Following that, voices rose from the surroundings.

“Yes. We’ll do everything we can to stop this ship so that the women imprisoned in that room don’t get taken to a foreign land. We might even burn the coal.”

“I wanted to have some fun in the port town, so dropping anchor might not be that bad of an idea. Is it okay to wait until there’s a signal? We can stay for a few days like in Myrtle Town.”

“You haven’t had enough fun yet?”

Avril blinked at the lively conversation.

So, this means…! It seems like they’re going to listen to my request to delay the ship’s departure.

“Thank you, everyone.”

She bowed deeply, offering her most sincerest gratitude, and Lynn, who seemed to understand the situation, smiled.

“Avril, did the negotiations go well?”

“Yes. They said they’ll drop the ship’s anchor when we arrive at the port until they are given further instructions.”

“Great! Awesome!”

“Now, as long as Lord Dylan helps us, there won’t be any problems.”

“Who’s that? But I’m glad! Now we won’t be taken to a foreign country!”

As they held hands and rejoiced, the engineer asked with a puzzled look on his face.

“But why did you repair the boiler? If it were broken, we might’ve been able to remain anchored at the next port without doing anything. Of course, I don’t think that would’ve changed the order from the above to depart in half an hour.”

“The people who work on this ship are responsible for the lives of the passengers. It’s only natural that we ensure their safety on the sea. This and that are different matters.”

“T-that’s… I see…”

The engineer repeated Avril’s words and continued with admiration.

“Speaking of the Duke of Lancester, it seems that the head family used to be a lecher—excuse me, a bit eccentric. Perhaps now that they have a new leader, things will improve.”

“…Yes. The current family head is a very nice man.”

Avril replied with a smile. For some reason, the engineers exchanged glances and said, “Okay, we get it.” They even laughed. “Even though the duke himself has become a decent man, it seems that his taste in women hasn’t changed.”

Avril and Lynn spent less than half an hour in the back of the ship, burning coals and persuading the engineers.

After wiping her face, which had turned black due to the coal, Avril returned to the confinement room. Kathy was waiting at the door.

“Great, you made it back safely… Why is your face so dirty? Did something happen while you were watching the kid?”

I can see why she’s confused.

Thinking that, Avril wiped her face again with her handkerchief.

“Sorry for showing you something so unsightly. Smoke was coming from the engine room, and I went to see what happened…”

“Hmm? I don’t really get it, but no matter how you look at it, it’s too black!”

“Is there a problem with it being black…?”

As she tilted her head, the whistle rang, announcing the arrival of the ship at the port.

Avril was relieved to learn they had finally arrived, and was glad they made it on time… But then, Kathy winked at the other bad guys, smiling seductively.

“Someone is waiting for you at the next port. He’s willing to pay a hefty sum for you. Aren’t you glad?”

“Huh?”

“I sent a telegraph to my friend in Coil Town to find a buyer for you. Coincidentally, a wealthy man visiting Coil is very interested in you. While it’s fine to be a villain and squeeze money out of a lot of men, I don’t think being bought is bad. It’d line our pockets.”

“Kathy? What are you doing?”

Based on the conversation, she understood that if she couldn’t escape from these villains, she’d be sold to someone. Still, by the next morning? Wasn’t it too fast?

Things were escalating quickly. Avril stared off into the distance. However, Kathy didn’t give any her time. In a good mood, she told her a shocking name.

“The name of the man who’ll buy you is Brandon Lancester. He was once known as the Lecherous Old Duke.”

“…Huh?”

Avril wasn’t usually that surprised, but this time was different.

More than the fact that she was being sold, the name of the person trying to buy her sounded all too familiar.

Brandon Lancester… as in… the former duke?

---

Read ahead and support Faux on patreon for only $2~

***T/N: Oh wow what a coincidence, you guys…

Please also consider donating to my ko-fi! It’ll greatly support me in action, no matter the amount!
https://ko-fi.com/antoinettevanessa

Have a Japanese story or the likes (Drama CD, etc.) you’d like to read? Want it to be translated? I’m open for commission!
https://www.fiverr.com/s2/aaab08c14d

<Previous chapter

Next chapter>