Captain – Chapter 717 – You’ll Go?

Under the escort of the First Fleet, the Ark sailed toward its destination port. Coincidentally, it was the very last stop before the Mermaid had left the Empire.

As they proceeded along the coastline, more and more ship silhouettes came into view.

These were precisely the four fleets Admiral Merri had mentioned, which would undoubtedly serve as the absolute main force for Auran—indeed, for the entire present world—in this expedition to the old seas.

Though he could guess some of the reasons why His Majesty and his father would arrange things this way, Caine was still somewhat surprised, as this was nearly a full military mobilization.

It should be known that after the world war decades ago and the fierce battles with the Federation that had only ceased over a decade ago, the Imperial fleet had always maintained six squadrons.

Several years ago, after the annihilation of nearly a hundred warships led by the Tyrant, only five remained.

Now, four were being committed at once, which was enough to show their determination and more.

This was practically staking the nation’s fate on the battlefield.

Additionally, the configuration and ship designs of the fleets in view also surprised him considerably.

Setting aside those obviously new-style three-masted warships with greater firepower, what was most striking was that among the fleets he’d seen along the way, there were now three or four more magnificent giant ships of the same class as the Pilgrimage, and none were old relics.

Clearly, the Empire had made significant advances in military industry over these few years.

Even Caine, who had previously served as commander and had access to the deepest secrets, hadn’t fully anticipated this. Perhaps this was why the Islands had called that meeting.

Either the captain had some premonition, or she had channels even he didn’t know about?

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Watching the ship sails gradually parting before him and the increasingly crowded harbor approaching, Caine thought silently, his hand gripping the ship rail somewhat tighter.

However, thinking of the girl’s words about letting whatever comes behind take care of itself, he ultimately felt somewhat relieved, bringing his attention back from the distant future to the present.

Finally, amid the shouts of pirates and soldiers, the Ark slowly entered port. After instructing the crew to remain on guard, Caine disembarked with Merri.

Before long, the small wooden boat carrying the two young men stopped beside the dock.

After climbing up the wooden ladder, they were greeted by the young emperor’s kind smile, with Governor Naren slightly behind him, and beyond them, a sea of soldiers.

Of course, besides those generals and guards, there were quite a few who were obviously civil officials, busily recording something, and easels could even be glimpsed in the distance.

Nothing more than the usual propaganda methods—Caine felt no displeasure about this.

The relatives and power holders in Auran had done so much regarding the “natural disaster” that had annihilated the fleet years ago and his departure. He naturally had to repay them. This return, besides the reasons he’d told the captain, also counted as part of that obligation.

Meeting gazes that were either ardent or profound, Caine and the young emperor exchanged familiar pleasantries before the soldiers—or rather, before all of Auran’s political arena.

After a moment, the casual conversation ended and the crowds gradually dispersed.

Caine and Naren followed the young emperor into a carriage. The driver, as in years past when he had arrived bearing the royal ring on that stormy day, was Admiral Merri.

Under escort by part of the guard, the carriage drove into the somewhat quiet port city.

There were soldiers everywhere, and even disguised agents and assassins standing guard and patrolling. Even in alleys and on rooftops, dark gun barrels could be seen.

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In this atmosphere, though only a very small portion of the entire city was sealed off, most citizens and nobles still voluntarily stayed in their homes.

They would wait for the storm to pass before resuming daily life.

Due to the silence, the carriage wheels sounded particularly clear, with occasional soft conversation within.

Not having reached the negotiation venue, they spoke not of serious matters but of strange tales like devils, specters, and ships of the dead. The young emperor was clearly very interested in these.

However, when he heard the news of Captain Gerard’s return—whether Caine mentioned it unintentionally or deliberately—both Curtis and Naren couldn’t help but show slight changes in expression. One pondered the Empire’s future heavily, while the other felt moved.

The story ended there, never reaching the unnamed island.

Not because Caine knew the two needed time to digest this, but because they had arrived.

With a light sound, the carriage door was opened by Merri, and after the three exchanged glances, they disembarked.

The destination was an ordinary residence near the port, in a somewhat remote location—red roof, yellow tiles, completely unremarkable in both age and style.

But for some unknown reason, after arriving and entering this utterly ordinary residence, the young emperor’s expression seemed very content, truly and completely relaxed.

Seeing this, driven by curiosity, Caine silently tapped the curved blade at his waist with his finger. Through the changes in air currents within the house, he instantly understood the reason.

This residence actually concealed so many “guards”—they hid in shadowy corners or behind doors, protecting every key point.

Most importantly, their breathing was almost inaudible, like true shadows. They were undoubtedly the most professional assassins and killers in the world.

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Even if the Empire’s true elite came to attack, even if they could figure out the layout, without using heavy artillery, they would probably have to pay an extremely tragic price.

The casualty ratio would likely exceed ten to one.

And this hidden force, this level of arrangement—even Federo’s trained confidants could never achieve this. The answer was quite clear.

It was just somewhat uncomfortable.

Following the young emperor’s steps, Caine lowered his eyes slightly, thinking: So it’s Black Raven Society people. It seems the royal family still hasn’t completely severed ties with them.

But thinking about it, with such a vast intelligence network, such a sharp blade, who would truly be willing to cast it aside and let it turn to check and balance oneself instead?

Since his true enemies from the past were dead, and he quite appreciated and supported this young emperor before him, Caine ultimately didn’t expose this matter.

After all, if they could truly succeed in that battle, he and Roy would eventually depart.

So it was better for this blade to remain in friendly hands.

Walking through corridors and up stairs, the four soon arrived before an office on the second floor. Leaning against the railing beside the wooden door, one could see the ocean.

After a slight “creak,” the office door opened and closed again.

What was surprising, however, was that only Caine and the young emperor entered the room for private discussion. Even Governor Naren remained outside the door, leaning against the railing to gaze at the sea.

No one knew that years ago, two other important figures had also stopped here, looking at Roy in the morning light on the ocean, discussing much about past and future.

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In the simply furnished meeting room, which contained only tables and chairs besides a hanging chart of known seas:

“Please sit, make yourself comfortable.”

The young emperor sat behind the table, found a comfortable position, leaning slightly against one armrest, and gestured to the approaching Caine with a slight raise of his hand and a smile.

Though he had come of age and sat on the throne, navigating political circles for several years, this young emperor still showed no trace of decay—only freshness.

Like a wind that was forever ardent and blowing.

Where the new wind reached, all turbidity scattered, and countless ambitious new shoots sprouted like bamboo.

But this… also exposed many wounds that had once been hidden beneath the fog. Storms could cleanse filth, but could hardly heal cracks that had been dry for so long.

And that was the problem today’s conversation had to solve—by the two most outstanding young men in the Empire, whose ages weren’t too far apart, in this meeting room.

To heal old wounds naturally required enduring severe pain and taking bold measures.

Therefore, after Caine took his seat, the young emperor, without much pause, quite naturally proposed:

“So leading the fleet, and the subsequent negotiations…”

“Will you take charge of both?”