Captain – Chapter 752 – Epilogue Part Three – Wedding of the Century

Whether confession or tears, more often than not they cannot make up for anything.

Because the past cannot be changed.

Therefore, such actions or unrestrained emotions are merely a long-overdue accounting to those in the grave, to old times, and to oneself who has walked this far.

Once accounted for, all is well—after all, time does not stop, and the living must always move forward.

After the grave visit and confession ended, the three of them walked back along the old path. From outward appearances, they seemed unchanged from when they arrived, save for the absence of a few flower bouquets.

But the truth was otherwise.

Because only after returning to the remote little town where he had parted from wife and child twenty years ago, only after being led by his daughter to see all the old sights and hear the past stories, only after kneeling silently before his beloved’s grave with tears flowing endlessly, did this hateful, resentful…

Yet equally pitiable and worthy of love man finally become part of Roy’s life, no longer just a vague shadow appearing in stories.

The final veil between them was also gently lifted away by the woman they both loved.

If the gentle and strong Miss Evelyn were still here, she would surely want to see this scene.

Stepping through the dim twilight, the three soon returned to Loriton’s streets. During the short journey from countryside to city, Roy and her companion’s emotions calmed down, and their interaction and conversation became much more natural and casual than before.

As if from this moment on, they had truly become harmonious father and daughter touring their old haunts.

Became inseparable family.

However, the pleasant atmosphere of their family-like casual conversation, with Caine occasionally adding a word or answering a sentence, didn’t last long. For not long after returning to Loriton, when they turned from a side street onto the main road, the scene before their eyes suddenly changed.

The town was no longer quiet, but extraordinarily lively.

Both sides of the main street were filled with Auran soldiers in neat uniforms standing at attention. Among these formations were several mounted officers with their personal guards.

Leading them on horseback was a familiar face.

It was none other than Flynn, the young officer who had originally risked everything for the old Marshal, been ordered to assassinate Naren and Federo at the Garcia estate, but upon seeing the purple-gold badge fall from the sky, had suddenly switched sides and shattered Robert’s aspirations.

Years later, as a future leader of the army, he had already risen to general rank alongside Merri.

But why would he appear here with heavy forces?

This certainly wasn’t a repeat of the farce from Roy and her first mate’s engagement at Sanderwina Cathedral, because this military star was equally devoted to the young Emperor.

So he could only be here to escort them.

Sure enough, when Roy extended her senses with a casual “look,” she not only discovered the Black Raven assassins hidden in night-black clothing on nearby rooftops or in street shadows, but also spotted a familiar figure behind the military formation.

So the girl threw her first mate a “don’t worry” look, though her expression wasn’t entirely natural, since that approaching elder had teased her quite a bit in the past.

Even now, thinking of those memories, the captain could still feel her cheeks burning.

Seeing the three appear, Flynn’s gaze immediately locked onto Caine, his face unable to suppress excited, admiring emotions.

Months ago, news of the great victory in the Old Sea had already returned with the escort fleet, spreading throughout Auran civilian and military circles, stirring up tremendous waves.

This unprecedented victory, which could even be said to have opened the curtain on a new era, swept away all voices opposing the young Emperor and Naren in one stroke, pressing down the old forces so they could never raise their heads again.

And that passionate young man, after gaining the devotion of the new Governor and upper nobility, had ridden the new wind to root out all hidden dangers.

Only then did Auran truly achieve rebirth.

Of course, while those new changes and policies were certainly eye-catching, at this critical moment, the attention of citizens and soldiers alike was focused on the leader who had single-handedly stirred up the fervor and commanded the tripartite fleet.

Precisely the returning Imperial Lion, the youngest Honorary Marshal Caine Howard.

For a time, countless soldiers regarded him as the greatest commander in Imperial history, his reputation even surpassing that of his father Naren.

To this, the Governor naturally agreed gladly, and even those retired veterans of distinguished military service, after hearing the returnee’s account, all praised and acknowledged it. Former Marshal Auston even clapped and laughed.

As if from just fragments of words from officers and several received orders, they had already witnessed that magnificent situation, seen those thrilling grand naval battles.

Then saw victory, saw dawn, and the Empire’s broad and beautiful future.

Except for this Howard family scion, the Imperial military from top to bottom, and various secret factions, had never been so unanimous in praising or promoting anyone.

However, while the military’s fervor and young people’s admiration continued unabated, those young ladies who had fallen head over heels for Caine after learning his age weren’t so fortunate.

Because shortly after news of victory spread, those officers who had received the Marshal’s hint personally visited the palace, bringing the young Emperor the news he wanted.

Namely, the grand wedding Roy had promised her first mate.

The wedding between Roy—who could be called the foremost legend of today’s islands, considered more important than even the current Great Captain in the eyes of those in power, and who had personally ended the devil—and Caine, whose reputation had reached its peak after this battle, naturally held great significance.

Beyond connecting the islands and Empire, somewhat soothing the hatred and warfare of history, it was also the beginning of two civilizations merging.

As for whether civilization would finally tame savagery centuries later, or whether pirates would still sing songs and drink wine, free and unrestrained in the broader, more brilliant seas, doing as they pleased—who could say? Let time decide.

In any case, after receiving this news or promise, the young Emperor didn’t hesitate long before immediately having it proclaimed throughout the nation with such fanfare that even the other two powers heard of it.

Thus, riding the new wind, at the height of Caine’s fame, this high-profile, world-renowned, magnificent Wedding of the Century was set.

This sudden news naturally broke countless girls’ hearts, and some vaguely remembered similar talk from years ago.

The groom was also Howard’s young master, but the bride was supposed to be…

A collateral heir of the Anderson family?

How did it suddenly become a pirate captain? Though she was the formidable Golden-Eyed Devil and more suitable in terms of status, it still felt somehow inappropriate.

After all, how could a naval commander marry a pirate?

Never mind the common people—even some peripheral great nobles didn’t know that their family’s pride, young master Howard, had long ago been seduced away to become a pirate, and moreover was the lion who had recently ascended to legend.

So such thoughts were natural, especially since Auran people had always looked unfavorably upon pirates.

However, these problems that even ordinary people could think of—how much more so the Imperial royal family?

So a completely new story was “inadvertently” spread and quickly circulated among the people, consisting of nothing more than disguises, misunderstandings, and an incredibly thrilling, moving love story sufficient to dispel all rumors.

Most importantly in this story, what made the people sympathize with Roy, understand, and set aside those battles, was that she too was Auran.

Though not entirely native-born, she had spent her entire childhood in the Empire, only becoming a pirate in her youth due to various hardships and accidents.

As for how the story was beautified and how those dark elements were covered up—that was perfectly normal political maneuvering, and Roy didn’t mind when she learned of it.

Oh, regarding the wedding news spreading throughout the Empire, that story that even she thought made her seem… excessively idealized, and the people’s reactions—she learned all this from General Flynn.

Upon seeing the three, especially Caine, the officers all respectfully dismounted, handed their reins to their guards, and enthusiastically welcomed them.

After Flynn briefly described the changes within the Empire and matters related to the wedding to the commander and Roy, the sound of two sets of carriage wheels was already approaching.

After a final nod, Flynn led his men aside, revealing those two carriages.

They came one after the other, both decorated magnificently, and the Garcia family crest embedded on the carriage doors instantly made Caine understand Roy’s meaning.

He realized why she had seemed unnatural earlier—the old man had come.

Just as the young man was thinking, the girl feeling unnatural, and Gerard showing some emotion but seeming unsurprised, like meeting an old friend, the door of the front carriage was respectfully opened by an attendant military man.

First to step down was a youth in formal dress who appeared no more than fourteen or fifteen, and then under his guidance, the Dark Governor himself appeared.

Though they hadn’t met for several years, Federo’s constitution remained robust without visible decline.

He seemed capable of living another ten-plus years.

The greatest change was in his temperament.

Different from when he had first set aside his prejudices against the old Emperor, retiring and letting go, the old man’s sinister and frightening aura had completely faded, replaced by laziness and relaxation.

No longer like the Empire’s most deadly venomous fang, but rather like his deceased brother—Duke Darren, showing not the slightest attachment to power.

Facing Roy and her companion, he was even smiling amiably, showing considerable kindness.

“Look who’s returned—oh, so it’s the little lion with his little fox.”

Hearing the old man’s kind teasing, Caine smiled helplessly and affectionately called out. The captain only felt her face heating up again and hurriedly followed with “Grandpa Federo,” rarely showing a shy smile as she asked why he had come.

“I came, of course, to escort you both to that Wedding of the Century.”

Hearing both affectionate calls, the old man smiled even more broadly, the wrinkles on his face seeming smoothed and softened. He spoke slowly in a teasing tone.

A moment later, as if remembering something, Federo gently patted the hand of the youth holding his own, his tone quite proud: “Come meet him—this is the child I’ve chosen for the Garcia family.”

“He looks good, doesn’t he? He’s no worse than you were as a child.”

Feeling the old man’s gentle gaze, hearing him place this youth on the same level as the young Imperial legend Howard, the youth felt warm but still couldn’t help smiling wryly, asking grandfather not to flatter him to death.

From his affectionate, completely unrestrained tone, their grandfather-grandson relationship was clearly very good.

Subsequently, this youth named Florian Garcia, who would likely inherit as family head years hence, formally and warmly greeted Roy and her companion.

No matter from which angle, Roy and Caine both had deep relationships with the Garcia family, the young man being practically half a child of this great house.

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Being so, whether for entrustment or to deepen the youth’s connections with the two, meeting and leaving a good impression was quite necessary.

This was why the old man had brought the youth beside him when coming to escort them.

Only after the greetings ended and Caine, representing the old man, his father, and more so his own brotherly responsibility, encouraged the youth with a few words, did Federo nod satisfactorily. After that, the smile on his face faded and his jade eyes deepened considerably.

Because his gaze finally reflected that old friend smiling frivolously.

That most powerful adversary they had faced in the era of Imperial-Islands conflict—he, Naren, and the old Emperor. It could even be said that this very person, with unimaginable magical power and strategic thinking, had shattered their grand design.

However, that time of scheming and competing on political stages and battlefields had finally passed, and judging by the situation, would become a permanent past.

So after sighing with complex emotions, the old man finally greeted him magnanimously.

“It’s really… been a long time, Captain Gerard.”

Hearing this, Gerard nodded slightly, the frivolity at his lips also fading as he said: “Yes, it’s been over twenty years. I’m glad you’re still alive.”

This was the man’s sincere words.

Compared to those terrifying dark years, even former troublesome mortal enemies seemed dear to him, reminding him of those exciting times.

Moreover, now they were no longer enemies, and in some sense…

Could even be considered half in-laws?

Though that was how it could be reasoned, hearing the genuine warmth and pleasure in the other’s words, Federo still raised his eyebrows slightly, not entirely understanding.

But he was, after all, someone who had once controlled the Imperial intelligence service and, though retired, could still influence many people. Without demanding explanation or minding, he only said meaningfully: “Then that’s good. I think we need to catch up.”

Everyone present was far from dense and couldn’t possibly miss the implication behind these words.

Understanding that Grandpa Federo wanted to talk privately with father as the Empire’s representative, yet not with the islands but specifically with him as an individual to settle certain matters, Roy and her first mate exchanged glances, shrugged, and consciously headed for the rear carriage.

That was an empty carriage, naturally prepared by the Empire’s elders.

And Federo’s personal visit here was obviously not merely to escort two juniors and attend the wedding, but as one of the three representatives of that era’s Empire, most suitable to negotiate with Captain Gerard.

However, while the elders went off to “catch up,” the uninvolved Roy and her companion were happy to be free, discussing wedding matters in low voices, occasionally mentioning etiquette and such.

After both pairs boarded their respective carriages, the journey to the imperial capital officially began.

Though taking the overland route would be quite a long journey, far slower than traveling by warship, it was more about symbolic meaning.

Could be considered a grand pre-wedding parade?

On another note, shortly after the carriages and military procession departed under the brightening starlight, numerous secret envoys and messenger birds fell like spring rain, scattering in all directions to spread this news.

Thus, wherever this magnificent procession passed through reasonably prosperous towns and cities, it would draw countless people to line the streets and watch.

Blessing voices and excited, amazed chatter caused by glimpses of the wedding’s protagonists through the open carriage windows and fluttering curtains echoed constantly outside.

Moreover, people frequently presented flower bouquets and even jewelry as gifts.

All of this was naturally handled by the soldiers.

Bouquets were accepted; various precious gifts were returned with sincere thanks.

This leisurely journey through Auran’s interior, though long and often somewhat noisy, perhaps because of the ceremonial feel and the rare opportunity to peacefully observe the Empire’s scenery, Roy found quite patient and pleasant.

Through days of comfortable travel, occasionally stopping to admire certain cities or regional landmarks, or reserving famous restaurants for meals, the imperial capital where crowds had gathered like seas and carriages flowed like rivers gradually drew near.

Finally, at another dusk, the procession carrying that noble couple approached the capital’s gates, passing through channels orderly cleared by carriages and people, and entered the majestic city seemingly veiled in evening glow.

After settling the carriages and horses, with specialists leading Roy and her companion to pay respects first to the Pope at the holy mountain outside the east gate, then to the young Emperor at the palace that could be called a city within a city, brilliant stars and moon had already hung in the sky.

Only after finally finishing these duties did the two return to the Howard family mansion in St. Caloie.

Naren and Federo had long been waiting inside.

When the still energetic Caine and the girl who, despite her constitution far surpassing her first mate’s, looked thoroughly wilted, entered the mansion’s main hall led by a butler who tried to be gentle but still seemed military, they saw the elders gathered around the fireplace.

However…

Perhaps because the man sitting opposite Naren and the others, smiling comfortably and relaxed as if in his own home, had a rather “complex” relationship with them, this scene that should have been extremely heartwarming looked somewhat awkward and amusing.

After casually greeting the three elders, “reporting” on their meetings with the Pope and His Majesty, and announcing the wedding was set for the day after tomorrow, Roy quickly dragged her first mate and fled to his own room.

But unfortunately, she still couldn’t throw herself into soft bedding and quiet.

Because in that spacious, bright bedroom, on the ebony desk used for reading or writing, lay a whole stack of parchment papers or rather…

“Etiquette Requirements and Necessary Procedures for Royal Weddings.”

A thick stack.

“Are you kidding me? It’s just a wedding—is it necessary to be busy from morning till night?”

Having only flipped through two pages of the long schedule, not yet attempting to memorize all those etiquette requirements sufficient to drive every pirate in Providence insane, Roy threw down the documents and collapsed powerlessly on the bed to complain.

“Really, enough is enough. I thought Curtis letting our wedding follow royal protocol was showing respect and great imperial favor, but who knew he was lying in wait. Can I back out?”

The girl covered her forehead with her arm, muttering rapidly like machine-gun fire. A moment later she suddenly sat up straight, staring blankly at the open window for a long time before blinking, as if considering certain possibilities.

Seeing this, Caine smiled wryly and shook his head, picking up the organized documents and sitting beside her, saying quietly: “Captain, you’re not thinking of running away, are you?”

With her lawless personality, this was entirely possible.

Seeing the girl’s eyes flicker without looking at him or answering after hearing this, the first mate set the documents on his lap, sighed lightly and embraced her shoulders: “Captain, my dear captain, Captain Ma’am, you promised me.”

Responding to the first mate’s rare coquettishness was Roy’s helpless yet somewhat annoyed snort, clearly beginning to consider the cost of breaking her word.

The answer, of course, was no cost.

After all, she wasn’t breaking promises for the first time. The elders doted on her so much that as long as she obediently apologized afterward and made up a simple wedding between Empire and islands, they would probably just laugh it off. Only Caine’s side…

Thinking this, Roy stole a glance at the young man.

What she saw was this silver-haired big lion’s rarely puppy-like “pleading” eyes, hearing his deliberately humble, placating whisper of “there’s still time anyway, just look at the schedule tonight, okay?” The girl couldn’t help but sigh deeply.

In the end, under her first mate’s persistent persuasion, the captain finally compromised.

By warm candlelight, the two studied the schedule, occasionally whispering a few words, the bedroom filled with harmony… well, punctuated by the girl’s occasional complaints.

Grumbling about why royalty had to make things so complicated, even changing palaces for lunch and dinner banquets, with completely different guests each time.

Of course, all those grievances eventually dissolved in her first mate’s soothing words. After some unknown time, the candles were extinguished and curtains drawn.

Only the rustle of clothing and soft “arguments” remained.

After a bout of playful chaos, all fell quiet, the night gentle as always, without further ripples.

Later, morning sun rose and set again. For the three days before the wedding, the two never left the mansion, either learning various procedures under summoned etiquette teachers or receiving visiting guests.

During this time, carriages visiting the Howard mansion could practically line up from the front gate straight to the end of the long street called “Third Avenue.”

Of course, not every guest could have the honor of meeting Naren and others or the frantically busy couple, nor were all gifts accepted. But everyone invited into the main hall was among the closest relations.

Even with multiple layers of screening and filtering, there were still too many people to see.

So much so that even the Wilson family, who had severed relations with Roy’s mother over her romance with a pirate, sent people of sufficient standing with sincerity and generous gifts to reconcile, but this was naturally wishful thinking.

Though Roy met with these family members, she gave them no pleasant treatment from start to finish, and the “peace-seeking” delegation could only return in disappointment.

However, they at least brought back good news.

Namely that the girl had no plans to trouble them, as long as they didn’t jump out.

This busy life continued until dawn of the third day, when night fell and the exhausted pair—no matter how good their constitutions—collapsed into bed and spent a rare, wordless, peaceful night.

Finally, with the morning bells of the capital’s main cathedral named after the goddess “Hestia,” daylight piercing the gauze-like night curtain, the wedding day arrived.

Roy and her companion, previously lost in pleasant dreams, suddenly awakened with strong willpower, their spirits refreshed. With servants’ help, they quickly changed into the wedding dress and formal suit that had been delivered three days ago, shortly after meeting the Emperor.

These two garments—snowy wedding gown and jet-black formal suit—custom-made by the royal family’s exclusive master tailors, weren’t overly ornate but were perfectly adorned with pale gold thread or elegant lace at sleeves, collar, and other areas.

After the two donned them with undergarments and minimal jewelry, they didn’t appear dazzlingly radiant or glaringly eye-catching, but looked supremely pleasing to the eye.

Perhaps this was the difference between top-tier tailors and those who merely piled on decorations?

Of course, Roy wouldn’t care about such things. Her understanding of art and design remained rather shallow. For her, the most important aspect of this wedding dress was that it was comfortable to wear and didn’t require a corset.

Except for the cloud-light train ¹ the long fabric that trails behind the bride being a bit long, she couldn’t find any other faults.

It seemed that when she hadn’t yet reached the capital, the tailors had gathered information about her and paid attention to her dislike of troublesome things when designing the gown.

Well, this counted as the only comfort the poor girl had felt in three days.

After changing clothes, Roy and her companion boarded a carriage heading for Hestia Cathedral, the venue for this Wedding of the Century, where the kindly Pope would perform their ceremony in this holy land of all believers.

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Before they arrived, presumably representatives of royalty, military, and great houses had already entered early to witness the ceremony—they need only go through the motions.

Though admittedly… the motions were very long, without surprise taking a full hour.

Notably, when departing from the Howard mansion, Roy and her first mate didn’t ride in the same carriage, and their departure times were slightly staggered.

Caine would drive ahead to the cathedral’s ceremony hall to wait.

Only afterward would come the carriage carrying the girl and her father.

“How is it? Nervous?”

In the later-departing carriage shared by father and daughter came Gerard’s laughing voice.

Hearing this, Roy—who seemed somewhat distracted, gazing at the lively crowds and flower rain outside the window curtains—glanced at her father with his spectator expression and casually answered: “What’s there to be nervous about? It’s not like we’re going to war.”

“It’s different after all.”

Looking at his daughter’s obviously scattered thoughts but still unwilling to admit nervousness about this, her profile half-hidden by the veil, the man’s eyes were full of doting affection as he soothingly said her temperament was relaxed, even claiming he had been far more embarrassed than her back then.

“Really?” Hearing this, Roy curiously turned her gaze over.

“Of course.”

Gerard reached out to smooth the girl’s slightly disheveled hair, smiling as he said: “Back then, it was still Bishop Cappe who married your mother and me. The entire ceremony hall held just the three of us, but my heart was still pounding.”

“Beating like it wanted to jump out, while Evelyn performed much better.”

“Never mind me—she was even calmer than you, so in this you take after your mother.”

Hearing these absolutely “secret” old stories, Roy’s eyes brightened considerably, her mood gradually settling as she proudly said: “I was raised by mother after all.”

Accompanied by the father-daughter conversation and occasional laughter, all tension and oppression brought by the grand ceremony dissipated, and the carriage entered the cathedral gates.

Under the gaze of military generals, royal princes and princesses, and other witnesses of exalted status and large numbers, the later carriage door opened.

The girl in ivory silk dress with pale gold hair cascading like a waterfall and Gerard stepped down one after another. Then Roy, eyes slightly lowered, took the arm of her father in pure black formal dress—rarely seen so proper—and walked toward the ceremony hall.

There, young master Howard in sharp formal wear had been waiting long.

Thus solemn music began, and the destined pair met again in the highest matrimonial hall. Under countless watching eyes, under countless recording brushes, Gerard solemnly placed his daughter’s hand in Caine’s.

After that, the couple’s hands clasped tightly, only releasing momentarily when the Pope instructed them to place hands on scripture or stand facing each other to sing.

Though compared to the engagement ceremony at Sanderwina Cathedral or the service conducted by Bishop Cappe on the islands, this Wedding of the Century’s procedures were much longer and more complex, the general outline wasn’t too different.

Oh, but there was still a distinction.

Compared to her feelings while learning etiquette or receiving guests, the girl now—whether gazing at hair swaying before her eyes or, more often, looking at her first mate’s ² Can’t wait to refer to Caine as husband instead of first mate face—felt not the slightest torment in her heart.

Those times they had shared together seemed to transform into rich honey in this moment, stirred by the silver spoon of ceremonial music, becoming ever sweeter and more beautiful.

Even the longest time, when touched by spoonfuls of lifted honey, instantly became delicious, making one want only to taste it in small sips, even reluctant for it to pass.

However, as ceremonial music ended and thunderous applause rang out, this Wedding of the Century finally concluded satisfactorily, though the schedule wasn’t even half finished yet.

After leaving the cathedral arm in arm, Roy and her companion changed to an open carriage, surrounded by honor guards and the royal orchestra, proceeding slowly toward the palace amid joyful melodies and the cheers and blessings of St. Caloie’s citizens.

During this, the carriage and touring band passed over a dozen historically significant landmarks including the Auran Royal Grand Theater and the Empire’s First Military Academy before entering the palace amid the people’s cheers.

There, the young Emperor had prepared an incredibly sumptuous luncheon for Roy and her companion along with over a thousand important figures from all walks of life and attending foreign guests.

Though the luncheon was grand, with so many outsiders present, even the captain’s carefree personality felt somewhat constrained. In these social aspects, Caine was much more experienced and took over all such duties for her.

The symbolically-focused, not particularly flavorful luncheon soon concluded.

Only then did the most important scene gracefully unfold.

In the palace hall facing the main gate, on the balcony best positioned to receive sunlight and the people’s gaze, Roy and her companion shared a kiss amid ten thousand blessing voices.

At the same time, they left behind a supremely beautiful tale and countless paintings.

After this moving scene, countless white doves were released, soaring over the balcony toward blue sky.

Only then did the lengthy schedule finally end.

What followed was at last an evening banquet belonging to Roy, her companion, and their close elders.

Originally, this banquet would be held in the palace’s incredibly spacious guest hall, not only providing the girl’s party sufficient private space but also breaking protocol to receive guests from around the world.

However, after Roy and her companion consulted with Gerard, Naren, and Federo—the three closest, dearest elders—they petitioned the young Emperor and received permission to move this personally meaningful banquet…

To the Auran Royal Grand Theater.

The place where the captain’s parents had met, known, and fallen in love, the place Evelyn had regretted missing, the wedding venue Roy had dreamed of to fulfill that regret.

Tonight, this dream that might once have seemed like countless bubbles…

Would finally come true.

Time flowed quietly, dusk fell, and gentle night revealed stars and moon.

The banquet began promptly.

The Auran Royal Grand Theater, with its multiple performance halls even more spacious than that guest hall, was filled with fine wine and delicacies, and new works by opera masters performed, open to all guests who had come to witness.

Where Roy and others sat was naturally the place where Gerard and Miss Evelyn had first met. On the vast stage, only a young female singer who had entered the theater recently nervously performed solo an old song no longer in repertoire.

Her voice was melodious and moving, precisely the same piece that had been sung on stage when the captain’s parents’ eyes had met across the crowd years ago.

The audience below was small.

Besides the most important three—Gerard and his companions—fewer than thirty others were present.

Yet every one was among Naren and Federo’s most trusted confidants—either military figures or those holding major influence in intelligence services.

Additionally, there were some relatively close collateral relatives of the Howard family, and important figures from the Garcia family including that future family head.

In any case, everyone qualified to attend the banquet could be called “family.”

Therefore, there was naturally no need to worry about elaborate protocols.

Before the female singer’s solo even ended, Roy had already quickly toasted a round with her first mate—calling out uncle, aunt, grandpa and such in rapid succession—then retreated to a corner for their private world.

Soon, the old song’s excerpt concluded.

After the female singer received Captain Gerard’s praise and the elders’ satisfied nods, along with generous rewards and promises, she happily left the stage.

The appreciation segment ended, followed naturally by more relaxed family conversation—adults educating children, elders instructing their juniors.

However, one scene among these warm or serious interactions was particularly interesting.

Gerard, holding a wine bottle and glass, leaning against a column, was talking animatedly and smugly with several general-ranked figures seated at a nearby round table. But those officers’ expressions…

Were as unnatural as could be.

Clearly they were either defeated subordinates or former mortal enemies of this pirate legend.

“Father’s not really toasting—that’s pure provocation. I hope they don’t actually start fighting,” Roy couldn’t help laughing softly, whispering.

Beside her, Caine also shook his head helplessly after hearing this, thinking that if these elders really fought, even setting aside face to gang up, they probably wouldn’t be enough for Captain Gerard to handle. But it shouldn’t come to that.

With father keeping them in check, the generals’ tempers would be much more restrained than usual.

The young man’s thoughts wandered, but his gaze was rather unfocused, clearly his mind elsewhere.

Only when Federo, who had been saying something to Naren, pulled an old pocket watch from his chest, opened it for a look, smiled and said something to his companion, then looked toward Caine with a smiling nod, did he seem to come back to life.

Then he grabbed the captain—who had already removed her veil and casually tied her dress train around her waist, completely disregarding appearance—by the wrist and ran toward the spiral stairs leading upward.

“Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing?”

Though Roy was completely puzzled, thinking that today was their Wedding of the Century and she’d let him be happy, she lifted her skirt with one hand and let him pull her along.

“You’ll know when we get there.”

The first mate rarely played mysterious.

Seeing Caine wouldn’t say, the girl pouted and didn’t take it seriously, figuring it was just some small gift, at most scattered flower petals or something.

The so-called surprise and romance.

With this mindset, Roy followed the young man all the way to the theater’s third floor, pushing open a set of double wooden doors to reach an observation deck meant for nobles to get fresh air, admire stars, or play romantic games with their companions.

Of course, this place had quite an open view.

Besides the starry sky, it directly faced the long river through the city and the brilliant night scene of buildings including the palace—quite nice indeed. After Caine brought the captain here, he released her wrist and came to the railing to gaze into the distance.

So it was to see the night view—then next would come sweet words?

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Though she hadn’t seen him produce gifts or the observation deck filled with colorful flower bouquets, Roy was still quite satisfied seeing that brilliant night scene and felt she had completely grasped his thinking.

For this, she smiled softly with some smugness.

She even couldn’t help humming a gentle melody suited to this serene atmosphere.

Amid the pleasant tune, Caine gently placed one hand over the girl’s on the railing, still looking at the sky above the lights, speaking low.

But unexpectedly for Roy, what reached her ears wasn’t sweet words but a reminder.

“Look at the sky, Captain.”

Hearing this, the captain was slightly stunned, her gentle humming involuntarily halting as she looked toward the night sky his gaze indicated, wondering what to look at?

Just perfectly normal stars…

Her thoughts were interrupted before completing, the stopped melody never resumed by the girl.

Because she was deeply attracted by the scene before her eyes, even setting aside her confusion temporarily.

Low explosions came, and entering her dark gold eyes were first several initially dim, reverse-flying streams that seemed to merge with the star sea like trailing meteors.

But moments later, the “meteors” suddenly brightened, blooming like flowers into streams of light!

In an instant, the night sky like black curtain seemed to suddenly burst with over a dozen flowers—various types and colors, even overshadowing starlight.

This wasn’t the end, but merely the opening announcement of a hundred-flower feast.

After that, countless meteors rose skyward, painting the world beyond the city’s river in colorful brilliance, so beautiful it seemed like being in a dream.

From the observation deck below came gradually rising voices, clearly guests rushing out after hearing the commotion, all gazing toward the palace.

But the initially panicked civilians and guests, the nervously gathering soldiers who thought of enemy attack, saw instead an unprecedented spectacle.

Instantly, chaos fell silent and everyone was stunned.

Then came exclamation after exclamation, the area around the theater suddenly bustling with activity.

Amid the low explosions and enthusiastic calls, Roy finally came to her senses. After breathing out in admiration, she asked quietly: “What on earth is this?”

“In military terms, it should be called fireworks?”

Looking at that brilliant scene, Caine turned his face slightly to see the girl’s profile made supremely beautiful by various lights, pausing before smiling: “Speaking of which, this counts as a congratulatory gift from father and the others and His Majesty.”

“This could truly be called the debut performance of this beauty in our world.”

Hearing this, Roy couldn’t help glancing at her first mate, somewhat displeased as she chided him.

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Making such a fuss with all this surprise and shock.”

“And when did you secretly find out? We’ve been together the whole time.”

To the captain’s resentful words, Caine looked back at the fireworks-brilliant sky, smiled, then said softly: “If you knew, it wouldn’t count as a surprise.”

Seeing this, after glancing at the young man, Roy’s gaze hadn’t left that novel sight, her eye corner twitching slightly, feeling quite unnatural.

Moments ago, she had been mentally mocking him for surely preparing some clichéd surprise.

Who would have thought the “situation” would reverse immediately.

She really had been surprised by the surprise.

To cover her emotions, she could only ask again: “How exactly did you find out about this?”

Guessing the captain’s little mood, Caine’s smile deepened, not calling her out but saying leisurely: “This morning when we went to the cathedral, didn’t we split up?”

“That’s when we created the information gap.”

To this, the girl’s assessment was: “Really cunning.”

The first mate, now a “qualified” pirate, smiled while thanking her: “Thank you for the compliment.”

Quite blocked by the young man’s words, Roy didn’t speak for a long time, but finally couldn’t suppress her curiosity and asked which genius had invented this thing. The answer she got was that this wasn’t something anyone had tinkered with.

“From materials excavated in the ‘Old Sea’?”

Hearing the captain’s amazed repetition, Caine nodded gently: “Yes, after we returned, the Empire’s first supply fleet to visit the Old Sea and return brought back quite a lot of materials, reportedly bartered from the residents.”

“Several accompanying linguists also learned some Eastern language from those Eastern people left there—barely enough to translate the materials.”

“I heard all this from father. He also said the translations had quite a few errors. The military initially thought these were some kind of lethal weapons left by that Eastern civilization in the Old Sea, because the formula contained black gunpowder.”

“But after researching to the end, they discovered it wasn’t that at all.”

Speaking of this, the first mate couldn’t help smiling wryly: “Because what they created, as you can see, at best creates atmosphere, at most serves as a distraction flare—can’t even replace the old ammunition already discarded by the military.”

After hearing this, Roy laughed heartily, saying: “The military must be furious.”

“Mm, I heard quite a few military academy professors and munitions experts involved in research fainted after frantically, sleeplessly tinkering with this thing.”

This was naturally an exaggeration.

Caine knew those perpetually stern scholars, even more exaggerated than his former self, wouldn’t react so extremely no matter how frustrated. At most they’d write reports severely criticizing those who had misidentified the materials, then discard the documents like garbage.

He was just trying to make the girl who had patiently endured a full busy day happy.

And hearing the laughter nearby, the effect seemed good—after all, she didn’t know those lunatics.

After explanations ended and laughter faded, the observation deck finally fell into familiar, beloved quiet, with only fireworks sounds reaching from afar.

Like light rain entering a lake, like plucking heartstrings.

After a long time, the tranquility between them was broken by the girl’s dreamy whisper.

“So nice.”

Hearing the soft questioning “mm” from close by, Roy gazed at the fireworks with slightly unfocused eyes, speaking gently beside her first mate’s face like a whisper: “I mean, this kind of life really isn’t bad.”

“Not having to fear daily that soldiers will kick down your hiding place door, hunting dogs rushing in to bite you bloody, then being thrown back to that prison. Not having to worry about going hungry if you can’t move enough cargo.”

“Those swords, guns, cannons, blood and smoke all seem so very far away.”

“So nice.”

Speaking thus, Roy softly repeated those words.

Feeling the warm hand on her hand back grip slightly tighter, the girl seemed awakened from a nightmare, no longer looking at fireworks but turning to the young man.

Looking at the young man who was so important to her as to be irreplaceable, nearly salvific.

Then all confusion disappeared from Roy’s eyes, and her gentle smile bloomed again.

“Don’t overthink it—just a small reflection.”

She spoke quite lightly, like a traveler who had shed all burdens and traveled light.

After speaking, as if she still had more to say but found it embarrassing and difficult to voice, the captain hesitated quite a while before lowering her eyes and saying: “Also, you know, Caine, you’re really very, very important to me.”

“For me, not mentioning that unbearable childhood, at least in the days from when Captain Ilias found me to becoming a legend, there weren’t too many unhappy or lonely times—pirates never cry.”

“But you know… after encountering that devil, everything changed.”

Looking at the girl’s slightly trembling eyelashes, Caine’s azure eyes showed much tenderness and heartache. She had told him—of course he knew those things.

Moreover, his own fate had been turned upside down by encountering that devil.

They were like a lost lion and lone wolf abandoned by their kind, wounded, who through fortune or misfortune finally ended up together.

However, it now seemed that meeting her was certainly his life’s greatest fortune.

They licked each other’s wounds, depending on each other on deserted islands amid storms, and after meeting came to know and love each other, walking together to the present.

The girl felt he was her salvation, but equally, she had led him away from hatred, away from that seemingly inescapable nightmare fire.

Wasn’t this also rescue?

Though the young man said nothing, when Roy bravely raised her eyes to look into his blue gaze and finish speaking her heart, she naturally saw the emotions within.

And knew everything.

So she narrowed her eyes, eye corners curving, and continued.

“Actually, don’t look at me being confident all the time—I get scared too, like not daring to face Captain Tiger, and of course, more so when encountering that devil.”

“Especially knowing that my not-very-long life had actually been under that person’s manipulation all along—the pressure that hit me in that instant was truly boundless.”

“Like a nightmare that had always accompanied me, like the most fearsome things in horror books all coming alive, calling and shouting as they rushed at you, wanting to swallow you whole.”

Speaking to this point, the girl suddenly curled her lips, her tone becoming bright.

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“But fortunately, you were there.”

After starting this new thread, Roy took a deep breath of the slightly cold, cool near-winter air and said earnestly: “Whether when alone, forced into dreams, or fighting those people, ghosts, even spirits…”

“You were there—if not beside me, then in my heart.”

“Letting me know someone was waiting for me to return, so I came back safely every time.”

“Like magic, isn’t it?”

Facing this somewhat childish question, Caine smiled but didn’t answer. But when he didn’t respond, the captain kept asking until he helplessly said “yes” three times. Only then was Roy satisfied, acting like “you must follow this captain’s wishes.”

“Alright, I won’t say those embarrassingly mushy things. You know I’m just really glad to have met you and everyone. Perhaps my life was truly too dark, miserable enough that even the Goddess of Fate couldn’t bear to watch.”

“So my luck turned? Even existences like Mango came to my side.”

Thinking of the cat again, Roy’s eyes dimmed slightly, but her mood soon lightened again.

After all, in that starlight, at the end of that divine path, she had met it again—still fluffy, and it had promised to remember her.

Just wondering when it would sleep enough to return?

Such an anticipated thing.

Only then did the captain realize that since the end of the war with her ancestor, many, many beautiful things had quietly flowed toward her.

Perhaps sensing this most joyful, blissful thing, Roy—who had said she wouldn’t speak “mushy words”—still gazed at the gradually sparse, soon-ending fireworks and spoke softly the words hidden in her heart.

“I love you, Caine, and it seems…”

“I’m not so afraid of dying anymore?”

Tilting her head thoughtfully, the girl answered herself and agreed: “Yes, even if I closed my eyes right now, I probably wouldn’t have any regrets.”

Having rescued father, the devil gone, everything developing for the better, plus having experienced such a grand wedding, with her beloved at her side…

Truly no regrets.

“Captain, isn’t talking about life and death on such a day a bit too heavy?”

Hearing the girl’s self-agreement, sounding like she was saying ah, already very happy with no more pursuits, really want to go die, Caine—who had been quietly, gently listening except for that “yes”—finally couldn’t help asking.

“Mm, seems a bit heavy indeed.”

Hearing the captain’s insincere agreement, the first mate sighed and actively changed topics: “Speaking of which, where do we plan to go after leaving Auran?”

Though he said “we plan,” the young man’s meaning clearly remained following her happiness.

Hearing this, Roy instantly threw all thoughts of life and death to the extreme northern ice seas, looking up thoughtfully before saying: “So many places I want to go.”

“Because after seeing these fireworks, I realized there are still so many places in the world I haven’t been to, so many landscapes I’ve heard of or don’t know that I haven’t seen.”

“Since there’s no war, we should naturally tour around properly, especially the East.”

Since learning from her ancestor that another world existed, a brilliant civilization far in the East, the girl had been very interested in that direction.

After meeting that prince and learning that great civilization was called the Ming Dynasty, that interest had grown even stronger, like cat claws constantly scratching her heart.

Unfortunately…

“Unfortunately, before returning I extended my senses to explore that maze-like mist the prince mentioned. Though I could sense it was indeed related to ancestor and dispersing because of his death, it’s not something that can be done quickly.”

“Without external force, probably nearly another decade?”

Speaking of this, seeing the questioning emotion in her first mate’s eyes of “can’t you disperse it,” Roy propped her other elbow on the railing, supporting her head lazily: “Come on, how much trouble would that be? We’re going to travel, not wage war.”

“Just wait for it to naturally disperse. Besides, no matter which of that father-son pair in the so-called dynasty wins or loses, I’ll always need to make a trip to meet them.”

As for what to do after meeting, the girl didn’t say, but presumably if agreements couldn’t be signed, fighting would be the only option. After ten years, she might be even stronger than her ancestor during the decisive battle—dealing with another near-divine being should be manageable.

Of course, peaceful negotiations would be best.

Understanding the captain’s intent, Caine naturally agreed, nodding lightly and saying: “That’s good too. Even just the eastern and western seas, we still have too many places we haven’t visited. Let’s explore first.”

After a contemplative “mm” for a while, Roy seemed to think of something, decide on something, as ripples spread in circles through her eyes reflecting the sparse fireworks.

Then she said softly: “Well, that’s not urgent.”

“Actually, I have another more important matter I’d like to consult my first mate about.”

“What?” Caine naturally picked up the conversation, asking.

“It’s just, it’s just…”

As if truly difficult to voice, Roy no longer propped her chin, even withdrawing her hand from beneath Caine’s palm, hugging her arms and leaning back against the railing as she murmured quietly.

Finally, whether having finally gathered courage or feeling that the mighty Golden-Eyed Devil, the great pirate who defeated Edward, couldn’t possibly be stumped by such a thing—

The girl steeled her heart and said very softly: “Caine… let’s have some children.”

“Mm… what?”

Though Roy’s voice was truly quiet, given the bond between them and her first mate’s superhuman hearing, he naturally caught those words easily.

So his habitual response turned into surprised doubt.

Getting this reaction, the captain was quite displeased, thinking that she had finally managed to speak those words only for him to respond with “what?” How inappropriate! Thus her tone turned unfriendly.

“What, is that not okay?”

Knowing she was embarrassed and getting angry, Caine smiled wryly and also turned to face her, hurrying to appease: “No, it’s just too sudden.”

“I thought you’d need at least another ten years of wild adventures before considering this.”

Seeing this, Roy finally calmed down, muttering that she had only thought of it on impulse, and besides, who said having children meant you couldn’t have wild adventures anymore?

After hearing this, knowing she was genuinely interested and not simply toying with him, her first mate gazed at that face—still exquisite as ever, occasionally illuminated by fireworks—smiled and remained silent for quite a while before asking: “It’s just, Captain…”

“You said… have some children?”

Seeing the young man deliberately emphasize that word “some,” Roy neither blushed nor wavered, naturally agreeing with a sound. Only after he asked why did she explain seriously.

“Because that way it won’t be too lonely. Like when I was little—though mother was very good to me, I still used to think it would be nice to have a playmate my age. Of course, older or younger wouldn’t matter—having someone would just be wonderful.”

“And you don’t know, after I escaped to that sin port, I went through so many difficult times. Sometimes I was truly so exhausted and suffering that I wanted to close my eyes and sleep forever.”

“Never to wake again.”

Remembering those hard times, warmth actually appeared in Roy’s eyes: “But I couldn’t, because behind me was a weak little brother.”

“So I had to be strong, had to hold on, so I could lead him away from there.”

“Likewise, he was also my reason for living.”

After speaking, she spread her hands to Caine: “See? How important it is to have someone with you.”

Knowing the “little brother” the girl spoke of was none other than Captain Richi Quake, now equally a legend, her first mate felt this made sense and voiced agreement with a “mm.”

At the same time, he couldn’t help recalling that half-sister, delicate as an angel, who truly resembled the captain and was even named Elizabeth like her.

Though the fire had taken her away, the days spent with her had been truly beautiful.

Thinking of that tender face still clear in memory after all these years, Caine’s heart ached. But thinking that the captain had finally buried the murderer for her sake, he only sighed quietly, not falling into day-and-night grief as he had years ago.

At the same time, he thought having several children would indeed be nice.

Growing up together, they could learn more about love and responsibility.

“What’s wrong?”

The concerned question reaching his ears brought the young man back to reality. He smiled and shook his head at the captain who was worried about his sigh, indicating he was fine.

Though seeing this scene, Roy could still guess that he must be thinking of that fire, those sad things. Her tone unconsciously softened considerably.

“So what do you think? Do you agree?”

Using approaching new life to dilute the eternal pain of loss—that should be helpful.

Sure enough, hearing this, Caine’s expression also softened. Just then, the last trace of fireworks bloomed on the opposite shore, brightening both their eyes.

The next moment, the gentle sound faded away, voices from below gradually quieted. Presumably after the performance ended, the guests had all returned to the theater, making the observation deck even more tranquil.

And just as night gently enveloped them and peace returned to this place, the young man’s whisper sounded in the darkness, as gentle as the warmest sea.

Just like his blue eyes that always held such tender affection.

“Yes.”