Shrouded Seascape

Chapter 94. Lily's Cooking

Laesto cast a fleeting glance at Charles, who was trying to get accustomed to his new hand. He cautioned in a deep voice. "Don't be too impressed by that thing. As a doctor, I must remind you that a new body part is never quite as good as the original."

Charles placed his prosthetic hand down and pondered over Laesto's words for a brief moment before he asked, "This doesn't seem to be purely mechanical, is it?"

"Hmph. That kid went to great lengths to modify his entire body into a machine. He dares to mingle with all sorts of people. You'd better keep a distance from him. We know each other, but that doesn't mean we're close."

Just when Charles wanted to respond, Richard wielded control.

"Souls were incorporated into creating these prosthetics. Could it imply that these magic users have acquired knowledge of the soul dimension?"

"Most of those that dabble in the arcane arts are based in the Western Seas. I'm not too sure. Why do you ask?" Laesto asked in a slightly defensive tone.

Charles echoed the same sentiments. "Yeah, why are you asking about that?"

"Bro! It's magic, yo! It's such an interesting novelty. Shouldn't we try it out?" Richard exclaimed with a hint of mischief in his eyes.

Laesto shook his head. "You can forget about that. They are extremely insular and only teach those within their own clans. And magic isn't as useful as you think it might be. If it were so useful, they would have conquered all the seas by now instead of barely surviving on a handful of islands."

"I see, what a pity. I thought I could pick up a new skill," Richard lamented and retreated back into the depths of Charles' mind.

Just then, Charles' expression suddenly twisted in anguish as he clutched his head and froze to the spot. His odd behavior drew the attention of the nearby onlookers. Laesto placed his tin flask down and did a quick examination. He then chose to stand by and did nothing.

Several minutes later, the ringing in Charles' ears faded. With his face a shade paler, he turned and looked at the old man standing to the side.

"You have to try enduring those hallucinatory whispers. Come and find me again if you start seeing hallucinations. Same advice: stay on land if you don't wish to suffer."

Charles placed his hand down. Without uttering a word, he continued toward the Bat Tavern.

Creak~

The door of Room 303 was pushed open. The moment Charles entered the room, he saw that the table was laden with dishes that couldn't be described in words. Lily scuttled between the dishes.

"Mr. Charles, you're back! Woah! You've got a new arm!" The white mouse, Lily, excitedly scampered up his pants.

"Where did you get these from?" Charles plucked her from his pants and pointed at the table.

Perched on Charles' palm, Lily raised her chin confidently and answered, "I cooked them. Try it, they're delicious!"

Charles' stomach churned at the sight of mice darting between the dishes. However, staring into Lily's expectant gaze, he couldn't bear to turn her down and approached the table spread.

"Why did you decide to cook for me out of the blue?" Charles asked.

"Mommy was at home today and taught the other me how to cook. Mommy said that a lady should be adept in the culinary arts. I hid by the side but still managed to pick up a few tricks. Quick, try this! It's my mommy's signature sweet fish soup."

Lily then hopped energetically off Charles' hand onto the table. She crouched beside a bowl of soup, her tail wriggling with excitement as she looked at Charles with a tinge of anticipation in her eyes.

Charles briefly glanced at the white mouse before scooping a spoonful of soup and tasting it. Instantly, an overpowering sweetness burst forth his mouth. It felt as though the broth was made from melted sugar without even a single drop of water added.

"How much sugar did you put in this?" Charles asked after he struggled and swallowed the overly sweet concoction. He then placed the spoon down.

"Does it taste bad? But Jumpy and the others said it was delicious." Lily's small ears dropped in disappointment.

Feeling sorry for Lily, Charles picked up the fork and knife after a moment's contemplation. He then sliced a dark piece of meat on the plate next to the soup. After chewing on it a few times, Charles commented, "The fish soup is a miss, but this meat is pretty good."

"Really? That's great! I made that, too!" Lily's ears perked up immediately at the positive comment, and she bounced joyfully around the table.

Just then, Richard started talking in Charles' head. "Quickly spit it out! If you want to kill yourself from ingesting charcoal, don't drag me down with you!"

"Shut up." With resolute determination, Charles swallowed the food in his mouth and continued cutting away at the meat.

"Mr. Charles, will you leave me one day?" Lily asked out of a sudden, taking Charles by surprise.

"Why do you ask?"

"I just feel that Mr. Charles doesn't seem to like this place. It seems like you are always ready to leave at any time." The white mouse sprawled on the table, her tiny paws supporting her chin in a human-like gesture of contemplation.

"Maybe. But you can't follow me forever, either. You have to return home someday."

"But I'm a mouse now. My family doesn't want me. Mr. Charles, can't you stay?" Lily leaned closer and cuddled up against Charles' hand.

Charles placed his fork and knife down. He gently stroked the fur on Lily's head as a hint of tenderness appeared in his gaze. Lily was more than just a crew member. In the span of a few months, their bond had deepened, akin to two solitary souls finding familial comfort in each other's company.

"I do plan to leave this place. However, if you are willing, I can take you with me to my world. It's a huge place; a mouse won't take up too much space."

"Mr. Charles, where are you going? What is that place like?"

"It's my home. There is so much food there beyond your wildest imagination. Just a few taps of your finger, the food will be sent to your house. And there are many things to see, do and play..."

As Charles recounted the incredible things of his world, Lily's eyes sparkled, completely absorbed in his tales.

The Narwhale's respite was brief this time around. As soon as Charles got completely accustomed to his new prosthetic, he eagerly informed the crew to gather at the dock to replenish their supplies and prepare to set sail.

Inhaling the breeze that smelled of the sea, Charles' spirit stirred alive. He only felt truly alive when he was on his ship and making progress.

"Captain, is your hand working well?" Dipp asked as he stared at Charles' prosthetic limb with an intriguing expression.

Charles pointed at the ropes nearby and instructed, "Focus and don’t think of other things while you are working. Get the sailors to promptly replace these worn-out ropes."

With that, Charles turned and headed for the captain's quarters. Flipping open his diary, the tip of his fountain pen glided smoothly over the parchment, leaving a trial of Chinese characters in its path.

February 24, 9th Year of Crossing Over

The new arm worked better than my expectations. I'm glad that my strength hasn't diminished with the loss of an arm.

The Narwhale has set sail once more. Our current course is set for another island on that island chain.

Kord's men ventured to that very island but never returned. The risks are undoubtedly high. Considering the limited number of islands left that are accessible via a steamship, I have a gut feeling that we will make a significant discovery during this voyage.