Captain – Chapter 214 – Suspicion

The Governor’s confidential letter stirred up tremendous waves, but the turmoil only struck the captain’s heart without affecting everything around her or the approaching engagement ceremony.

In the two days that followed, the girl showed no signs of worry or barely suppressed hatred, remaining optimistic and confident as usual.

Roy took the First Mate throughout the city, visiting all those not-famous but exceptionally exquisite and interesting taverns and shops in Elvet, seeing all the magnificent flower seas surrounding those splendid palaces on the city’s edge.

She was like someone who had lived here since childhood, always able to discover the ordinary and surprising elements buried beneath the prosperity through secret pathways.

She pointed out and introduced shops with curious names, enjoying the feeling of being surrounded by a purple sea of lavender. Throughout this process, the girl’s face never lacked a smile.

That smile was different from the pirate captain’s malicious, unrestrained emotional release. It was like a genuine outpouring of emotion from a girl who had returned to her old home and picked up childhood happiness, without any pretense.

Looking at the smile on the captain’s face, feeling her relief from putting down all burdens and wholeheartedly immersing herself in play, Caine felt not only the same contentment but also a touch of heartache and concern.

Because the captain’s behavior was truly unusual, as if she had completely let go of the past, set aside that dangerous yet brilliant journey on the sea, allowing all the emotions previously suppressed in her heart to burst forth.

This seemed like a kind of retaliatory venting, or like…

Using this rare moment of relaxation to compensate him for something.

Time slipped away quietly amid laughter and conversation.

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When night fell again, only a brief night remained before the agreed engagement day, and the wedding dress and formal attire altered for the two by Mr. Batt were delivered to the Mermaid by an apprentice as night approached.

Everything was so peaceful and natural, but it was precisely this smoothness that gave Caine a slight uneasiness.

Since leaving the captain’s cabin, he felt that a layer of mist had suddenly appeared between him and the captain. That hazy mist heavily shrouded her spirit, not revealing even the slightest gap to exploit.

With this feeling, after briefly mentioning it to Roy, the First Mate returned alone to the warship, pushed open the wooden door of the captain’s cabin, and came before Naren, who was buried in official business.

“How did I know your whereabouts? Didn’t I say before, your transit document was too new, and couldn’t possibly fool those of us who know the inside story.”

Hearing the young man’s somewhat abrupt question, the governor’s gaze continued to jump between various documents while he smiled and asked: “Why suddenly ask about this? Could it be that you think I’ve grown so old that my eyes have dimmed, and I could misread even the word ‘brand new’ in a military report?”

A treasure ship entering the inland was no small matter. Generally, after military officers guarding the sea entrances checked the legality of ships and cargo and allowed them entry, they would report the news to the upper levels of the military, which would then report to the Empire’s top power echelon.

Being informed about treasure ships, besides symbolizing power, also allowed certain interested important figures to prepare in advance for purchasing treasures or securing interests.

As one of only two remaining governors of the Empire, it was not surprising that Naren would know the whereabouts of the Mermaid.

“Brand new…”

Hearing this, Caine frowned slightly and said in a deep voice: “Why specifically mention the age of the transit document? In the past, when I received news about treasure ships, the guarding officers never paid attention to this point.”

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At this, the governor paused.

He slowly raised his head, looking at the young man whose expression was shifting unpredictably: “You suspect this is some kind of deliberate reminder? You know what kind of shock it caused in the Empire when Federo presented a transit document to the head of the York family in the past.”

More than a decade ago, Caine was just a child beginning to form memories, and Naren still held the position of Naval Commander.

That was arguably the most powerful time for the Auran Navy, simultaneously suppressing the sea forces of the Southern Islands and the Federation, with the possibility of launching a war to expand territory at any time.

Because of this, relations between the Empire and the Federation were extremely tense. Yet the Dark Governor Federo, most feared by Federation citizens, signed a transit document for his friend Francis York under such circumstances, expressing his goodwill toward the York family.

This caused a tremendous sensation at the time, not only in the Federation but also within the Empire.

“Because of this reason, high-ranking military officers have a deep impression of that transit document. Now suddenly a document bearing Federo’s signature appears, yet it’s as new as if it was signed not long ago. It’s understandable that this would raise some suspicions.”

Hearing the governor’s analysis, Caine was silent for a moment before calmly saying: “It’s merely understandable.”

Feeling his child’s somewhat probing gaze, Naren lightly tapped the table, his tone flat and undisturbed: “I know what you’re thinking. But in fact, ever since resigning from the position of Admiral, I’ve had no further connection with the military. Even though His Majesty secretly allowed me to keep my former followers in my grasp as a hidden force, I ultimately didn’t comply.”

“In my view, soldiers are soldiers, politicians are politicians. The two can never be mixed or entangled in any way.”

The governor’s azure eyes reflected the young man’s face as he spoke seriously: “I once warned you that the military is the Empire’s blade. Its existence is to maintain Auran’s interests and honor, not to carry any personal will.”

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“But if that scheming undercurrent from the political sphere flows into the army, then all this will inevitably be overturned. Those who would stop at nothing for benefits and power would certainly not hesitate to wield the military blade against the Empire’s meritorious officials, or even His Majesty.”

“Therefore, I refused His Majesty’s casual suggestion. Whether it was a test or His Majesty’s true intention, I would not accept it, because I cannot violate my own principles, cannot violate the precepts I taught my child.”

After he finished speaking, the captain’s cabin fell into a long silence.

After an unknown length of time, Caine said softly: “I understand. So Colonel Arman is not your man.”

Only at this moment did Naren’s brows gradually furrow as he slowly sat up straight: “What? You suspect someone has reached into the military?”

“Yes.” Caine nodded slightly.

The governor didn’t find the young man’s suspicion absurd and directly dismiss his idea. Instead, he asked seriously: “What’s your reason? Or have there been events lately that aroused your suspicion?”

Thinking of the change in the captain’s temperament, Caine’s gaze flickered slightly as he shook his head in denial: “No, everything has been smooth. I just suddenly recalled the various incidents caused by that document, which led to some speculation.”

After a moment of silence, Naren said blandly: “It seems half a year of pirate life hasn’t diminished your sharpness and vigilance. That’s good. I hope you can maintain it. Now, tell me your conjecture and let me hear whether it’s an issue worthy of our vigilance.”

Caine let out a slight breath and began to explain his speculation: “Assuming the word ‘brand new’ in the report was intentional, it means Colonel Arman also knows the secret about the second document. And as you said, Grandfather Federo only told the truth to three people.”

“Me, Robert, and His Majesty,” the governor added.

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“Among these three people, you said you’ve severed ties with the military, so Colonel Arman naturally couldn’t be following you. As for His Majesty, his will is the military’s will. He has no need to cultivate loyal followers among soldiers, let alone use such a secretive method to hint at our arrival.”

Caine’s voice grew colder: “If His Majesty wanted to, the Mermaid would have been controlled by the military before approaching Elvet, and the captain and I should have been escorted to the imperial capital to face the judgment of imperial law. But in fact, because of your presence, given His Majesty’s wisdom, he would not do something that might damage his own power.”

Federo’s grand plan for rebellion was a deeply hidden secret.

Except for the late Duke Darren, the silent Black Raven Society leadership, Roy who buried this matter deep in her heart, and Governor Robert who had expressed his stance and will to the captain through a confidential letter, no one else in the world knew.

Therefore, on the surface, Federo and Naren were the most powerful support standing beside the Emperor. Now with the old man’s retirement, the Howard family’s old lion seemed even more important.

The old Emperor would not fail to see the Empire’s current unpredictable situation and certainly wouldn’t take action against the Mermaid at such a juncture, thereby causing his confidant Naren to become distant or even hostile.

Naren thoughtfully asked: “So you suspect Arman is Robert’s man, and the use of coded language was to notify…”

He suddenly paused, and after briefly meeting the young man’s gaze, the governor slowly said: “No, he could have avoided making a mark in the military report. If Arman truly is Robert’s secret agent in the military, then they must have a sufficiently secret communication channel.”

Naren’s distinctive face was illuminated by candlelight, and those azure eyes emitted a chilling light that made one’s heart palpitate. It was like a lion that had shed its laziness and revealed its sharp claws and teeth. Its low growl spread slowly, echoing in the spacious captain’s cabin.

“In that case… this mark was deliberately made for me to see.”