I made an essence contract out of parchment and made it a long parchment all rolled up. Everyone could sign on the same contract that way. The terms and stipulations on it were for a standard employee contract. Except it was all long-winded and boring to read.
And pirates? Weren't known for their attention to detail or forward-thinking. Most of them didn't give a shit what they were signing. It's not like anyone can enforce the terms upon them. If anyone tried, they would just revolt or mutiny. Not to mention most of them don't even know how to read.
So every time a gentleman of fortune signed on I got a promise of loyalty for two years. Notice how I said 'promise' and not certain loyalty. As a bonus, I also got a copy of memories of all fighting, sailing and other miscellaneous skills from everyone who signed on.
When I finally met up with Helga and the recruits, I learned where the 80 or so recruits that were all a part of the same pirate group came from.
Apparently, their previous captain was killed in action when they resisted a Hyrisian search party. Most of them survived but the first mate of the group took advantage of the captain's injuries after the fight to settle an old score. They assured me it wasn't mutiny but they weren't fooling anyone. Not that I cared.
As for why they signed up? Their ship took irreparable damage and they needed a new ship. Of course, we all knew where this was going but I let them think they have me fooled for now.
When we finally made our way to the ship and boarded I found myself surrounded. Helga and the traitor first mate were standing next to each other and talking.
"You weren't kidding Sharkie. This is a damn good find."
Helga gave a standard customer service smile.
"When did I ever underdeliver Donny? I told you it was a monster of a ship. Wait till you see what makes it so special."
"Aye lass, we'll get to that but first" he turned to me fully "Well then 'Captain Edward' you see, my previous captain was a stubborn man. When I gave him the chance to step down peacefully he didn't appreciate my offer and died for his stubbornness. I hope you don't make the same mistake."
He gave me a toothy grin and laughed while his fellow crew mates joined alongside him. Feeling the contracts activating all at once made me chuckle. Almost with a lazy drawl, I started talking.
"Gentleman. I am quite bewildered by the scene in front of me. There I was hoping to rest for the night. And suddenly I find myself surrounded on my deck. Sailors, not taking up their posts, without order, without leave. Men before the mast, taking the ship for themselves, what would that be Coco?"
Coco spoke like the parrot she is.
"Mutiny"
I put a hand next to my ear like I was trying to hear better.
"Say it again Coco?"
"Mutiny Captain Mutiny *CAW*"
"Aye, mutiny."
No one noticed Queen moving the ropes like snakes. Sneaking up on the men and women.
"And what fate befalls mutineers, now we know the answer to that do we not? Mutineers HANG!"
Just when I finished my words the ship came alive before anyone could realise what was going on and started binding up everybody. In the surprise and confusion, some drew cutlasses, some drew pistols, some in their fear jumped off the ship but none of them were fast enough to respond.
Arms holding cutlasses bound unable to move or swing. Hands holding pistol unable to aim. Idiots jumping off the ship caught before they even hit the water.
When everyone was bound Queen at my request brought before me my first acquaintance in this world.
She nervously looked at me while being held upside down.
"Captain I wish to report a mutiny."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Helga, Helga, Helga. I was honestly expecting you to rise above my suspicions but I guess I had too high hopes for you. You disappoint me greatly lass."
"*CAW* Disappointment Disappointment *CAW*"
"See even Coco agrees. Tell me Helga, have you ever heard of a magical contract?"
She went wide-eyed as did a few other crew members close by enough to hear.
"Magical contract? Aren't those things expensive as hell? Only nation leaders use those for diplomatic deals and agreements. You couldn't possibly have used one for something as trivial as a few pirates that are not even capable of getting a proper 'Profession' right? Right?"
Oh yes, that Profession thing is like RPG classes for this world only instead of actual classes it functions on Runes. To be more precise every magic in this world operates under the principles of Runes.
But I had more concerning issues than that at the moment.
I didn't go into detail but I did explain to everyone that they are under a magical contract now and due to the terms they agreed to and promptly breached, their whole existence from their mind, body and soul are mine to do with as I see fit.
They were outraged. I told them to shut the fuck up. They should have thought about that before they betrayed me.
I literally willed them to be loyal and they were compelled to be so due to the consequences of breaching their contract.
So now I had the undying loyalty of a whole crew. They weren't much but it was a start.
After confirming our heading to the Golden Bay and telling Queen to let the crew sail her and only help out when necessary. I retreated back to my quarters and eyed the Devil Fruit growing in its pot.
"Soon, soon."