Captain – Chapter 279 – New Wind and Storm Rain

For the Imperial Emperor, the old Marshal, and many of those at the pinnacle of power, there were many things they could do only through others’ hands, never stepping onto the stage themselves—just like Curtis carrying the royal ring, or actions taken by military officers like Rear Admiral Gavin.

Only thus could they avoid disrupting the most crucial balance and pushing matters beyond resolution.

Similarly, these powerful figures rarely truly confronted each other with naked blades when they clashed, as they had too many considerations to weigh.

Even Federo, who once dreamed of upending Auran, or Robert, who had already taken measures—their ultimate goal was merely the throne upon which the old Emperor sat, not his life. The distinction held profound significance.

Therefore, when news of Robert’s death reached him, the normally serene Marshal, unshaken by major events, displayed such a hardened attitude. This was anger at the other side for breaking rules and ignoring the bigger picture, as well as his deepest vigilance.

Now, the young prince had exposed those matters the old man had tacitly permitted to remain hidden—not to reveal his own stance or the Emperor’s, nor to confront the other side, but to use this as leverage, clarifying the other’s intentions to gain opportunity for genuine negotiation.

Afterward, using personal vendetta as pretext, he removed responsibility for that grand performance from the royal family, indicating his side had no true intention of breaking ties, while offering the old man an appropriate way to step down.

This was excellent rhetoric and negotiation technique. Had the youth been facing someone else, even a figure like Governor Naren, he might have approached success. Unfortunately…

He faced Auran’s elder statesman, the old Marshal who had weathered countless conspiracies and fires of war.

“So, that captain’s act of revenge inadvertently affected the empire’s situation and, intentionally or not… reduced one of my options?”

Having received a satisfactory explanation, the old man returned to tranquility, no longer pressuring the other side.

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For the young prince had spoken correctly—what the old man himself planned to do was equally out of bounds. The only difference was that compared to the pirate captain chosen by the other side, he had selected a distant royal relative as his agent.

“Yes, it was an unexpected accident. Grandfather Auston, I too am grieved and shocked by Uncle Robert’s passing. But the deceased are gone, and the empire’s wheels cannot stop for one man’s death, wouldn’t you agree?”

The youth asked sincerely, his face showing genuine entreaty—though whether those emotions were real remained unknowable.

Just like the ugly, hypocritical performance he and the old Emperor had enacted in the palace at St. Caloie—repulsive yet, for various reasons, indispensable.

“The empire’s wheels should indeed roll forward—that is beyond question. But the issue is, even without Robert, I still have many choices.”

The Marshal spoke calmly. Beyond that royal relative, there were princes in the royal family, even noble houses connected by married princesses—any could become powerful contenders for the throne, if he wished.

Hearing the old man’s composed words and sensing his indifference, the youth felt no disappointment. Instead, the smile on his lips grew warmer, like a child finally earning an elder’s approval.

Others hearing the Marshal’s words might see slim chances of success, but Curtis knew otherwise.

For as long as Auston expressed willingness to potentially place his choice on him, even if that opportunity seemed as illusory and elusive as a bubble, it was enough.

From here, whether he could truly grasp this opportunity had nothing to do with the empire’s situation, the storm outside the window, or the various people involved.

It depended only on himself.

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“The empire appears strong, but internally it’s decrepit and fragile, ready to shatter at a touch—just like the circumstances it now faces.”

Rising, the youth moved to the center of the room, his back to the black rain curtain outside the window, facing the crackling fire and the quietly listening old man. He began his opening statement calmly and naturally, as if delivering a speech—a speech for just one person.

“Time has nurtured Auran’s remarkable children, bringing her into another golden age and building a magnificent facade. Yet it has inadvertently eroded and changed people’s hearts, leaving countless hollows in the seemingly impregnable empire, creating her fatal weaknesses.”

“But I will change all this, cleanse the filth in the shadows and the stale air, and do everything in my power to find a new, correct path for the empire.”

At this, a flicker passed through the old man’s gaze, his weathered eyes reflecting nostalgia, as if seeing the shadow of the youth’s father.

The late Prince Carlos had harbored similar aspirations, seeking to remove Auran’s deeply buried ailments and lead her toward a brighter future. For this, he had not hesitated to break with the old nobility and royalty, ultimately dying at their hands.

In the old man’s view, that so-called plotter against the crown prince, the weak and selfish Prince Ulysses, was merely a blade borrowed by the old nobility and royalty—a pitiful yet sufficiently despicable puppet.

Now, though he had long been absent from St. Caloie, the youth’s safe arrival before him indicated everything there had completely changed.

“Then, child, what do you plan to do?”

The old man asked timely, allowing the youth’s brief speech to truly unfold.

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Without immediately answering, Curtis smiled and clasped his hands behind his back, no longer displaying his previous grandeur and nobility, but showing more of the mischief and liveliness befitting his age.

“Just as dust particles float in the air, when a great wind blows, their arrangement becomes entirely different. And if a downpour comes, they will be completely washed away, leaving nothing behind.”

“Now, a new wind has arrived, and the storm approaches. All corrupt and filthy things will face destruction. But to achieve this goal requires facing great resistance. If we cannot cut swiftly, we might even shake the empire’s foundations.”

“Therefore, to reach my objective, I need to unite all possible assistance—political circles, military, the empire’s shadow forces, or even the Black Raven Society, the Southern Islands, and the Federation. I will use my power to cleanse the dust floating everywhere over Auran soil.”

“Whether great relics of the old era, deeply rooted illegal trades, the inseparable entanglements between politics and military, or greedy scoundrels hiding in the shadows—I will root them all out. No matter how arduous the process, how prolonged the storm, I believe we will eventually reach the end, emerging into bright sunshine like a rebirth.”

“Afterward, I will sever all connections with the Black Raven Society and the Federation. Aunt will leave the imperial capital, never to return. The organization will become the eyes watching over me, while the Federation will again become a political and economic ally and opponent.”

“Grandfather Auston, this is my plan.”

Hearing the youth’s conclusion, seeing the composure and confidence on his face, as well as barely perceptible nervousness, the old man fell silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled: “Haven’t you omitted something, waiting for me to complete it?”

After the new wind and storm rain, with dust retreated from the air, facing that clear sunshine, new sprouts and saplings would naturally grow strong, while those trees that, though tall, had become hollow…

Should fall.

Only at this moment did the Marshal understand that the young prince had not come seeking his protection and assistance, but to implore him to clear the path for the vigorous younger generation—like the youth himself, or the naval rear admiral who accompanied him.

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Seeing Curtis nod with a smile, the old man said gently: “I never thought that in the end, I would still misread your intention. But… your words make sense.”

“The empire’s future ultimately belongs to young people like you. For Auran to truly enter a new era and stand firm in the distant future requires your efforts—just as decades ago, Benjamin, myself, and many others did.”

“Today’s empire is not what it once was. Naren, Merri, and many other excellent children have stepped onto the world stage, releasing their brilliance.”

“If so, perhaps it is indeed time for us old people to let go. But child, I still have concerns. I believe your words and vision can move and persuade many people, but are you truly certain…”

“That you can persuade him?”

Meeting Auston’s increasingly benevolent gaze of appreciation, the youth offered no further explanation. Instead, he reached into his coat, producing a sealed envelope bearing the royal seal.

Then, he slowly approached the old man and gently placed the letter on the low table.

Though the envelope was so light, the youth set it down with such solemnity, as if this was his greatest reliance for this visit.

As if this envelope contained all of Auran’s past.

“Grandfather Auston, this is… a personal letter from my grandfather to you.”