The Blind Love Life of the Returning Hero: The Companions I Lost in Another World Resurrect in the Modern Era and Indulge Me - Episode 40

The ship that had ventured out into the vast ocean was steadily slicing through the calm waves. A deep blue sky and an endlessly stretching horizon filled Hayato and the others’ field of vision. The white hull reflected the sunlight, shining dazzlingly bright. With the excitement of departure still lingering, Hayato and his group decided to explore the ship until it was time for dinner.

“Looks like there are all kinds of events going on. Where should we start?”

Seika asked as she spread out a map of the ship, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. Usually engrossed in her work or research, today she wore a relaxed expression.

“Let’s walk around the promenade deck,” Takeshi suggested, gently holding the hand of his young daughter, Aoi.

“There seem to be a variety of attractions. I heard they’re also hosting family-friendly shows.”

The group began walking along the spacious deck. The luxurious cruise ship’s deck resembled a small town, lined with various facilities.

Before long, they came across a performance taking place at the central event space. Professional dancers were putting on a tropical island-themed show that had gathered a crowd. Upbeat, tropical music played as dancers in colorful costumes performed lively routines.

“Want to dance too?”

Kaede asked her daughter Aoi, who nodded with great interest. At first, she seemed a little shy, but the fun rhythm quickly won her over, and her desire to dance soon overcame her hesitation.

“I’ll join you too.”

Riri stepped into the circle of dancers with Aoi and began imitating the simple steps. Warm applause rose from the surrounding crowd. Riri’s movements were quite polished.

After finishing the dance and returning with Aoi, Riri’s cheeks were flushed as she spoke to Hayato.

“A girl from the dance club at school taught me a little,”

“I see. You were really good,” Hayato replied with a smile.

Riri beamed happily at his words.

After enjoying the performance, the group moved further into the ship’s central area. There, a massive atrium featured a large LED screen mounted on the ceiling.

Footage of sea creatures played across it, creating the illusion of swimming underwater. The blue, shimmering lights reflected off the floor and walls, transforming the entire space into an underwater world.

“Wow! It really feels like we’re under the sea!”

Riku exclaimed in amazement as he looked up. The realistic imagery of giant whales swimming captivated the children.

“This is really impressive,” Hayato agreed as he looked up as well. Mantas glided overhead, and schools of vibrant tropical fish swam across the screen.

“This could be useful for our streaming content,” Josuke observed analytically, scanning the space.

“That’s an interesting idea,” Riri replied, already imagining programming possibilities for the massive LED screen.

As they were absorbed in the atrium’s stunning visuals, a ship-wide announcement played. A clear female voice repeated the message in several languages.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we would like to inform you that a welcome party will be held at 4:00 PM in the Grand Ballroom. Drinks and light meals will be provided, so please feel free to attend.”

“A party, huh?” Hayato said.

“Shall we check it out?”

“Yes, let’s go. It’s a good opportunity,” Seika agreed. She seemed in an open, festive mood today and eager to join the various activities.

“The Grand Ballroom is located at the rear of this floor,” a nearby staff member helpfully informed them.

“Follow the signs, and you’ll reach it in about five minutes.”

Following the directions, the group proceeded down a corridor adorned with ocean-themed paintings and plush carpet that muffled their footsteps. Other passengers passed by with relaxed expressions, seemingly also heading to the party.

The Grand Ballroom, true to its name, was a grand space. Lavish chandeliers, marble flooring, and large glass windows offered a breathtaking view of the ocean at sunset. The horizon bathed in golden hues looked like a painting. Everyone gasped at the spacious elegance, hardly believing it was aboard a ship.

Waiters carried silver trays with cocktails and special non-alcoholic drinks. Glass rims were decorated with fresh fruit, and the vivid colors of the beverages were eye-catching. Riku and Aoi eagerly accepted the festive juices made for children.

“Then, let’s toast to this precious time we can all spend together.”

Takeshi raised his glass toward his companions and family. Everyone clinked their glasses, and the party began in a warm, cheerful atmosphere. Elegant music from the ship’s orchestra filled the room as a few couples began dancing on the floor.

After a while, a magic show began on stage. The magician wore a flamboyant red and black tailcoat with a tall silk hat—a classic look. Speaking fluently in both English and Japanese, he mesmerized the audience with stunning tricks: changing cards, vanishing coins, and fiery effects.

Riku and Aoi stood near the stage, eyes sparkling as they watched. Riri, just as excited as the children, exclaimed in awe at every trick. Her pure reactions were contagious, spreading joy to the surrounding adults.

“Amazing, right, Hayato?”
Riri turned to him, eyes wide with excitement.

“Yeah, it really is,” Hayato nodded.

In truth, his trained reflexes allowed him to see through the magician’s sleight of hand. The card switches, the quick movements hiding props in his sleeves, and the misdirection gestures—all were plainly visible to his sharp eyes. It was a bit awkward.

He hadn’t expected his combat experience from another world to be useful here. The ability to instantly read enemy movements also worked surprisingly well at dissecting magic tricks.

Still, he was genuinely impressed by the magician’s skill. Even when he could see through the trick, the finesse and showmanship were praiseworthy. The magician’s smooth hand movements, engaging talk, and flair made it a true performance art.

Toward the end of the show, the magician began involving the audience. The stage lights turned to the crowd as he stepped forward.

“Is there anyone here who would like to assist me?”

Many hands shot up. Among them, Aoi eagerly raised her small hand high. The magician scanned the audience and smiled, pointing to her.

“What a lovely young lady. Please join me on stage.”

Warm applause echoed around the hall. With a gentle push from Kaede, Aoi walked up the stage confidently despite her nerves.

“What’s your name?”

“Tetsumura Aoi,” she answered clearly.

“Wonderful, Miss Aoi. Now, please take a look at this handkerchief.”

He showed her a large red handkerchief and let her feel it. Aoi inspected the soft fabric with a serious expression. Then the magician waved his hand lightly—and the handkerchief transformed into a white dove. The bird perched on Aoi’s small arm, flapping its wings gently and snuggling up to her. The audience gasped in awe.

The magician continued with more tricks, eventually pulling a colorful bundle of handkerchiefs from behind Aoi’s ear. The crowd erupted in applause as she returned to her seat.

“That was amazing,” Hayato praised her.

“Yeah! The bird was so fluffy!” she replied with a big smile.

After the magic show, the group moved to a reserved Italian restaurant.

They were shown to prime seats by the window. Outside the glass, the ocean bathed in sunset light, the orange sky melting into the horizon as the sun made its final descent.

A waiter brought menus and introduced the wine list. Josuke, who seemed knowledgeable, selected a wine that would pair well with the food.

The meal began with fresh vegetable antipasto, followed by seasonal white fish for the second course, and fragrant pasta. The aroma of garlic and olive oil stimulated their appetites.

“This fish is really delicious,” Seika said with satisfaction, sipping a bit of wine to enjoy the pairing.

“The balance between ingredient freshness and cooking technique is exquisite,” Takeshi commented as he savored the dish.

“The pasta is perfectly al dente,” Josuke added, smacking his lips.

“The amount of finishing butter is just right—not too heavy,”

“Enjoying a meal like this on the ocean… it’s true luxury,” Riri said with heartfelt appreciation.

As they enjoyed their meal, the conversation shifted to plans for the next day.

“Shall we join some onboard activities tomorrow?” Seika suggested, checking the schedule in the brochure she had spread out.

“There’s a ship tour. They explain how the ship works.”

She pointed at the brochure.

“We can also visit the bridge,” Kaede added, informing the children about the next day.

“Let’s go to the aquarium too!”

“Yeah!”
“I wanna go!”

The two kids seemed very excited.

“Looks like they offer massages too. Maybe I’ll book one. Want to come with me after the aquarium, Kaede?”

“Well, I should probably stay with the kids,” Kaede replied modestly, showing her usual motherly sense of responsibility.

“I’ll watch them then. Go enjoy yourself,” Takeshi said, placing his hand gently on his wife’s shoulder—a gesture full of trust and affection.

“Really? Then… I’ll take you up on that.”

“Alright, I’ll make the reservation,” Seika smiled, clearly pleased.

“I might hit the gym,” Hayato said.

“I want to move a little.”

“Can I come with you?” Riri asked.

Hayato smiled and nodded.

“Of course.”

As they chatted, dinner came to an end. They said goodnight and returned to their respective rooms. The fresh experiences of the day left Hayato pleasantly tired.

Stepping out onto the balcony, he was greeted by the dark ocean and a sky full of stars. Far from land, the night sky was incredibly clear, and countless stars twinkled overhead. The air was slightly chilly, and the scent of the sea was soothing.

He recalled the night skies of another world. He had looked up at the stars like this during brief moments of rest amid dangerous journeys. He remembered the dreams and hopes he had shared with his companions. But now, he could gaze at the night sky with a peaceful heart, free from fear or tension, appreciating its pure beauty.

“Such a peaceful time.”

After spacing out for a while, he returned to the room and lay on the bed. Staring at the ceiling, he recalled the events of the day—the children’s smiles, the conversations with friends, the beautiful scenery, and the delicious food. It had truly been a fulfilling day.

Rocked gently by the rhythm of the ship, Hayato soon drifted into a deep, restful sleep.