After sailing for a while, the initial excitement faded.
A familiar feeling returned to Rhett. The boredom of the sea.
In his own era, he could fight named pirates. He knew who they were and how to beat them. But now, piracy was new.
Most "pirates" were either fools who charged to their deaths or cowards who ran at the sight of his flag.
The enemies were too weak. It was like bullying children. He hadn't met anyone interesting. He saw battles, though. Kings fighting others. Joy Boy being chased.
Why did others have such exciting lives? What did he lack?
"Ah, I'm so bored."
He lay on the deck, becoming a stubborn fish.
He couldn't be bothered to steer. He let the ship drift. He wanted to see the Void Century.
The wind blew cold.
The girl watched him. Her eyes showed a hint of concern.
She could feel his boredom. It made her feel... something. She wanted to do something.
She thought of the village women caring for others. She added her own instincts.
She knelt, pushing his shoulder. Trying to roll him.
He was lost in thought and let himself be moved.
"???"
She rolled him to a simple cot.
She looked at the cot, then at him. She raised her hand. Cold flowed, covering him with a thin ice blanket. Only his face was visible.
She seemed satisfied.
She looked at the cot, then at him, then squeezed in beside him.
He stared at the ice blanket and the girl in his arms.
"What are you doing? Who taught you to push people like that?"
She looked up, her eyes clear. She pointed at the sky (meaning cold), then at herself (meaning with you).
Flawless logic.
He sighed. "Fine. A new experience."
The cold didn't bother him.
Maybe it was less boring.
---
Night fell.
He yawned and walked to the cabin. "Time to sleep."
She followed.
A small hand of blood mist grabbed her collar, holding her back.
She turned, confused.
He crossed his arms. "You're an adult now. You can't sleep with me anymore."
She stared.
"Men and women are different."
She seemed to understand, nodding.
Good.
"You need to sleep alone. I fixed the other room."
She shook her head.
"What do you mean?"
She pointed at him, then at the cabin.
He didn't understand.
"Men and women are different?"
She shook her head violently.