Captain – Chapter 38 – Sudden Change

Flawless.

This was Roy’s assessment of her own performance earlier.

Even in her long career of deception, she had never been as nervous as before, because Federo was the most terrifying schemer in the world today. Putting on an act before such a person was far more difficult than fooling her own First Mate.

Of course, to escape the old man’s discerning eye, Roy’s preparations were equally foolproof.

Even the thick calluses on her hands from years of combat were attributed to that impeccable cover of being from the Anderson family’s branch line. Combined with the natural flow of various emotions, she was able to deceive this old man who had been immersed in darkness for decades.

As the captain had anticipated, after shaking hands and feeling the calluses from sword practice, the piercing light in Federo’s eyes gradually faded. He turned to look at the silent Caine: “For such a significant matter, didn’t you think to consult with your father?”

Caine’s face showed a hint of helplessness, though it was unclear whether it was due to the Governor’s question or this absurd, false marriage: “There really wasn’t an opportunity to contact my father at the time, and besides…”

He looked gently at that fair, delicate face: “I had already made my decision, so asking or not asking wouldn’t have changed the outcome—it would only be a matter of whether my father learned the news sooner or later.”

Feeling the First Mate’s uniquely tender gaze, Roy silently praised his improved acting skills, while the old man’s eyes showed signs of satisfaction, as if confirming certain facts.

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“Ah, indeed, you and that Naren are cut from the same cloth. Once you’ve decided on something, not even eight horses could pull you back.”

After these remarks, the Governor leaned on his cane and returned to his seat: “Now, let the ball begin. Don’t just stand there.”

The court-level ball thus commenced. Fine wine and exquisite dishes were continuously served at the banquet. Pair after pair of splendidly dressed young men and women entered the dance floor, moving with graceful and light steps. Dozens of nobles either toasted and drank heartily or engaged in witty conversation, though their gazes occasionally swept over the three people at the center of the seating arrangement.

The Governor and naval officer, who hadn’t seen each other for a long time, conversed in low voices, while the beautiful young lady from the Anderson family sat quietly beside them, elegantly eating her meal, her gentle gaze rarely leaving Caine’s face, looking exactly like a teenage girl in love, completely devoted to her partner.

“Oh… Scorpion Lion?”

Hearing Caine mention that codename, Federo continued leisurely savoring his wine, showing no ripples of emotion on his face, as if the person being discussed wasn’t an extremely dangerous Black Raven Society executor, but merely a harmless little white rabbit.

“Yes, and according to my investigation, they’ve dispatched one hundred and thirty-two assassins to the island this time. They’re clearly targeting you, so you must be vigilant about your safety at all times.”

Knowing that a mere executor wouldn’t move the old man, Caine dropped this more bombshell news, warning him in a grave tone.

“Alright, alright, young man. It’s just over a hundred rats. Do you really think they could slip past so many soldiers and kill me?”

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Federo waved his hand dismissively: “I understand all this. Now, let’s just enjoy the ball. Look how well the Crown Prince is dancing.”

After finishing a dance, Crown Prince Enoch and his partner acknowledged the nobles and retired amid enthusiastic applause. During the brief lull that followed, someone—perhaps a count—suggested that everyone would like to see the Empire’s youngest admiral dance with the Anderson young lady from the Federation.

“Grandfather Federo, can’t you…” Caine, still reacting to everyone’s gaze, was trying to persuade the old man to take the situation more seriously, but his words were interrupted by Roy’s call.

“Caine, it seems everyone wants us to dance.”

The First Mate paused briefly, then frowned, intending to decline with an excuse, but seeing the warning gleam in those dark golden pupils, he fell silent for a moment before saying: “Alright.”

The two rose from their seats and, holding hands, entered the dance floor under everyone’s gaze. They began to slowly spin to the gentle melody, achieving perfection in both dance steps and coordination. Even the critical eyes of nobles accustomed to watching dance performances couldn’t find the slightest flaw—it was as if this dance had been specially prepared for the two of them.

Amid the music and footsteps, their secret conversation went unnoticed by anyone.

“What’s wrong, Captain? Did you catch their scent?”

“Yes.”

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Roy’s small nose twitched a few times: “I didn’t expect that even among your Empire’s upper nobility there would be an executor. Should I say this is truly worthy of the Black Raven Society, or that Auran’s system is too easily infiltrated?”

Caine pressed his lips together: “The Empire isn’t a pirate ship after all. Its personnel structure is incredibly complex and cumbersome. To find the shell containing the largest pearl in such a murky sea is almost unimaginably difficult for ordinary people.”

“Hmph, we pirates would never let these rats infiltrate us, because our Great Captain has special methods to deal with them. If they dare violate the agreement, they’d be making enemies of the Southern Islands.”

Seeing Caine acknowledge the Empire’s vulnerability, Roy proudly boasted about her Great Captain’s wisdom, showing no tension despite being surrounded by enemies.

“Fine, fine, I admit your Great Captain is more capable. So who exactly is the executor?” Caine asked with a wry smile, as the music was now entering its final notes and the two were gradually slowing their spin.

“I don’t know. Nine out of ten of those attending the ball are wearing violet perfume—how could I possibly pinpoint exactly who it is?”

Roy’s eyes revealed mild disgust, clearly the uniform noble perfume was too overwhelming for her sensitive sense of smell.

“We entered from the left side, and I didn’t detect anything unusual among that group, so we’ll return to our seats from the right side.”

Just as Roy finished her last sentence, the music completely quieted. The naval officer’s expression remained cold, while Roy wore a brilliant smile, and together they acknowledged the warm applause with a bow.

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As the two were returning to their seats along the right side, it happened to be time for changing dishes. Roy’s gaze became sharp as a hawk’s, quickly scanning across faces beaming with polite smiles, until it finally fixed on a middle-aged man who was methodically wiping the corner of his mouth.

Although the man appeared to be over fifty, his body remained proportionate and strong. His full head of gray hair was sleek and shiny, showing no signs of withering. Seeing Roy’s dagger-like gaze upon him, he put down his napkin and returned a warm smile.

The smile was gentle, consistent with that person’s image in people’s eyes, but upon seeing his seemingly natural yet secretly meaningful hand gesture, Roy’s pupils couldn’t help but contract slightly.

She understood his meaning because it was in pirate code, which meant…

“Pleased to meet you, Captain.”

A shrill sound of cutting air echoed throughout the hall. The expensive crystal chandeliers immediately shattered like snowflakes, falling piece by piece. In an instant, the hall transformed into a dark inferno.

“You, go notify the garrison outside the manor! The rest, follow me!”

Amid screams and the sound of shattering crystal, the ringing voice of the admiral resounded through the thick darkness, accompanied by countless sounds of swords being drawn and arrows leaving bowstrings.