Captain – Chapter 357 – Willing or Not

Isaac’s words awakened everyone from their dream.

The far northern waters were vast and desolate, making it impossible to find a second translator.

Ancient Auran was complex and difficult to understand. Aside from the learning difficulty, even if Roy and the others wanted to learn, they couldn’t find teaching materials or methods nowadays.

This meant the path of ancient language was essentially closed. Rather than continuing to rack their brains, it was better to find a solution in modern language.

The Siren was intelligent, with comprehension abilities far beyond ordinary people.

Though the Mermaid lacked systematically published imperial textbooks, there were still many who understood the framework and composition of Auran. Through their verbal instruction and writing, teaching her wouldn’t be difficult.

“This important task is entrusted to you.”

After leaving the “Old Pirate’s” room and having Caine take the Siren to find accommodations, Roy intercepted the somewhat dazed ship’s doctor who was about to return to his room. Under his bewildered gaze, she vigorously patted his shoulder.

“What?”

Anderson responded instinctively, but quickly reacted, raising his eyebrows as his tone shifted.

Having heard Isaac’s solution and seeing Roy’s malicious gaze after her private conversation with Caine, the ship’s doctor could guess her thoughts without even thinking, understanding what the “important task” referred to.

“I’m saying, you’ve decided to teach her Auran, so why ask a Federation person like me to teach it?”

Looking at the Captain’s deliberately feigned “pleading” expression, the ship’s doctor had been deceived before and naturally wouldn’t fall for it again. He questioned coldly.

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“Whether it’s Auran, Federation language, or some other obscure language, there’s really no difference for a young master like you.”

Roy said with a “flattering” face. Whenever the ship’s doctor’s assistance was needed, her attitude was always proper… even if feigned.

Though her words had a flattering tone, they weren’t actually wrong.

On the Mermaid, those in high positions each had their areas of expertise; they weren’t randomly appointed based solely on connections.

Not to mention Roy and Caine, looking down the line to Ben, Harriet, Lance, Alexis—which one wasn’t proficient in their respective positions, even in multiple areas?

Even the young Daniel had exceptional eyesight and increasingly refined marksmanship, gradually showing shadows of Victor with practice.

Anderson was the same.

He was the Mermaid’s biggest financial backer, but also an undisputed renowned doctor. Though somewhat arrogant and hot-tempered, he had earned the respect of all crew members through his superb, solid medical skills.

Of course, the pirate rule of “never offend the ship’s doctor” also played a role in this matter.

But this young master’s abilities were far beyond that.

Since boarding the ship, he had intentionally or unintentionally displayed more talents, such as business acumen, communication skills, artistic accomplishments, familiarity with etiquette, appreciation of rare items, and mastery of over a dozen languages…

In short, just from what had been seen, a long list could be compiled. Apart from being somewhat weak in combat abilities, he was practically an all-rounder.

Only such a person could live up to his identity as the heir of the Anderson family, though in Roy’s words, he was merely evaluated as “too idle.”

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“If I didn’t know that the young master is talented and proficient in multiple languages, how could I have thought of you first when worried about finding someone who knows ancient Auran? When it comes to mastery of Auran, we probably can’t match you.”

Roy shamelessly spoke flattering words, putting on a “lack of ability” expression as she persuaded: “Moreover, we may know it, but teaching others could be full of loopholes and mislead them.”

“But you’re different. With expertise in so many fields, though I don’t know if you’ve delved into pedagogy, but…”

“Alright, alright.”

Hearing this, the ship’s doctor finally couldn’t help but raise his hand to interrupt.

Though he was somewhat flattered by these words, and though these purposeful compliments were facts, hearing too much became tiresome and made his ears callous.

“I haven’t studied pedagogy, but I am quite familiar with psychology…”

Realizing he was actually following the young woman’s lead, the ship’s doctor hurriedly cleared his throat and said with a straight face: “But you got one thing right. When it comes to teaching, I’m certainly much better than you people who fight and kill all day.”

“So is it settled then?”

Seeing the Captain’s expectant expression, Anderson gave a light “hmm” and said: “Consider it payment for satisfying my curiosity.”

This naturally referred to Caine’s earlier explanation to him.

Though not very detailed and seemingly omitting many key points, making it sound somewhat cryptic, it had nonetheless sparked his rare interest. Being in a good mood, he didn’t mind helping out.

“Then thank you for your trouble, young master.”

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A gleam of successful scheming flashed in Roy’s eyes. She patted his shoulder again and then, humming the tune of “The Devil’s Treasure” she had heard not long ago, walked with light steps toward the wooden ladder leading to the deck.

“Hey, you haven’t told me where her room is.”

Watching the young woman’s relaxed manner after dumping the responsibility, the ship’s doctor couldn’t help but ask, thinking: How can I teach without knowing where?

“Relax, her room is right next to yours.”

Roy didn’t stop, merely raised her hand and said lazily.

So it had been premeditated.

Seeing this, Anderson’s face darkened, feeling that despite his caution, he had still fallen into the Captain’s trap.

After leaving the cabin, Roy didn’t immediately return to the Captain’s quarters.

After meeting the raven’s strong request to be returned to the room, she came to the bow of the Mermaid, raised her face slightly to the wind and rain, and looked toward the beam of light that had already noticeably tilted and might fall at any moment.

Satin Island wasn’t far now.

She thought silently, looking for a long time.

Satin Island, along with the approaching Box, not only heralded the arrival of the Death Silence but also meant she was getting closer to that choice, gradually within reach.

Is emotion really so easy to sever?

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Roy silently mouthed the word “emotion,” a faint worry arising in her heart.

Whether love, familial affection, or that indescribable yet tangible bond, these were just parts of that vast ocean. And that ocean named “emotion” was the most difficult force in the world to resist.

Stronger than force, more unpredictable than schemes.

This chess game spanning hundreds of years and involving the entire world—the real variable was never who lived or died, who advanced or retreated, but emotion.

It was true in the past and remains so now.

On the other side of the river of time, her ancestor had used his feelings for his First Mate as a blade and Isaac’s feelings for the Lady as a path to reach the deity’s side, slice down boundless power for his own use, successfully transform into a devil, and ascend the heavenly steps.

Even though he was ultimately betrayed and sealed, everyone had to admit that he had won that round. Because even now, he had already mastered most of the Box’s magic and held the advantage in the chess game.

If Roy could make up her mind to stand by his side, it could even be said that his great undertaking was already accomplished.

As long as she was willing to kill Isaac and eliminate this greatest threat.

As long as she could be ruthless enough to use the Mermaid and its crew’s lives as her path.

As long as she could bring that wooden carving to Satin Island, she could end this game that had lasted for ages and buried countless lives, putting a period to the tragic fate of the devil’s descendants throughout history, but…

Was she truly willing?