The Aramis family originally ran a tavern. However, after going bankrupt and having his parents driven to their deaths by debt collectors, Aramis joined a pirate crew. This background gave him a deep understanding of taverns, making him adept at locating even the most hidden cellars. Additionally, he could read and do basic math, which was a rare skill in an environment without widespread education.
In contrast, the other small crew members surrounding William had different backgrounds. A-Jin, for example, was a former fisherman who joined the pirates after a confrontation with an extortionist group that led to accidental manslaughter. While A-Jin hadn't received formal education, he had some literacy due to the high commercial activity in the dock area. Another member, Warong, a seventeen-year-old, came from a farming background and was illiterate.
William, in his early days of arrival, created a mental list, similar to Robinson Crusoe's survival checklist, noting both the good and bad aspects of his situation. This helped him stay optimistic and maintain his will to survive.
At least his new body was young and healthy, unlike his old, substance-ridden body. From his memories, he could tell that his host body had received a decent education, even some training in swordsmanship. Though the previous owner hadn't practiced much, this minimal foundation allowed William to stand out on the pirate ship and eventually lead his small group.
With a new beginning, William saw more potential for progress, even though it came with challenges.
Aramis briefly scanned the room, and then led William to the courtyard behind the tavern. After observing the soil for a while, he smiled and announced, "Found it."
Beneath a grapevine, Aramis lifted a small wooden board camouflaged with weeds. The cellar door, concealed in the vine's shadow, revealed a narrow, pitch-black passage.
William, cautious of any potential occupants inside, waited a few minutes before tossing a pillow down into the dark cellar. Immediately, there was a commotion below, followed by a gunshot, startling Aramis. Seeing William signal, Aramis followed as William led the way into the cellar.
William anticipated a possible ambush, as the narrow passage allowed little room for maneuvering. He had stalled, hoping any hidden person would grow nervous and shoot preemptively. Hearing the gunshot, he swiftly descended, knowing that reloading the old-style flintlock pistols used in the East Sea would take time.
Upon reaching the bottom of the narrow stairs, William deftly sidestepped an attack from a young assailant hiding behind a wooden beam. Prepared for the darkness, he evaded the attacker, grabbed the wrist, and pulled the assailant forward, allowing himself more space. By the light from the cellar door, William saw it was a fourteen or fifteen-year-old boy.
Without hesitation, William struck the boy's temple, rendering him unconscious. As Aramis entered, he spotted a middle-aged woman pointing a gun, visibly shaken. Realizing she had fired the earlier shot, Aramis rushed forward, disarming her and pressing her down onto the floor.
Turning his attention to the right side of the cellar, Aramis suddenly exclaimed, "William!"
William looked over to see a young girl, around ten, with braided hair, crouching in a corner. She wore a thin dress, barely suitable for the chilly cellar, and tried to stay silent, pressing her clenched hand to her mouth as tears streamed down her face.
The sight made her shrink further, hoping to become invisible.
Exchanging glances, Aramis whispered, "What do we do?"
"… Tie them up first," William replied gravely.
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