Captain – Chapter 427 – The Departing Priest

Just as the widely circulated pirate song in the Southern Islands—”Leave Her, Sailor” described, when a sailor has tumbled about on a pirate ship and earned enough wealth, it’s time to leave.

This isn’t being ungrateful, nor is it turning one’s back on relationships. It’s simply a normal phenomenon, the destination of lucky pirates.

Those who become pirates, except for a small number of cases or those pursuing something special, are mostly people who turned to piracy as a last resort.

They are like firewood, burning themselves to provide power for the pirate ship, risking their lives for the captain and those in power. After experiencing countless storms, only those who survive can leave with money.

As for the unfortunate ones, they’ve long been swallowed by the lightless sea. What choice do they have?

So, unsurprisingly, despite Roy’s incredibly shocking promises, after making their decision, most people still chose to leave.

The first to step forward was the priest, deeply affected by learning of First Mate Isaac’s departure. He rose from the front seat of the chapel, walked slowly to the podium, and quietly told Caine his decision.

Under the tense gaze of the pirates, the first mate’s face showed no displeasure. He nodded with a smile, took out a prepared parchment from his bosom, recorded the priest’s name, and then gestured for him to wait aside.

“Those who choose to leave can go back to the ship to find the boatswain to settle their wages. If you have savings with the captain, they can also be settled with interest. Once you receive the contract, you’re free men.”

After handling the priest’s matter, Caine looked around at the pirates watching him and gently advised: “After that, if you want to leave on your own, there’s no need to report. We won’t restrict you anymore.”

“And if you plan to take our ships, you’ll need to stay for a few days for our arrangements. Of course, if you want to enjoy this place, you can stay on the ship during the Mermaid’s docking period.”

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“Although it may seem unnecessary, I still want to mention that if anyone has a change of heart before we leave shore and wants to return to the ship, you’re welcome anytime. The Mermaid always keeps its doors open for you.”

“Alright, let’s continue.”

At the first mate’s signal, the priest bowed modestly, then walked towards the door under the crew’s gaze, only slowing his pace when he reached Roy, respectfully bidding farewell to the captain.

“Hmm, I understand. I just hope you don’t blame me, Priest.”

Whether infected by the melancholy of parting, the young woman’s expression was very gentle. After nodding lightly to the priest, she spoke with genuine sincerity.

Not mentioning faith conversion, apostasy, or temptation into depravity, this priest who looked frail but possessed a firm spirit truly had a relationship of both teacher and friend with the “old pirate.”

And that first mate’s scattering into starlight was, at its root, because of her.

“As Mr. Bivis… Mr. Isaac said, the fault doesn’t lie with you. Everything was according to his wishes. You shouldn’t blame yourself.”

The priest shook his head, speaking earnestly. Although he had witnessed how, due to misunderstandings and lack of comprehension, the captain had given that man a hard time, it was equally understandable. How could he blame her?

“It’s best if you don’t resent me, but if you do, I’ll willingly accept it.”

Seeing the priest frown, Roy quickly raised her hand, no longer dwelling on the subject: “Alright, alright, I won’t speak of it anymore. These things aren’t worth mentioning. But, Priest, before you leave…”

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“May I ask you some questions?”

Looking at the curiosity on the captain’s face, the priest lowered his head slightly, saying, “Whatever the captain wants to know, I will certainly answer.”

“Good, then I ask you…”

Turning her dark golden eyes, Roy seemed somewhat embarrassed, but finally unable to suppress her curiosity, asked with interest: “Priest, have you truly… changed your faith?”

Such a question to a missionary was, of course, extremely disrespectful.

And logically, someone like the priest with firm resolve, who had gone to the Southern Islands to spread the light of the Auran Goddess despite the dangers, could not possibly easily abandon his faith.

But the fact was, after spending a long time with First Mate Isaac, he seemed like a completely different person, fanatical about the Lady to an extreme degree.

So the captain had always been curious whether he had actually betrayed his church.

“Changed my faith?”

The priest repeated these three words, but his tone was very puzzled. That look of genuine confusion made the young woman show embarrassment.

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“Is… isn’t that the case? I noticed after you contacted First Mate Isaac, you seemed too… devoted to Lady Annisdora…”

Scratching her face, Roy explained awkwardly, but seeing the priest’s increasingly understanding expression, she spoke more and more softly, finally trailing off sheepishly.

“I think you’ve misunderstood.”

Making several crosses over his chest, the priest calmed himself and explained with a smile: “My faith in the Auran Goddess has never been influenced by external things, let alone completely departed from.”

“It’s just that the understanding of religion, faith, and deities that the first mate described had aspects I found worth adopting. That’s why I accepted his invitation to explore that Lady more deeply.”

“In the end, I discovered that all religions and faiths in the world, despite differences in external appearances and methods of pursuit, are similar in essence.”

“Because of this, my past concepts have somewhat…”

Seeing that the priest seemed intent on not stopping until he finished, Roy quickly waved her hand, interrupting him: “Alright, alright, now I understand.”

The young woman might have some interest in various treasures and mythical creatures from legends, but when it came to the so-called differences and essence of religious faith, she got dizzy just hearing about it and was truly unwilling to listen further.

“Since you’ve decided to leave, where do you plan to go, Priest?”

Having barely restrained his urge to explain, hearing the captain ask about his future plans, the priest pondered for a moment before looking at her and saying: “I will return to Yadris and try to spread the teachings again.”

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“If successful, I want to go to the cathedral in Providence to meet that Bishop and see if I can stay by his side.”

In the absolute center of the Southern Islands—Providence—stood a cathedral that was completely at odds with the chaotic atmosphere of that place. Even more incredible was that a Bishop actually resided there.

Willing to stand firm in that place full of barbaric spirit, without a trace of what could be called civilization, not counting time, not complaining about hardships while spreading teachings—such a person was naturally held in high esteem by believers in the world.

It was even said that within the Holy Church, that highly virtuous Bishop held an honorary position and authority nearly equal to the Pope.

Thus, it wasn’t surprising that the priest wanted to meet him and gain his approval.

“Yes, with your aspirations, you should indeed go see that Bishop.”

The priest’s words triggered memories, and thinking of that kind old gentleman with the white beard, the young woman affirmed his idea.

“Well then, Priest, I won’t waste any more of your time.”

In front of all the pirates, Roy gently patted the priest’s shoulder and smiled, saying: “I wish you… success in your missionary work, that you may win the favor of the Bishop of Providence and fulfill your wishes.”

“Finally, fair winds to you.”