- I didn't agree. I definitely did not agree to leave the leadership of the Tomorrow Star under Corner's command. You saw how irresponsible he is, didn't you? Zagorra's death was his fault.
Richard glared at his wife knowing it would be another argument.
- It's already created enough confusion to keep the Revenge helm. How can I have a woman... Damn. Me neither. Nor do I have two ships under command. It can't be that hard to negotiate like that and agree to leave just one of the helms. We already have Gaia, Revenge and Estrela do Amanhã.
Cassie crossed her arms in the poses of a queen. And what was the problem anyway?
-All right. We can start discussing the crew. Who stays and who gets out? The latest approaches to pirate attacks have been profitable. Corsairs, my dear. Isn't it an advantage to have the letter of marque in your hands again?
His smile was bland. Independent women. She was discovering that she was too independent even for him. Of course, he could patiently convince her of that.
-I'm a man and...
She crossed her arms over her unyielding chest.
-And I'm a woman. And? I can perfectly maintain the lead.
He bit back a groan. Inspiration. No great idea came to mind.
"Are you still mad about Gypsy?" He probed for minefields.
"But me?" Cassie asked with all forced innocence. A free spectrum. No Christian secrecy. But still... No Gypsy.
-Look, you're the difficult type. It cost nothing to help...
He was beginning to seriously evaluate the supposed help of the gypsies. May hell itself opens its gates. He had never seen Cassie so furious.
-Are you really saying that I agree? I don't think leviathan will like it. At least I'm sure Azazel will complain. Do not you think? Forgot about your mother-in-law can you be nice? You won't enjoy teasing Lilith, will you?
-Damn, dealing with a sorcerer is already complicated. But witches... What happens? It can't be that difficult.
- We can summon the infernal court to decide that.
"You're not going to bring the infernal court into this matter."
Her eyes sparkled in a challenge.
-Well, I'm going to ask for the complete infernal court. The complete list of gifts. It will make Manon upset. You won't find much support with Asmodeus.
He took several deep breaths trying to stay calm.
-You won't get into the Belfegor discussion! He wouldn't dare...
Her smile was defiant.
-Not just Belphegor but Astaroth. What do you think? Can we call all the power? And what about former principalities? We can gather the seven princes of hell. And don't forget to put it on the Abbadon guest list.- he insisted seriously.
- It's just a presentation.. Are you going to turn this into a dance?- he asked in disbelief.
There was the leadership of the ships and she still found time to organize parties.
-It's a special occasion. Teach from an early age. Critical and independent thinking, and also freedom of thought in children.
"I thought we were arguing about work." He looked at his wife with some irritation.
Her way of doing everything at the same time and everything together was terrible.
-We are also arguing about this, love. Every parent must teach the child to question and rationalize what we know about the world and the wonders that exist in it. Does not agree?
- You mean...?- he doubted what he heard. - Encourage empathy and benevolence, as well as upholding justice?
-And don't forget common sense, scientific knowledge, human rights and the separation between religion and monarchy. Take care of the education of the children of the fortress. Give them activities that include classes. Learn science, literature and arts.
- This isn't going to work, Cassie. Any idea of the cost?
- We might have help. How about in the courtyard of the fortress? The Baphomet image is accompanied by two children who admire him sitting under an inverted pentagram.
Richard scratched his head, imagining the unholy miracle he needed for this.
-It won't be easy.
-It's about defending equality between all religions. Courage, and love, will be remembered for a lifetime.
- As for the crew list?
-How about the menu for the guests? Roasted cricket skewers? I prefer well-done scorpions.