Captain – Chapter 62 – Farewell

The gentle music came to an abrupt halt.

Caine slowly raised his head, bewilderment rippling in his azure eyes: “What did you say, Captain?”

“Duke Darren, do you know him?”

Roy didn’t answer her first mate’s confusion, instead smiling and asking.

“Of course, he’s the direct heir of the Garcia family, one of the few princes in the current Empire, and also… Governor Federo’s younger brother.”

Caine’s gaze flickered momentarily as he listed the duke’s identity and background as if counting treasures. Clearly, after learning that Darren was Viper, the young man had placed him as the primary suspect for the arson twelve years ago. And this was precisely the result that the old duke had wanted to see.

“You guessed correctly. He was the mastermind behind that fire.”

Hearing the captain’s words, Caine’s fingers on the violin neck gradually tightened, yet his face maintained its usual calmness: “And then? Where is he now?”

Roy certainly could see the intense emotions her first mate was suppressing. To be able to maintain rationality and calmness after learning the identity of the culprit he had sought for years—even the captain had to commend his firm resolve.

“He’s dead, Caine.”

Roy gazed into the young man’s eyes and softly added: “He died in a fierce fire.”

The cool night breeze blew in from the window, ruffling the young woman’s soft golden hair. The light of stars and moon intertwined on her profile, along with that moving smile. Caine seemed to see an angel, and also the shadow of that elf-like girl.

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Back then, she too liked to lean against the windowsill, quietly, smilingly watching him play, and offering sincere and enthusiastic applause after a piece ended.

Elizabeth…

Caine lowered his head slightly, an indescribable emotion filling his heart—like release, yet also like the faint disappointment of suddenly reaching the end.

He wouldn’t doubt the young woman’s words, because the captain never joked about serious matters. Since she said the true culprit of that disaster had been brought to justice, then this must be the truth.

Which meant his revenge was truly over.

“Plop.”

A crystalline droplet fell onto the wooden floor, making a slight sound.

Roy’s eyes widened a bit, looking in surprise at the silent young man, as if seeing a legendary new continent beyond the sea charts: “Are you crying?”

Although the term “crying” was childish, it was the word pirates most commonly used to mock weak newcomers, as its destructive power was terribly strong.

“No.”

Sure enough, hearing the captain’s mockery, Caine composed himself and wiped away the tear from the corner of his eye, as if nothing had happened.

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“But your face clearly…”

“Rainwater. It’s rainwater, Captain.”

After saying this, Caine continued his playing. This time, the music flowing between the strings and the bow was a lullaby most common in the Empire.

As if soothing a small soul unwilling to close its eyes.

“Fine, let’s say it’s rainwater.”

Roy smiled indifferently: “Then, in accordance with the Governor’s request…”

And the old duke’s expectations.

Roy thought silently, then asked the question the young man needed to consider: “I’ll ask you one last time, Caine Howard, are you willing to become this captain’s first mate?”

After asking this question, the smile disappeared from the captain’s face, replaced by an extremely serious expression. She preempted the young man’s answer with a reminder: “Think carefully. I need to inform you that once you’re on my ship, unless you’re so severely injured you lose the ability to work, or you become too old, generally speaking, you cannot leave your position.”

The playing continued.

Caine didn’t seem to need to think about it. A smile appeared at the corners of his mouth: “Captain, I’m no longer an imperial admiral now. I’m poor and have nothing, carrying the guilt of the fleet’s destruction. In this situation, even if you wanted to drive me away, I wouldn’t let you have your way.”

Hearing the young man’s declaration that sounded like he intended to be as sticky as glue, Roy shrugged her shoulders, narrowing her eyes somewhat lazily: “That’s what you said. There’s no going back if you want to change your mind later. Speaking of which, I’ve been busy all night and didn’t eat much at the ball. First mate, don’t you think…”

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“You’re hungry? I’ll go prepare something for you.” Caine showed no awareness of being a subordinate, moving unhurriedly as if going to fetch feed for a pet.

“The black pepper steak at that inn in town is quite good.”

“Got it.”

The heavy night finally passed, and the Howard estate welcomed the first ray of dawn. The nobles, exhausted from a night of panic, were still in dreamland, but the captain and her first mate had woken early. They had planned to sneak away without anyone knowing, but unexpectedly were intercepted at the main gate.

Outside the estate wasn’t bustling; only three figures stood there—Federo leaning on his cane and gazing into the dense forest, and Merri and the Lieutenant Commander waiting behind the old man.

“You two are up early,” the Governor turned around, smiling at the two people and one bird, his tone quite teasing.

“Good morning to you too.”

The embarrassment on Roy’s face vanished in a flash. Meeting the gazes of the two officers, she naturally took her first mate’s arm, displaying a polite and elegant smile.

Looking at the captain, Merri and his companion both had somewhat strange expressions. Even the Lieutenant Commander, who hadn’t personally witnessed that tragic scene, had heard from Todd about this Miss Andersen’s astonishing feats. That death-like appearance was truly difficult to associate with the affable young woman before them.

“When you get old, you naturally sleep less. Besides, if I hadn’t gotten up early, how could I have caught you two?”

Seeing Roy so quickly step into her role, the old man chuckled and shook his head, then asked in a rarely complaining tone: “Since you’re leaving, why didn’t you come see me first?”

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To the two officers, it seemed the old man had simply not seen the young master for too long and was reluctant to part with him.

Because in the explanation given to all naval personnel, Caine’s departure this time was to meet this Miss Andersen’s parents with the Governor’s letter. After obtaining their consent, he would return to the imperial capital to decide on wedding matters together with Naren and His Majesty the Emperor.

But only the old man knew that this little lion was truly leaving, going to the vast and boundless ocean, and with this parting, they might never have the chance to meet again in this lifetime.

Hearing the old man’s complaint, Roy’s mouth twitched several times, and she immediately looked to her first mate for help with a pleading gaze. She couldn’t exactly say she was afraid the Governor might change his mind overnight, could she?

Caine blinked and said: “Since we must part, rather than saying farewell and hurting our hearts again, it’s better to leave silently. Moreover, if the nobles and soldiers were to know, I fear we would be delayed, and our journey would be hindered.”

This explanation was reasonable, both explaining why they left on their own and considering the feelings of the old man and the soldiers. But clearly, this wasn’t the answer Federo wanted.

“Caine, no matter where you are in the future, I hope you will always remember that you are a person of Auran.” The Governor’s emerald green pupils were filled with deep reluctance. After losing his younger brother, this young man before him, in whom he had placed countless hopes, seemed to have become the only solace in the old man’s heart.

“I will certainly not forget that. I will remember both your care and the Empire’s nurturing,” Caine promised solemnly.

Hearing this conversation, Merri and the Lieutenant Commander exchanged complex glances. They had already heard the news of the young master pleading guilty and resigning. They thought the Governor was persuading Caine not to harbor resentment toward the Empire, so naturally they had no suspicions.

Having received the young man’s promise, Federo looked at the face he had watched from childhood to adulthood, as if wanting to firmly imprint this countenance in his heart. Then he smiled, just like an ordinary old man.

“Go then, child. Go and see this world properly, see properly… the scenery you’ve missed these twelve years.”