The door to the back of the ship led to a narrow passageway. It was barely wide enough for a person to go through. Those women would have a hard time escaping.

So that’s why this door was so poorly guarded.

After somehow managing to get through the narrow passageway, they emerged into a large, space. The walls and ceiling were lined with pipes leading all the way to the back of the ship.

“Avril, the engine room is this way.”

Lynn, who seemed perfectly accustomed to the place, took Avril’s hand and led her. As they went downstairs, the temperature of the room rose, and they could feel the heat. The engine room must be close.

“There is some gramps up ahead. I don’t know what they’re saying, but they seem like nice people.”

“I see, I believe in you, Lynn! I’ll be glad if that’s the case!”

There was no time to hesitate. They’d soon be arriving at the next port. They had to finish the negotiations by then.

She quietly opened the door and heard a conversation.

“What’s happening? Weren’t we supposed to stay at the next port for half a day? Why are we leaving in half an hour?”

“Will we be able to replenishthe fuel and supplies in time?”

“We’ve got plenty at Myrtle’s port, so there’s no problem… But why are they in such a hurry? We can’t even relax in a cruise ship?”

It seems that Grandma and Kathy have already sent out the notice.

Avril nodded and called out to the engineers who were having their morning coffee amidst the stuffy heat.

“Nice to meet you, Engineers! May I have a word with you?”

They seemed puzzled at Avril’s sudden appearance.

“Where did you come from? This place is dangerous. Passengers aren’t allowed here.”

“I’m sorry to bother you, but I came from the room that leads to the back of the ship.”

“What? This is a restricted area that can only be entered through the employee-only passage.”

Avril gauged the reaction of the man who seemed to be the most experienced of the three engineers.

These people don’t seem to know that there is a hidden room in one section of the ship. Maybe if they knew the situation, they would be on our side.

Then, Lynn popped her head out from behind Avril.

“Hey, what are you drinking? Can I have some too?”

“Oh, it’s you again.”

The engineers seemed to be familiar with Lynn. Their expressions softened a little. Lynn did say she often snuck out of the room to visit the engine room.

“I smell something fragrant. What is this? It’s not alcohol, right?”

“This isn’t a playground. I told you not to come here because it’s dangerous.”

“I’ve never seen that kind of drink before.”

“Are you curious about what’s in this cup? This is coffee. C-o-f-f-e-e.”

“What’s coffee? It’s black.”

“Why do you always come to this place? Go enjoy the cruise with your parents.”

“Well, I can see why. Cruises aren’t that fun for kids, so they’ll go exploring instead.”

“That’s true.”

The conversation revolved around Lynn. It became apparent that the innocent Lynn was close to and adored by them. Meanwhile, Avril’s gaze lit up as she understood the situation.

This engine room of Victoria… It’s almost exactly the same as in the book…!

“Wow! Here, here, there, and here! It’s all just like I read in the book! It’s exciting to think that such a big engine is powering the Victoria…! There are three engines of the same shape in this ship. Oh, the boiler is at the back. The Victoria is a steamship that burns coal to generate steam to power the engine. It’s also where electricity is generated for the ship. Hats off to the suppliers and engineers who keep the coal burning…!”

What she had saw in the book was right in front of her. It was always such a joy to see something she had learned about in a book in real life. It made up for the time she spent sheltered in her parents’ house.

Come to think of it, the salon concert at the old castle that Lord Dylan took me to as a villainess was superb, too.

She was so excited and engrossed then that Dylan laughed at her.

Where is Lord Dylan now, and what is he doing…? I wonder if he’s been looking for me since he caught Teresa?

Instead of leaving a note, I should’ve checked with Lord Dylan directly before going to the Second-class Cabin… He must be worried about me.

As she was thinking about that, she noticed one of the engineers staring at her with his jaw wide open.

“Oh? What’s the matter?”

“Aren’t you a First-class passenger? Why are you so excited at seeing the ship’s engine room? Normally, shouldn’t you be fascinated by the view from the top deck, the luxury of the suites, and the parties that go on every night?”

“Well, I’m tired of that kind of fun.”

She didn’t really wanted to act like a villainess at the moment, but she wanted to appear a little more mature in front of Lynn.

Lynn, who was listening to Avril’s conversation with the engineer, looked at her with sparkling eyes. Her eyes said it all, ‘Amazing!’ Even though she shouldn’t have understood a word they were saying…

Avril felt a bit happy, but then remembered that it wasn’t the time to be rejoicing.

No, there’s something more important.

Just as she was thinking that, Avril noticed something.

“Oh, there’s a strange noise coming from the boiler. Maybe it’s broken?”

---

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***T/N: Avril plz dont sink the ship

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