Captain – Chapter 426 – Stay or Go

With the departure of the pope, no outsiders remained in the chapel’s main hall.

Thus, this inevitable speech about separation and farewell gradually unfolded as the first mate’s clear voice rang out.

He spoke in an even tone, recounting the thrilling journey in search of Satin Island, using the eternal Victoria as the entry point, delving into the dark side beneath appearances, unveiling all secrets.

Whether legends or the people in those legends, for the first time they were presented so vividly and shockingly before everyone, leaving all the pirates speechless.

Captain Edward, First Mate Isaac, Lady Annisdora—just these three beings were enough to shatter everyone’s calm, not to mention how close they had once been to them.

Almost within arm’s reach.

Regarding the melodies of the cursed box, the devil’s arrival, and the deity hidden behind the scenes, although the crew was shocked beyond words, they didn’t feel it deeply.

Only that scholar, who had once been a member of the Mermaid, who had lived with them day and night, though rarely seen but familiar nonetheless.

Upon learning that he was the traitor from pirate history books who had betrayed the Southern Islands, the pirates’ eyes involuntarily changed, revealing vigilance and belated fear, but soon changed again.

Because of Caine’s narrative.

The young man spoke unhurriedly, telling secrets unrecorded in pirate history books, recounting First Mate Isaac’s unknown heart journey.

So the pirates learned that Captain Edward wasn’t as perfect and glorious as recorded, learned that his first mate, in order to oppose him, willingly bore endless infamy and endured centuries of suffering.

They learned that the “old pirate,” after countless difficult times, finally met defeat, but for their captain—no, for all living beings on the Mermaid—became starlight.

The pirates fell silent, struggling inwardly. Some even turned to look at the captain leaning against the doorway, hoping to discern from her expression whether the first mate’s words were true, only to find that she was listening even more intently.

She had her head lowered, a rare sight, revealing a vulnerability never shown before the crew, making people almost see her at the center of the storm.

See that brilliant spark of light.

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At this point, no one doubted anymore. As members of the Mermaid, no matter how much they revered or secretly feared the captain, they absolutely did not believe she would deliberately fabricate this, because the Golden-Eyed Devil never needed to make up stories to create influence.

Especially not before her own crew.

With the first mate’s speech, the atmosphere in the chapel gradually became somber. Even now, the crew still didn’t know why Roy was willing to tell them these truths, but they already had ominous guesses.

Just as every captain said and did: before absolute major events and dangers, one should keep the crew as “ignorant” as possible. Only in this way could hearts be stabilized, preventing unrest.

Even if one had to speak, it could only be selectively disclosed at the final moment, exaggerating hopes for survival and potential battle gains to encourage the crew, although the end might still be destruction.

Indeed, Roy had done just that.

In the far northern waters, in Yadris, and in the more distant past.

But compared to before, many things had changed with the first mate’s arrival.

Just as when boarding the Osprey to pursue the Mermaid, he had informed the crew of the dangers involved and let them choose voluntarily.

Or in the lightless ice sea, before confronting the Death Silence, he calmly stated the situation, analyzed the chances of victory and survival without any exaggeration, yet still gave people boundless confidence.

But those times were different from now.

In this crew meeting, their first mate had said a bit too much. He had laid out those truths, even what could be called absolutely confidential secrets, right before them.

All the crew members present knew deeply that they were just ordinary characters on a warship, not qualified to know these things.

Even before death and desperate situations, they had no right to ask the first mate.

And if one day the captain were to tell them everything, there would only be two possibilities. First, she no longer needed them, and they would take this secret to their eternal sleep.

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This was an extremely hypocritical kindness, something Roy would absolutely never do.

So, there was only the second possibility.

That was separation, separation in various forms, whether it was the dissolution of the Mermaid’s core team or some of them having to leave.

This was naturally a sad thing.

Observant crew members looked around and found that those who didn’t attend this crew meeting were all power figures on the warship. They were likely the first to receive notice and also the first to decide to stay.

So dissolution was probably impossible; it seemed the captain needed to cut some people? But why cut people? Was it because expenses were too high?

The crew members who realized this fact all made rough guesses, then raised questions and speculations, only to quickly dismiss them one by one, unable to find the reason no matter how they thought about it.

So they could only continue listening.

This speech lasted a long time.

Because there were simply too many things to say, and those things would involve even more secrets and legends, requiring Caine to pause and explain.

Therefore, by the time the first mate finished speaking about the captain’s decision, the deity’s guidance, and the future direction of the Mermaid, the winter sun shining through the chapel’s stained glass windows already showed signs of dusk.

Under the deep red sunset glow, even the pure gold statue became much dimmer, its smile tinged with more sadness.

“The reason I’ve said so much is simply to let you understand that our journey from now on, compared to before, will only be more dangerous, even with the possibility of shipwreck at any time, facing the danger of annihilation.”

With both hands pressed on the podium’s surface, the first mate leaned slightly forward, his tone deep and serious, making his words more convincing.

“This is not sensationalism, but a clear fact before us, a major matter concerning everyone’s fate. Because of this, the captain doesn’t intend to conceal it. Moreover, she wants to place the right to choose…”

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“In your hands.”

Hearing this, the pirates finally understood the meaning of this speech. They realized that it wasn’t Roy wanting to drive them away, but because the future journey would be more dangerous, she wanted them to consider more carefully.

There was no cheering as in past meetings, not even applause.

Although this meeting spoke of past events and laid out future possible dangers in the open, not a single crew member felt any sense of relief in their hearts.

On the contrary, everyone was depressed.

“For those willing to stay, all benefits will be doubled. After everything is over, everyone can choose the highest level of authority in Yadris, select land to their liking, or choose a mansion in the Empire or Federation, which we will fund the purchase of.”

“No matter what, Captain Roy guarantees you a life of wealth and peace. But if something happens along the way…”

At this point, Caine paused, waiting for the crew to digest what was said before, then regathered their attention before continuing gravely: “If you have family, we will also guarantee their comfort for life.”

“If you have no family, we will do everything possible to fulfill your unresolved wishes. Of course, everyone knows, this is all talk for later. No matter how good it sounds, once dead, it has little meaning.”

“This is our promise to those who stay.”

After hearing the conditions given by the first mate, the pirates were all moved, because it was truly too wonderful and precious. It could even be said that compared to their not-so-noble lives, there was no comparison.

They were just pirates, not worth such promises.

Yet Captain Roy had made them, and even with such promises, the first mate still didn’t forget to pour cold water, extinguishing the impulse in everyone’s hearts.

When the temptation brought by benefits and power gradually cooled down, the pirates once again saw the great danger hidden behind it, realizing that what one gains corresponds to the risk.

Therefore, the pirates didn’t respond; they were considering and struggling internally, but equally, they wanted to know the other path.

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If they chose to leave, what would they get?

Seeming to have anticipated this scene, Caine didn’t mind the pirates’ evasive, embarrassed gazes, and said gently: “Of course, if you want to leave, the captain will absolutely not make any difficulties.”

“On the contrary, after settling the wages, we will also give a generous… severance package?”

The small joke made by the first mate elicited light laughter from the pirates, immediately dispersing much of the chapel’s gloomy atmosphere.

“After that, wherever you want to go, whether back to Yadris to seek employment or back to your hometown to accompany family, we will dispatch dedicated ships to ensure you arrive safely.”

“And if you encounter difficulties that you can’t handle yourself, write a letter to the council hall in Yadris, and there will be dedicated people to help you deal with it.”

Although compared to the previously shocking promise, this alternative path seemed too ordinary, the pirates understood that being able to do this much already showed the captain’s nostalgia.

By other captains’ standards, once you left the pirate ship, you became strangers. Don’t expect any compensation or benefits. If you met after changing positions and could keep your life, that would be quite good.

Who else would offer such good conditions?

Thinking of this, the crew’s feelings became more complex. On one hand, they appreciated the young woman’s kindness; on the other, they hesitated before these two vastly different paths, unable to decide whether to stay or go for a long time.

“Well then, gentlemen.”

With the speech ending here, Caine withdrew his hands, slowly stood straight, his gaze passing over the crowd to meet the young woman’s eyes. After receiving her nod of approval, he gave the pirates his conclusion.

“Now is your time to consider. I won’t disturb you further. I only wish that no matter whether you stay or go, everyone will have a good future.”

“That’s all I have to say.”