Captain – Chapter 753 – Epilogue (Final) – Many Years

After that Wedding of the Century and that promise, time seemed to flow much faster.

From quietly flowing water, it became a cheerful, rushing stream.

Of course, this was merely people’s own perception.

Perhaps because, whether it was that world-determining war proclaimed by all sides in distant lands, or the globally renowned wedding of the two protagonists after their triumphant return, it truly had little to do with common citizens and remote nobility.

After a period of excitement, they returned to life as it had been for decades past.

Moreover, because the world situation had been too peaceful in recent years, even with various frictions between the Empire, Federation, and Islands, none carried the scent of gunpowder.

Just as that young man who had grown to adulthood and still harbored passionate enthusiasm for the Empire’s future—the Auran Emperor—and the gradually established, increasingly powerful Great Captain who now surpassed legend, no matter how they competed, would never mention the word “war.”

Living in such tranquil times, with commerce, education, and welfare all thriving, it was indeed difficult for people to feel that time would drag on tormentingly.

Thus, sixteen years passed in a flash.

During these sixteen years, through the close cooperation of all three powers, the distribution of the great cake of the Old Sea—or rather, what should now be called the “Pacific Ocean” as jointly named by Auran and Pronora geographers—had gradually come to an end.

Such progress was not hard to predict, but some things still exceeded someone’s expectations.

Namely that after sixteen years, though the mist spanning between the “Pacific Ocean” and the mysterious East had thinned considerably, it showed no signs of dispersing.

Naturally, that incomparably magnificent civilization had maintained its silence.

No more fleeing fleets had emerged from the mist.

But the powers naturally wouldn’t relax their vigilance toward that direction because of this, nor would they be foolish enough to tear up agreements once matters were settled.

Of course, the influence of remarkable young people was indispensable in this.

In any case, due to various people, events, and reasons, relations between the three powers remained quite good.

The Islands and Federation, needless to say.

Even with the old covenant ended and no more Guardians of Law, connections between them remained close.

The Federation and Empire continued maintaining the peace and exchange that had begun years ago, and due to world momentum, seemed likely to maintain it long-term.

As for the Islands and Empire… naturally because of that Wedding of the Century…

Well, relations remained somewhat tense.

After all, pirates were pirates. Because of that word “pirate,” they could never truly link arms with the other powers’ navies to drink and sing songs—bloodshed was inevitable.

Even if the former covenant families led by House Shelley maintained good relations with the Great Captain’s line, even if that young Emperor remained magnanimous…

There was no way to issue raiding permits for every pirate ship in the Islands.

The conflict between civilization and savagery was far from easily reconciled—perhaps it couldn’t be achieved until those ruffians learned creation and communication.

It could only be entrusted to great time.

Oh, having discussed world affairs, it was naturally time for those who truly concerned—or more precisely, the important figures who knew the truth about the devil’s family—that young couple.

But what surprised then relieved them was that during these peaceful sixteen years, those two who had reached the pinnacle of power, authority, and even love had not changed clothes to enter the center of the political sea.

Quite the opposite—they had retreated at the height of success. Even the dazzling radiance brought by their inescapable legendary and marshal identities had dimmed and hidden in shadows under their nearly vanishing behavior, quickly fading from public memory.

Except for the very few at the true pinnacle of power and families or in-laws extremely close to this household, people knew very little about their whereabouts.

Counting sixteen years of time, one couldn’t say much about them.

Even the great nobles of considerable status in Auran and Pronora, positioned at the core of political and commercial circles, only knew of events shortly after that great wedding.

After that grand Wedding of the Century ended, the newlyweds didn’t linger in the imperial capital, nor did they have any intention of honeymooning on some island within Auran territory.

Instead, they took carriages to a seaport, boarded a military ship, and sailed directly west.

Due to unusually favorable winds and currents, they reached the western town of Loriton in little time, then purchased and rebuilt what appeared to be a worthless abandoned ranch as their residence.

After that, the two had a simple cemetery built in the countryside not far from the town, filled with wildflowers surrounding a quiet grave.

But what puzzled people was that this simple yet exquisite cemetery, though clearly open-air, somehow maintained blooming flowers even in early winter.

Moreover, many butterflies, bees, and even cold-sensitive small animals gathered there, so the grave was no longer cold and lonely but surrounded by vibrant life.

The purchase of the ranch, repair of the cemetery, and that miraculous scene were the only relatively complete traces these legendary figures left in Auran and the world.

After completing all that, they departed and vanished from people’s sight.

Like dispersing mist, impossible to capture.

In the subsequent decade-plus, news of them consisted of nothing more than occasionally witnessed, completely unverifiable glimpse-like silhouettes transmitted by some.

Explorers said they had seen the great waterfall.

At the time, that mythical giant ship was only several sea miles from his expedition vessel—he had even seen skeletal figures walking on the deck.

But such sensational claims were quickly buried under official pressure.

Merchants also said they had seen two shadows, one large and one small, flying in the distance near the waters not far from the great port of Hipalia—presumably the widely circulated rumors about those two’s true journey: the giant dragon and raven.

Of course, few believed this account.

It was thoroughly mocked by the atheists in Pronora who only believed in the increasingly popular Goddess of Wealth doctrine—actually just worshipping money.

They said he had lost so much money selling goods that he was hallucinating.

There were other similar accounts, but they were all considered fabricated by most people due to being too terrifying or bizarre, making them hard to believe.

Compared to these eerie rumors, people preferred to believe the account of a top student who had returned to the increasingly quiet Loriton during military academy vacation to visit family.

He said that while accompanying his father fishing for relaxation, passing by that cemetery that remained spring-like in all seasons, he had been extremely fortunate to encounter—no, glimpse—Captain Roy.

At the time, she was bending down to offer flowers.

Behind her were two men: one was Marshal Howard, whom the student had been fortunate to see at the imperial capital wedding, and the other should be her father.

But what surprised him—and the world—wasn’t limited to this.

Because besides husband and father, surrounding that captain were…

Five children of various ages.

The eldest appeared thirteen or fourteen, the youngest only six or seven, all following Captain Roy in kneeling obediently among the wildflowers.

This rumor—or rather, this oral account that had been confirmed as truth by the top noble houses of Empire and Federation—exploded like a bombshell in the peaceful circles, though it naturally didn’t trigger warfare.

It only brought countless emotional congratulations and endless gifts sent toward the Islands.

Though nobles, power holders, even the Auran Emperor and the newly appointed head of House Shelley didn’t know where those two currently resided.

But all gift-givers knew that as long as they sent congratulations to Providence, to the Banshee’s Eye that had opened as the main store several years ago, it would reach them.

Presumably that proprietress, whose business grew ever larger and who had gradually outcompeted even those backed by the legendary pirate “Black Rose,” had her methods.

But whether the rumors arising everywhere or this grand gift-giving campaign driven by various purposes or sincere blessings, all were merely interludes.

That mythical captain and first mate had ultimately retreated behind the scenes.

No longer caring about—no, too lazy to bother with—worldly disturbances.

Sixteen years flowed peacefully and gently like water.

And when that cheerful stream leaped and flowed to its end, it slowed down, gradually forming a quiet lake like a sometimes-rippling mirror.

In the mirror reflected cold stars and moon, with a stage faintly emerging.

The Islands, Providence, Ancient Theater.

“Someone ate my bread!”

From the dark stage at the theater’s center suddenly came a surprised, childish voice.

It belonged to a short-haired boy with pale gold hair, appearing no older than twelve, wearing a somewhat oversized, patched cloth outfit.

At this moment, he sat before a low long table lit by three candles, looking at an empty porcelain plate, simulating dining while exclaiming with full dramatic flair, as if someone had truly stolen his bread.

But soon he rose from the round stool, nimbly flipping over the fairly wide low table, causing the candle flames to flicker violently.

The next moment, he sat on the opposite side, picked up the half-empty water cup before him, looked at it, and exclaimed in surprise: “Someone drank my water!”

This was clearly a one-person, multiple-role performance.

However, through the frequent character changes, the lively boy showed no confusion, performing each character’s expressions and lines excellently.

He was completely enjoying himself.

Finally, after cycling through all seven seats around the long table, the boy seemed to suddenly discover something, tiptoing to a very miniature small bed placed to the side, leaning close to confirm.

Then he gently turned around, making a shushing gesture to his “invisible” companions behind him: “Shh, look—someone is sleeping in my bed.”

Following his performance, the candles on the nearby long table extinguished, while soft light appeared beside that small bed shrouded in night.

Magically, the illumination wasn’t from candles but star-mist appearing from thin air.

As if someone had captured starlight, gently scattered it, then sprinkled it across this part of the stage.

In the hazy star-mist, on the delicate small bed lay a girl wearing a pale blue princess dress, her face as beautiful as the approaching boy’s, appearing slightly younger, with light brown long hair spread across the bedding.

Though merely sleeping, one could still sense her propriety and gentleness. Though only playing a slumbering princess, she seemed no different from the real thing.

After the boy praised the sleeping beauty in different characters’ tones, the “princess’s” eyelashes trembled slightly as she slowly awakened, then showed frightened gestures.

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After a series of explanations, complaints, and pleading, the boy magnanimously nodded, willing to let this “princess” persecuted by the queen remain.

Then the star-mist surrounding them dispersed, the stage darkened, and this segment ended.

When the stage lit again, the tables, stools, and small bed had all disappeared.

Only the “princess” stood in the stage’s center, looking at the floating, temptingly red apple before her, her small face full of difficulty.

Just then, a voice possessing magical power and full of temptation sounded off-stage.

It was Roy speaking, her voice clear and gentle, unchanged from over a decade ago.

“Have a taste, beautiful miss.”

“This one’s free.”

Hearing this, the “princess” lightly pressed her lips together, as if truly thirsty, or perhaps the temptation sounded too sincere and wonderful. She reached out, accepted it, and took a small bite.

“Thud.”

So with a light sound, the apple fell to the ground, and the “princess” slowly collapsed in the stage’s center amid Roy’s triumphant light laughter, drawing a cry of alarm.

The soft light expanded somewhat, encompassing the boy who ran from the darkness.

Seeming to know he was powerless to change anything, after a period of grief, the boy gently lifted the “princess,” placed her in the nearby miniature crystal coffin also encompassed by soft light, then grasped the coffin’s edge, sorrowfully peering inside.

The stage darkened again, another segment ended.

Soon, accompanied by a finger snap from the audience, a lifelike horse’s neigh rang across the stage as the vanished starlight once again illuminated the darkness.

“Clang! The prince arrives!”

After an excited light shout, the “prince” entered in dark blue and snow-white finery with a red cloak, appearing beside the crystal coffin.

However…

Though called a “prince,” this child of about fourteen with an already graceful figure and pale gold shoulder-length hair floating like snow…

Was clearly a young girl.

Though compared to the “princess,” her appearance was slightly less dazzling, she was full of vitality and heroic spirit, very suitable for playing the “prince.”

But obviously, the boy waiting by the crystal coffin was quite dissatisfied with her irregular entrance and lines, complaining quietly: “That’s not in the script.”

“Shana, you’re improvising again!”

Seeing this, the girl called “Shana” snorted lightly, saying somewhat arrogantly.

“Mind your own business. Just perform.”

This situation was clearly routine. Knowing that due to age differences, whether arguing or using small fists, he couldn’t handle her, the boy sighed helplessly.

He was unhappy and said quite resentfully: “Oh, you finally arrived, Your Highness!”

“Please save Snow White.”

Hearing this, the “prince” smiled satisfactorily, half-kneeling beside the coffin, taking the “princess’s” truly snow-white small hand, then kissing it very romantically.

Thus the “miracle” occurred.

The “princess” who had eaten the “poisoned apple” slowly awakened, looking toward the “prince.”

“You’ve awakened—that’s wonderful!”

The “prince” still held the “princess’s” hand, looking at her as she timidly sat up, saying gently: “Will you come back to my country with me and be my princess?”

Just like that ancient fairy tale, the “princess” shyly agreed. Thus this segment ended, the stage darkened again, with questioning voices hidden in the darkness.

It was the “queen” inquiring of the magic mirror, her tone smug.

“Mirror, mirror—now I should be the most beautiful person in the world, right?”

Unexpectedly, the mirror with her same voice gave a completely different answer: “Snow White, who will soon marry the prince, is a thousand times more beautiful than you.”

Then amid angry gasps, the “queen” was thus “angered to death.”

So the “princess” and “prince” lived happily ever after following their wedding, and this three-person fairy tale performance came to a satisfying close.

Starlight brightened as the three main performers stood together, taking their bows amid crisp applause.

Then, before her siblings could react, the “prince” in the center moved first, leaping lightly as a butterfly from the stage toward the viewing stand.

Finally diving like a young swallow into Roy’s arms, who had just finished applauding and slightly opened her arms, asking coquettishly: “How did I perform, Mom?”

“Wonderfully performed—you have nine-tenths of my flair.”

After speaking, Roy—unchanged in appearance, posture, or temperament from over a decade ago, resembling sisters more than mother and daughter with the girl in her arms—rewarded her with a gentle kiss on her small face.

After the reward ceremony ended, the other two children came from the darkened stage to the viewing area. The “princess” was fine, but the boy looked quite indignant.

“Shana, you ran off again—you always do this!”

Hearing this, Shana smugly tilted her face up, her snow-like hair floating with the movement as she adopted a “Mom belongs to me” attitude: “That’s because you’re too slow, Nick.”

Hearing this, the boy indignantly brushed his cloth clothes and ignored her, looking toward his father nearby who still had “empty” arms, though obviously without much hope.

Sure enough, whether due to the captain’s favoritism or the devil’s blessing, Caine—who likewise bore no traces of time’s passage and remained young and handsome—felt the boy’s gaze and smiled: “You should let your sister go first.”

Hearing these words that, though expected, were still disappointing, Nick leaned against his mother and sat down, muttering sulkily: “Sofia and I are the same age.”

As twins, how much could their ages differ?

Father was truly biased.

Looking at Sofia, who was dressed like a “princess” and held a similar actual position in the family, sitting obediently on father’s lap, Nick felt quite emotional.

However, that small emotion quickly dissipated under mother’s coaxing and grandfather’s hair-ruffling offensive, replaced by strong curiosity.

“Mom, what’s this?”

Seeing Roy produce a small mirror like magic, the boy couldn’t help asking.

“It’s the magic mirror itself, of course.”

Speaking thus, the captain slightly raised her hand, avoiding Shana’s instinctively reaching hand, smiling softly: “It’s not for you—it’s Sofia’s reward.”

“Oh, Mom, you’re playing favorites. I worked hard too.”

Watching her sister happily accept the mirror, Shana said jealously, until Roy “disciplined” her with a tap on the nose, making her laugh as if her mischief had succeeded.

“What about mine? What about mine?”

Whether truly wanting a reward or just wanting attention like his sister, the boy also sat closer, looking up with an expectant small face, asking Roy repeatedly.

“You two, this mirror is for communication.”

Unable to resist their pestering, Roy smiled wryly and had to tell the truth: “Aren’t we sailing tomorrow? Sofia and the others won’t be coming along this time, so I’m leaving a mirror we can talk through. You two are different.”

“Besides, isn’t this an adventure tour? If you see something you like during the journey, consider it a reward for rehearsal hard work. Are you satisfied now?”

Hearing this, Shana and Nick exchanged glances, then asked in unison.

“Really?”

Roy tilted her chin up, promising: “Of course—this captain always keeps her word.”

Getting confirmation, the two little ones cheered together, high-fiving in successful cooperation.

However, Caine, watching this scene from the side, was secretly smiling wryly, thinking that their mother’s words came true maybe once out of ten times at most.

Not wanting to dampen the children’s spirits, the first mate naturally didn’t voice these thoughts, instead looking at Sofia nestled in his arms, curiously fiddling with the mirror, saying dotingly: “Grandfather will teach you if you can’t figure it out.”

“Besides, it has some fun uses—want to hear?”

Hearing this, the quiet girl in his arms nodded busily, crisply saying “yes,” while Roy’s side immediately quieted down after overhearing their conversation.

Without guessing, she knew the three “troublemakers” had all perked up their ears.

“You can ask it questions, just like in the fairy tale.”

With father’s encouraging gaze, Sofia lowered her head, timidly asking the magic mirror.

“Mirror, mirror, who is the most beautiful person in the world?”

Facing the girl’s question, the small mirror in her hands—delicate with frost and snowflake patterns around the edges—had its surface ripple like water, blurring her reflection.

Moments later, “Roy’s” voice came from within.

“Oh, dear child, that would naturally be the greatest Captain Elizabeth.”

After the magic mirror spoke, the viewing area fell silent.

It seemed everyone, including Roy who had created it, hadn’t expected this scene.

Moments later, facing the varied gazes of father, lover, and children, the captain awkwardly cleared her throat and reached out to tap the mirror’s surface.

“Sorry about that—there’s a small glitch.”

As her finger tapped the mirror with “tap tap” sounds, there was indeed a change. The rippling mirror surface stabilized, showing Sofia’s small face.

The voice coming out also changed from “Roy’s” self-praise to “Caine’s” gentle words.

“Naturally it’s you, my dear Princess Sofia.”

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Hearing this, the little ones looked at each other, glanced at their completely innocent-looking father, then all turned to look at Roy, seeing the mischievous smile on her face.

“Oh, Mom’s teasing people again.”

Subsequently, Sofia, holding the magic mirror as the target of the prank, complained quietly.

Her grievance was met with good-natured laughter and the captain’s comfort and characteristically insincere apology—clearly this wasn’t the first time.

Everyone in the family was helpless against Roy, who sometimes acted more childish than the children.

But soon, the laughter and voices gradually faded.

Because Roy raised a finger to her lips, making a shushing gesture to everyone.

Also because after their brief commotion, the previously darkened stage lit up again—the earlier fairy tale wasn’t tonight’s only program.

In the gentle starlight appeared two small figures, one sitting and one standing.

The seated one was a boy with slightly long silver hair tied in a short braid with a pure black ribbon, appearing very polite and quiet, the same age as Shana.

His name was Yalos Howard.

Like Sofia and Nick, he and the eldest sister Shana among the five children were also twins, but his personality was the complete opposite of her liveliness.

Quiet like a born composer.

At this moment, the boy in a pure black formal outfit with a refined temperament sat properly on a small stool in the stage’s center, a small violin resting on his shoulder.

Accompanying the quiet boy was a girl standing beside him, barely reaching his height, appearing no older than eight.

Compared to the siblings who had confidently performed on stage—even the gentle Sofia was naturally self-assured—this youngest girl was clearly nervous, occasionally glancing at Yalos.

Most striking was the girl’s appearance.

Whether her waterfall-like, pale gold soft curls, dark gold clear eyes, pink lips, delicate eyebrows, angel-like face, or fairy-like figure—she seemed carved from the same mold as Roy.

Extremely similar to the captain as a child, if she had truly been born as a girl.

Or to put it another way, extremely similar to…

That girl who had once grown up with Caine, beautiful as a heaven-sent treasure, later taken by merciless fire and conspiracy—that sister named Elizabeth Howard, angelic and loveable.

Now on stage, the girl in a snow-white long dress looking pleadingly at her brother, and the boy with his small violin, seemed to reverse time.

Back to many years ago, in Frans Island’s mansion, that small quiet attic.

Back to those most serene and beautiful years.

“What’s wrong, Dad?”

Though the performance hadn’t begun on stage, Sofia, nestled in her father’s arms with her sensitive heart, already sensed something different in his emotions as he watched that scene.

So she hugged the magic mirror, asking quietly.

Awakened by his daughter’s voice from memories spanning over thirty years—truly quite distant now—Caine smiled and shook his head at her, indicating nothing was wrong.

Really nothing now.

Just as the captain had thought on that fireworks-filled night sixteen years ago, these new lives that had come into the world truly had diluted the old pain.

Let it pass.

While the first mate reminisced on the viewing platform, gently conversing with his daughter, Yalos on stage was also looking at his sister, softly comforting her.

“It’s fine, Isa.”

The silver-haired boy raised his lips slightly, saying kindly: “It’s just Mom and Dad watching us—not strangers. Think of it as a bedtime program.”

“Besides, Mom promised that after singing, she’d take us to the ‘Wine Festival.’ You’ve always wanted to go, haven’t you? We can’t miss this rare opportunity.”

The “bedtime program” the boy mentioned was simply their family’s tradition since childhood—gathering before sleep to sing songs or tell stories.

If parents were present, they would arrange it; otherwise, it was left to elder brothers and sisters.

Tonight was indeed no different, since there wasn’t even one outsider on or off stage. The only difference was that their usually busy grandfather was also present.

Thinking of it this way, it was just a different form of “bedtime program.”

Hearing her brother’s comfort, the girl named “Isa” breathed lightly, her nervousness considerably reduced. Her watery eyes brightened considerably when she heard “Wine Festival,” sparkling like twinkling stars.

It was a traditional festival belonging to pirates.

Every year on this night, those ruffians would carry wine onto streets lit throughout the night, either celebrating wildly or drinking heavily, with spontaneous performances.

Extremely lively and interesting.

However… as a pirates’ carnival, besides celebration and relaxation, various “traditional programs” like quarrels and brawls emerged endlessly. Combined with pervasive alcohol and tobacco everywhere, it wasn’t suitable for children.

Therefore, in past years, even when led by Shana and Nick—the most troublesome pair and devoted followers of “pirate careers”—in their pleading and begging, Roy had never taken the children. Little Isa, seeing this, could only suppress her curiosity.

Only recently, when Roy announced the long-distance travel plan and this farewell theater performance before the entire family, did she make an exception—if the children performed diligently and well, she would take them to experience the festival.

Now, hearing her brother mention this, Isa immediately cast her timidity aside.

She straightened her slightly wrinkled white dress, bravely faced the viewing area, and gently closed her eyes, using actions to show she was ready. Thus, the violin music beside her gradually began.

The melody flowed gently, like a quiet stream.

Moments later, the girl’s heavenly voice came, initially slightly trembling but quickly stabilizing as she entered the performance, singing a gentle song praising love.

In the viewing area, everyone listened quietly, seemingly immersed in that soothing melody.

Only when the song ended and the silver-haired boy rose with his violin to bow with his sister did Roy and others finally applaud, with children’s cheering rising up.

“This piece was personally composed by Yalos—he spent several months on it. He also said it celebrates Mom and Dad’s epic love story.”

“So Mom…”

Watching the darkening stage and her approaching siblings, Shana in the captain’s arms drew closer, intimately hugging her neck while whispering coquettishly.

“When will you tell us about your love journey with Dad—those thrilling, life-and-death transcending moments? It would be even better with ghosts and such.”

Hearing this, Nick, sitting nearby on the “same side” as his sister, quickly nodded in agreement: “Yes, yes, Isa and the others have always wanted to hear too.”

Knowing these two “troublemakers'” attention wasn’t really on any touching love story but wanting to know about her contests with gods, devils, and spirits on the vast seas amid flashing swords and sabers, Roy smiled wryly.

“This matter won’t help even if you beg me. Look, see the person beside me? Only if he relents will those stories be ‘unbanned’ in our family.”

“After that, you can come find me, and I promise not to hide even one detail.”

“Okay?”

Seeing their mother give this same response again, the two children—particularly yearning for their parents’ fascinating pirate life, especially Shana who aspired to become the new Pirate King and future Captain Shana—looked even more resentful.

However, facing their pitiful gazes, Caine—who had always opposed his children entering pirate life—looked somewhat stern.

Even more unusually coldly saying: “No discussion.”

Seeing this, Nick immediately deflated while Shana stuck out her tongue and shrank back into Roy’s arms. On this matter, even Gerard, who usually doted on them to the point of spoiling, only smiled silently, clearly supporting his son-in-law’s decision.

But thinking about it, only when father and husband ¹ Ah, finally! simultaneously held firm opposition to something would the lawless captain compromise.

Also because of this, that incomparably glorious past that had created a new era had become a secret among all crew members and elders, including her.

Because if not the pirates, at least all the old people couldn’t bear for these two little ones to dive headfirst into the sea for that harsh life due to momentary yearning.

After these small unpleasantries, the viewing area’s atmosphere quickly recovered its warmth.

Because Yalos and Isa, having put away the violin and wooden stool, came close, and everyone would soon depart to attend the festival the children had long anticipated.

So the theater gradually deepened into night, but the mighty city would spend a sleepless night.

The revelry was just beginning.

That grand festival evolved from ancient customs, related to wine, lasted all night until the sky brightened completely before the pirates called a halt.

Of course, Roy, who was originally just taking the children to “get a taste,” naturally wouldn’t lead the little ones wandering all night among drinking and carousing ruffians.

Even if she wanted to, this proposal probably wouldn’t pass the two barriers of husband and father.

So in reality, they only splashed some wine and played wildly for a while at the Banshee’s Eye main store entrance in the city center, then returned to the suburban estate that outwardly belonged to some great merchant but was actually the Howard family’s property to rest.

Then came a night of peaceful, sweet dreams.

The next morning.

Amid the cheers of Shana and Nick—those two devoted followers of “pirate careers”—Roy and her companion changed into captain’s clothing that had long hung on racks, gorgeous as clouds or deep blue as the sea, then led the children out the door.

Surprisingly, Gerard—who had wielded great power in the Islands due to his daughter and son-in-law’s hands-off behavior and, alongside Great Captain Victor and “Black Rose,” was among the decision-makers yet equally busy—was also in the group.

He carried Isa, who didn’t want to walk far, with Yalos and Sofia walking behind, closely following Roy’s group of four toward the secret place.

Just as Roy had said when giving the magic mirror to her daughter last night, they would set sail today for distant travel. The expedition members would be her and Caine, plus Shana and Nick—the two among the five children who most loved sailing and adventure.

Yalos, who due to his preferences and pursuits would go to Auran to study more formal music theory, the quiet-loving Sofia, and young Isa would stay in the Islands or go to the Empire under grandfather’s care.

Presumably, the two sisters would prefer to accompany the gentle boy to Auran.

Due to the long journey, Gerard naturally wouldn’t feel at ease, so he had pushed aside all affairs to carefully tend to his grandchildren while bidding farewell to Roy and her companion.

The family chatted and laughed, soon passing the small wooden house where legendary meetings were held, then following the stream leading to the sea until they reached the inner coastline.

Today, this place’s scenery had greatly changed.

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No longer shrouded in complex forest shade as years ago, a fairly spacious beach had been cleared with a somewhat simple small port built.

Besides accommodating the Great Captain and those three completely irresponsible fellows—Roy, Caine, and Richi—it also served newly crowned legendary pirates for their travels.

It was also a landing place for occasionally visiting distinguished guests.

When Roy and others walked onto the beach, the gradually brightening morning light had already covered the inner sea, draping the windless, waveless water surface and several scattered warships in golden gauze.

Accompanied by an excited cheer, Nick—who loved cannons and weapons even more fervently than his sister who aspired to be Pirate King—couldn’t contain himself upon seeing the magnificent city-like Goddess Hestia and ran over.

In a few steps he was on the pier, among the waiting crew and skeleton soldiers at the dock, then turned back to cast questioning glances at his parents nearby.

After receiving permission through gazes and nods, this little “troublemaker” was surrounded by pirates and boarded a small boat first, immediately heading toward the giant ship’s shadow.

Seeing this, Shana, holding her mother’s hand, shook her head like a little adult.

She seemed to think he was too reckless and demonstrative, unlikely to become a competent captain in the future—at most serving as her sister’s first mate.

Yes, exactly.

Like a true great pirate or general, after surveying the sparkling inner sea, Shana’s eyes brightened because she saw a long-missed warship.

In the inner sea’s center, before the Goddess Hestia, appeared a ship that was generally deep blue like the dark sea, with a small boat approaching from there.

Soon, the boat reached shore and two figures walked together onto the white beach.

At the same time, Shana also released her mother’s hand, running joyfully toward them like they weren’t long-separated strangers but priceless treasures come to life.

That deep blue warship was the Nightmare King, which hadn’t returned to the Islands for many years. The two walking onto the beach were naturally its captain and first mate.

They were Roy’s old friends she hadn’t seen for years, only occasionally contacting through letters—Richi and Vivian.

Similarly, these two legendary figures who had personally experienced that long journey alongside the Golden-Eyed Devil were, in the running girl’s eyes, like story books not locked away by her father.

Though Captain Richi rarely returned, as the eldest child, Shana had fortunately seen him several times, leaving excellent impressions.

Even the pirate fantasies that arose in her heart and later “misled” Nick were born because of the dashing Blood-Eyed Butcher. In terms of idol and role model relationships, she and Richi were like Roy and Captain Night Curtain in the past.

Just as Roy and Caine exchanged helpless glances, Shana had already leaped into the arms of Richi, who had lowered himself with slightly opened arms, amid joyful cheering.

She was lifted by this Blood-Eyed Captain who had grown from a thin youth into a young man with still somewhat insufficient blood color but already graceful bearing and elegant demeanor.

He even spun her in a circle.

“Look how big our little Shana has grown—where’s that little Nick?”

After setting down the girl, Richi waved to Roy and her companion nearby as a greeting, then half-knelt down, smiling as he asked the girl before him.

“He boarded ship first. Speaking of which, Uncle Richi, why don’t you have children yet? A few years ago you said next time you’d bring me a little brother or sister.”

Shana answered casually, apparently getting along very well with this couple. After glancing between them and confirming something, she asked slyly.

“Well, what I say doesn’t count…”

Speaking thus, the blood-eyed youth tilted his face up, looking at Vivian beside him—who had also blossomed into a beauty but perhaps due to past curses appeared not to have aged sixteen years—and smiled wryly, earning a slightly shy eye-roll.

“I say, Captain, did you ever tell Richi not to discuss pirate matters with Shana? She and Nick are completely obsessed with going to sea as pirates now.”

Watching Richi, Vivian, and Shana getting along harmoniously, with the girl excitedly asking about something, Caine frowned with some displeasure.

“Of course… of course I mentioned it.”

Having just finished telling the three children brought by Gerard that there was still time before departure and they could play in the forest if they wanted, Roy straightened up and faced her first mate’s questioning quite guiltily.

Seeing his completely disbelieving expression, the captain could only scratch her cheek and add irresponsibly: “Of course, you know that little rascal never listens to me.”

“Hey, hey, hey, you…”

Seeing her first mate about to immediately retrieve their daughter from the Blood-Eyed Butcher’s “clutches” after hearing this, Roy quickly grabbed his wrist.

Then, though knowing she was in the wrong, she was also somewhat provoked and asked: “Is it really necessary? What’s wrong with children aspiring to be pirates? Aren’t we pirates ourselves?”

“You didn’t throw such a fit when I asked you to follow me in the past.”

Turning toward the aggressive but actually evasive-eyed captain, Caine sighed helplessly and asked: “Is this the same thing? Captain, were you willing to become a pirate? Don’t forget—you said your childhood dream was to be an explorer.”

“Besides, precisely because we’re pirates, we better understand how bitter and dangerous it is.”

“Isn’t that right?”

Looking at his wife, who didn’t know how to refute and had lowered her eyelids, appearing quite aggrieved, though knowing this gentle attitude from her was certainly an act, Caine’s tone couldn’t help growing weaker.

In the end, only a quiet suggestion remained: “In my opinion, this can’t continue. Doesn’t Shana want to be Pirate King? Why don’t we simply…”

Speaking thus, the first mate paused.

He seemed to think this approach was too underhanded, but looking at his daughter’s snow-like long hair that seemed ready to fly with her emotions, Caine still looked back and said: “Simply go to Devil’s Island and bring back that hat.”

“Put it on her head and be done with it. Deal with her, and Nick will give up too.”

Hearing this, Roy—surprised by his words into raising her eyes with no heart left for pretense—couldn’t help twitching her eye corner, smiling wryly: “Where did you get such a devious idea?”

Though it might not work and was more angry talk, he rarely showed such cunning.

Giving their daughter the ancestor’s hat, elevating her to nominal Pirate King? Though presumably that devil, if alive, wouldn’t object but would smile wickedly.

It was still somewhat disrespectful to elders.

“Alright, don’t be angry.”

Suppressing random thoughts, Roy coaxed her first mate: “Taking Shana and Nick along this time is precisely to let them indulge their pirate fantasies. Before going East, we’ll first take them to the Old Sea and the ancestor’s treasure vault.”

“Maybe after seeing the hat and treasure, they’ll be satisfied and cool down?”

Hearing this reasoning, Caine’s expression—as cold and stern as when they first met—finally softened somewhat, responding quietly in acknowledgment and satisfaction with this decision.

After that, he remembered the “East” mentioned in his wife’s words and asked her if there were any problems, confirming: “You’re certain that prince won?”

Yes, this journey’s destination was the East that Roy had yearned for over a decade.

That mysterious and brilliant civilization.

Actually, years ago, after Isa could remember things, they could have begun preparing for departure without necessarily waiting for the mist to completely disperse.

What Roy was actually waiting for wasn’t the mist’s dissipation but the outcome between that Eastern father and son.

Whether to negotiate or fight, there had to be someone to choose. Whether that person was the briefly-met prince or the ancestor’s former acquaintance, the captain didn’t care.

The current she had long been able to overlook this blue planet. Never mind just a near-divine being—even if Hydra-like spirits were fully revived, it wouldn’t matter.

Even the Other Shore had repeatedly descended “crowns” to persuade her.

Only naturally without result—she had no intention of departing.

“Yes, didn’t I tell you? Two or three months ago, when I routinely extended my senses to explore that mist, I happened to encounter that prince.”

Speaking thus, Roy released her first mate’s wrist, crossed her arms, and smiled as she gazed at the inner sea and ship shadows, seeming to look across countless sea miles toward that hazy mist.

And her mentioned “encounter” was naturally also of senses, not at all coincidental.

But rather that remarkable prince, after leading his trusted advisors and generals through sixteen years of bloody warfare and conquest in that great dynasty and finally achieving victory, had specifically watched that border area, waiting to “meet” with her.

In that brief “meeting,” Roy roughly learned of the great transformation that occurred in the Eastern brilliant civilization, even able to imagine the scene of blood and fire staining the capital during that final moment when father and son fought their shocking battle.

Speaking of which, it was quite similar to her blood battle with the ancestor many years ago.

“That’s good then. Though it’s been a long time since we met, at least he’s an acquaintance.”

Hearing this, Caine nodded slightly, also smiling.

Though always confident in the captain, it was naturally best if such battles could be avoided.

As she said, they were going to travel, not to compete for anything.

Just as this place quieted down and they both gazed at their daughter listening intently to Richi’s stories, suddenly, violent sounds came from the inner sea.

“Boom!”

That quietly floating giant ship’s side opposite the port suddenly erupted in unified cannon fire, thunderous as lightning!

Moments later, rock and soil tumbled from the sea mountain range where the cannons had aimed.

“What’s happening?”

Everyone present had witnessed scenes countless times larger, naturally not losing composure over cannon fire. But looking at the Goddess Hestia, Caine—who had guessed something—still looked unpleasantly cold and stern as if capable of freezing.

Hearing the first mate’s deep, low question, Roy could no longer cross her arms looking carefree, hurrying to press down with her hands while smiling apologetically: “Small matter, just a small matter.”

Meanwhile, startled Shana couldn’t suppress her excitement and leaped up, pumping her fist.

Her clear laughter and cheers carried far.

“Perfect volley!”

Following their daughter’s cheering, the captain spread her hands, explaining with a wry smile: “You know how persistent Nick can be, and General Fern dotes on him…”

After hearing the cannon fire, Roy naturally extended her senses to investigate and immediately understood the cause.

Even without her finishing, Caine had already guessed the entire story from this, coldly saying: “This is too outrageous. He’ll get what’s coming to him later.”

The General Fern the captain mentioned was the supreme commander leading the ship’s skeleton legion, once the nominal first mate of that human leader.

After that world-determining war ended, though the undead didn’t depart nor ask Roy to use secret methods to reshape their bodies, they did request that she grant the skeletons the ability to speak, thus learning their names.

Rеaԁ οո KаtRеаⅾiոɡСαfe

Most importantly, including General Fern, whether crew members or skeleton soldiers, all doted heavily on those two little “troublemakers” Shana and Nick.

Thus came the scene of cannon volleys shaking mountains to delight the “troublemaker.”

But likewise… a lesson was inevitable.

Seeing her husband’s truly angry expression, Roy twitched her mouth corner and said nothing, knowing persuasion would be useless and could only secretly pray for that poor little one.

After all, she could disobey him in every other aspect, but not in education.

To raise them entirely according to the captain’s ideas would probably make all five little ones as lawless as her, causing future troubles she couldn’t face.

Subsequently, time flowed quietly without further incidents.

When Roy felt it was about time to depart, she extended her thoughts to “summon” back Yalos and the other three who were playing in the dense forest, planning to say farewell.

But unexpectedly, her senses detected not just three people.

Looking at this final passage, I’ll translate it while maintaining the established character names and glossary conventions:

And also…

“Mama, when we were playing, it just came up to us on its own…”

Holding the fluffy creature and looking quite pitiful, Isa lifted her little face with a pleading expression: “Can we… can we keep it?”

Looking at the coaxing Isa, and at Yalos and Sofia who hadn’t spoken but clearly felt the same way—just thinking that having their little sister ask would give them better chances—Roy’s cheeks twitched slightly as she looked toward the furry ball.

Then she met those magnificent, deep blue eyes that seemed somewhat bewildered at the moment.

Time seemed to freeze in that instant.

After a long while, the captain let out a gentle sigh as if she’d untied a deeply hidden knot in her heart. Looking at the fluffy creature that was staring with wide eyes, as if suddenly remembering something, she asked her youngest daughter softly: “Where did you all meet it?”

Hearing this, Isa lowered her head to think for a moment, then looked at Roy uncertainly: “I think it was near the wooden house where Uncle Victor and the others hold meetings.”

“We’ve never seen it before. Maybe it was hiding.”

Hearing her youngest daughter’s innocently adorable speculation, Roy smiled even more gently. Meeting the three little ones’ earnest gazes, she waved her hand in permission.

“By the way, don’t forget to give it a name.”

After giving the furry ball—which wanted to break free from Isa’s embrace and leap into her own arms, but didn’t dare use force for fear of hurting the child and seemed quite helpless—a look that said “help me watch the kids,” the captain said to Isa.

Upon hearing this, the delighted girl lowered her head to look at the half-grown kitten with blue eyes and black fur in her arms, then raised her head to ask her mother crisply.

“What does Mama think sounds good?”

Seeing this, thinking of this black cat whose eye color hadn’t changed but whose breed had definitely transformed, and remembering how its past name came about, Roy’s smile grew even brighter.

She bent down slightly, casually rubbing the black cat’s head, and suggested to her youngest daughter.

“In my opinion, just call it your favorite dessert.”

So the girl, having received her mother’s “decree,” held the black cat a bit farther away, gazing into its eyes with her own eyes narrowing and lashes curving as she said:

“Then from now on you’ll be called, you’ll be called…”

“Cream Hazelnut Bread!”

As soon as these words were spoken, Roy who straightened up, Caine nearby, and Gerard leaning against a not-too-distant tree trunk and watching this scene warmly, all couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

Yalos and Sofia just looked at each other, thinking the name was a bit long.

The only one with objections was actually the cat itself.

“Meow.”

Hearing that name, the black cat protested with a low cry.

And magically, everyone present, even the smallest child, understood.

The cat was saying no.

“Good, then that’s what we’ll call it.”

But obviously, no one adopted its opinion. Even the children who were curiously watching it just thought they’d had a momentary illusion and didn’t pay much attention.

Roy’s final word settled the matter.

Although because of this, being held back in Isa’s arms and looking at the captain, the black cat’s gaze held some resentful blame, she had no intention of changing her mind.

She only moved her lips, using words only the black cat could hear, pleading with it like she was acting spoiled.

“Please, Mango, just let the child be happy.”

“Don’t come aboard with me this time either. I’ll be back in two or three years. Help me look after the children, okay? I’ll owe you another big favor.”

Hearing the captain’s whispered words in its ear, the black cat gave her a listless eye-roll, thinking that if you really want to count favors, is what you owe me really so little?

At the same time, it also called out sadly.

Saying, young lady, after sixteen years apart, you haven’t changed at all except for becoming even more shameless.

Of course, only Roy, who was smiling brilliantly, could understand this cry. Even the young man beside her, who showed surprise and delight, having guessed something from its earlier protest, couldn’t comprehend. But in the end…

It still agreed out of its affection for her.

Thus, another small episode ended.

Afterwards, Roy half-knelt down to speak softly with the children.

After confirming that Sofia had learned how to use the magic mirror, instructing Yalos to take good care of his sisters, and kissing each of the three little ones on the cheek, the captain finally stood up again and gave her father a final nod before leaving.

Soon, Roy and her companion, along with Shana who had wanted to board the Nightmare King with Richi but was coldly grabbed back by her father, boarded the ship under the crew’s welcome.

Finally, the massive vessel slowly headed toward the estuary as the captain waved goodbye with her husband and child to the four figures on shore—no, counting the cat, five figures—standing against the sunlight, and conveyed a message through the wind.

And that message was naturally her signature farewell phrase before every adventure.

“We’re off.”

Crisp and decisive, just like always.

And Roy’s party wasn’t the only one participating in this distant journey.

Besides the Goddess Hestia, and the giant dragon that had grown too large to stay aboard ship and now swam freely in nearby waters, with the raven that often stood on its head to keep it from being too lonely, the returned Nightmare King would also accompany them.

That pair of blood-eyed lovers, who had both grown considerably but still got along as they always had, had received Roy’s invitation and timed their return to the islands for today.

All to travel east together.

In Richi’s words, they were planning to go anyway, so this timing was perfect.

And with the same reasoning was the siren, who despite being countless sea miles away at the world’s end, had been living in seclusion there after bringing Enzo back.

It wasn’t until later, when the ship spirit arrived to reminisce, that the little cottage became lively. Until several years passed in the blink of an eye, both the sea maiden and the ghostly girl who accompanied her felt they’d had enough nostalgia, so they set off to tour the world.

Later still, when they had traveled throughout the present world and planned to see the mysterious east, they received an invitation letter formed from the captain’s consciousness falling from the sky.

So now, they were waiting at the former Storm Corner, awaiting the massive ship to come pick them up.

And although Roy had once promised that after gods and ghosts departed, she would try to limit her own power to avoid affecting natural laws, and that she herself would sleep eternally when the time came, not seeking immortality and completely severing the devil’s curse.

But who could be without private feelings?

The captain had indeed disappeared after ending the old history, not interfering in world affairs, and hadn’t changed her philosophy or pursued eternity like some god-like figures of old.

But in places unknown to the world, she still wrote several hidden strokes.

Like her and her first mate’s unchanging appearance.

Like Alfie, who should have reached the end of its lifespan many years ago and should have closed its eyes in eternal sleep, still living carefree to this day because of Roy’s selfishness.

Because she couldn’t bear to part with it, because she couldn’t bear to see her beloved pet’s frightened eyes before death.

The same went for the children she had borne, with noble blood flowing in their veins and great power that might suddenly awaken under certain dangerous circumstances or opportunities.

Perhaps in the future, among these little ones, or their children, or even later descendants, someone would awaken their bloodline and embark on the path of pursuing immortality.

Perhaps a great savior would appear, or perhaps someone unforgivably guilty of world destruction.

But even knowing this, when she first carried Shana and Yalos, the twins, Roy still resolutely granted them the status of divine offspring.

This was certainly selfishness, but it was also the instinct and deep love of a mother.

Who could criticize anything about that?

Moreover, Roy never considered herself any kind of saint—she was merely a pirate.

A lowly, brave, shameless, honorable… pirate, nothing more.

Those things that might happen decades, hundreds, or even thousands of years after her death—she couldn’t care less about all that. Living in the present was most important.

And now, carrying those she loved and who loved her, her pursuit of freedom and vision for the future, the massive ship was slowly setting sail toward the unknown east.

Toward a brand new beginning, just like many years ago, the beginning of the Devil’s Island story.

Just like the meeting, acquaintance, and growing to know each other between the pirate and the naval officer…

Until finally falling into the sea of love.

Beautiful and unforgettable.