Chapter 44

Magellan was buried deep in the kitchen, fully devoted to cooking.

Meanwhile, Ambasha and Elkana rushed around the deck, carrying drinks and food like there was no tomorrow, with Auriel joining them as well.

Despite Franklin’s absence, seeing them work surprisingly well together made me quietly sip on my rum from the corner.

“Well, isn’t this nice. I thought the cook’s skills were pretty lacking until now. It seems we’re finally settling into a rhythm.”

Although Franklin had more than enough talent for cooking,

just the fact that she managed to replicate kimchi at such a high level in this world already made her the best chef on the continent in my book.

But…

The terrifying appearance and gloomy aura she carried, coupled with her past experiences of being oppressed, had always been obstacles in her interactions with others when it came to forming the kitchen brigade.

As a result of her persistent overworking,

her dark circles had only intensified since our first meeting, which was truly unfortunate in many ways.

However, with Ambasha lucking out in becoming better friends with her,

Magellan, Elkana, and even Auriel, who had just joined and filled the gaps—

all of them mixed together formed a kitchen crew I never expected to see. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride as their captain.

From an objective standpoint, it was a bizarre picture of the mid-boss from the original work leading the main characters plus a few extras, though.

“Well… who cares, right? As long as it’s good, it’s good…”

Not wanting to care too much about the irony related to the original work, I tore off a piece of jerky on my plate.

At that moment.

“…”

I felt a familiar presence nearby.

Simultaneously, I watched as a hand without permission grabbed one of the jerky pieces from my plate. I didn’t bother turning my head but spoke in a quiet voice.

“Do you really have to take someone else’s food like that?”

“What’s the matter? If you owe me for what I did yesterday, don’t be stingy over something like this.”

“…Hah…”

In the midst of all this, the guy making rational comments…

I couldn’t help but let out a deep sigh at Lemain’s words.

“I appreciate that aspect. Thanks to you, I could handle things smoothly without any major disruptions.”

“Well… that’s part of the vice-captain’s job. There’s no need to make a big deal out of acting in anger on behalf of our merciful Pirate King, it’s something I’ve always done.”

With that, Lemain munched on her jerky.

Once again feeling grateful for her, I downed my rum.

It goes without saying, but to run an organization smoothly, one must use both carrots and sticks skillfully at every moment.

On one side, you have the carrot named mercy and tolerance,

and on the other side, the stick of strictness and punishment, both of which must be balanced and used effectively.

In reality, the image of a mother who always scolds and nags her children combined with a father who often lets things slide with a smile and occasionally scolds, is like a miniature version of running an organization.

In that sense, while I try to treat my subordinates with as much mercy as possible, Lemain needs to maintain her strict attitude as the vice-captain.

Because of this, her reputation among the crew wasn’t particularly great, but on the flip side, everyone recognized that thanks to her, the ship’s order was maintained.

So, feeling once again thankful for her taking on the not-so-pleasant task of being scolded, I slowly stood up.

At that moment.

“…Are you going over to that guy?”

Lemain asked with a calm voice.

Without any particular feelings, I replied.

“Yeah, he’s probably still lying down since he hasn’t recovered yet. If I don’t do it now, it might become a bit difficult to find the time later.”

“Well… do as you see fit. This part is definitely your responsibility.”

Lemain, seeming uninterested, continued to chew on her jerky.

Leaving her behind, I promptly headed out.

*

The raucous sounds of the banquet echoed in my ears.

And… the voices of my struggling younger siblings within it.

Lying face down on the captain’s bed, Franklin felt a slight itch of discomfort while listening to them.

‘Everyone is working so hard, and here I am just lying around…’

Due to the fact that it wasn’t yet time for her to receive healing magic, the injury on her back was still painful.

Nonetheless, to put it nicely, it was her strong sense of responsibility, and to put it bluntly, she had a hint of workaholic tendencies, which made it incredibly uncomfortable for her to be resting alone while everyone else was working.

With that thought, Franklin, unable to relax, was starting to feel frustrated.

Then…

-Knock knock

“?”

Suddenly, amidst the noise of the banquet, a knock echoed.

As the door slowly opened, and I saw who was behind it,

Franklin began to feel a mix of astonishment and a slight joy.

“C-Captain?”

An unexpected visitor.

Despite her throbbing pain, Franklin stood up to greet him.

“Are you feeling any better? You can just lie down, you know.”

“No… I’m fine, but… how did…”

“I was feeling a bit tired, so I ended up here after looking for a quiet place. Hope I’m not bothering you.”

“C-Of course not. Not at all.”

“Really? Then I apologize for the intrusion for a bit.”

After that slightly noisy greeting, the Pirate King took a seat while Franklin sat demurely on the bed.

In this not-so-large cabin, being alone with him made her heart race without her even realizing it.

At that moment, it was the Pirate King who broke the slightly awkward silence first.

“Thank you… really. You worked hard until the very end.”

“It’s nothing. I simply did what needed to be done… I’m just sorry that I couldn’t do more.”

Franklin spoke earnestly, not as a form of modesty.

At that moment…

“!…”

The Pirate King gently ruffled her hair.

In that instant, Franklin felt her heart pounding faster and her face turn increasingly red.

“You don’t need to apologize. I know you’ve been doing your best. And… that noise coming from outside is the result of your efforts.”

“R-Really?”

“I told you before, didn’t I? As an officer, you need to know how to lead others. While it might not be perfect, I believe you showed excellent qualities through this event.”

“Captain…”

The voices of her ‘younger siblings’, who were willingly working for her sake despite her pain.

Those who had started with an uncertain first meeting,

now were her companions and precious family she couldn’t live without.

Hearing their voices, a gentle smile began to form on Franklin’s lips.

“In that sense, I want to reward you for all the effort you’ve put in so far.”

“Me? B-But…”

“Don’t refuse. This is something I genuinely want to give you. You wouldn’t dare go against the captain’s word, would you?”

With a slight joke, the Pirate King pushed the situation further.

Knowing his character, being polite at this point wouldn’t mean much.

“Now, tell me, what do you want? I’ll grant you anything within my power.”

With a smile, the Pirate King spoke.

Franklin felt her cheeks flush slightly as she hesitated, starting to ponder.

Wants had always existed.

But she herself wasn’t quite sure.

Is this even acceptable?

Could this make him dislike her?

These worries had continuously held her back, and the same remained in this moment.

However.

‘But… such an opportunity may not come again…’

In this situation where it was just the two of them, he was urging her to speak her desires.

Such a near-perfect moment might have been the first and last in her life.

And…

the efforts she had made so far might just be for this moment.

These thoughts helped Franklin push aside her long-held hesitation…

finally…

A thread of courage blossomed in her heart.

“C-Captain… I mean… D-Drake… sir.”

“Hmm?”

With a trembling voice, Franklin called out the man’s name.

Then, she stood up and carefully reached out to grasp the man’s face in front of her.

“…Franklin? What are you…?”

“Y-You said you would listen, right? My wish…”

As she looked at the bewildered Pirate King, she spoke with a quivering voice.

Her heart raced as if it would burst.


Her face was flushed red.

Inside that warmth,


she finally made her decision.

“T-This… This is my wish…”

“!”

With those words,

Franklin slowly bent down.

And then.

-Kiss

“!”