Captain – Chapter 202 – Robert Alexander

The night was deep, yet the magnificent mansion still echoed with elegant songs, dancing, and the clinking of wine glasses.

A person dressed as a servant walked with lowered head through the courtyard full of noble guests, passed along corridors hung with rare paintings, and finally stopped before steps covered with scarlet carpet.

A man wearing a dark coat stood atop the steps. Behind him lay the open doors to the colorful world of high society, while before him stretched the desolate night sky with only two or three stars visible.

This man, so out of place with the brilliant yet cruel human world, was Robert Alexander, one of the three Governors of the Auran Empire.

As if immersed in the elegant, flowing music, the Governor gazed at the stars in a daze, not even noticing the servant’s arrival.

The person disguised as a servant waited quietly and patiently, not interrupting the great man’s contemplation, not even raising his head to look at him.

After some time, the music reached its finale. Following a gradually fading long note, the music in the hall completely subsided, replaced by enthusiastic applause and the rising laughter and conversation of nobles and military officers.

As if awakened by the chaos and excitement, Robert sighed deeply, drawing his gaze back from the boundless night sky. He softly asked the servant at the foot of the steps, “How are the guests in the courtyard?”

Only then did the servant slowly raise his head. The light from the hall stretched across the carpet, extending all the way to his deep purple eyes, as penetrating as a viper’s: “Reporting to Governor, the guests are quite satisfied with the ball.”

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“Good. Although their ranks and positions aren’t high, they’ve come to support me, so we mustn’t neglect our duties as hosts.”

The Governor nodded with satisfaction and waved his hand at the servant, indicating he could withdraw. Yet the servant remained standing in place as if he hadn’t seen the gesture, still silent.

Seeing this, Robert frowned slightly and said, “Didn’t I say not to mention those troublesome matters tonight?”

“Yes, sir. But according to the confidential message I’ve received, this matter might not disturb your mood, but rather become an even more delicious feast than the support and friendship you’ve gained tonight.”

The servant’s mouth twitched, breaking into a rather sinister smile.

Observing the surprise and madness rising in the servant’s eyes, the Governor raised an eyebrow and said with interest, “Since even you say so, it must indeed be quite good news. So tell me, what has made our Tomb Bat so excited?”

The Tomb Bat was a bat carrying deadly neurotoxins, most adept at hiding in darkness and waiting for the opportunity to give its prey a fatal kiss. It was an extremely sinister and terrifying animal, yet it could also be given a different meaning—for instance, as a codename given to someone equally sinister, terrifying, and skilled at concealment.

In this world, those who simultaneously met the conditions of using an animal as a codename and being able to approach an Imperial Governor were only…

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The Executioners of the Black Raven Society.

With Robert’s permission, Tomb Bat smiled and asked, “Sir, do you remember the two transit documents that Governor Federo granted?”

The Governor nodded slightly, with a faint smile at the corner of his mouth: “Of course. One was given to Francis York seventeen years ago, and the other fell into the hands of… Golden-Eyed Roy.”

When mentioning the legendary pirate’s name, the man’s calm, lake-like eyes rippled slightly, as if recalling some past events.

“Well now, that second document has appeared—just outside the Franrote Fortress under Colonel Arman’s command. Tomorrow morning, the so-called treasure ship fully authorized by the York family will proceed through the Loyce Canal toward Elvet.”

Listening to Tomb Bat’s report, Robert said thoughtfully, “So that treasure ship is the legendary Mermaid that destroyed seventeen Imperial warships, and Captain Roy and our little lion are on that ship?”

“There should be no mistake. According to news from the south, Yadris has returned to Captain Roy’s control, so the Mermaid should rightfully be back in her hands.”

Having finished, Tomb Bat fell silent, waiting for the Governor to make his judgment.

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“Their destination is Elvet… Why would she take such a great risk to penetrate deep into Imperial territory? No, this might just be a diversion. But since they’ve publicly declared this, whether true or false, she’ll have to pass through that city, which presents an excellent opportunity.”

The breeze stirred his coat tails as the man’s gaze flickered rapidly, churning with cold and cruel colors.

After a long while, the light in his eyes dimmed, becoming calm and rational once more: “Tomb Bat, although you’ve followed me for a long time, you ultimately belong to the Black Raven Society, and my goals run counter to your principles. Under these circumstances, are you confident you can mobilize the organization’s forces?”

Tomb Bat laughed coldly and said, “Sir, the organization is the organization, and I am myself—these are two separate matters. As for mobilizing forces… after Viper died on Frans Island, the Black Raven Society’s most secret blade was handed to me. With your help, in just these short six months, I’ve acquired three hundred assassins who obey my every command.”

“Though these men can’t compare to those carefully trained by Viper, they should be more than enough to serve as your blade and remove some obstacles in your path.”

Hearing this, Robert smiled and asked, “Don’t you fear being held accountable by the Founder?”

“With you here, even if I betray the organization, what can she do to me? Besides, given your nature, the possibility of utilizing these assassins in this plan is small. After all, a dagger is most deadly when hidden in darkness, isn’t it?”

The gaze Tomb Bat directed at the man was full of fanaticism, as if even the great Founder would pale in comparison before him.

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“Indeed. Unless absolutely necessary, it’s better to keep these forces hidden deeply. One day, they will be of great use.”

The Governor narrowed his eyes, gazing at the horizon, and said expressionlessly, “That old man perching on the throne is truly troublesome. As for the forces under him, I will naturally remove them with legitimate reasons that will leave everyone speechless.”

“Tomb Bat, notify the Black Raven Society’s scouts along the route to constantly monitor that ship’s whereabouts. Then, tell Arman to follow protocol for all reports, ensuring that the news of that ship passing through the checkpoint with Federo’s document…”

Robert looked at the servant who was listening with lowered head and said coldly, “Reaches Naren’s ears.”

With that, the Governor turned and walked into the hall. The magnificent doors closed heavily, leaving only the servant maintaining his humble posture in the darkness.

He bowed slightly, his voice trembling with excitement.

“Yes, sir.”