Chapter 6
Chapter 6
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 6
Chapter Title: Then I Guess It's Okay to Kill You?
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In the faint light of dawn, a small sailboat cut across the sea.
The vessel, with its utterly ordinary white sails, was small in size but moving just as swiftly as any full-rigged ship.
It was a speed that would be impossible to achieve without familiarity with the currents and winds in this area.
The pirate at the helm.
Frankling glanced at Ambasha beside her and continued her explanation with what she considered due seriousness.
"Th-the key to steering a boat is... riding the currents and winds like this."
"I see... But don't the currents and winds change constantly? The wind from earlier felt really different from the one blowing now."
"Yes, winds vary a lot depending on the weather, so we prioritize the more predictable currents first and adjust for the wind afterward. In early spring like now, if you head slightly diagonally toward the sunrise from here, you can catch the current."
Being a pirate didn't just mean being good at fighting.
Unlike bandits on land, they roamed the seas on ships, so basic navigation skills were essential.
For combat, and for escape.
Reading directions, gauging currents, predicting wind shifts—surprisingly specialized tasks that not just anyone could handle.
It wasn't for nothing that pirates had survived through humanity's long history, still plaguing the seas even into the 21st century.
"There's more to learn than I thought... to become a pirate. I want to pick it up fast and become a great pirate like you, sis."
"Y-you'll... learn it in no time. You're smart, Ambasha... Even someone like me can do it."
As she spoke, Frankling gave a shy smile at Ambasha's words laced with praise and admiration.
Before joining the crew, her grim, eerie appearance had made her an object of avoidance rather than praise.
Even now, anyone spotting her steering the boat in the darkness would probably foam at the mouth and faint on the spot.
Her crewmates had grown accustomed to her, so they treated her without issue, but venturing outside for errands like this was still a burden for her fragile nerves.
But today, there was Ambasha by her side, showing pure affection without a hint of fear.
The girl followed along like an adorable puppy, innocent and eager.
Feeling a warmth in her heart at that realization, Frankling thought her future as a pirate would be all the happier for it.
At that moment.
"Ah!"
A twinkling light finally appeared in Frankling's eyes, far off in the distance.
"We're almost there. That's Cyprus!"
*
Cyprus Island.
An island belonging to the Turk Empire's territory in the eastern continent.
Its prime location had made it a vital trade hub with the East since ancient times.
Though its glory had faded since the continent's main trade routes shifted westward to the Atlantic Sea, continental merchants still used it heavily as a gateway to the East.
For the Golden Beard Pirates, who made the Mediterranean their main hunting ground, it was the most convenient spot to acquire eastern goods.
Frankling and Ambasha quietly beached their small sailboat and headed straight for the market.
Unlike Ambasha, who could show her face freely since no one knew she was a pirate yet, Frankling had pulled up her hood.
She was a pirate with a bounty on her head, after all, so concealing her identity was necessary.
Of course, it was also to avoid traumatizing passersby who might glimpse her face.
Regardless of Frankling's private concerns, Ambasha brimmed with curiosity, her eyes sparkling as she eagerly explored the market.
"Wow... So many amazing things. I've been to Marnseu Port a few times, but I've never seen stuff like this there."
"M-most of it's goods from the East... Rare on the continent."
The market overflowed with exotic wares.
Snow-white porcelain,
Jade jewelry shaped like flowers.
And even animals she'd never laid eyes on before, bizarre and wondrous.
Strolling through the market, which felt like stepping into another country, Ambasha's eyes shone brighter than ever.
"I've heard stories, but the East really seems like a magical place. I wish I could visit someday..."
"S-soon enough... If you stick with our ship."
"Really?"
"Our captain's the Pirate King, after all. Just recently, he sailed to the Indie Sea in the East and crushed the East Indie Company's navy."
"Whoa..."
Stories revealing a bit more about the man who had taken her in—the father figure.
Listening, Ambasha smiled differently than before and said to Frankling,
"C-come to think of it, we've been taking it too easy. Where do they sell those spices? I want to make something delicious for Dad—er, I mean, for the crew seniors."
"Ah... Not far from here. Straight down that road, and we'll hit our usual supplier."
Guiding the slightly hurried Ambasha, Frankling led her into a quiet alley rarely trodden by outsiders.
It was a familiar shortcut for her, but today, just walking it with Ambasha felt delightful.
'M-maybe we can grab a bite on the way back... Normally I'd just shop and leave, but... with Ambasha here today...'
Thinking of that restaurant she'd longed to try but never dared alone, a smile crept onto Frankling's lips.
'A-Ambasha will love it, right? It's the place the first mate recommended...!!'
That instant.
A sudden, chilling presence.
Frankling swiftly ducked, pulling Ambasha into her arms.
And
-Pak!!!
*
"!!"
Frankling's body enveloping her own.
Ambasha froze in confusion for a split second.
"!!! S-sis...?"
Splatter of red blood on her face.
Realizing it came from Frankling, Ambasha's face drained of color.
"S-sis...? A-are... you okay?"
"I'm fine. It's just a scratch."
With that, still holding Ambasha close, Frankling slowly turned to look behind them.
A presence utterly unlike before...
Like a honed blade, her aura had shifted completely.
Catching sight of it, Ambasha felt a deep shock inwardly.
"Come out."
Her voice carried a chill, devoid of her usual shyness.
As if in response, a group of people emerged before their eyes.
*
The girl with the cross-shaped scar on her forehead appeared on Cyprus exactly as foretold,
accompanied by the hooded figure leading her.
Judging by the girl's behavior—hiding her identity—they seemed highly likely to be pirates, per the request.
Mazelan and his men had immediately begun tailing them.
They moved with practiced stealth, suppressing their presence as much as possible.
Fortunately, the targets noticed nothing, and when they entered the perfect alley for an ambush, Mazelan's subordinates unleashed their volley.
Dozens of bullets flying toward the pirate.
Yet,
despite the surprise attack, the pirate shielded the girl and managed an imperfect but effective defense in that brief moment.
Surviving what should have been a lethal barrage unscathed.
Her face was hidden by the robe, but this alone marked her as no ordinary foe.
Heightening his wariness, Mazelan stepped out with his men.
"Hoh... Dodging that. Not your average pirate, eh? Well, no wonder that duke paid so handsomely."
"Who... are you?"
The pirate spoke in a low, subdued tone.
Mazelan replied with a pleased grin.
"Heh heh, that's right—none other than the renowned Mazelan himself!"
"...Who?"
"...What?"
An unexpected response.
Mazelan felt a twinge of bewilderment.
"W-what? I'm Mazelan."
"S-so? What do you do? Why'd you attack me out of nowhere?"
"Y-you really don't know? I just said I'm Mazelan!"
"N-no idea who that is... W-wait, are you Turk Empire navy?"
"..."
Not mockery, but genuine bafflement from her (presumably).
Mazelan felt as if he'd taken the first shot despite firing it.
"You scum! How can a pirate not know the boss?!"
"You must've heard of Mazelan, the Mediterranean's top bounty hunter?"
"B-bounty... hunter? Ah. I see. That's why..."
The pirate finally showed a reaction of understanding.
But having to explain it at all already proved his 'fame' was worthless, leaving Mazelan in a foul mood.
"Tch... Fine, whatever. Th-that's not the point. Hand over that girl quietly. Or else...!!!"
That instant.
-Chaeng!!!
A blade hurtled toward him in a flash.
Not just any knife, but a hefty butcher's cleaver aimed precisely at his nape—Mazelan barely parried it, a chill running through him.
"Then I guess it's okay to kill you?"