Today, Krasu's crew members woke up early and came to his house as promised.
Krasu's home stood gracefully by the main road that connected the port to the trade district.
The two-story building was quite spacious, with sturdy limestone on the lower floor and neatly varnished oak walls on the upper floor.The roof rose high with dark blue tiles, and in front of it was a small garden filled with flowers and small trees.
When the crew arrived, Krasu was sitting on the front terrace. On the wooden table, several pouches of coins had been prepared. The compensation for the sailors who had died at sea would be given after the trade goods were dealt with.
"Alright, you can go back and rest for now. We might set sail in less than a month," said Krasu to his crew.
The crew smiled in relief. Some were already discussing their plans to spend their pay at the tavern or the night market.
"Eric, take a few men with you and bring wagon number one and number two here. We'll be visiting the Ocean Guild," Krasu said to his chief guard.
....
After everyone left, Krasu sat alone on the balcony. Not long after, his wife Mina came with a pot of tea.
Mina was a beautiful woman in her late thirties. Her skin was smooth, her gaze gentle yet intelligent, and her movements graceful.
She often helped manage the business when Krasu was at sea, so she also had the temperament of a strong woman.
Mina noticed her husband was in a good mood, so she asked curiously, "Dear, what's the good news? Why don't you share it with me as well?" Her tone was slightly playful and teasing.
Krasu had been too tired yesterday and went straight to sleep when he arrived home.
Seeing his wife ask, he could no longer hold it in and began telling her everything that had happened during the voyage—from storms and pirates to a mysterious small island.
"You have to be more careful next time. Don't put yourself in danger just to make more money. Money will never be enough if you keep chasing it, and if something happens… then Lina and I…" Mina's voice trembled, her eyes filling with tears.
Krasu did not answer. Sailing was already a high-risk job, and the whole family was mentally prepared for the possibility that one day, he might never return.
"…This time, I brought back many fine goods that will bring us a great profit. So I'm not in a rush to sail again just yet."
"I also brought gifts for you and Lina. Wait a moment, I left them in the bedroom," said Krasu as he stood and went inside.
However, he was startled when a figure leapt from behind the door.
"Gifts? What gifts? Faaather, give them to me quickly…" said a young girl in a blue dress playfully.
Lina, their fourteen-year-old daughter, twirled in her blue gown as she jumped. She had her mother's sweet face and round eyes, and she was endlessly energetic.
"Alright, alright. Come with me if you can't wait," said Krasu gently, patting the girl's head.
After taking a plastic bag from the bedroom, Krasu placed it on the table. Mina and Lina watched curiously, wondering why their husband/father was being so secretive.
Then, Krasu took out several items they had never seen before.
The objects looked strange—some made of smooth, shining metal, others of crystal-clear glass, and fabrics with colors never found in the city's markets. Mina frowned slightly, trying to guess their uses, while Lina could barely resist touching one of them.
"Father, what is this?" Lina asked as she picked up a perfume bottle, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Krasu smiled broadly. "That's something I bought from a mysterious little island. What you're holding is a fragrance, or perfume. Try it like this."
He opened the bottle and sprayed it on the back of his hand. Immediately, the air was filled with the strong yet soft scent of roses.
Mina and Lina were instantly captivated, their eyes lighting up. Both reached for the perfume at once. But, as expected of Mina—a quick and skilled woman—her hands were faster and more precise.
"Mama, give it to me. I want this one… I want this one…" When Lina didn't get her way, she started using her special trick—crying.
Unfortunately for her, she underestimated the allure of perfume to a grown woman.
Mina didn't even glance at her and said," This is a gift for me, isn't that right, K-r-a-s-u?" Her voice was sweet, but carried a hidden threat.
Seeing the two of them like this, Krasu could only surrender and began explaining each of the items on the table.
There were all kinds of goods and food—soap, shampoo, facial cleanser, a makeup set, and even snacks like chocolate, candy, and more.
In the end, the gifts were divided fairly. Mina looked pleased, and Lina was delighted to receive a big box of candy and chocolates.
"What wonderful gifts, dear. Let's travel together to that island. I want to see if you can really buy all these things from that machine," Mina said, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Lina hugged her father's neck playfully and said, "Yes, yes, Faaather. You have to take me to see that magic machine… I want to buy more snacks…"
Krasu nodded and replied, "Of course, but I have to finish all the trade business this time first."