Chapter 88: Arrival in Europe

The sea lay calm, its surface unbroken by wind or wave. The ship's hull barely felt the ocean's undulating breath, gliding through waters as smooth as polished jade.

A gentle easterly breeze rippled across the ocean's surface. The sky, completely free of mist, allowed for an unobstructed view to the horizon.

The Schicksal vessel differed fundamentally from ordinary steamships. It could hardly be considered an ancient craft, as it required no crew—only a helmsman to steer.

Though lacking sailors, it also contained no fuel. Its construction remained a mystery; somehow, the oars propelled themselves through the water.

Serenade felt only passing curiosity about this Schicksal black technology. When even Kallen couldn't answer her questions, she abandoned further inquiry.

The journey from the Far East to Schicksal headquarters spanned vast distances, impossible to traverse quickly. Thus... Serenade, Kallen, and Higokumaru... the two humans and one fox would spend extended periods at sea.

Moreover... the ocean's tranquility wouldn't last. When storms erupted, the sea became terrifying—even for ordinary people.

Beyond natural disasters, piracy posed another threat.

However, according to Kallen, no pirate would dare harass a Schicksal vessel.

The primary reason, of course... stemmed from repeated bloody lessons. Pirates had learned the hard way about the existence of Valkyries—those terrifying creatures.

Each Valkyrie alone could annihilate an entire pirate fleet.

Inside the ship, Kallen was earnestly steering the vessel. In truth, it required little effort—merely ensuring the course remained true and avoiding any reefs along the way.

Overall, it was exponentially easier than operating ancient traditional ships.

Serenade cradled Higokumaru while watching Kallen at the helm. From Serenade's perspective, it appeared deceptively simple, almost tempting her to try her hand at steering.

Despite this impulse, Serenade resisted. I'd only make mistakes, she thought, better not to disrupt things.

"Kallen..."

"Hm?" Kallen responded, her attention divided between navigation and the conversation.

"When we reach Schicksal, do me a favor!"

After a moment's hesitation, Serenade spoke with sudden intensity. As she did... her grip on Higokumaru tightened abruptly.

The sudden pressure made Higokumaru yelp in pain, causing her to leap out of Serenade's arms.

"What kind of favor?"

"When the time comes, call Otto out... Then... I'll go see him first. Right... We shouldn't reveal ourselves yet. I know you can contact Otto, so have him bring your Oath of Judah first. This will make breaking into Schicksal headquarters safer." Though other Schicksal members might not safely wield the Oath of Judah... even one divine key in their hands would be a formidable threat.

Moreover... the Oath of Judah was Kallen's exclusive weapon. The difference between Kallen with the Oath and Kallen without it was night and day.

If Theresa could unleash sixty percent of the Oath's power, Kallen could at least wield eighty percent.

The clearest example was how Kallen could face a Pseudo-Herrscher head-on with the Oath, while Theresa might fall just short.

Therefore, the Oath had to be "acquired" by Otto for Kallen. Even if Kallen didn't use it herself, unwilling to harm Schicksal members... it could still be used by someone else!

After all, Serenade was now "Kallen" too!

Meeting with Otto alone was Serenade's way to complete the mission.

"You can rest assured about the Oath of Judah. Before we set out, I informed Otto. When we reach our destination, he'll have someone deliver it to us."

Hearing Serenade's words, Kallen's expression briefly flickered with curiosity before settling back into calm.

"As for wanting to see Otto first... why?" Kallen looked at Serenade, her gaze filled with confusion.

For some inexplicable reason, Kallen didn't want Serenade interacting too much with Otto. As for why? Even she couldn't articulate it.

"Just playing a little game. Do you think... Otto could tell I'm not actually (you)?" Serenade moved closer to Kallen's back, her arms instinctively wrapping around Kallen's waist as she rested her chin on Kallen's shoulder.

"Ah~ What are you doing... I'm still steering the ship!" Kallen protested, her face flushing at Serenade's sudden closeness.

"I'm not doing anything... I just feel... why aren't your breasts as big as Sakura's?" Serenade's hands found the pair of mounds behind Kallen, easily grasping them within one hand.

Sakura's would have required both hands.

"Serenade!! Go play with your own! It's the same thing, stop distracting me..." Kallen hastily freed one hand to push Serenade away from her back.

Honestly...

Kallen was 25 this year, though... as a Valkyrie, she appeared to be only in her teens.

In her twenty-five years, she'd never encountered such a situation before, leaving her distinctly uncomfortable.

"You're actually feeling something! And isn't that kind of... perverted?"

"Is this any less perverted?"

"This is called being a gentleman..."

"More like a damned pervert..." Kallen was at a loss for words.

"Alright, alright, I won't bother you anymore. I'll go catch some fish in the sea..."

"Go on then. I'll slow down."

After leaving Kallen's side, Serenade changed into appropriate swimming attire... without a care for nearby sharks, she plunged directly into the sea.

As a Valkyrie, Serenade naturally differed from ordinary people... even an hour without breathing posed no issue, allowing her to dive freely beneath the ocean's surface.

The sea teemed with life, particularly edible species...

Many seafood could be eaten raw upon capture, though Serenade preferred proper preparation for optimal flavor.

After about an hour, Serenade returned to the ship laden with a bounty of marine delicacies.

"Kallen, find an anchorage. We're having a seafood feast."

In the boundless sea, Serenade and Kallen had been adrift for days. They'd eaten so much seafood that the taste had become indifferent to them.

Serenade fared better, accustomed to frequent ocean excursions.

Higokumaru and Kallen, however, had remained confined to the ship. Especially Kallen, who despite occasional rest periods, found the prolonged voyage increasingly unbearable.

Finally, their destination came into view.

To avoid attracting Schicksal's attention, Kallen chose a remote anchorage. No sooner had they docked than several nuns appeared, bearing an enormous object that had clearly been waiting for her arrival.

"Miss Kallen, your request is prepared," announced the nun who had been waiting. "Young Master Otto inquires if you require anything else. He will arrange it immediately."

"You've been here all this time?" Kallen asked, her voice tinged with surprise.

"Indeed. Young Master Otto intended to send it to the Far East, but you requested personal retrieval. We've been stationed here accordingly."