Captain – Chapter 450 – The Insider

Sweet moments were like poisoned wine; even with complementary foods to delay the effects as much as possible, the moment of poisoning would inevitably come.

The metaphor wasn’t particularly apt, but when applied to the current ship’s doctor, it seemed tailor-made. At least in Roy’s eyes, if forced to choose between separating from his female companion and drinking poison, he would definitely choose the latter.

Unfortunately, tonight he wouldn’t even get the chance to make such a choice.

After dancing several dances and exchanging countless words, the four of them eventually gathered again at the pure white round table.

There was no drawn-out farewell as the captain had imagined, no tears of reluctance. Anderson simply said “I’m leaving” to Miss York in a gentle voice, mimicking Roy’s decisiveness. After receiving her response, he led Roy and Caine around the still-bustling dance floor toward a side door.

After a few casual probes to confirm that the ship’s doctor wasn’t just putting on a brave face, Roy breathed a sigh of relief, figuring that the couple must have said all their goodbyes while dancing.

Still, being able to leave so resolutely and watch each other go so strongly was not something ordinary couples could achieve.

“Anderson, are you sure this route is safe?”

Ignoring the intentional and unintentional glances from around them, the captain looked at the arched doorway in the side wall of the hall, smaller than the one they had entered through, and asked in a low voice.

Roy remembered clearly that many important figures, including Rowell, had previously used this door. She didn’t want their “escape” to end before it began by running straight into the family head.

“Relax, Captain, everything is under control.”

The ship’s doctor smiled casually, glancing discreetly around the hall, saying: “Whether it’s the gazes inside this room or the watchful eyes outside, let them look all they want. Regardless of how urgent their matters are, they won’t be able to see the old man tonight, and without his orders, they can’t do anything.”

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“You have that much confidence in Master Antonio?”

Hearing this, Roy frowned slightly, unable to understand why he was so confident that Sand Fox could keep his father occupied. Based on her impression of the family head, if he wanted to, he absolutely wouldn’t be hindered by such a “small matter.”

Because that man was a true lion, an existence on the same level as the head of the Shelley family and the Great Captain.

For others, even for someone like the head of the York family who came from an ancient and orthodox noble lineage, the benefits and brighter prospects that cooperation with the Black Raven Society could bring would be an irresistible cup of wine, especially now when the organization urgently needed to emerge into the light.

If one could secure a position of sufficient weight within the organization, there would be no need to worry about family decline for at least several generations.

This was not just an immediate benefit, but possibly a strategic move.

The captain certainly knew all this.

But just like her assessment, the Anderson family head was a lion, a male lion in his prime. In the eyes of such a person, those magnificent currents of the times didn’t require too much attention.

Because what others considered strategic arrangements might just be an insignificant move on a vast chessboard from their perspective.

And their chessboard was the entire known world.

So, if the family head were to reject the Black Raven Society’s invitation to personally oversee tonight’s farce because of his rebellious child, Roy wouldn’t be surprised at all. But the ship’s doctor clearly lacked this awareness.

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However, he couldn’t be blamed for this.

In terms of vision, Anderson wasn’t far behind those elders. It was just that due to Rowell’s methods, he was temporarily unable to access the true core of worldly power, as if there was a veil at the horizon of his vision.

From this perspective, it was the captain, who had escaped the quagmire of power, who could see more clearly.

Of course, this was also thanks to the Great Captain.

“You know, Captain, if it were anyone else, I’d really be worried, but with Antonio, there’s absolutely no problem.”

Passing through the arched doorway, they faced a carpeted corridor that stretched beyond sight. Crystal chandeliers spread soft light throughout, making it bright as day, with appropriately dressed servants standing at intervals.

Unlike the practices of ordinary great families, these servants wouldn’t disturb you at all if you didn’t speak to them. Dressed in black, they stood with lowered heads like shadows, easy to overlook if you weren’t paying attention.

“I’m sure you’ve felt it these past few days, the old man really likes young people, especially those with outstanding achievements in certain areas. If given the chance, he’s very willing to cultivate them further.”

“In his words, it’s a different kind of ‘investment.'”

Ignoring whether the servants on either side might overhear, the ship’s doctor gestured with his fingers, speaking without any restraint: “And Antonio is among those young people the old man values most.”

“With my friend’s excellent acting skills in the business world, I don’t think he’ll see through the ruse.”

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Seeing this guy’s nonchalant attitude, Roy’s mouth twitched, almost wanting to give him a smack. She said through gritted teeth: “Can’t you keep your voice down? Do you really think this is something to be proud of?”

“It’s fine, I told you, let them hear.”

The ship’s doctor waved his hand, indicating she needn’t be nervous: “The place where the old man discusses matters is a secret. In the entire family, including myself, fewer than ten people know about it, and those qualified to enter…”

“Just one person.”

Looking at Anderson’s raised index finger, Roy exchanged glances with her first mate, then said to him: “My dear young master, please don’t tell me that person is you. I feel like something’s off here.”

“No, no, no, of course not, Captain.”

Even the longest corridor eventually comes to an end, but the dimming light and rising cold breeze told them that what lay ahead wasn’t another luxurious hall, but an outdoor gallery facing the winter night.

Approaching the gallery, Anderson slowed his pace, raising his hand toward a figure who had been waiting in the darkness, smiling as he said: “It’s him, the one I mentioned earlier…”

“That ‘insider’ hidden by my father’s side.”

“Uh, I think we’d better not bring him along.”

As that face became gradually clearer, Roy’s expression froze, and she began to seek her first mate’s opinion.

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“I think so too, Captain.”

After seeing that person, even the usually composed first mate couldn’t help but show some helplessness on his face, because the one waiting for them was one of the few acquaintances they had in this estate, the one whose appearance often represented the will of the Anderson family head—the old butler Theodore.

“Hey, you don’t trust me?”

The ship’s doctor was momentarily stunned, but quickly understood the meaning behind their words. His eyebrows raised high in dissatisfaction.

Receiving no response but only “good luck to you” looks from the two, Anderson’s face didn’t look too pleased. He led them to the old butler, took the black wooden cane handed to him, and asked: “How is everything? All arranged? Any movement from… Father?”

“Yes, young master, everything has been arranged.”

After nodding to the visibly uncomfortable Roy and Caine, Theodore bowed slightly to the young master and respectfully said: “I’ve found the best warhorses in the estate. If you take the eastern avenue, barring any unforeseen circumstances, you should reach the eastern gate in no more than twenty minutes.”

As he finished speaking, the old butler made way for the three, and sure enough, someone was waiting with horses not far beyond the gallery.

“The master is as usual, and just as you arranged, when I returned he was alone with Mr. Antonio. I believe they won’t finish for quite some time. But young master…”

Raising his eyes to look at the young man, at that all-too-familiar face, the old butler’s tone became somewhat somber.

“Are you truly determined to leave?”