The Devil's Betrothed novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38: Reaching The Selve Port

The merchant convoy soon reached the city of Selve, and Oriana’s nose that had grown used to the terrible stench of leather welcomed the refreshing breeze of the sea.

A port city!

A city by the sea!

Oriana had once lived in a town by a lake, but it was nothing compared to the vastness of the sea. This was the first time she had personally been to the coastline. The boundless blue waters were mesmerizing, and the warmer southern region gave off a different feel compared to the North. She would have loved to take a stroll in such a lively city, but she was not given a chance to enjoy her first visit in Selve.

On the very day of their arrival, Ron and his group boarded a ship for Azures Island. It was a huge cargo ship that belonged to some big merchant group. The ship was used to carry the goods as well as transport people towards Megaris, and one of its stops was precisely Azures Island.

Oriana had long left the wagon before they arrived on the pier area.

"Fare for Azures Island, please."

"Oh, you not a local, aye? Funny you be the second person calling Port Hope ’Azures Island’ today," the man chirped. Just as Oriana was about to get her coin pouch, the sailor shook his head. "Sorry, lad. Board the next ship tomorrow."

"Is something wrong, mister?"

The sailor then called over another man to explain.

"What? They are no longer accepting passengers?" she exclaimed.

The one in charge of the ship scratched his stubbly chin. "Aye, lad. It be a full board, leavin’ first thing in the morning. Capt’n says we ain’t accepting more people."

Oriana tried to bribe the sailor, but got refused. She felt suspicious, wondering why she was refused but those behind her were allowed to embark. She mixed up with the group of other merchants and got herself hired as a temporary porter without any trouble.

Just like that, Oriana experienced her first sea voyage.

Till now, the trip was relatively easy although there had been mishaps. Perhaps the hardest part was going to start now— and that was getting to the seller before Ron acquired all the goods.

While being on that cargo ship, Oriana made sure to keep an eye on Ron and his group. At one point, she even changed into an unassuming servant’s attire to bring in food inside their cabin and eavesdrop into their conversation. _{fɾēewebnσveℓ.com}