---

  Chapter 16 – Beneath the Quiet Waves

  Hirauka sat on the edge of his cabin bed, the pale glow of his phone reflecting faintly in his eyes. Outside, the cruise ship drifted through the night, waves brushing against steel like whispered secrets. The world was calm—too calm.

  The door slid open.

  Sayaka stepped inside without a sound.

  She stood before him, hands clasped tightly together, her posture stiff, her expression trembling at the edges.

  “I’m sorry, Hirauka,” she said quietly. “Please… forgive my mischief.”

  He didn’t look up. His thumb continued scrolling, slow and indifferent.

  “Please,” she said again, her voice thinner now. “Look at me.”

  “Why are you here?” Hirauka asked flatly.

  Still, he didn’t raise his eyes.

  Sayaka hesitated, then sat beside him. The faint reflection of her face shimmered on the glass of his phone—uncertain, fragile.

  “Don’t be so cold,” she whispered. “Just… look at me.”

  “Yes, boss,” Hirauka replied without emotion. “Is there anything you’d like to order?”

  Her breath caught.

  “Are you mocking me now?” she asked. Then, straightening, she forced firmness into her voice.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “Fine. Then it’s an order. Talk to me. Right now.”

  “Sorry, boss,” he said calmly. “That’s an order I can’t follow. Please forgive me.”

  Her expression cracked.

  “Now you’re just being cruel,” she said, hurt bleeding into her tone.

  She stood there for a moment longer, searching his face for something—anything.

  Then she vanished.

  Light burst softly where she had stood, and the room fell silent.

  Hirauka’s hand froze.

  Before he could react, the door slammed open.

  Sagashi rushed in, breath uneven, eyes wide with panic.

  “Hirauka-sama! Sayaka-boss—she’s—!”

  Hirauka stood instantly.

  “What happened?”

  “She fell into the ocean! She’s drowning!”

  The words barely finished before Hirauka was already moving.

  He ran.

  Without hesitation, he vaulted over the railing and plunged into the sea.

  Cold swallowed him whole.

  The water sliced into his body like knives as he dove deeper, eyes scanning through the darkness. Then he saw her—Sayaka—her body sinking, hair drifting like shadows beneath the surface.

  He reached her just in time.

  Grabbing her wrist, he pulled hard, forcing his way back upward. Above, ropes and safety lines were thrown down as the crew shouted in chaos.

  Together, they were dragged back onto the deck.

  Sayaka collapsed, coughing violently, seawater spilling from her lips. Her body trembled uncontrollably.

  “She’s safe,” Hirauka said firmly. “I’ll take her.”

  No one argued.

  He carried her back to her cabin and laid her gently on the bed. Moments later, her eyes fluttered open—clouded, regretful.

  “Why?” Hirauka asked quietly. “Do you think risking your life earns forgiveness? That’s foolish.”

  “I know,” she whispered. “But… I just wanted to know you weren’t truly angry.”

  “If I wasn’t before,” he said, “I am now. Because you nearly died—for nothing.”

  She smiled weakly.

  “Still… I know you have a kind heart.”

  “You’re talking nonsense,” he replied. “You don’t even know what you’re saying.”

  “Maybe,” she murmured. “Maybe I’m just… rubbish. That’s why I was thrown away.”

  He froze.

  “Thrown away…?”

  “My parents,” she said softly. “They abandoned me. Said I was nothing. And maybe… they were right.”

  His voice softened without him noticing.

  “I knew you grew up in an orphanage,” he said. “But I didn’t know that. I’m sorry, Sayaka.”

  He knelt beside her.

  “Hey,” he said gently. “Don’t cry. You’re strong—stronger than you realize. I accept your apology. And you’re wrong… your parents were wrong about you.”

  He pulled her into a brief, steady embrace—not desire, not romance—only reassurance.

  Her trembling eased. Her breathing slowed.

  “Thank you, Hirauka-san,” she whispered. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

  “Just promise me you’ll never do that again,” he said. “Now rest.”

  She nodded, settling back onto the bed. Her eyes lingered on him.

  “You know,” she said faintly, “you’re the first person who’s ever made me feel like I belong somewhere.”

  Her eyes closed as sleep took her.

  Hirauka stood in silence.

  Then—

  A voice echoed inside his mind.

  > “Another threat approaches mortals, warrior.”

  His expression hardened.

  “Duty calls,” he said.

  Because before he was a companion, an employee, or a son—

  He was a Raid Conqueror.

  And his fate was to rival the Gods.

  ---

  ? End of Chapter 16 – Beneath the Quiet Waves