Shinji's heart pounded as he stepped onto the bustling docks of Pritz Harbor. The salty breeze brushed against his face, carrying the sounds of seagulls and the creaking of ships. He adjusted his collar and glanced at hthe former slaves, who were equally on edge.
Shinji scanned the area, searching for the harbor master's office. It wasn't hard to spot—a weathered wooden building perched atop a small hill, overseeing the vast expanse of the harbor. He led the former slaves through the bustling crowd, weaving between sailors and merchants, until they reached the office.
Entering the office, Shinji found himself face to face with a grizzled, stern-looking man—the harbor master. The room was cluttered with nautical charts, stacks of paperwork, and a faint smell of ink.
Without wasting a moment, Shinji approached the harbor master, who raised an eyebrow in curiosity. Shinji reached into a small pouch hidden beneath his cloak and discreetly withdrew two notes . He held them out, his voice hushed but confident.
"Good day, sir," Shinji began, his eyes meeting the harbor master's. "My crew and I seek safe passage in your esteemed harbor. We have traveled far and are in need of respite."
The harbor master's gaze lingered on the gleaming coins, his stern expression softening ever so slightly. His hand extended, his palm open to receive the bribe. Shinji placed the Notes gently in the harbor master's waiting hand, their clink muffled by the noise outside.
"Another matter that I would like to bring to your attention is that I am looking to sell my ship. So how about you sir may buy it. For the low price of a 1,000 pounds." If Shinji rememberd correctly that was a lot of money but the ship was already beat up quite alot.
"I must admit, Captain, your offer is tempting," the harbor master replied, his voice tinged with a hint of anticipation. "But before we discuss further, I would like to see the ship you are willing to sell. If it's as impressive as you claim, we might just strike a deal."
Shinji's heart skipped a beat. The moment of truth had arrived. He nodded and motioned for the harbor master to follow him. With a sense of urgency, they made their way through the bustling harbor, navigating the maze of ships and crates until they reached the berth where the ship lay anchored.
The harbor master circled the ship, inspecting every detail with a discerning eye. Shinji watched him, his heart pounding in anticipation. He knew that selling the ship was a risky move, but he needed the funds to live in this world.
Finally, the harbor master turned to face Shinji, a mix of admiration and shrewdness in his gaze.
"Captain, I must say, your ship holds an undeniable allure," the harbor master commented, his voice laced with a hint of fascination. "She has seen her share of battles, but there's a certain charm in her battle scars. Tell me, why would a captain like you be willing to part with such a vessel?"
Shinji took a deep breath, steadying himself before responding. He knew he needed to choose his words carefully to appeal to the harbor master's sensibilities.
Shinji cleared his throat, He met the harbor master's gaze, his eyes filled with a mix of weariness and determination.
"Sir, I have sailed the seas for many years, and the Crimson Serpent has been my loyal companion. But as a captain, I bear a heavy responsibility," Shinji began, his words measured and sincere. "You see, this ship has served its purpose in our journey. It has been a sanctuary for those in need, a symbol of hope for the downtrodden. But now, it is time for her to find a new purpose, a new captain who can continue the legacy she carries."
The harbor master's eyebrows rose in intrigue, his curiosity piqued by Shinji's words. He leaned against the ship's railing, studying Shinji intently.
"You speak of responsibility, Captain," the harbor master mused, his voice tinged with a mix of skepticism and intrigue. "What do you seek to accomplish with the sale of your ship?"
"I seek to put a stop to my adventures. And I seek these funds so that I can relax and maybe open my own restraunt with all the food I have seen." Shinji replied as he tried really sell the story by making up every bit of his backstory up. The restaurant part was what he got from a off handed comment by Emiya a few years ago.
The harbor master nodded slowly, his expression showing a hint of appreciation for Shinji's noble intentions.
"Captain, I admire your sense of responsibility and compassion," the harbor master admitted, his tone shifting to one of grudging respect. "The price you mentioned, 1,000 pounds, is indeed substantial. But for a ship of this caliber, it may be a worthy investment. However, I would need some time to consider the proposal."
Shinji's heart sank slightly at the mention of a delay, He nodded, accepting the situation with grace.
"I appreciate your consideration, sir," Shinji replied, his voice trying to best to give a hint of gratitude.
With a curt nod, the harbor master retreated from the ship, leaving Shinji to contemplate the uncertain outcome. Day turned into night as Shinji waited for the harbour master decision with most of the former slaves going thier own way with only Edessak remaining behind to fullfill his part of the deal.
Finally, on a cool and misty morning, the harbor master approached Shinji with a determined look in his eyes. They met at the same spot where their initial encounter had taken place.
"Captain," the harbor master began, his voice carrying a newfound respect. "I have pondered your proposal, and I must admit, your words struck a chord within me. The Crimson Serpent, with all its battle scars and stories, holds a significance beyond mere monetary value."
Shinji gave his best smile as he tried to make the harbour master believe that he was truly grateful.
"With that said," the harbor master continued, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips, "I am prepared to offer you a sum of 1,000 pounds for the Crimson Serpent."
The harbor master nodded, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. "Rest assured, Captain, I will ensure that the Crimson Serpent's legacy lives on. She will be a symbol of resilience and compassion in these tumultuous times."
As the transaction took place, Shinji watched as the harbor master counted the agreed-upon sum, the weight of the Notes signifying the new chapter that awaited him.
With the exchange complete, Shinji turned his gaze towards the Harbour and turned and followed Edessak to Backlund.