Captain – Chapter 226 – The Missing Raven

The Ship Doctor’s threat was not suppressed but swept through Elvet and the entire Empire like another hurricane, taking a preemptive stance that caught the Auran military off guard.

The suspension of the trading fair affected the interests of the dignitaries, and the detained young woman could potentially become the fuse igniting conflict between the Empire and the Federation, or at least with the Anderson family.

In truth, regardless of the military power and wealth possessed by the Anderson family, compared to Auran’s terrifying state apparatus, they were merely a drop in the ocean.

If it were wartime, not only could the upper echelons of the Auran military dismiss Don’s threats with a laugh, they would do the same even if James himself spoke up.

But the problem was that both the Empire and the Federation were currently striving to maintain peace—a mutual interest. At such a critical juncture, the trust crisis that this malignant incident might trigger, and the influence represented by young master Anderson’s statement, were not something anyone could casually bear.

Facing pressure from the dignitaries and petitions from citizens who, having learned the “truth,” were speaking up for the “innocent” young lady, the Elvet Council—which had previously received certain instructions and pretended to know nothing—suddenly found itself in an extremely difficult position.

Especially when the highest official of the council hall, Earl Cole, opened his office door and saw Governor Naren’s imposing face, he realized just how massive this storm was and what terrifying destructive potential it held.

The Auran Empire was about to experience upheaval.

This was the earl’s final thought as he watched the Governor enter the office, sit solemnly behind the wooden desk, and write the letter that would be submitted to His Imperial Majesty with a stern expression.

The once bustling plaza was now deserted. The crowds gathered in front of the council hall gradually dispersed. Human figures were rarely seen on Elvet’s streets and alleys. Behind every residence’s peach-colored shutters hung curtains, as if fearing the approaching storm.

Reαd оn КαtRеαⅾіnɡСаfe

The sunlight that had pierced the night and illuminated the entire city had dimmed at some point. Dense clouds accumulated above the brilliant sea of iris flowers behind the cathedral, like a deep dark curtain slowly pressing down on Elvet.

The storm truly seemed to be coming.

With orders being issued one after another, soldiers stationed at the port and plaza, along with the crew members loading and unloading cargo, all returned to their respective ships.

Boots stepping across the deck created one heavy thud after another.

Under the watchful eyes of the crew—who were filled with concern and suppressing their rage toward the soldiers who had taken the Captain—Caine moved through the crowd and stopped at the wooden door of the Captain’s quarters.

But just as he was about to push open the door, a cold question came from behind.

“First Mate, are we just going to wait here?”

Turning his head, Caine looked at Lance, who was expressionless yet like a powder keg that could explode at any moment, and asked calmly: “What do you want to do? Take the Fighting Squad to get the Captain back, or just abandon our disguise, open the gun ports, bring out the cannons, and start a war with the Empire in Auran’s inland?”

Hearing the First Mate’s questions, Lance clenched his fists and, after a long silence, said: “The Mermaid has already lost her once.”

Rеаԁ оո КаtRеаⅾіոɡCаfе

“But this will not be the second time.”

Turning around, the First Mate’s gaze swept across the face of every crew member as he said solemnly: “Leaving with those soldiers was the Captain’s own decision. Though it involved compromise, it was also meant to approach someone, to end a past matter… a personal vendetta.”

“I respect her choice, and I hope you can have enough trust in her. Our Captain… Golden-Eyed Roy is not fragile glass that needs protection and shatters at a touch, but a sharp blade capable of piercing the heart of every enemy.”

“At the same time, we won’t just stand by and watch. The Ship’s Doctor has already stated his position, or rather his threat, to the imperial military in the name of the Anderson family. With the questioning and pressure from Elvet’s dignitaries and citizens, we can expect a response soon.”

“Of course, the most crucial point that makes this situation favorable to us is that they can’t find any evidence to prove the Captain’s identity.”

Hearing this, the crew members’ expressions softened, feeling that the situation might not have developed to the worst stage yet.

If Roy’s charges were confirmed, the first to be hit would certainly not be others, but the Mermaid with its disguise exposed.

Seeing the crew’s emotions settle, Caine continued: “Besides, my father is currently in the council hall, writing to His Majesty to verify the authenticity of that transit document. Once we receive His Majesty’s reply, exposing those people’s conspiracy, they will naturally pay a heavy price, and the Captain will be able to return safely.”

“But Elvet is too far from the imperial capital. The correspondence will take at least a month. So during this time, we must patiently and vigilantly watch the garrison where the Captain will be taken. If anything unexpected happens during this period, or if it eventually proves that all methods are ineffective, then…”

Rеаԁ oո КαtRеαԁіոɡСafе

He paused, recalling Roy’s whisper before leaving, and with lowered eyes, coldly said: “We will end everything in the pirate way.”

The deck fell silent, but it was quickly broken by Lance’s powerful response.

“Yes, First Mate.”

Like a stone thrown into still water, the Gunner Chief’s response triggered the crew’s expressions of support, some low, some fierce, but until the end, no one raised any objection.

“Until the next order, everyone maintains their normal state. Don’t let the military’s spies notice anything unusual. Now, dismissed.”

After speaking, Caine turned and pushed open the door to the Captain’s quarters. Hot air and dim light rushed in, but there was no lazy questioning from the girl…

Nor was there the slightly sharp welcome from the raven.

Frowning slightly, the young man entered the room, gently closed the wooden door, then approached the large bed, reaching out to lift the bulging silk blanket. He saw only the sleeping young dragon with closed eyes, but no sign of Alfie.

Removing a nearby feather pillow, and confirming that an envelope indeed lay quietly underneath, Caine breathed a slight sigh of relief. By this time, the young dragon had also been awakened by the sudden disturbance and was snarling, instinctively assuming an attacking posture.

Rеαd οո KаtRеаⅾiոɡСаfе

After identifying the visitor, the young dragon calmed down and lazily stretched.

“Nidhogg, where’s Alfie? I remember when the Captain and I left this morning, it hadn’t left the room.”

Sitting on the edge of the bed, the First Mate opened the envelope while asking softly.

Blinking its eyes, the young dragon quickly understood the young man’s meaning and crawled to the porthole beside the inner side of the large bed, covered by thick curtains, growling a few times at it.

Seeing this, Caine’s brow furrowed even more. He moved closer and reached out to lift the slightly fluttering curtain.

He was met with a hot breeze and the clear sound of waves hitting the hull.

The porthole was open, which meant the Captain’s most capable partner had also spread its wings and flown far away to face the inevitable destiny with her.

Translator Note

Alfie you loyal bird