Peak Between Two: Mushoku Tensei

-Luciel Greyrat-

After finally escaping that bizarre Demon Queen, I made it to the beach.

My eyes immediately searched for Ruijerd and my younger sisters.

It didn't take long to find them.

In the distance, Norn and Aisha played by the water's edge, their laughter mixing with the sound of waves. Ruijerd stood nearby, watchful as always, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings.

I let out a long breath, finally able to relax after everything that had just happened.

By the way… the seawater here is greenish.

Hmm.

I knew this was another world, but…

Could the same natural phenomena from Earth happen here?

No, I was probably being too arrogant about my own knowledge. Humans had a tendency to assume they understood everything.

I shook my head and brushed off the thought.

Instead, I stepped closer and called out.

"Hey!!"

It had been a few days since we arrived at Wind Port, and we were finally ready to set sail for Zanto Port in the Milis Continent.

But just as we were about to board the ship—

"Sorry, but I can't let a Supard onto my vessel."

The ship captain's deep voice was firm, unyielding. His sharp eyes fixated on Ruijerd, filled with distrust.

I let out a quiet sigh.

I saw this coming.

Ruijerd Supardia.

A fearsome warrior, a true soldier, and a reliable companion.

But unfortunately… the name "Supard" was more terrifying than his honor as a warrior.

Behind the captain, I noticed crew members whispering, glancing at Ruijerd with fear-stricken faces.

Ruijerd remained silent, his expression calm, though I knew deep inside, this was hurting him.

I stepped forward, keeping my tone diplomatic.

"Captain, we won't cause any trouble. I can guarantee that."

The captain clicked his tongue and looked at me as if I had just said something ridiculous.

"Kid, you don't get it, do you?"

He folded his arms, shaking his head.

"The Supard race is made up of murderous demons. They can't be trusted. If I let one onto my ship, I risk losing the trust of my passengers. Even if he doesn't cause trouble, just his presence is enough to send everyone into a panic."

I clenched my teeth.

Yeah. I already knew this was going to be his reasoning.

The Supard race had been feared as merciless killers since the Great War thousands of years ago.

All because of that bastard Laplace, who cursed them—turning their green hair and third eye into symbols of terror.

People still remembered that dark legend.

Even after hundreds of years.

I glanced at Ruijerd.

He remained silent, though I could see his fists clenching tightly at his sides.

I knew he wanted to be angry.

Not because of the insult against him personally, but because he had been working so hard to change his people's reputation—only to face the same cruel reality again.

I can't let this end like this.

I took a deep breath and began thinking.

How can I get Ruijerd on the ship without causing a scene?

A bribe might work, but it wouldn't erase the fear of the crew and passengers.

If I forced the issue, it could lead to a bigger conflict.

I needed a different approach… a more clever one.

Then, an idea came to me.

A perfect solution.

Before explaining my plan, I told Norn and Aisha to step away.

Norn hesitated, gripping my sleeve, but I gently patted her head.

"Don't worry. I have a plan."

Once they were far enough, I turned to Ruijerd.

"Alright, I have a way to get you on the ship. But I need to ask—are you okay with this method?"

Ruijerd's sharp eyes locked onto mine.

He knew I wasn't reckless.

"…What's your plan?" he asked, his voice calm but wary.

I took a deep breath.

Then, in a low voice, I said:

"Ruijerd… you're going to be smuggled onto the ship as a slave."

To my surprise, Ruijerd agreed with my plan.

His reason was simple.

He wanted to search for his people beyond the Demon Continent.

Until now, he had only wandered his homeland, never venturing into the wider world. There was a chance that other Supard had survived—living in places he never imagined.

If this method allowed him to continue his mission, then he was willing to endure it.

And so…

I arranged for him to be hidden in a slave cargo hold.

The smugglers handling it were bandits in disguise.

But what could I do?

Slavery was a normal part of this world.

Even if I hated it, I had to be practical.

Maybe my morality had become a bit corrupt, but… my empathy for the weak hadn't disappeared.

I could only hope that Ruijerd would be safe during the voyage.

A few hours passed since we left Wind Port.

I watched Norn and Aisha, who had been excited when the ship first set sail…

But now—

They were both collapsed on the floor, their faces pale, their bodies trembling.

Seasickness.

I sighed, rubbing my face.

"Seriously… you two…"

Norn groaned. "Ugh… Brother… land… when do we get there…"

Aisha squirmed beside her. "I never want to ride a ship again… the sea has betrayed me…"

I shook my head.

So dramatic.

Without a word, I placed my hands on the back of their necks and activated micro-level mana control, targeting the nerves responsible for motion sickness.

Within seconds, the pale color of their faces returned to normal.

Norn blinked. "Huh?"

Aisha lifted her head. "Eh? Why do I feel… fine now?"

I just smirked.

"That's a secret."

They both stared at me in disbelief.

I chuckled.

For now…

I would just enjoy this moment.