Captain – Chapter 108 – Sand Fox

“Sand Fox.”

Roy slowly uttered the identity of the person before her, a feeling of extreme unreality washing over her.

Feeling the captain’s astonished and somewhat irritated gaze, the young man with skin even fairer than most women gave an awkward smile: “What… what a coincidence, Captain Roy.”

Yes, the acquaintance standing before Roy was none other than the Black Raven Society’s executioner she had briefly encountered on Frans Island—Sand Fox, who controlled all the economic lifelines of that secret organization.

However, this self-proclaimed merchant executioner was not wearing his proper pure black tailcoat, nor was he carrying an elegant cane made by a master craftsman. Instead, he had changed into a somewhat shabby set of faded coarse cloth clothes, and with the addition of a poor-quality robe, he looked exactly like a thief engaged in furtive business.

“You need to give me an explanation, a clear explanation of your purpose—or your organization’s purpose—in sending you to Yadris, Sand Fox.”

Quickly recovering from the absurdity of the situation, Roy placed her hand on the dagger at her waist and narrowed her eyes, stepping forward and forcing the young man against the brick wall behind him.

There was no delight at the reunion, no warm reminiscing about old times. Toward this former “partner” who had once stood on the same side, the young woman made no effort to hide her wariness and hostility.

What Roy worried about was not Sand Fox himself.

Even though he was a merchant with terrifying talent, in the young woman’s eyes, he was nothing more than a frail fellow whom she could crush like an ant at any moment.

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What the captain truly feared was the Black Raven Society. Although the organization had undoubtedly suffered a crushing defeat in the confrontation with Federo, that didn’t mean it was truly that weak.

After witnessing the assassins’ murder techniques that resembled art forms, and the composure and ease displayed by that mysterious Elder in moments of crisis, even Roy would no longer underestimate this organization as she had before.

She was not the Great Captain—she couldn’t disregard these “rats.”

“According to the agreement between the Great Captain and your people, no member of the Black Raven Society is allowed to set foot in the Southern Islands. If even one does, it’s equivalent to declaring war on all pirates,” Roy said coldly.

The Black Raven Society’s pursuit of balance was rarely known to others, so whether in the eyes of the Empire and Federation, or in the view of all the pirates in the Southern Islands, it was nothing but a disturbing element that only bewitched people’s minds and caused chaos—all harbored deep hostility toward it.

“No, no, no, Captain, dear Captain, please don’t reveal my whereabouts, otherwise not just your Great Captain, but even the Elder will tear me apart.”

Hearing Roy mention the agreement between the great figure and both parties, Sand Fox’s already fair face grew even paler. He waved his hands dramatically, hastily begging for mercy.

Hearing this, the captain raised an eyebrow slightly: “So you’re saying that coming to Yadris was your own decision?”

Although the words of the Black Raven Society people weren’t particularly trustworthy, especially Sand Fox, who as a merchant was most skilled at using small tricks to gain advantages.

Yet somehow, seeing the young man’s terrified expression, the lurking concerns in Roy’s heart diminished considerably.

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“Yes, Captain, it’s just my personal matter, nothing to do with the organization.”

Sand Fox nervously wrung his hands, afraid that the young woman might draw her weapon at the slightest provocation.

After all, as the Black Raven Society’s agent in the world, his appearance on Yadris was an extremely sensitive matter. Even though Roy hadn’t yet reclaimed Yadris, she would absolutely not want the organization’s power to be involved.

“That’s better.”

Roy let out a sigh of relief, releasing her grip on the dagger, and gently patted Sand Fox’s thin shoulder, her face changing to a kind smile.

Seeing this, the young man exhaled in relief, only to have his hair stand on end at the captain’s next question.

“Since a big shot like you is traveling, you must have guards, right? How many assassins has the organization planted in Yadris?”

This was a trap, definitely a trap, and a deadly one at that.

Sand Fox’s face fell: “Captain, please stop suspecting me. I truly came ashore alone, and according to the agreement, the organization’s armed forces never enter the Southern Islands. If they really had, how could the Great Captain turn a blind eye?”

Roy knew Sand Fox was right. Although that man was lazy to the extreme, spending his days either drinking or sleeping in the sun, if the Black Raven Society really dared to break the oath, he would once again become that uncrowned king who commanded countless pirates across the two domains of the ocean.

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Seemingly unable to find any flaws, Roy withdrew her hand and massaged her wrist, which was somewhat sore from the frequent hunting in a short period: “If that’s the case, why did you appear in front of the Banshee’s Eye, and why did you leave with that group?”

“Captain, as you know, I’m a merchant. Although the organization’s trade with the Southern Islands is usually handled by specialists, there’s nothing wrong with me coming to explore a bit, is there?”

Seeing that Roy’s hostility had completely disappeared, Sand Fox wiped away the sweat dripping from his forehead and explained awkwardly: “As for leaving… pirates were everywhere in front of the tavern, and seeing no chance to enter, I decided to find a place to settle down first. Walking along with them was just a coincidence. Who knew…”

Secretly observing the captain’s expression, Sand Fox found that the young woman was listening attentively without any signs of suspicion, so he continued: “Who knew you would target me? As you know, people in the organization are always vigilant. After realizing I was being followed, I instinctively took a more complex route.”

Put this way, everything indeed seemed like a misunderstanding.

Roy rubbed her chin, analyzing Sand Fox’s explanation. After a moment, a cold smile appeared at the corner of her mouth: “That’s not right, Mr. Sand Fox. If you discovered early on that you were being followed, it’s impossible that you wouldn’t know it was me.”

First, she hadn’t disguised herself at all, and second, her primary target hadn’t been him. Given the young man’s temperament and abilities, he would certainly have found an opportunity to observe her. Under these circumstances, he had no reason not to recognize her.

“So, knowing it was me, why did you run?”

Sand Fox drew in a light breath, evidently not expecting the captain to think of this angle. His mouth twitched slightly, pulling into a smile more painful than crying: “Being hunted by a fierce, murderous pirate—anyone would run, wouldn’t they?”

“Really?”

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The captain unpleasantly pressed on the curved sword, drawing it halfway out.

Seeing that silvery-white blade, Sand Fox’s eyelids began to twitch rapidly, reminded of some not-so-pleasant memories. He hurriedly cried out: “No, no, Captain, I was just afraid you’d remember what happened back then.”

“What happened back then…”

Roy blinked, then suddenly seemed to recall something. Her dark golden pupils instantly brightened, emitting a light that resembled countless gold coins stacked together.

The captain slid the partly drawn curved sword back into its sheath with a “clang,” then revealed an incredibly gentle smile, brushing off the dust that had settled on the pale-faced young man’s clothes: “Dear Mr. Sand Fox, my previous behavior was truly too rough, too disrespectful. I offer you my most sincere apologies.”

Startled by the young woman’s uncharacteristic behavior, Sand Fox trembled and said: “Captain, what are you…”

“Since you’ve already come to the island, I assume you know the current situation in Yadris. The Banshee’s Eye has been targeted terribly, so I’m a bit short of money—no, I’m extremely short of money, so…”

At this point, Roy’s expression grew increasingly gentle, though in the young man’s eyes, that tenderness seemed like the song of a siren, the poisoned apple from Eden—beautiful yet deadly.

“When do you plan to pay me the ransom you owe, Mr. Sand Fox?”