Captain – Chapter 19 – The Approaching Ball

“This…”

No matter how much mental preparation the Major had made before their meeting, he was still stunned by Caine’s words, almost to the point of dizziness.

He had imagined the young master might be angry to the point of losing rationality, or perhaps too grief-stricken to control himself, but he had never thought that the other would refuse to return to the military.

First, the Auran Empire’s most powerful First Fleet was annihilated; now, the military and imperial upper echelon’s most trusted and supported naval commander refused to return. What did this mean, and what kind of sensation would it cause?

The Major didn’t even dare to think about it. He just put on a bitter face and advised him: “Young Master, although Robert truly acted unfairly in this matter, but he’s not a prophet after all. How could he have predicted that the fleet would encounter such an accident…”

Robert, whom the Major mentioned, was one of the three current governors of the Auran Empire, violent and cruel by nature, quite fond of killing. He had even personally burned thousands of Federation prisoners alive, and to quell the Pronora Federation’s fury, the Auran Empire had suffered enormous public pressure and economic losses.

Because of this, this governor had once been sent to a military tribunal, but due to his distant relation to the Emperor, along with his past glorious military achievements, not only did he escape punishment, he didn’t even receive a slight penalty.

For such a person whose reputation had been utterly ruined, whether enemies of the empire or the empire itself, no one had any good feelings toward him. Even his subordinates, in their hearts, only felt fear and awe, without the slightest reverence.

This was why the Major called him directly by name rather than respectfully as Governor Robert.

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Knowing that his father’s old subordinate had misunderstood, Caine shook his head.

Although the plan to encircle the Mermaid had been pushed through by Robert against all opposition, the disaster at sea, like a change in weather, was clearly not something he could predict or plan. So even though he already had no good impression of this governor, he wouldn’t forcibly place this black hat on his head.

“I don’t have any dissatisfaction with the Governor or the Empire; I just have some matters to handle for the time being. This is all you need to know and report.” Caine didn’t explain much, just informed in a tone that allowed no refusal.

“So that’s how it is. Young Master, couldn’t you finish your words at once? You nearly scared these old bones soft.”

The Major heaved a sigh of relief. To say that the Howard family’s young master would betray the country was something no one would believe. Earlier, he had only been concerned that Caine might harbor resentment and have some dissatisfaction with the imperial upper echelon, or even the Emperor, who had forced through orders via Robert.

“By the way, although you don’t need me to escort you back inland, you must have other matters in coming here?”

Having discussed the cause and effect, knowing the young master was safe and sound and not constantly immersed in pain and misery, the Major finally ended his worried state and returned to his habitual laziness.

“Yes, I need some supplies: fresh water, food, funds, and a ship.”

Caine took the quill pen placed aside and neatly wrote down his requirements on the parchment the Major lazily handed over.

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The Major took the parchment, read the list of items written on it, and couldn’t help but frown, showing a troubled expression.

“What is it? Is there a problem?” Caine inquired calmly.

“Young Master, to be frank, supplies and the like are no problem at all. Even if you wanted to borrow all three hundred of my men, I wouldn’t bat an eye. But as for a ship…”

The Major put the parchment back on the table and said with difficulty: “The entire Frans Island couldn’t find even one warship that would meet your requirements.”

As an old general who followed the Howard family, the Major understood Governor Naren’s temperament perfectly, not to mention the young master who seemed almost identical to his father in his younger years.

So generally speaking, when Caine mentioned a ship, it meant those fine warships that conformed to imperial military regulations, with at least three masts.

For an admiral, requesting such a warship as escort was absolutely no problem. The real issue was that Frans Island was remote and had never experienced warfare, so the island wasn’t equipped with any imperial warships, naturally making it impossible to meet the young officer’s requirements.

“I don’t need a warship, just a double-masted civilian vessel. Even an unarmed one will do.”

Caine remembered how much that pirate captain cared about that crude and worn merchant ship, and the corner of his mouth couldn’t help but curve upward slightly.

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Incredible, incredible, the young master actually smiled.

The Major’s eye corner twitched uncontrollably, very surprised at this abnormal phenomenon. It’s worth noting that after that fire that burned down the entire estate, no one had ever seen his smile again. Even when appreciating the dance drama bestowed by His Majesty, he maintained an icy demeanor.

“What, even such a ship can’t be found?”

Seeing the Major look at him as if seeing a ghost, Caine immediately withdrew his smile, and his expression also became somewhat unpleasant.

“For such a ship, of course, we have plenty. I’ll call someone to tow one to the dock for you right away.” The Major smiled sheepishly. “Besides this, do you have any other matters?”

“Since you mention it, I do recall something. Along with me to Frans Island came a merchant group. Their cargo was Parei’s specialty wheat wine, originally intended for sale to Viscount Percy. I had initially planned to take it myself, but then I remembered that you’ve always been fond of this liquid gold brewed from wheat.”

Caine glanced at the golden wine that had just been opened but not yet finished by the Major, speaking with a hint of implication.

As soon as Caine mentioned Parei, the Major’s somewhat cloudy eyes lit up. By the end, he was hastily saying: “Not at all, Young Master! The Governor doesn’t like wheat wine. If you want to pay your respects to him, you might consider preparing some high-quality grape wine. As for this batch of goods, why not let me have it?”

“Since you say so, then…”

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Caine pretended to think with difficulty for a moment, then reminded him: “I’ll let you have it, but don’t press the price too hard. After all, that merchant ship captain is also my lifesaver.”

“You can rest assured about this.”

Having received the Major’s guarantee, Caine secretly breathed a sigh of relief. With this, all matters were arranged.

Just as he was about to rise and take his leave, he found that the excitement on the Major’s face had disappeared, replaced by an expression of wanting to speak but hesitating, as if there was something he didn’t know whether to say or not.

“Just speak directly; there’s no need for formalities between us.” Caine naturally offered a way out.

As a child, he had done countless inappropriate things behind his parents’ backs, and the consequences of those crazy acts were all covered up by this uncle. Their relationship was actually much closer than many people imagined.

The Major sighed and said: “Although I know that telling you won’t change your mind, I still have to inform you of this matter. In three more days, Governor Federo will come to Frans Island, and along with him will be many noble people. That should be an extremely important and lively ball.”

“I think, no, I mean it would be best if you could meet with the Governor and make an appearance before the noble people.”