Seeing the notebook Hina handed over, Yeyin took it.
"Thanks, Hina. It's great having you around."
After saying that, Yeyin began looking through the information. Hina, meanwhile, blushed slightly.
Could it be...
Just thinking about it made Hina's face even redder. However, remembering what Gion had told her, she felt conflicted.
Yeyin had no idea that his simple comment had caused Hina to think so much. He was fully focused on reviewing the documents.
After going through everything, Yeyin sighed slightly.
As expected, most of these people were once civilians, some even from poor backgrounds.
The reason they joined the pirates was simple: they could get enough to eat and avoid being bullied.
"Phew…"
After taking a deep breath, Yeyin walked to the center of the square.
"Alright, I will now pronounce your sentence."
"By joining the pirates, you have committed arson, murder, and plundering."
"Your sentence is life imprisonment in the Kingdom of Pirdux, where you will contribute to this place."
"If you pass certain evaluations, you may become a citizen of Pirdux and have a new identity."
Yeyin spoke decisively.
Hearing this, Hina was stunned, the pirates were stunned, and King Kakajelo was stunned.
Leaving the pirates here—wasn't he worried about a rebellion?
And there weren't enough navy forces here to protect the civilians!
"If anyone has objections, stand up, and I'll send you to prison," Yeyin added when no one spoke, feeling a bit awkward.
Things weren't going as he expected. Shouldn't they be praising his fairness right about now?
"We're willing to serve here, but can this country really accept us?" one pirate asked doubtfully.
Though doubtful, he didn't stand up. In moments of despair, even the faintest glimmer of hope is hard to let go of.
"King Kakajelo, it's your turn to speak now," Yeyin whispered as he passed by the king. "Follow my lead!"
"You may have seen me many times before."
"I remember some of you."
"As your king, I can promise you that if you behave and work hard, I will do as Colonel Yeyin has said!"
Kakajelo spoke plainly.
He didn't know what Yeyin was planning, so he chose not to say too much. Just a simple statement before stepping aside.
He was a smart and kind king, knowing full well who the real decision-maker was.
"Alright, you are now laborers here. In ten years, if this place thrives, I'll give you full citizenship."
"You'll live with dignity."
Yeyin added.
"We agree!" one pirate finally stood up.
"Yes, we agree!"
Soon, more pirates stood up, speaking excitedly.
It wasn't that they didn't want to work, or that they were lazy!
It was the unbearable taxes in their own countries that had driven them to piracy.
In some places, they had to pay taxes just to eat or even walk.
Forced into piracy by desperation, they had no choice.
But no amount of sympathy could erase their crimes. And Yeyin wouldn't let them off without consequences. Having made mistakes, they had to pay the price For redemption!
(End of Chapter)