Prince Irtysh was enjoying himself, Shota concluded. The Dragon Prince claimed to be more than willing to take Akira and Shota back and forth to Nagasaki whenever they wanted to go. It took him no time at all, he assured them. The boys both realized that was literally true. He also said he enjoyed having the opportunity to see Nagasaki harbor, which Captain Minoru had told the boys, and they had assured the prince, was held to be one of the most beautiful in the world.

He brought them ...