Captain – Chapter 34 – The Governor Arrives

The storm had arrived.

Gale-force winds bent the date palms on the island, countless rain strands lashing against the wooden window’s glass like whips, as if intent on shattering the boundary between warmth and cold, forcing those huddled in their nests to more deeply feel nature’s mighty power.

The night was deep, yet the castle remained brightly lit.

Over a hundred soldiers rushed about on patrol, with even more positioned in various corners of the main fortress, determined to strangle any potential threats in their cradle.

Only the specially arranged clean room had extinguished its lights, silent and tranquil.

Lightning’s radiance pierced through tightly drawn curtains, illuminating the dim room with every minute detail before quickly receding like a retreating tide, leaving only dense darkness.

In this darkness, Caine remained awake, his azure eyes blankly staring at the ceiling, occasionally flashing with struggle.

Amidst the loud raindrops’ percussion, a barely perceptible, long breath reached his ears, rescuing the officer from his seemingly endless inner conflict. He carefully sat up by the bedside, looking at the girl sleeping as sweetly as a squirrel nearby, his hands involuntarily clenching at his sides.

What choice will you make, Caine?

Due to the rainstorm, dark clouds shrouded Frans Island, completely blocking any potentially warm light. In this oppressive morning, the massive warship laden with Imperial Navy finally arrived at the port.

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The major, accompanied by over two hundred soldiers, stood in neat rows on both sides of the road leading to the town, standing straight and solemn, awaiting the governor’s grand arrival.

“Tap… tap…”

First piercing through the noisy rain, the crisp sound of a black wooden cane striking the ground reached the major’s ears, followed by the splashing sound of boots crushing puddles. A thin, hunched elderly man appeared before hundreds of eyes.

From his cane to his attire, the old man was dressed entirely in black, as if wanting to merge with the dark, gloomy rainy day.

His face was stern, his entire being exuding an eerie and terrifying aura. His emerald pupils resembled mythical snake demons, causing those he gazed upon to involuntarily slow their breathing, accelerate their heartbeats, as if truly petrified.

He was the dark side of the Empire, Governor Federo, often mentioned in the same breath as the Black Raven Society’s founder.

Even though he had encountered him countless times before, and had even served as this governor’s diplomatic escort, the major still couldn’t help but slightly tremble the moment he saw Federo.

Though years had passed, the major could never forget the governor’s ruthlessness toward enemies. After witnessing various horrors touching the limits of human nature, even soldiers on the same side found it hard not to feel fear towards him.

Governor Federo walked slowly, taking a full ten minutes to traverse the market path between the port and the town, finally reaching the major.

Only then did the major clearly see the military officer quietly holding an umbrella for the governor, the fear in his eyes gradually dissipating, replaced by intimacy and excitement. He raised his hand to his chest, rendering the Imperial military salute.

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“Ivan greets the Governor, Major Mei Li.”

The officer accompanying Federo was named Mei Li, once a confidant of Governor Naren and the major’s own mentor. Due to his outstanding war command, profound military merits, and Naren Governor’s dedicated cultivation, he was now an Imperial Major General, the most brilliant among that group.

Upon seeing his former superior, the major’s tension from the entire night instantly relaxed, as if a massive mountain pressing on him had been lifted by another, more solid and powerful shoulder.

Hearing his subordinate’s familiar voice, Mei Li raised his head, smiling: “You’ve worked hard. From now on, Frans Island’s security is temporarily transferred to the Imperial Navy.”

“Yes.”

The major loudly responded, thinking the mission had concluded perfectly. Unexpectedly, the governor, who had seemed oblivious until now, turned his emerald eyes directly toward him, silently staring into his eyes.

The rainstorm’s sound seemed to vanish in that moment. Before those emotionless pupils, the major could only hear his increasingly rapid heartbeat and breath as urgent as raindrops.

This gaze actually lasted only an extremely brief moment, but the major felt like he had traveled between life and death. When he came to his senses, his back was already soaked with sweat, and the governor had slowly walked away, his cold, indifferent voice still echoing in his ears.

“I’ve read the secret report. You’ve done well.”

The ball was to be held at a duke’s vacation estate, occupying a vast area on Frans Island’s eastern side, its size nearly rivaling the town itself.

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Just managing the estate’s fields and household required five hundred servants, who labored daily for a property used merely half a month each year.

Except for those guarding the harbor awaiting noble arrivals, most soldiers crossed the dense forest with the carriage welcoming the governor, finally stationed outside the massive estate.

Shortly after Federo entered the estate, the usually idle harbor officers became busy. One beautifully decorated large ship after another docked at the pier, disembarking the Empire’s famous nobles, wealthy merchants, and royal princesses and princes.

The reception continued for half a day, with ships coming and going, bringing over a thousand people. Of course, only a few dozen could actually participate in this ball symbolizing power, wealth, and status, with the rest being servants and guards.

After bidding farewell to the last arriving Prince Cameron, the major tiredly wiped sweat from his forehead and smiled at his observing subordinates: “Let’s go, fellows. We’ll fetch the ball’s main character.”

The soldiers exchanged knowing smiles. The young master might not match those high-ranking elders in status, but he possessed an unparalleled advantage: youth.

The Howard family’s young master was incredibly young, yet already standing at the Empire’s power summit. Across the entire Auran Empire, only the three governors and a few princes and dukes could outrank him.

For such a young general just emerging, yet never taking sides like Governor Naren, every faction of the Empire must invest sufficient attention and respect. Thus, if he chose to attend this ball, he would undoubtedly be the most dazzling focal point.

“What’s happening? Aren’t the young master and his companion ready yet?”

When the major returned to the castle and saw the twenty or so soldiers left behind, he noticed the young couple was missing and asked, puzzled.

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“Major, the young master is ready, but his female companion has been hiding in her room for three entire hours,” Todd, the captain, carefully reported. “And… moreover, at the lady’s request, the young master has ordered us all out.”

“I understand. I’ll go take a look. You all wait here.”

After instructing his subordinates, the major strode into the main fortress. After several turns, he quickly reached the room arranged for the two, and as Todd said, Howard’s young master was already dressed in a pure black formal suit, waiting outside… though it was unclear how long he had been waiting.

“Elizabeth, aren’t you ready yet? There’s less than half an hour until the ball.”

Caine looked at the bronze pocket watch specially prepared by the major, frowning as he called into the room.

“I’m… I’m ready. Caine, come in for a moment.”

Hearing the captain’s stammering call, Caine breathed a sigh of relief, nodded to the approaching major, and entered, then closed the door, leaving the curious major outside.

The major softly sighed, thinking that territorial instincts were indeed strong among lions. Though visibly displeased yesterday, it was clear the young master still protected this fiancée meticulously. Yet…

How curious that this lady’s name was also Elizabeth—what a marvelous coincidence.