Captain – Chapter 719 – Marshal, Warning, and Spoils of War

This purple-gold badge, though lacking any real authority, symbolized the highest honor of Auran’s military. Years ago, it had been carried away by that old marshal’s beloved pet and finally abandoned among rainwater and withered leaves to demonstrate resolve.

After that, the army generals who witnessed this scene lowered their subordinates’ gun barrels slightly and used brilliant gunfire to shatter Governor Robert’s conspiracy.

In that story and the subsequent changes in the situation, this badge was naturally crucial.

It could be seen as Auston’s and numerous military elders’ resounding declaration.

But…

Declarations aside, that army general, after considerable struggle, still picked up the badge, which then passed through various hands to the young emperor.

Finally, it was pushed by the young man to Caine’s front.

The meaning couldn’t be clearer.

To negotiate with those noble figures, an influential identity was naturally important.

So then… how about Marshal?

Regarding this, Caine naturally understood, and knew even more clearly the young emperor’s hidden intention to recall him, so he didn’t reach out to take it, only shaking his head gently.

“You know my thoughts, Your Majesty.”

Upon hearing this, though the young man was prepared, he still couldn’t help but show some disappointment. However, whether this was intentional or unintentional, only he himself knew.

“Of course I understand that.”

After being refused, the young emperor, who had just sat up straight, casually leaned back again and shrugged, as if the serious business had been concluded after Caine’s “very well.”

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“I also know that you’re willing to return to lead the army because you still harbor thoughts of repaying a debt.”

“Perhaps there will even be a grand wedding in the future?”

He was naturally referring to the ceremony between the young man and Roy that had yet to be formally held and announced to the world.

However, given the captain’s current status, nominally she would no longer use the identity of an Anderson family branch member, but rather represent a rare alliance between Empire and Islands.

Or rather, the first of its kind in history.

These were indeed Caine’s thoughts, and being exposed, he momentarily didn’t know how to respond.

Seeing the other’s tacit agreement, the young emperor sighed helplessly, slightly turned his eyes, and said with a smile: “But if you ask me, how can matters of affection and gratitude ever be clearly severed?”

“Even if in the end you still follow Captain Roy away, does that mean you’ll have no connection with the Empire anymore? You must know this is your homeland.”

“Let me make it clear—this isn’t about belonging or not belonging, nor is it emotional blackmail. I’m just saying this place holds your memories of growing up and serving in the military, people who care about you, and naturally things you can’t let go of.”

“So how could all connections possibly be severed?”

Looking at the young man whose brow had furrowed slightly, the young emperor knew he’d hit upon his thoughts and said with a half-smile: “To put it directly, if Auran truly faced trouble…”

“You couldn’t possibly just stand by and watch, could you?”

Caine didn’t answer, but his expression had already revealed everything.

“So don’t be so distant.”

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Knowing the moment was right, the young emperor leaned forward to the table and again pushed the badge closer to the young man: “Just consider it our gesture of goodwill toward you.”

“Keep it—you might need it someday.”

The “us” here naturally included not just him and the royal family, but also the important figures in the military, political circles, and nobility led by Governor Naren.

They could collectively be called allies.

Moreover, even setting aside this consideration, this badge could indeed avoid many troubles.

Thinking this, and confirming that he couldn’t, as the young emperor said, truly remain coldly detached while his beloved homeland faced turmoil, Caine relaxed his furrowed brow and sighed softly.

Then he took the badge.

From this moment on, regardless of real power, at least nominally he was Imperial Marshal.

A rank even higher than before.

However, if not for experiencing so many changes that caused both him and his father to deviate from their original path, when the time was right, this badge should have been theirs anyway.

Speaking of it, could this also be considered returning something to its rightful owner?

At this point, the negotiation concluded.

After the young man finished explaining that he would arrange military affairs properly and have specialists organize and deliver the documents needed for negotiations and the objectives to be fought for, Caine put away the badge, nodded slightly, rose, and left the room.

Afterward, following a brief conversation with Naren, who was equally poor at expressing father-son affection, at his gesture, Caine left first with Admiral Merri.

Though the young emperor would make arrangements, or perhaps had already made plans for the young man to take over the fleet, in this aspect, he was far less knowledgeable than the two of them, so preparations still needed to be made.

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Watching his son and his most admired junior’s figures disappear around the corner at the corridor’s end, Naren’s expression showed considerable emotion, but more than that, contentment.

After a moment, the young emperor also emerged from the meeting room.

These two people with the highest power and status in the current Empire watched the carriage that had picked up its passengers and slowly departed in front of the residence, until it disappeared before turning their attention back.

“If I hadn’t discussed this with you beforehand, I would have thought you’d really make the trip this time.”

The young emperor withdrew his gaze and said to Naren with a smile.

He wasn’t referring to his appearance before the soldiers as the former Imperial Lion to make this matter settle more quickly, but to personally leading the army to the distant seas.

Though as early as receiving the Islands’ letter, the two of them and the power holders behind them had already decided on this resolution to have Caine lead the expedition.

But in fact, in the old men’s eyes, the best candidate wasn’t this young man.

But rather Naren, who had once composed the golden age with the previous generation of leaders and was regarded as a military god in the eyes of the people, soldiers, and even generals of the older generation.

For such important national affairs, entrusting them to the grown lion was fine, but if the old Lion King was willing to step forward, it would naturally be more reassuring—moreover, he hadn’t truly aged.

Upon hearing this, Naren said calmly: “He will do very well, as he always has since childhood.”

“Besides, though I don’t believe those scheming people hiding in the shadows have the courage to do anything, if they truly do, my remaining here is a safeguard.”

Similarly, that main battle fleet stationed to guard the territorial waters wasn’t entirely for external defense.

It was always ready to turn its cannons toward the inland.

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Toward those wolves secretly sharpening their teeth in the shadows.

“That makes sense too.”

After listening, the young emperor nodded and asked no more.

Because he knew this response was both an explanation and a warning to him.

Though due to his father the emperor and his performance in recent years, this governor showed him considerable care and attention, even turning a blind eye to his use of the Black Raven Society or meetings with that founder regarding this national affair.

But this didn’t mean Naren approved of such matters.

His willingness to remain loyal to the royal family and the young man before him stemmed from his love for Auran and old affection for the former emperor. But if Curtis truly wanted to use this affair to conveniently gather the Black Raven Society, or even welcome back that princess…

Then presumably the cannons might also have the possibility of pointing toward them.

However, though understanding this point, the young emperor felt no sense of being offended, finding it natural instead, still smiling as he gazed toward the distant sea.

Toward those warships that symbolized the Empire’s might and hegemony, which would embark on the expedition to the old seas.

“Then Uncle Naren, let us wait and see.”

“Let’s see what kind of spoils of war your child, the returned Imperial Lion, can bring back.”

“I imagine it will be quite a large cake.”

Translator Note

A wedding cake!