Captain – Chapter 28 – A Lady’s Etiquette and Dance Lessons

After completing the handover of the double-masted civilian ship and the purchase of ball gowns and jewelry, this fruitful day quickly passed, at least for Roy. But she hadn’t anticipated what tragedy awaited her after successfully extracting a considerable sum from her first mate.

The following day, near dusk.

“Look into my eyes, Captain. Imperial court dance is different from the Federation’s crude dance steps. It requires maintaining good eye contact. And according to your own words, since you frequently participate in Auran noble balls, you should be even more aware of this point.”

Roy’s wandering gaze was brought back by her first mate’s words. She glared fiercely at those calm ocean-blue eyes, as if wanting to tear that handsome face so close to her to shreds: “I know, can you not hold me so tight?”

Facing the captain’s threatening request, Caine not only turned a deaf ear but even tightened his hand on Roy’s waist: “Be gentler, Captain. I hope the person accompanying me to the ball can be an elegant and dignified lady, not a pirate who cuts down everyone she sees.”

“Pirates don’t cut down everyone they see; it’s your Auran navy mad dogs who do that.” Roy retorted through gritted teeth.

In fact, her first mate guessed correctly. Roy, who often mingled at high-society parties, was proficient in various social dance steps. Even an obscure dance from some remote member state of the Pronora Federation, she could perform perfectly without missing a step, let alone the most common court dance steps at imperial balls.

But the problem was, she was originally a man, mastering the male steps of the dance. Moreover, those who had previously danced gracefully with her were all pleasant-to-the-eye and delicate noble ladies, nothing like this imposing, cold-faced military officer!

Just because I made you buy an extra ring, is it necessary to make things so difficult for me?

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Roy thought exasperatedly.

The two of them had already practiced for an entire morning and afternoon in the spacious room specially prepared by the Major. She had exhausted herself trying to master the etiquette a female partner should have at an imperial court ball, but her black-hearted first mate gave her no time to rest. What followed immediately was guidance on the female steps of the imperial court dance.

“Hold on a bit longer; there’s just one small section left. Isn’t the Captain learning very quickly?”

Seeing Roy’s murderous gaze, knowing her emotions were on the verge of eruption, Caine finally suppressed his secret laughter and put away that hateful demeanor, gently comforting this wild cat about to lose control.

Finally, as the sunset completely disappeared into the sea, the captain ended her torturous and irritating etiquette and dance lessons. With an unpleasant face, she walked to the dark wall, sat down on the spotlessly clean wooden floor, and stuffed the pre-prepared white bread into her mouth.

During this process, she didn’t even glance at her approaching first mate.

Caine sat down across from her, knowing the captain was in a bad mood, and didn’t thoughtlessly provoke her. After a moment of silence, he very sincerely expressed his thanks.

“Thank you, you’ve worked hard.”

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As the saying goes, one doesn’t strike a smiling face. With her first mate lowering his posture like this, Roy naturally couldn’t continue to sulk. She turned to look at him, swallowed the bread in her mouth, and said: “We’re on the same ship; there’s no need for thanks. Just don’t ask me to do such annoying things again in the future, or I really can’t guarantee I won’t beat you into a Mola.”

Another of the captain’s trademark threats. Caine took it as a vent for Roy’s anger and smiled carelessly.

For some reason, in front of this pirate captain, he always found himself able to relax, rather than having to keep his nerves taut as in the military. Perhaps this was related to her unrestrained temperament, or perhaps because she looked too much like his sister who had already gone to heaven, or maybe…

Caine didn’t continue this line of thought. The gaze he cast on that fair face only softened slightly. Only after truly interacting does one discover that stereotypes aren’t always correct. The cold-blooded devil the military had always believed in also had the youthful vitality appropriate for her age, as well as the character of keeping promises and perseverance.

Roy didn’t know what the naval officer was thinking. She finished the remaining half of the bread in her hand, then deliberated for a while, looking into his eyes and saying: “Caine, I admit everyone has their own secrets, and I’m willing to respect that. But on matters of life and death, I still hope you can be more honest with me.”

Caine was momentarily stunned, then slightly lowered his eyelids: “Which aspect are you referring to, Captain?”

“Your identity.”

Roy’s gaze was extremely serious, without any of her previous liveliness and vivacity: “Last night, I carefully reviewed everything that’s happened recently and found that the only thing I’ve overlooked is your true identity.”

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“Evidence proves your inference is very correct. Although stereotypes are indeed an extraordinarily advantageous disguise, what truly makes the world believe I’m dead is the Great Captain’s letter of appointment.”

Such a grand ceremony, as an elegy to bid farewell to a legendary pirate, truly qualified as adequate.

Roy thought about the news Caine had received from the military’s secret channels this morning, pondering with mixed feelings.

Just yesterday at dusk, the Great Captain officially announced Richi’s appointment and held a memorial ceremony for the Golden-Eyed Devil. This meant that within the Southern Islands, that warm little nest that originally belonged to her had completely changed hands.

Gently shaking her head to cast the slightly sour emotions from her mind, Roy lowered her head slightly, looking at the wooden floor gradually being covered by shadows: “That means there might truly be only you in this world who knows my identity. Coming to your Auran garrison this time, yet still no one could recognize me, it’s a kind of confirmation, I suppose.”

“Then the question arises: If my identity hasn’t been exposed, how did the Black Raven Society target us? Even before coming to this castle, I could smell the pungent scent of those rats at every moment. This is already beyond mere attention.”

Feeling Roy’s gaze upon him again, Caine’s face showed no surprise, as if he had long anticipated such a scene.

Because this was indeed a fatal loophole that couldn’t be brushed aside.

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“Yes, Captain, we were targeted by the Black Raven Society, not because your identity was exposed, but because… I’m too conspicuous.” Caine looked at those dark golden pupils that still shone brightly in the faint moonlight and responded softly.

Just as his words fell, in the brief moment when both were silent, a slight sound suddenly came from outside the door, rustling, like a mouse crawling past.

“Then, my dear first mate, does this captain have the honor of knowing your identity?” Roy asked with a light laugh.

“After the ball, I will tell you all the truth. At that time…”

Caine paused, also smiling: “If you no longer want me, Captain, the promises I made on the island still stand.”

“If we can still attend the ball.”

These were the final words whispered by the first mate. After that, the oak door opened silently, and what entered Roy’s sight was a silver knife reflecting the moonlight.