On the Sonia Sea, a massive silver-white, three-masted ship with a statue of a sword-wielding maiden at its prow was slicing through the waves, navigating toward a route absent from any known nautical chart. Standing at the ship's bow was a striking woman in her twenties with long, black hair and deep brown eyes. Her face was both refined and bold, accentuated by an old-fashioned Intis-style knight's armor, with a simple longsword strapped at her waist.
This resolute woman was none other than the newly appointed pirate admiral, "Vice Admiral Pale" Maria, who had succeeded "Admiral of Hell" Ludwell. Now aboard her flagship, Pale Maiden, she was making her way to an island dominated by a dormant volcano to attend an upcoming pirate conference.
As Maria gazed toward the distant horizon, a young man with slightly wavy brown hair approached her, clearly hesitant. "Captain, are we really going to attend this so-called Pirate Conference?"
Maria turned partially to face him, her expression uncomfortably stiff, almost as if her face were a marionette's. "Of course. Not only do you and Nicole need specific materials for advancement, but also… well, there are other matters you don't need to know about," she finished, offering an awkward smile.
"Captain, you don't have to force yourself to smile if it's uncomfortable…" The young man's familiarity with Maria was evident from his light-hearted tone.
Maria fell silent for a moment before finally murmuring, "The crew keeps saying I'm too stern, that they feel pressured…"
"Yes, but you're even scarier when you try to smile…" Kent replied, rubbing his forehead helplessly.
---
Elsewhere in the Sonia Sea, another massive sailboat was tearing through the water at incredible speed. The ship, coated in black paint, had an appearance reminiscent of a crescent moon, with a single ominous sail depicting a black tombstone. If a seasoned sailor had been there to witness it, they would have instantly cried out, "The Death Knell!"
Standing aboard this infamous vessel was the notorious "Slaughterer" Kircheis, carrying a bounty of 9,500 pounds. He relayed orders from his captain, the "King of Immortality," Agalito: "Send word to all sub-fleets to converge near Twain Island. However, make sure they keep a distance of at least fifteen nautical miles from the island."
---
As Golden Dream, with its grand depictions of the five major coins from Loen, Feysac, Intis, Feynapotter, and Lenburg, docked at Twain's port, the once-raucous crowd of pirates onshore grew silent, gawking in awe. The ship, pristine and impeccably maintained, exuded an air of sophistication amidst the island's rugged atmosphere.
Leading the way off the ship was "Vice Admiral Iceberg" Edwina Edwards, radiating a subtle yet palpable authority. She was joined by "Gourmet" Bru Walls, "Blazing" Danitz, and "Flowery Bow Tie" Jodeson, who followed her down the gangplank. Together, they walked through the crowd of pirates, who instinctively parted to clear a path, heading directly toward the main venue.
"Captain, the conference isn't until tomorrow. Why are we here so early?" Danitz asked as he glanced around the accommodations provided for them, unimpressed. "This place doesn't come close to the comfort of Golden Dream."
Without a word, Edwina turned to look at Danitz, her clear blue eyes locking onto his.
The captain's looking at me! The captain's looking at me! Danitz's heart pounded as his pulse raced with excitement.
After a moment's pause, Edwina responded calmly, "It's good to question things you don't understand," before explaining, "I'm here to meet someone. I arrived early so I wouldn't miss them."
Meeting someone? Jodeson and the others perked up, curious about the captain's mysterious acquaintance.
But Edwina didn't elaborate further. Instead, she seemed to sink into thought, as though pondering a complex academic problem.
---
Tuesday morning, after a night of sailing, Aarenheim entered the secluded waters surrounding Twain Island, where numerous pirate ships of various types and sizes dotted the vicinity.
Despite the surrounding dangers, Gwen, now a "Pugilist," and the young Terrance were both on high alert, ready to respond to any potential threat. Only Lydia continued to smile cheerfully, appearing unfazed by the pirate vessels crowding the waters.
As for Ebner, he had also moved to the deck, prepared to intervene if necessary.
Just then, Lydia sidled up to him and asked in a low voice, "I saw Silica yesterday… you informed Karen, didn't you?"
Ebner didn't deny it, though he downplayed his actions. "I may have mentioned it in passing while asking him something else."
"Well, it's fine either way. I was allowed out by the clan," Lydia muttered, pouting. "It's just Mother and Karen who objected…"
Is this a late rebellious phase for vampires? Ebner thought to himself before saying, "Karen's just looking out for you."
Lydia's cheeks puffed slightly, but she didn't argue, only muttering, "I know, but they're overprotective! What's the point of an adventure if I'm being watched?"
Teenage rebellion, Ebner thought, sighing internally. Out loud, he asked, "Is there something you'd like me to do?"
Lydia's expression softened as she explained, "I know you've probably noticed that Terrance isn't doing well on this ship. Once I leave, it's likely to get worse. I'd like you to talk to him, maybe offer him a bit of advice… He really looks up to you, you know. Always dreaming of becoming a 'hero'..."
Ebner could only sigh internally at her concern. Another hot potato. But maybe I can use my recent progress with Roselle's Dream Invocation to offer him some guidance…
Before Ebner could respond, an eerie ship appeared alongside Aarenheim, passing them at a close distance.
Ebner glanced at the ship and caught sight of a familiar figure on deck—a man with blue, seaweed-like hair—who briefly turned to meet his gaze.
The Hanged Man, Alger? Ebner immediately committed the ship captain's appearance to memory before turning back to Lydia. "I'll do what I can," he said. "But let me ask—why are you so concerned about that boy, Terrance?"
Caught off guard, Lydia stammered for a moment before finally responding, "Maybe because… his blood tastes good?"
---
Onboard Blue Avenger, Alger withdrew his gaze, a frown forming as he processed the brief encounter. That looked like Bryan the Hero Detective…
What on earth is he doing at a pirate conference?
Since his time at the Cathedral of Waves in Backlund, Alger had come across files about the rapidly rising detective.
But the more I think about it, the more uneasy I feel. Every time that detective attends an event, something unexpected happens… Is the Pirate Conference destined to become chaotic? Perhaps I should turn back now.
(End of Chapter)