Deep Sea Embers

Chapter 93 “This Is Common Sense”

Duncan quickly adjusted his expression and state of mind so that he did not look like a “foreigner” that lacked common sense. Yet, his mind could no longer remain calm for his heart was churning up a storm.

Why? Because this world’s sky had no stars. The starry stars mentioned here are in the world between the ocean and the spirit world, a strange and freaky phenomenon that couldn’t even be fathomed by those on Earth.

For this so-called “common sense”, Duncan could only curse in frustration.

To be fair, for the short period of coming to this world, the ghost captain had done a lot. He’s driven the Vanished into the depths of the spirit world and entered the chaotic lower cabins of the ship connecting to subspace. Yet, he’s never seen the “starry sky” between the deep sea and spirit world… this happens to be his blind spot so far.

Stars…… hiding in the depths of the sea… What a weird and bizarre situation if it’s true? Is the so-called “starry sky” mentioned by Morris the same thing as the “starry sky” I know? What is the form of the place where the spirit world meets the deep sea? Is there a deeper, darker ocean? Or is it just a special spatial structure named after the ocean?

For some reason, Duncan suddenly thought of the girl named Shirley and her inseparable pet and weapon called “Dog”.

Dog was a creature of the shadows known as Dark Hound in this world, a demon creature summoned from the depths of the nether.

Duncan couldn’t imagine the physiological structure of such a skeletal hound, but judging from its appearance, it was clearly not an “aquatic creature”… Going by that, he could boldly speculate that the so-called “deep sea” may not necessarily be a body of ocean.

It could be an extremely vast and bizarre space that’s wrapped up by the starry sky.

As Duncan sketched the spatial model in his mind, Morris finally started to notice the absentmindedness of the antique shop owner. Asking curiously: “About astrology, do you also dabble in the field?”

“I… have some interest,” Duncan pulled the corner of his lips up, finding it amusing that the world would have something like astrology when they lacked stars in the sky. “But the starry sky is hidden in such a deep place… it’s not easy to explore the topic.”

“Of course, the field is extremely dangerous to explore, but not impossible. We too can use some indirect scientific means to observe the projection of the starry sky thanks to the advancement of technology. Like the spirit lenses used by a navigator. Ever since the city-states improved its design, those who go mad from repeated use has gone down by huge margins.” Morris breaks out into a delighted laugh at the topic. It’s been a long time since he got someone willing to discuss such things with him so he’s in a very good mood. “You know, a century ago, the profession of a navigator was always the deadliest job on an ocean-going ship… In fact, I’ve always wanted to collect a set of the earliest spirit lenses to study, but sadly, I never got the chance to.”

Duncan was blinking dully then. He didn’t care what the old gent was spouting there, instead he was only interested in a new question that popped up as a result: in this world, how do navigators guide their ships if there are no stars up in the sky?

Turns out the answer remains the same after some more back and forth – by relying on the stars. Instead of looking up though, the ships looked down at the waters with the spirit lenses. By observing the reflecting stars from beneath the depths, they could effectively achieve the same results using the scientific instrument. However, that doesn’t mean the job didn’t come with risks.

Before the 1800’s of the new calendar, those who acted as navigators would often lose their minds or die from corruption. That’s the cost of constantly peering at the deep sea where foul shadows lurked.

“You are such a learned person.” After discussing many more questions, Duncan finally couldn’t help but sigh sincerely. “Nina is lucky to have a teacher like you.”

“I’m also glad to see her having an uncle like you,” Morris nodded reservedly, “Now that all my doubts are gone, I can feel at ease knowing she’s in your hands. You are a competent guardian and a man of wide interests with a strong thirst for knowledge. Seriously… I haven’t had such a nice conversation with someone in a long time.”

The old man said, sighing slightly as well: “My current life is good, quiet, and peaceful. I didn’t have the same problems when I lived in the upper city, but it does get boring at times without people to talk to at the same level. Even my fellow coworkers at the school rarely chat with me because of the subjects I like.”

“I’d love to be your audience,” Duncan smiled when he heard this, “I’m particularly interested in history.”

“I can see that,” Old Mr. Morris chuckled comfortably and then glanced in the direction of the window, where he became shocked by the hour. “Oh goddess, look at the time. Have I actually been here all afternoon?”

“If you don’t mind, it’s okay to stay here overnight too,” Duncan said casually. “You can try my cooking skills.”

“…… I should be able to catch the bus back to the Crossroad,” Morris glanced at the sinking sun and declined Duncan’s kindness. “Thank you for the invitation, but I think I’d better get home. The city has not been peaceful lately, and not returning all night will worry the family.”

“You’re right, then I won’t keep you….” Duncan thought for a moment and got up to send the old teacher off, “I’ll call Nina down first.”

As soon as Morris wanted to say something, Duncan had already turned to the second floor and summoned the girl, “Nina! Mr. Morris is going home, come down and see your teacher off!”

Footsteps promptly came from the stairs. Wearing casual clothes now, Nina first greeted her teacher before glancing at the sky outside the window. Showing a surprising face: “You two actually talked for this long?!”

“We had a great conversation,” Morris said with a smile, “and your uncle is a man with a wide range of interests and the willingness to learn.”

Duncan kept a serious look to the side and nodded silently.

The so-called conversation was in fact actually the old gentleman unilaterally speaking on his own while Duncan pretended to listen intently at times. Of course, the antique shop owner wouldn’t divulge something like that.

Nina gave her uncle a suspicious look but then quickly corrected her attitude and tugged at the man’s sleeve in a squeamish fashion. “Did you talk about me?”

“Just a little bit about your school studies,” Morris may look old, but his hearing was pristine so he didn’t miss the girl’s whisper. “Your uncle will tell you. Don’t worry, I didn’t complain about you.”

While speaking, the old man picked up the cane that he had put aside when he entered and confirmed his new prize in his arm – the old dagger. Once done, he bid the uncle and niece a pleasant farewell before slowly strolling out of the shop.

After confirming they were alone, Duncan locked the door for good. In his view, more business was unlikely to come through the door today. Besides, he just made a lot of money. There’s no reason to work so hard anymore.

“I’ll take you to buy a bicycle tomorrow,” he says with a smile.

“Huh?” Nina didn’t react at once, “Why…”

“I got a bonus from City Hall and landed another big sale today. I think we can live a more comfortable life now….” Duncan rubbed his chin in thought, “A bike will come in handy, so it’s time we got you one.”

“Big business,” Nina finally returned to her senses, “Ah, you sold that dagger to Mr. Morris?”

“That’s right,” Duncan nodded, “for more than three thousand Solas.”

Nina: “…!?”

The girl, who had a good concept of money, was taken aback by this number. Showing a skeptical and wary face, “But what am I going to do? My teacher only came for a visit and you’ve sold him an item for three thousand solas! When word gets around, everyone’s going to be talking about us!”

Duncan raised an eyebrow and wondered why she was so worried: “Then our store will be famous, right?”

Nina: “Are you serious?”

Spreading his hands out: “You can’t expect us to give something so valuable away for free, right? It’s rare that our store has something real for once.”

Nina jabbed her arms against the waist and bulged that cheek up, clearly displeased by the reply. Then as if deflated, she turned the gloom to a cheery smile.