“Exactly.” She nods with pride but the alarming color in her skin cannot be ignored. “It’ll be tough but with some guidance they’ll be-“

Despite her best efforts, Yani can no longer contain the storm brewing in her stomach. The wincing and heaving of her whole body is a clear warning that she’s bound to erupt any second now.

Acting on instinct, Yani rises to her feet, nimbly rushing to the side of the ship almost immune to the constant rocking of the ship. My slow witted self thankfully realizes that her hair is bound to get some of the disgusting leftover trapped in the strands if it dangles over her face. I spring to my feet and follow after her as she slides a small window open and sticks her head out with a painful retching cough following quickly after.

My fingers are nimble enough to pull back her hair as she expels the vomit from her mouth. I turns out my good deed does not go unnoticed as the gods of Isekai seem to have rewarded me with a strong gush of cold air and sprays of salty water blessing my skin. It serves as a reminder that the outside world is waiting for my freedom.

Maybe this world might not be as cruel as I thought.

Unfortunately my free sample vanishes as Yani withdraws back inside the ship, slumping to the side panting labored breaths.

“Voids taint…” She breathes out what I can only assume is cursing. “This is definitely the hardest part.”

On that we can agree, madam.

Waiting can be the most unbearable thing anyone can endure. Especially if you’re waiting for your freedom.

“Hey! The void are you two doing?!”

Unfortunately, sometimes when a good deed is performed, one is condemned for it.

‘Supervisor’ Picky who emerged from below decks and wastes no time reminding me of how much of a annoying piece of work he is. Although that brisk march is definitely making my blood run cold, almost like he’s ready to blow off some steam with his fists.

“You two want to be thrown to the Septmerteeth?! Keep those windows shut! That’s what the bucket is for!”

Yani fearlessly casts an annoyed glare at him, and it gives me the courage to contrive an exaggerated sigh.

His only response is a frustrated roll of his eyes and shutting the slide window himself.

“Breaks over, get to work!” He growls before barking out, “That goes for all of you! Give The Tutar a break and start making yourselves useful!”

With the aid of a few grim looking guys that look unaffected by the elements, everyone groggily rises to their feet and begins manning their stations with some joining in.

“Just keep talking, you treacherous scum!” Yani’s breath is dripping with acid.

“That sounds personal.” I state following her.

“Northern Fleet Sailors are known for being second to none. And that’s what makes them the most dangerous Madmen ever.”

I frown. If what she says is true, then breaking out of here is going to be tougher than I thought.

“Can of them… join in on the mutiny?”

She grimly shakes her head while manning her oar. “That’s impossible. Much of this lot joined for the thrill, adventure, and wanting to see their hero in the flesh. But the Sailors? They’re true believers. They would never betray Ori.”

Dang… I knew this part of the plan sounded too good to be true.

“Don’t worry yourself about it sire.” Her soft but firm words soothe my soul. “All you need to worry about is staying close to me. I’ll keep you safe through all of this. You have my word.”

I tend to treasure those words as much as I can as they can serve as the crucial fuel to sustain the fumes within me throughout this whole ordeal.

“What are you napping? Get to work!”

I initially thought Picky’s harsh jabs are directed at me, but I quickly discover that he’s lashing out at some poor dude laying sideways on the floor with a pained expression across his face.

“C’mon! Get off your ass!”

“AH! Nononono! AGH MY BACK!” The afflicted man cries out. “Putmedown! Putmedown… please… please…”

Picky, much to my surprise, complies and gently lowers him back to the floor.

“What’s the problem?” One of the sailors comes by with his hands across his hips, looking down with disdain at the man.

“Eh, something about his back. Guess he might have pulled something?”

“That’s if he’s not faking it!”

“No, it feels like the top of my ass is… strangling me!”

Every reasonable thought within me vanishes as I have a rough idea of what’s going on. If his pain is relating to muscles, this might be something I can help ease if not a little.

“Sire? What are you doing?” Yani’s whispers go unanswered as I carry onward, steeling myself of being right in the middle of two very dangerous people.

All to help out one guy.

“What the-“ Picky looks baffled by my approach. “What’s with you? Looking for a date?”

“Heh, guess his standards must have seriously dropped.”

I ignore these two idiots and kneel down at the man. At a closer glance, I can see he’s pretty young, maybe a little older than me, but I can tell that he’s not faking it.

That or he’s just a very good actor.

“Listen to me.” I start off getting right to business. “The pain in your back. Does it feel like a flare up or just feels really tight?”

Judging from what he said earlier, it’s probably the latter, but I have to confirm this from his perspective.

“What are y- what are you getting at?” His attitude is unwelcoming, but thankfully he answers my question. “Just feels like a knot withing a knot… argh…”

Tension pain within the lower back region. But… without a table and the space around me… I guess it’s doable, though I can’t help but feel my back is going to hate me for this. Dammit… this is going to be the ultimate test for my body mechanics.

“I can ease up the pain on your back.” I layout the remedy before him. “Will that be okay?”

“Are you daft?! Why the void would I want your help of all things?!”

From my experience, my question mostly serves as a formality, but to have my help rejected, and harshly at that, just obliterates my spirit.

Reeling from the rejection, there is not much for me to say. I slump to my feet and just sigh, trying to brush it off like it’s nothing.

“Should’ve brought flowers with you, kid!” The unnamed sailor does not hold back on the taunting.

“Take over for me.” Picky orders lifting the poor kid off the floor. “I’m taking him below decks.”

And now, on top of that, another jerkoff just replaces the other one.

It certainly does not help that Yani is casting a strange look at me.

I’m ignoring all of it. Right now, rowing is the only thing I can do without getting yelled at.

Just as I suspected: Doing good deeds can still get you condemned by others.

*

Being thrown back into my room is the worst thing that can happen to me right now. The dim lighting, compact spaces and the only company being myself and my wild imagination, the possibility of panic or anxiety attacks are high.

Especially since I’m getting jumpy at the shadows, convinced that there is something malicious here that threatens to bring harm to me in the worst way possible.

Two firm knocks on my door serve as the perfect distraction from me completely losing it, though that familiar voice just makes my worries skyrocket.

“Ken? I’m coming in.” Ori’s voice sounds unusually gentle, but still harbors reserve for me.

The creaking of the door follows as Ori enters the room and gently closes it from behind.

She looks at me, looking slightly concerned.

“How are you?” She asks me.

“Eager to taste fresh air again.” I don’t even try to hide what I feel.

She casts a chuckle, the rhythm of her tune feels like she can relate. “I’d be surprised if you didn’t want to.” She slowly approaches me before leaning against the wall beside me.

She lets out a breathy sigh before bowing her head. “Truthfully, I can’t wait to get off this ship as well. As much as I don’t want to admit it, I wouldn’t even be here if the boys from the Northern Fleet hauled us aboard.” She flickers a content smile. “They might come off like bitter barnacles, but deep down their total darlings.”

My chuckle is slightly bitter. “Speaking from experience are we?”

I couldn’t let my guard down, after all this is the woman who plans to… I get the idea.

Ori hums before lunging off the wall and helping me to my feet. “Come with me. Pictures are worth more than a thousand words after all.”

If alarm bells weren’t ringing before, they are now! All I can think of this lady planning to take me to some far corner of the ship and get rid me!

She turns to me, puzzled by my hesitation. And after staring at me for a short moment, she wears a look that’s almost empathetic in nature.

“I won’t force you, I’m simply asking you to trust me. Just like I’ve trusted you so far.” Ori tells me. “Besides I doubt staying here any longer is something that you wish, right?”

Against every warning blaring out within me, and my heart beating like a war drum from those action movies, I force my legs forward, following not far behind Ori.

Her warm smile serves as a small reward for my courage.

“Stay close, Ken.”