Captain – Chapter 423 – Visitor in the Carriage

When the Mermaid docked, Roy and the others truly understood what the Anderson surname represented in terms of power in Hipalia.

Not to mention the merchant ships that were driven away on the road, just the warships surrounding the Mermaid, escorting it—except for not having the Federation military emblem printed on their hulls—had no difference in specifications.

More than ten warships gathered in one place, almost comparable to a military fleet.

And this should be what the ship doctor called his family’s private forces, but the captain hadn’t expected it to be so exaggerated.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk, I covet all these ships. The Federation doesn’t regulate this? Don’t those representatives fear your family might rebel?”

Looking around at the small fleet surrounding them, Roy couldn’t suppress her admiration in her heart. After “tsking” a few times with slight envy, she looked at the ship doctor who was pretending to be nonchalant, and asked in bewilderment.

After this young master’s previous explanation, the young woman who had no understanding of politics finally understood that these so-called democratically elected representatives all had backers—various forces within the Federation.

Like merchant guilds formed by big traders, historic families, royal families of member states, and even the military was among them.

Of course, regarding the matter of military participation in politics, the First Mate, as a former Auran Admiral, naturally expressed disdain. Surprisingly, even the ship doctor supported his view on this matter.

In Anderson’s words, the weakness of the Federation military was largely due to this.

Even those officers at the top were only thinking about amassing wealth and power, not concealing their greed at all, let alone those below them?

Rotten from top to bottom.

“So, whether it’s my father or the heads of other families, they never think about defeating the Empire, after all, those bastards even dare to embezzle funds meant for national defense.”

This was the ship doctor’s extremely pessimistic conclusion on the matter of the military.

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“Rebellion? Don’t joke, Captain.”

The Mermaid was currently lowering its sails and raising its anchor, preparing to dock, which couldn’t be finished quickly, so the ship doctor had leisure time and temporarily withdrew his gaze.

Looking at the captain, he asked with an amused smile: “May I ask my esteemed Captain, looking at this world, who would be worth my family’s betrayal?”

“The Empire, or the Southern Islands?”

This was obviously not a real question, because before Roy could finish thinking and respond, the ship doctor immediately continued: “I think neither is possible, right?”

Glancing at the First Mate standing beside the young woman, Anderson shrugged: “First, about the empire of Auran where imperial power reigns supreme, if my family truly defected there, I fear we would be devoured without even bones remaining.”

“Let’s imagine, hmm, with the full support of the Anderson family, the Empire finally captures the coveted Hipalia. His Majesty the Emperor’s great wish is fulfilled, and he bestows the title of Duke.”

If the Anderson family truly handed over the giant port, let alone just a ducal title, they might even be able to touch the vacant governorship.

“But… the title of Duke?”

Snickering, the ship doctor said contemptuously: “In my father’s eyes, what is that worth? Even if the young Emperor of the Empire is generous and willing to give out the title of Governor, isn’t that still being a subject?”

“Even so, but Captain, do you know what price the Anderson family would have to pay for these so-called bestowals?”

“The area of Hipalia definitely couldn’t be kept. Even if my family were allowed to stay, the Empire would certainly station heavy troops there, establish strict rules, and as for autonomy, don’t even think about it.”

“After that, private forces would be incorporated into the military, trade routes would be nationalized, and even the flow of gold and silver would probably be taxed heavily.”

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“So tell me, what’s the point?”

Spreading his hands, the ship doctor questioned Roy, who seemed somewhat dumbfounded. His earnest manner looked exactly like someone educating a misled young woman.

“In the Federation, whether it’s the head of the Shelley family or my father, they are the most powerful people, of course, this is a comprehensive assessment of various aspects, not just referring to the Council. As for what those people say…”

“He listens if he wants to, and if he doesn’t want to, he treats it as a joke. What’s the problem?”

“Unlike the Empire, the distribution of power in the Federation is not granted by the royal family, but divided according to strength, with financial power first and military power second.”

As he spoke to the end, the ship doctor dropped his earnest persuasion and resumed his flippant manner: “Unfortunately, my family lacks neither.”

While Anderson was speaking, the Mermaid finally finished its docking preparations and steadily stopped not far from the pier. On the shore, a neat row of small wooden boats had arrived to welcome the visitors.

“Oh, I just remembered.”

Seeing this, the ship doctor took light steps, intending to disembark, but halfway through, he turned back as if dancing a waltz, with nimble movements.

“There’s one place I haven’t mentioned, the Southern Islands, but Captain, I think I don’t need to explain much about this, because ‘proper’ merchants like my father have always disliked pirates.”

“To be precise, the whole family dislikes them. I’m probably the exception.”

Smiling as he finished speaking, Anderson climbed over the ship’s railing and down the rope ladder, soon disappearing from the captain and First Mate’s sight.

“It’s truly complicated.”

Reαd oո ΚаtRеαԁіոɡСafе

Exchanging a glance with Caine, Roy pouted with boredom, muttered, instructed Ben to arrange for the remaining crew members, and had all the other sailors follow them ashore. Then she and the First Mate disembarked from the warship one after another.

Riding on the Anderson family’s boat to the pier, the captain sprang up, nimbly ascending the wooden ladder hanging from above to the pier, then sweeping her gaze across the entire port square.

Similar to Elvet, the square serving as Hipalia’s face was also paved with marble, appearing small and exquisite. However, it lacked a goddess statue and wishing pool, making it look somewhat monotonous at first glance.

But coupled with the staggered ivory-white buildings not far away, the impression immediately changed, adding a sense of simplicity and elegance to the entrance.

Directly facing the square, at the end of the central avenue, stood the slender, elongated clock tower that Roy had seen earlier.

At this moment, under the winter sunlight, the clock tower seemed to be draped in a pale golden robe. The hour and minute hands moved slowly forward, giving a sense of time flowing leisurely, without any of the impatience of a commercial metropolis.

“The Ria Clock Tower, the tallest building in all of Hipalia. The night view from the top is quite nice, it’s the first choice for all tourists who come here. If you two have time, you can go up and take a look.”

Seeing the captain and First Mate come to his side, and noticing her gaze being attracted by the clock tower, the ship doctor smiled and introduced it like a tour guide.

“Also, places like First King’s Avenue, Farne Observatory, Sislay Art Museum, and University Town are all nice places to visit.”

Anderson recited these like treasured family heirlooms, but the captain and First Mate listened in confusion, completely unaware of where these various places were located within the city.

“By the way, Captain, the world’s finest chocolate shop that you’re interested in is deep inside First King’s Avenue. Don’t worry about not knowing the direction, when I’m free I’ll accompany you…”

At this point, the ship doctor’s voice abruptly stopped.

“What’s wrong?”

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Roy was listening somewhat dizzily, and when she suddenly lost the thread of the conversation, she finally came to her senses, looked at the ship doctor, and asked in confusion.

With this look, she noticed something unusual.

Because this young master’s expression at the moment was not very pleasant, looking as if he had seen a ghost, with his face twitching from time to time.

Following his gaze, the captain saw a carriage slowly driving into the square, entirely dark gray in color, appearing extremely inconspicuous.

Even before they landed, this square had been cleared by the Anderson family’s people. That kind of show of force was even more exaggerated than when Governor Naren landed at the port of Elvet.

This also showed the Anderson family’s power and status here: just the ship doctor’s return warranted treatment comparable to an imperial governor’s arrival.

Any ordinary people, regardless of their background or family status, consciously left the square. Given this, the identity of the person in the carriage that was slowly approaching without hindrance was obvious.

“Is it someone from your family?”

Withdrawing her gaze, Roy looked back at the ship doctor and asked with slight hesitation. She didn’t understand why, if it was someone from the family sent to welcome them, this young master’s expression shouldn’t look so bad.

Could it be a competitor?

That’s not right either. The Anderson family had long announced that this young master was the sole heir. So who exactly was the newcomer…

Before the captain could figure it out, Anderson, contrary to his usual relaxed and casual manner, spoke in a somewhat low voice, resolving the young woman’s confusion.

“It’s my father.”