Captain – Chapter 440 – The People Behind

“In my view, this doesn’t constitute a question.”

As if anticipating the girl’s inquiry, Rowell was silent for only a moment before calmly responding: “Or rather, it’s not a question that should be asked by you, Captain, because Don is my child.”

“I certainly understand how you young people think.”

Without giving Roy an opportunity to speak, the family head gazed intently at her dark golden eyes, as if looking at the shadows of those people standing behind her: “I’ve been your age as well. I know that at this stage, you value freedom far more than responsibility.”

“Most young people are independent, love freedom, and passionately pursue so-called romanticism, especially children like you who stand in the spotlight, at center stage—you would cut off any hand that reaches toward you attempting to impose limitations, even if the intentions behind it aren’t malicious.”

“But is this right?”

Faced with this sudden counter-question, the captain inexplicably thought of the lazy Great Captain who seemingly would never leave his “den,” and the recent letter.

Rationally speaking, that was similarly a hand extending from the Southern Islands, attempting to restrict her freedom.

From this perspective, her current situation was actually quite similar to Don’s.

And just as the Anderson family head said, she had no intention of following the Great Captain’s arrangements, even though they were close as family, and she knew he wouldn’t harm her.

Pondering this question, Roy frowned slightly, but unusually, she didn’t refute.

“This question has many answers, different for each person.”

Lightly tapping the table to bring the girl’s thoughts back to reality, this family head, rumored to be consistently forceful, unexpectedly didn’t provide a definitive answer: “But one thing is certain—those of us who have remained in high positions for a long time rarely misjudge matters.”

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“When we, after sufficient consideration, deem something inappropriate—inappropriate to do, or even inappropriate to lift a corner of that dust-covered volume—only then do we intervene to prevent it.”

“This isn’t coercion, but protection for you all.”

Upon hearing the term “dust-covered volume,” the captain naturally thought of that old history, her gaze suddenly fixing, until she realized the other party seemed to have no hidden implications, at which point she relaxed.

That dark history, compared to a young master leaving home, was far too weighty. If the man before her learned the truth, then regardless of personal wishes or the value of freedom, not only would Don certainly be unable to leave, but they might also all be detained.

Roy was no fool.

Having learned through the butler that the Anderson family had connections with the Southern Islands, Rowell, as the person in charge, could not possibly remain uninvolved, whether from a perspective of interest or position stabilization. And looking across the Islands, the only one who could ally with him…

Was the Great Captain.

Although legendary pirates were equally powerful, to represent the Islands and accept the Anderson family and the enormous energy it represented still seemed too immature—only that figure could step forward.

After all, this wasn’t just an ordinary connection between local powers, but something of strategic significance.

It now appeared that although the Great Captain already knew what she was doing, he wasn’t confused enough to broadcast it, even if the recipient might be his most capable assistant.

Thinking silently, the girl secretly sighed in relief while finally finding an opportunity to speak: “Elders stand higher than us, see longer, and naturally consider things more thoroughly—I acknowledge this. But Mr. Rowell, life is ultimately one’s own. We should have at least…”

“Should have what?”

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Picking up the clear tea before him and smelling its bitterness, evident even without drinking, Rowell mildly countered: “Should have the power to choose? Should be able to choose your own future path?”

“Captain Roy, don’t you find this somewhat naive?”

Though her words were interrupted, Roy’s thoughts didn’t stagnate. She wasn’t left speechless by the question, but smiled sincerely and said: “Those of us who are children, even if we’re capable enough to stand on our own, may forever be fledgling birds with immature wings in the eyes of our elders.”

“If that’s the case, what’s wrong with being a bit naive?”

Picking up the teacup and swirling it before taking a sip, seemingly unable to tolerate the clear bitter taste, the captain made a face and said quietly: “You see, I’ve never liked bitter tea since childhood, but if an elder enjoys it, don’t I still obediently drink along? It’s not as if we have any deep grudges.”

“In small matters, and even in many major ones, we unhesitatingly defer to you. But occasionally… occasionally we may have different aspirations, different ideas about the path ahead. At such times, shouldn’t elders show more tolerance, even if they can’t support us?”

“At the very least, shouldn’t there be proper discussion? Isn’t that better than mutual misunderstanding?”

After hearing the captain’s “humble” statement, the Anderson family head similarly took a sip of his clear tea, showing no sign of bitterness on his face. The solemnity had imperceptibly faded, replaced by an ambiguous smile: “Captain, are you lecturing me, or expressing dissatisfaction with my arrangements?”

“Do you think I shouldn’t represent Don, shouldn’t disguise coercion as protection?”

“I wouldn’t dare.”

Seeing that the other party casually discarded the “protection” facade, Roy put the teacup back in its place and spoke as if humoring an elder: “The young master’s affairs are ultimately for you to decide. We outsiders can’t determine anything. It’s just… he is, after all, my crew member.”

“And to be honest with you, we have a good relationship. If he’s unwilling to stay, shouldn’t I, both emotionally and rationally, try to advocate for him? It would also spare me the complaint of abandoning a friend.”

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Hearing the girl’s pleasant words, the mockery at the corners of the Anderson family head’s mouth faded, replaced by gentleness and a trace of helplessness buried deeply: “Captain, I’ve seen through countless people in my lifetime. How could I not know my own child’s thoughts? But what does knowing accomplish?”

“When you’re part of a family, part of the world, you can’t always have things your way. There will be times when you’re not in control. You feel that we old fellows are making things difficult for you, chaining you down, but do you have any idea how much thought we’ve put into these matters behind the scenes?”

“Take the one beside you as an example—what allowed him to leave the Auran military so easily?”

Meeting the gaze of Caine, who hadn’t spoken since entering the room due to his status, Roy considered for a moment before looking at the family head and saying: “It’s because of the people standing behind him.”

Not only had the First Fleet been annihilated, but the Imperial Lion had also defected, choosing to follow the former enemies of the Auran military—something unimaginable, impossible for the imperial dignitaries to accept.

The reason he could remain safe until now, and even Roy could benefit from his influence to reconcile with the imperial military and coexist precariously, was all due to the efforts of elders like Federo and Naren.

So by the same logic…

“Do you think I was truly unaware of Don’s escape?”

Interrupting the girl’s thoughts, the family head’s smile faded as he sighed lightly: “Do you believe that while the sole heir of the family was out wandering, those who had always eyed his position made no moves?”

“His own funds were frozen when he fled. Where did the money come from to support those expenses? And who in the family handled various trifling matters for him?”

No need to answer, for the answer was self-evident.

“Furthermore, I know that the boy’s return this time wasn’t for me—even if it was partly, it couldn’t be the main reason—and that he still harbors that little scheme to slip away unnoticed.”

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This traditionally rigid, stern man now spoke with a hint of self-mockery in his tone. But as he reached the end, his tone suddenly shifted, becoming somewhat unsympathetic: “But that won’t be possible this time. Regardless of his thoughts, this farce must end here.”

Having learned inside information unknown even to the ship’s doctor himself, and hearing the family head’s somewhat abrupt declaration, Roy opened her mouth but momentarily couldn’t find words to rebut. After all, in the face of this family head’s candor, even with her shameless personality, she felt it inappropriate to take the ship’s doctor away.

Only now did she understand that the relationship between Anderson and his father was not as it appeared.

Perhaps it was only because… both were somewhat stubborn?

Regardless, this conversation was drawing to a close.

Although she hadn’t successfully done anything for the ship’s doctor, Roy had obtained the family head’s promise, which wasn’t without gain. After brief deliberation, she requested: “Since this is the family head’s decision, I naturally won’t interfere. However, Mr. Rowell, may we speak with the young master?”

Although the promise not to interfere perhaps lacked credibility, before making the final decision and subsequent arrangements, she needed to meet Anderson, at least to know his intentions.

If he was willing to stay, that would be ideal; if not…

That would be discussed later.

Setting down his teacup, seemingly unaware of the captain’s thoughts, the Anderson family head easily consented, though not immediately: “In two days, the Anderson family will hold its annual family gathering as usual.”

“At that time, you’ll be able to see him.”