Tabitha's POV
Wilmot's face was grave as he spoke, "This place is like the devil's playground, where they commit all sorts of atrocities with impunity—robbery, murder, you name it. Although they've been somewhat restrained these years, we can't entirely rule out the possibility of danger, so you must be mentally prepared."
I frowned, puzzled, and asked, "If it's dangerous, why take this route?"
"Everyone has a gambler's mentality, especially merchants. If we don't go through the strait and take the detour, the journey will increase by half a month. Besides, other sea routes are also perilous, with the risk of running aground and increasing the cost burden. Since pirates have been less active in recent years, everyone feels more at ease choosing this path."
Wilmot explained in detail, but I felt there was more to it than met the eye.
"Do you have a different perspective?"
"I just think we should always prepare for the worst, especially when dealing with a group of vicious criminals."
Wilmot turned his head and saw my serious expression, immediately softening his tone, "Did I scare you? I'm sorry, I just wanted to give you a heads-up."
I forced a smile, "It's okay, we won't be that unlucky. If others haven't encountered it, how could it just happen to us?"
"You're right. Don't worry. This is the Demon's Abyss. Have you heard of the Elysium?"
I shook my head, "I haven't heard of that. Tell me about it."
"Sure, Elysium is located at..."
Unconsciously, the sky was darkened.
I realized that Wilmot might not be the most erudite, but his experiences were undoubtedly vast.
From his narratives, I felt as if I was there. It turned out there were such perilous yet stunning places in this world.
"Have you been to these places?"
"Yes. In my early years, I did everything for money and traveled to many places."
Wilmot propped his hands behind him, looking up at the starry sky.
The starry sky was like a magnificent canvas, with no industrial pollution, fresh air, and no clouds obstructing the view, offering excellent visibility.
The stars were large and bright, like twinkling gems.
"Ms. Hartley, what I want to tell you is that the world may not be perfect, and life will encounter many setbacks, but don't dwell on the past. You must look forward. There are still many places you haven't been to and scenery you haven't seen in this world."
"I will. Thank you."
Seeing my mood had improved, Wilmot said, "It's getting late. Time to rest. The temperature difference at night is significant, and the sea breeze is cold."
Wilmot always made me feel peculiar. Sometimes, I had the illusion that I had known him for a long time.
He seemed simple and honest, yet he could provide considerate and gentlemanly feelings.
Even as a bodyguard, he performed the tasks of a caretaker flawlessly.
These contradictory traits, when combined, seemed natural, making him both mysterious and strange to me.
"Okay, you should rest early, too."
Wilmot still escorted me to my room door. After hesitating for a while, I asked the question that had been on my mind, "How much longer until we reach Eagle Fall Strait?"
Wilmot calculated and said, "At our current speed, we'll be there in at most three days. I've checked. Those days will be sunny. You don't have to worry. Pirates generally don't operate in good weather."
"What if we do encounter them?"
Wilmot smiled, "There aren't that many what-ifs. I just wanted to see you in a better mood since you've been down lately. It's been peaceful here for a long time. We won't be that unlucky. Get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll pass by an island for supplies. If you're interested, you can go ashore and take a look around."