In the harbor of Ancula, Land of Pirates, a single ship was anchored there…-.
The name of that ship was the Balenarossa.
The hot sunlight rained down on the deck and on Rosso, the ship’s captain.
Rosso: “The weather is great with good waves and good winds. This is the best weather to be sailing. Hm? That’s…-.”
Rosso’s eyes happened to turn towards the dock where he saw Vashti and Toni standing together looking at a map.
Rosso: “Well that’s a weird pair… Heeey, you two!”
Rosso nimbly jumped off the deck of the ship as Vashti and Toni turned to look at him.
Rosso: “Sup? What are you two doing? That map is…”
Toni: “Rosso! You’ll be surprised when you hear ya know? This is a map that shows the location of the Ocean Drop!”
Rosso: “Did you say the Ocean Drop? The jewel that’s said to be bluer and clearer than the sea itself?”
Vashti: “That’s it. I happened to get my hands on the map through a certain source.”
Rosso’s eyes went round as Vashti nodded with a bold smile.
Vashti: “It’s a rare jewel. I’ll see it for myself by any means. If it’s as good as the legends say, I wouldn’t mind adding it to my collection. I realized that unfortunately I don’t have much experience in treasure hunting. That’s why I enlisted the help of a professional like Toni.”
Rosso: “I see… but is this map the real deal? False information is an unavoidable risk when treasure hunting.”
Vashti: “When it comes to searching the worlds for the most prized items, don’t discount my information network. I’m certain of the information. The Ocean Drop is here, without a doubt.”
Vashti pointed with his finger to an island on the map.
Rosso stared at it, as if he were being drawn in, then he immediately looked up with a serious expression.
Rosso: “That island, isn’t it near the Whirling Tides of Distortion…?”
Toni: “Whirling Tides? What’s that?”
Rosso: “So you planned on going without knowing that? It’s an irregular junction between two currents that changes, an area that is the bane of every navigations officer. It’ll be a painful experience if you carelessly get too close.”
Toni: “If Rosso says so, it must be really bad. Vashti, what do you wanna do?”
Vashti: “That’s obvious.”
As if hearing such things made no difference, Vashti looked at Rosso, untroubled.
Vashti: “This voyage would be one that falls under the expertise of a pirate. Isn’t that right, Rosso?”
Rosso: “Well yeah, I guess. But I don’t wanna just put in the work.”
Vashti: “Of course, you’ll get an equal split of the treasure. Should it be added to my collection, I’ll give you an appropriate reward.”
Rosso: “Alright, now we’re talkin’! Hey, y’all heard that right!?”
Rosso called out in the direction of the ship and the crew of the Balenarossa answered with enthusiastic cheers.
Rosso: “It’ll be a tough journey. Be ready.”
At Rosso’s warning, Vashti and Toni nodded with calm smiles.
Vashti: “Of course. I’ll get my hands on that jewel without fail.”
Toni: “Yeah! When the thief, the pirate, and the greedy prince combine forces, it’s obvious we can get our hands on any jewel!”
The princes wasted no time in boarding the ship, the invigorating salt breeze brushing against their cheeks.
To claim the jewel that lay dormant beyond the horizon, the Balenarossa swung around and set its course.
END