Tatsuya couldn't help but wonder if it was pure coincidence that everyone's schedules aligned perfectly with his own. Still, not wanting to dampen the group's excitement, he kept his suspicions to himself. Like any curious teenage boy, he found himself drawn to the ship's engine room, inspecting its mechanics.
"Fleming propulsion system, huh… No air ducts, so it's not a gas turbine. Photocatalytic hydrogen plant with fuel cells, maybe?" Tatsuya mused.
"There's a hydrogen storage tank as a backup, just in case," a voice added.
Turning, Tatsuya found the ship's captain standing there.
"First time meeting you. I'm Ushio Kitayama, Shizuku's father," the man said, extending a hand.
"Tatsuya Shiba. I've heard much about you," Tatsuya replied, offering his own hand.
Intending a polite, shallow grip, Tatsuya was caught off guard when Ushio clasped his hand firmly.
"Hmm, not just technically skilled or book-smart. This is a reliable hand. My daughter's got a good eye," Ushio said, sizing Tatsuya up.
His gaze was intense yet not off-putting, a skill honed by years in high society. Meanwhile, Tatsuya was observing Ushio just as keenly.
(So this is the infamous 'Ushio Kitayama'… He's quite different from the rumors,) Tatsuya thought.
His mention of Ushio's reputation wasn't mere courtesy. It was common for corporate elites to use aliases for privacy, much like Tatsuya's father, who went by 'Tatsuro Shiihara' as FLT's development head instead of 'Ryuuou Shiba.' Nodding politely, Tatsuya called for his sister.
"Miyuki!"
"Yes, Onii-sama?" she replied, approaching.
"This is Shizuku's father, Ushio Kitayama," Tatsuya introduced.
"Thank you so much for inviting us," Miyuki said, bowing gracefully.
"No, no, I'm delighted to meet such a lovely young lady," Ushio replied.
Despite his seasoned charm, both Shizuku and Honoka noticed a slight stretch in his grin, as if he were a bit smitten.
"Father, you didn't say that about me," Shizuku said, her tone flat but pointed.
"Getting all starry-eyed at your age…" Honoka muttered.
"N-No, I… Oh! You must be my daughter's new friends! I can't join you, but have a great time!" Ushio said, flustered.
Cornered by Shizuku and Honoka, even the renowned 'Ushio Kitayama' faltered, Tatsuya thought with amusement. Spotting Erika and the others, Ushio seized the chance to escape, heading to his car. His mountain of work seemed genuine after all.
"Guess he wanted a taste of the sea voyage, even if just for a bit," Tatsuya mused, glancing at Ushio's Greek captain's hat and pipe—an attempt to play the part. He felt a twinge of sympathy, knowing his own pile of work awaited after this trip. It wasn't someone else's problem.
"Let's get going then. Kurosawa-san, please," Shizuku said.
At her cue, Ms. Kurosawa, the cruiser's pilot and caretaker at the villa, bowed deeply. Her polished suit and demeanor suggested more than a mere housekeeper, though the term didn't quite fit her commanding presence.
"This is what a sea voyage is all about, right?" Erika said, leaning against the deck's railing.
"You're so not ladylike," Leo teased.
"What's that supposed to mean? You're thinking the same thing!" Erika shot back.
"I'm a guy, so it's fine!" Leo retorted.
"Gender discrimination's not cool, you know!" Erika said, smirking.
"Ugh, you—" Leo growled.
Ignoring their usual bickering, Tatsuya lingered on the deck, soaking in the calm.
"Are you feeling unwell?" Ms. Kurosawa asked, approaching.
"No, I just stayed up late last night. Just a bit tired," Tatsuya replied.
"Would you like to rest inside?" she offered.
"I'm fine, thanks. Sorry for worrying you," he said.
Used to navigating adult circles, Tatsuya handled the exchange with an ease most high schoolers couldn't muster. Ms. Kurosawa seemed impressed by his composure.
"If you need to rest, just let me know," she said.
"Got it. Could you look after Mizuki and Mikihiko? They're not doing so well," Tatsuya said, nodding toward the two.
Mizuki and Mikihiko were crouched nearby, looking queasy. The ship's sway wasn't strong, but it seemed enough to trigger seasickness.
"Understood," Ms. Kurosawa said.
"I'll help," Tatsuya offered.
Having brought it up, he felt obliged to assist, helping Mikihiko inside while leaving Mizuki to Ms. Kurosawa, likely hesitant to touch her himself.
"Where are you going, Onii-sama?" Miyuki asked.
"Mizuki and Mikihiko aren't feeling well, so I'm helping Kurosawa-san get them to a place to lie down," Tatsuya explained.
"Gil and Mizuki aren't good with boats, huh?" Honoka said.
"But it's not even that rocky," Shizuku noted.
"They must be sensitive. Those two are kind of alike," Tatsuya said.
He'd noticed their similar discomfort in crowds before, but he didn't realize his comment would spark teenage girl gossip.
"They do seem perfect for each other," Erika said, grinning.
"Yeah, you can tell they're into each other," Honoka added.
"But isn't Mikihiko Erika's childhood friend? Could Erika be…?" Miyuki said, her tone suggestive.
Her half-certain remark sent Honoka and Shizuku into a frenzy of excitement. Tatsuya gave Miyuki an exasperated look but hurried to get Mikihiko inside as he neared his limit.
"Sorry, Tatsuya…" Mikihiko mumbled, pale.
"Don't worry about it. Everyone's got something they struggle with," Tatsuya reassured, supporting him.
"Sorry…" Mikihiko repeated weakly.
Rubbing Mikihiko's back, Tatsuya helped him to a cabin. Ms. Kurosawa did the same for Mizuki ahead of them.
"Shiba-sama, this way," Ms. Kurosawa said.
"Call me Tatsuya. It's less confusing with my sister," he said.
"Understood. Tatsuya-sama, please take Yoshida-sama to this room. I'll have Shibata-sama rest in this one," she instructed.
Tatsuya noted her professionalism. Someone like Mayumi might've teasingly put them in the same room, but Ms. Kurosawa knew better.
"Hold on a bit longer, Mikihiko," Tatsuya said.
"Ugh…" Mikihiko groaned.
His face was ashen, but once settled on the bed, he quieted down, relieved. Not wanting to risk him getting worse, Tatsuya left the room.
"How's Mizuki?" he asked Ms. Kurosawa.
"Shibata-sama is resting now," she replied.
"Same here. He passed out right away," Tatsuya said.
Sharing a wry smile, Tatsuya returned to the deck as Ms. Kurosawa headed to the helm to switch from autopilot to manual. They were nearing the island.
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