Chapter 41
The pirates gathered on the deck.
Unlike usual, a rather serious atmosphere lingered in this moment.
Elkana and Magellan, sitting in a corner, were cautiously observing their surroundings.
“What do you think they’re planning? Why did they suddenly call everyone like this?”
“Well… Isn’t it obvious? It’s probably to reward everyone for what happened two days ago. The fatigue has mostly worn off, and the injured have recovered. It’s time to wrap things up.”
Elkana, as usual, scolded her clueless boyfriend.
Though they hadn’t seen it themselves, while the Pirate King and the others were busy drawing the Navy’s attention, a covert infiltration team had carried out a planned raid across Bennessa.
The amount plundered in the process was a staggering 10,000 Talants.
Moreover, the auction items Elkana and her crew brought back were no ordinary goods, so the profits from this operation were substantial.
About 30% of the profits would go toward maintaining the pirate group, but the rest would be distributed, and achievements would be celebrated.
Elkana easily deduced that the Pirate King had gathered everyone for this purpose.
Unlike two days ago, when she was groaning from her injuries, Elkana was now fully revived, brimming with anticipation.
Seeing her like this, Magellan forced a bitter smile.
“Rewarding achievements… Yeah, that makes sense. We’ve done something similar before.”
“Right… Dex was always such a pain, trying to take even a single penny more.”
“Now that I think about it, Polka was also a problem. He always went for the last hit, stealing the credit more than once or twice.”
“Yeah, exactly. I’ve been meaning to call him out on that…”
Memories of their comrades suddenly resurfaced.
Though not all of them were pleasant, recalling them made them feel a sense of nostalgia… and soon, a heavy emotion settled in.
“…Ugh…”
“Magellan…”
Magellan bit his lip, his face twisted in anguish.
Elkana placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Finding solace in her support once again, Magellan suppressed the anger in his heart and spoke in a quiet voice.
“I’ll definitely make them pay… for what they did to our comrades…”
“We’ll make them pay… no matter what…”
For a moment, the two of them burned with feelings of vengeance.
After their emotions settled a bit, Elkana, trying to lighten the mood, deliberately spoke in an excited tone.
“Anyway, we did pretty well in Bennessa this time, didn’t we? Maybe we’ll even get promoted to officers?”
“Hmm… Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that…”
“Huh?”
Contrary to her expectations, Magellan’s reaction was less than enthusiastic.
Puzzled, Elkana cautiously asked, “What’s wrong? The auction items we brought back were no small deal. We haven’t checked them properly yet, but isn’t that enough to prove how much we contributed?”
“…Sigh… In terms of profit, sure. But… honestly, if I were the Pirate King, I’d be furious.”
“What? Why?”
“Well…”
Elkana, now both confused and slightly embarrassed, waited for Magellan to explain the situation from the perspective of a “captain.”
But just then…
“!”
“Hmm…”
The pirates, who had been sitting somewhat sloppily, suddenly straightened up and stood.
Following their lead, Magellan and Elkana also stood, assuming their positions.
Watching the pirates, the Pirate King, Ezra Drake, took his seat.
Standing beside him, Vice Captain Remine Migdal spoke in a calm voice.
“As you commanded, everyone has gathered, Pirate King.”
The Pirate King nodded slightly at her words.
His gaze then turned to the pirates assembled on the deck.
“I’m sure you’ve all guessed by now, but I’ve called you here today to wrap up the events of Bennessa. First, Auriel, step forward.”
“Y…Yes!”
A woman cautiously stepped forward in response to the Pirate King’s call.
She was a striking beauty with silver hair and blue eyes, dressed in a nun’s habit, exuding an elegant aura.
She bowed her head to everyone.
“This is Auriel Stardust, who has joined us as a new comrade. Like Remine, she is skilled in healing, so if any of you need help, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“A…Auriel Stardust?”
“Could it be… the Heavenly Voice?”
A murmur rose among the more well-informed pirates.
The Pirate King silenced them with a wave of his hand and continued seriously.
“Whatever her past may be, she is now one of us. As always, I expect no unnecessary trouble. Treat her well.”
With the introduction of the new member concluded, the Pirate King sent Auriel back to her place.
He then began to address the main topic related to the events in Bennessa.
“First, the strategist, Samir.”
“Yes.”
Samir Rolonoir stepped forward and bowed as his name was called.
The fact that he was mentioned first indicated to everyone present that he was the top contributor to this operation and would receive the largest share of the profits (20%).
“Once again, your plan led to a perfect outcome. Though there were some losses, they were within your predictions. I commend your efforts.”
“Your words are too kind. All I did was add flesh to the bones of your vision, Pirate King. The real credit goes to those who fought on the front lines.”
His tone was polite and humble.
Seeing this, the Pirate King smiled faintly and nodded.
“I’m not belittling their efforts. But a strategist is responsible for the lives of everyone involved, not just one person. The fact that you executed it flawlessly means you protected everyone here. That’s what I’m praising.”
“I’m deeply grateful for your words.”
Samir bowed deeply, his gratitude evident.
Though his demeanor remained modest, the faint smile on his lips betrayed his inner satisfaction.
“Next, the leader of the infiltration team, Hayir Sasan.”
“Yes.”
A man dressed in black, with the appearance of an assassin rather than a pirate, stepped forward.
His every movement exuded precision as he bowed respectfully.
“Once again, you’ve exceeded expectations. Despite sudden changes in the plan, you handled everything perfectly. I’m grateful.”
“Everything is for my Sultan.”
His response was stiff but filled with loyalty.
The same sentiment was reflected in the expressions of those behind him, who had worn clown masks during the operation.
“Next, Remine.”
“Yes, Pirate King.”
“You led the naval battle to a perfect victory and assisted in the final retreat. As always, your performance was reliable.”
“Thank you, Pirate King. As for the reward…”
“15% of the plunder.”
“Oh, come on, give us a bit more.”
“14…”
“Just kidding.”
As the praise and rewards continued for those who had performed their roles perfectly, Elkana whispered cautiously to Magellan.
“Hey… why are we in the back? We did something pretty big too, didn’t we? Shouldn’t we be called up soon?”
“…Sigh…”
Her voice carried a hint of dissatisfaction.
Magellan sighed deeply and replied.
“Well… honestly, we’re lucky we’re not getting scolded.”
“Huh? What… what do you mean?”
Magellan’s unexpected words left Elkana confused.
He was about to explain in a serious tone when…
“Next, Franklin.”
“…Yes, Captain…”
Franklin’s voice was unusually subdued.
At the same time, the atmosphere on the deck grew cold.
Unlike before, it was as if they were dealing with a criminal.
In this tense atmosphere, the Pirate King spoke calmly.
“I want to say you did well. After all, the mission itself was a success.”
“…Thank you…”
But then…
“However, Pirate King, you know that’s not the whole story.”
“…”
Remine’s cold voice cut through the air.
She turned her icy gaze toward Franklin… or rather, toward Ambasha and Elkana standing behind her.
At that moment…
“Let’s hear their side first. There might be a reason. We can get angry afterward.”
“Yes… understood.”
At the Pirate King’s words, Remine reluctantly stepped back.
Then, the Pirate King turned to Ambasha and Elkana, who were wearing uneasy expressions in the tense atmosphere.
“Explain yourselves. Why did you leave your assigned post? Why were you in the auction hall instead of the warehouse area at that time?”
“!”
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