The Blind Love Life of the Returning Hero: The Companions I Lost in Another World Resurrect in the Modern Era and Indulge Me - Episode 42

“We are docking. Please be careful.”

As the ship’s announcement echoed through the corridors, Hayato and the others stepped out onto the deck, gazing at the port slowly coming into view. Bathed in the morning sun, the cityscape gradually revealed itself. Buildings lined up along the coast and the lush green mountains in the background created a picturesque scene.

“Vietnam, huh? This is my first time here.”

He had traveled abroad once before with Tsuyoshi for work, but that had been for a security assignment. This might actually be his first time traveling overseas for sightseeing. As Hayato shared his thoughts, Seika gave him a gentle smile.

“I’ve been to Vietnam once before, for an international medical conference. It’s a lovely country.”

“I’ve visited a few times for business too. There’s been a lot of development recently, but it still retains its historical charm. It’s a fascinating place where modernity and tradition blend beautifully,” added Josuke.

Lili’s eyes sparkled.

“There’s a World Heritage city called Hoi An, right? I’ve seen pictures of it and always wanted to go.”

The ship gradually slowed down and finally docked at the large pier. From the deck, they looked down at the view—a mixture of tropical greenery and reddish-brown rooftops. The air was heavy with humidity, and a faint scent reminiscent of spices drifted through.

“It really feels different from Japan.”

Hayato had traveled through many lands in another world, yet the excitement of stepping into a new place never changed. In fact, he now deeply appreciated the luxury of traveling in a peaceful world.

“Yeah, it’s so different from Japan,” Riku added, curiously watching the port. Aoi also looked around with shining eyes, tightly holding her mother’s hand.

“Do you think there are any fish?”

“Since it’s a port, there probably are. But today, we’re going somewhere else,” Tsuyoshi answered with a warm smile, gently patting his daughter’s head.

After completing the disembarkation procedures, they finally set foot on foreign soil. Having spent so long on the ship, they still felt a bit unsteady even walking on solid ground.

“It feels weird! The ground’s shaking!”

“That’s normal after a sea voyage,” Josuke nodded. “It’ll pass soon. Nothing to worry about.”

“Okay.”

Inside the port terminal, there were signs advertising various sightseeing tours organized by the cruise ship. Multiple tours were available, and passengers were boarding large sightseeing buses that departed one after another.

“What should we do? Should we join one of the ship’s tours?” Lili asked.

“Actually, Josuke and I put together our own schedule. How about following this plan?” Seika replied, taking out her smartphone and showing them the screen. It displayed a well-organized itinerary with scheduled times and destinations. Even at a glance, it was clearly well thought out.

“Wow, impressive,” Hayato said admiringly. Josuke shrugged modestly.

“It’s not perfect, but it should be a pretty efficient route given the time constraints.”

“I combined the information from my previous visit with Josuke’s latest updates,” Seika added.

Since their friends had gone to the trouble of planning it, Hayato’s decision was simple.

“Then let’s go with that plan.”

As soon as Hayato said that, everyone agreed, and their itinerary for the day was set.

Two taxis arranged by Josuke were waiting for them. They decided that Hayato, Lili, and Josuke would ride in one, while Tsuyoshi, Kaede, Riku, Aoi, and Seika took the other.

The cityscape seen from the car window had a very different feel from Japan. Buildings influenced by the French colonial era stood alongside modern high-rises and traditional Vietnamese-style homes. Hayato was amazed by the sheer number of motorbikes on the streets, flowing endlessly like a river.

“That’s a lot of bikes.”

“It’s the main mode of transportation here in Vietnam. For them, it’s just everyday life,” Josuke explained. Sitting in the front passenger seat, he observed the city carefully and continued talking.

“It’s common for each person to own their own bike—not just one per family.”

Josuke spoke fluently in Vietnamese with the driver, asking about not just tourist spots, but also local customs and recent changes. Hayato and Lili listened in with surprise.

“You speak Vietnamese too, Josuke-san?”

“I just studied a bit since it’s useful for business. I wouldn’t say I’m fluent, but I can manage basic conversations,” he replied nonchalantly.

But to the others, his conversation seemed far beyond just “basic.” He was even joking with the driver as if they were old friends.

After about an hour’s drive, they arrived at the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old town of Hoi An. Once a thriving trading port in the 19th century, the town still retained traces of Chinese, Japanese, and European cultures, creating a unique atmosphere.

“Wow, what a beautiful town,” Lili exclaimed in awe, pausing to look around. As they walked through streets lined with old townhouses and shops, Hayato took in the stone-paved roads and the weathered building walls. There was a nostalgic, weighty sense of history to the town. It really was a wonderful place.

They walked through the historic streets, occasionally stopping by shops to admire local crafts and goods. At a lantern shop, Lili and Kaede were enchanted by the colorful handmade lanterns. Intricately embroidered items made by skilled artisans also caught everyone’s interest.

Josuke pulled out a high-end DSLR camera from his bag, carefully wiping the lens as he searched for the perfect photo spot.

“Let’s take a picture for the memory.”

Photography had become a hobby for Josuke recently, something he picked up as a way to relax during breaks from work. Even aboard the cruise ship, he had taken many photos of them. It was all to preserve the memories of their journey.

They posed for a group photo in front of an old bridge, then took pictures in various combinations.

At lunchtime, they entered a local restaurant and enjoyed authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi. The table was filled with a colorful array of dishes, and everyone’s eyes lit up.

“Mmm, delicious,” Hayato said in admiration as he sipped the pho soup. The freshly cooked rice noodles, aromatic broth, and fresh herbs created a distinctive and well-balanced flavor.

“Yes, the seasoning is a bit unique, but it’s nice. The balance between spices and herbs is just right,” Seika agreed as she nibbled on a spring roll. Lili showed interest in the local vegetable dishes, while Tsuyoshi looked pleased as he sipped on a local beer. Riku and Aoi, though initially hesitant about the unfamiliar flavors, bravely tried various dishes.

After the meal, they strolled through a local market. The vibrant display of goods—colorful trinkets, fruits, and clothes—captivated their attention. The sweet scent of tropical fruit mingled with the spicy aroma of seasonings in the bustling atmosphere. Surrounded by the lively chatter of people, they slowly made their way through the market.

Lili was fascinated by the fashion worn by local youths and stopped at several clothing shops. In one shop, her eyes sparkled as she looked at modern designs made from traditional Vietnamese fabrics.

Josuke, a master negotiator, haggled skillfully with shopkeepers to get significant discounts on souvenirs for the group.

“Impressive.”

“This is nothing. It’s just part of being a good businessman.”

When it came to picking souvenirs for Riku and Aoi, everyone got involved. In the end, they bought a detailed model ship for Riku and a brightly colored traditional doll for Aoi. Both children were overjoyed.

They continued visiting various tourist spots.

Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was time to return to the port. They took a taxi back, and upon seeing the cruise ship again, Hayato couldn’t help but be amazed.

“It really is huge.”

Everyone nodded at his remark. As the sun neared the horizon and the sky turned a deep orange, the ship’s silhouette stood out majestically.

“It has all those spacious rooms, a pool, restaurants, and even a movie theater,” Lili commented. Thinking about all of that, Hayato felt the ship’s size made perfect sense.

After completing the boarding procedures, they reboarded the ship. Looking out at the cityscape of Da Nang from the deck, they basked in the memories of a fulfilling day.

“The schedule you and Seika put together was amazing. I had a great time—thank you,” Hayato said with genuine satisfaction.

Both of them smiled happily at his words.

“I’m already looking forward to the next port.”