Captain – Chapter 222 – The Curtain Falls

That shot wasn’t meant to take her life, but merely served as a warning.

This was the only thought in Roy’s mind after the gunshot.

Compared to Colonel Berney, Rear Admiral Gavin, or even Federo, no one in this world understood that man better than she did.

She knew what deep, ocean-like thoughts lay beneath his impulsive and violent exterior, and how he would stop at nothing to pursue what he wanted.

Generally, as long as there was something to gain, he wouldn’t reveal his cruel and ruthless true face, but would instead toy with his prey like a cat with a mouse, gradually forcing them onto the path he had chosen.

Therefore, when the situation became increasingly thorny and somewhat uncontrollable, that soldier had fired his gun.

Not to plunge everything into chaos, or to provoke conflict between the Holy Church and the military, or even to cause turmoil throughout the Auran Empire, but merely to give her a warning.

Everything was still under his control.

The gunshot shattered her illusion of impending success. Roy felt as if she’d been transported back to that heavy rain, back to standing before that man.

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She watched him pour an entire box of precious jewels and ornaments onto the ground like worthless stones, then that inconspicuous box… and finally her.

“Take him away, he has no value anymore.”

That man’s cold, unfamiliar tone remained fresh in her memory, unforgettably etched in her mind.

So I still have value now, that’s why that shot wasn’t aimed at my forehead, but only targeted my cheek.

Isn’t that right, Uncle Robert?

Roy gently wiped away the blood droplets from her cheek, her gaze quickly sweeping over the nearby officers, the soldiers gathered around, and those distant soldiers who had put away their guns and seemingly posed no threat, as she silently thought.

His target from the beginning wasn’t her, nor her First Mate beside her, but the Governor sitting in the audience.

Now that shot had awakened her from an illusory victory, the possibility of a next shot, or rather a next assassination attempt succeeding against her was almost non-existent.

But alone, neither knowing where the enemy was positioned nor how many among these soldiers, officers, or even the Holy Cross Army were loyal agents of that man, Roy couldn’t guarantee that she would definitely be able to protect Governor Naren.

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Therefore, she could only compromise for now, and through this approach, eliminate the possibility of making the situation more troublesome and dangerous.

“Is that acceptable, Colonel Berney?”

Hearing the young woman’s pointed question and feeling the various gazes from all around, the colonel’s eyelid twitched rapidly. His blood-stained face revealed an unnatural smile: “Miss… why are you asking me? This, of course, depends on the Rear Admiral’s decision.”

At this, the captain looked at the contemplative Rear Admiral Gavin and softly asked: “Then what is your opinion, sir?”

From the previous proceedings, although Roy couldn’t determine what relationship existed between the Rear Admiral before her and that Governor, it was undoubtedly clear that the proposal to use military force to apprehend her could not have passed without the “sincere cooperation” of both men.

If so, Berney, this unwitting fellow, and Rear Admiral Gavin were the most important executors of that man’s plan this time, and their will should naturally take precedence over those unconscionable, final measures used when situations spiraled out of control.

It was for this reason that she so openly sought the opinions of these two, in order to make her attitude clear to the hidden assassins.

Gavin understood the reason for the young woman’s sudden change of heart, so his gaze upon her was particularly complex.

That cold detachment and hostility wrapped in national duty had somewhat softened due to the scenes that had just unfolded. Beyond this, there was also much struggle and undisguised anger at that shot which had contempted the military, the Holy Church, and even the entire Auran Empire.

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Even his originally unwavering determination to support that gentleman had somewhat wavered because of this.

“Then… let’s do as you say, miss. If it’s ultimately proven that you are indeed innocent, then I, Gavin Clive, even if I stake my career and life on it, will ensure your safety and well-being.”

After speaking, the Rear Admiral turned to the bishop and said solemnly: “For everything that happened today, whether it was abruptly entering the church district or disturbing the peace of the Goddess, I will personally explain to His Holiness the Pope and seek forgiveness from the Holy Church. All responsibility will be borne by me alone.”

Hearing Gavin’s impassioned speech, even the solemn-faced soldiers couldn’t help but reveal expressions of admiration.

Although the young woman was willing to let bygones be bygones, causing such a major incident in a church district, especially before a bishop, meant that they, as subordinates, would also have to bear some responsibility.

But now that the Rear Admiral had spoken thus, it was equivalent to making a guarantee to the Holy Church and to all of them, demonstrating the responsibility and accountability of an imperial officer.

Witnessing this scene, even Caine with his poor mood and Naren with his severe expression were slightly moved, after all, they too had once been part of the military and couldn’t help but be touched by such a display.

“As for that scoundrel who disregarded military law, imperial decrees, and holy orders, I will personally send him to a military tribunal on charges of attempted murder.”

At this point, the Rear Admiral’s gaze suddenly grew much colder.

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Such charges would be serious even if imposed on an ordinary citizen, let alone on a soldier in a disciplined military. If that soldier were truly sent to a military tribunal for this crime, what awaited him would certainly be an indefinitely long prison term, or in more severe cases, even the death penalty.

“No, Rear Admiral, I believe according to the circumstances and principles, this blasphemer should be handed over to our church’s tribunal for judgment, rather than allowing him to leave the church district unscathed after committing his crime,” Bishop Daniel shook his head slightly, his tone brooking no argument.

Handing a soldier over to the Holy Church for disposal was certainly something that would damage the military’s face, but given the current situation, this seemed like an unavoidable requirement if they wanted to give the Holy Church an explanation.

So after a moment of silence, Gavin finally cast an indifferent glance at the soldier and then nodded slightly to the bishop: “If that’s the case, then let’s do as you say.”

Falling into the hands of those judgment priests, that soldier’s fate would definitely be more miserable than being sent to a military prison.

Thinking of this, the young woman was somewhat satisfied.

And when the Rear Admiral asked if she was ready to depart, Roy nodded slightly and said: “I have no objections, but I request that the sir and the gentlemen present allow me to speak privately with my beloved once more before we part.”

“Just… for a little while.”