The gentle sea breeze drifted through the open balcony of Aryan's guest chamber aboard the island nation's grand warship. It wasn't an ordinary ship — it had three decks, enchanted copper sails, and the smoothest steering Aryan had ever seen. If a ship could flirt, this one surely would.
Aryan leaned on the railing, sipping a coconut drink with an umbrella poking out. "I could get used to this," he muttered.
Behind him, footsteps echoed. Reva arrived with a smug grin, carrying a tray of tropical fruits. "Enjoying yourself, my Lord Admiral?"
"Please don't call me that," Aryan laughed. "You'll start a trend I can't escape from."
Meena popped her head in from the side of the deck, already half-drenched. "They have a natural hot spring pool on board! It smells like mangoes!"
Kaamaya strutted in wearing a colorful island robe, holding a fan. "This entire ship is a spa with cannons. I'm impressed."
Aryan rubbed his temples. "I came here to form a military alliance. Why do I feel like I'm on vacation?"
The ship's captain, an older woman named High Admiral Sireen, approached with a scroll in hand. "Prince Aryan, the Council of the Isles has agreed in principle to your alliance proposal."
Aryan perked up. "That was fast."
"You brought rare silk, high-quality spices, and gifted them a dancing elephant," she said flatly. "They love you."
Reva raised an eyebrow. "Wait, when did we get a dancing elephant?"
Aryan gave a mysterious smile. "He's in the cargo hold. Name's Bhopu. He twirls on command."
Kaamaya clapped her hands. "Best trade deal ever."
Meena flopped down on a sunbed. "So what now?"
Aryan sat beside her, pulling out a rolled map. "The Isles will send us five ships with reinforced hulls and harpoon cannons. In return, we'll supply them with steel and grains yearly. With this fleet, we can dominate the sea routes around eastern Kaligarh."
Reva stretched. "All while eating papayas and watching sunsets. I love this job."
Just then, Bhopu the elephant actually appeared on deck, wearing shades and a flower garland, followed by some cheering island children.
Aryan blinked. "I didn't even tell him to come out."
Kaamaya grinned. "He has good timing. Like someone else I know."
Aryan chuckled but playfully dodged her gaze. "Let's not start the flirting contest again."
Meena tossed him a lychee. "Too late."
As the sun dipped low into the sea and painted the sky in oranges and purples, Aryan raised his drink. "To alliances, elephants, and the wild, weird world of Kaligarh."
Everyone raised their glasses.
"To the sea and sky!"
End of Chapter 61