Chapter 50

Brittania Empire.

The number of warships it holds exceeds 2000, with a naval force of 200,000 soldiers. It is undeniably the strongest nation on the continent… No, it possesses the greatest naval power in the world.

While the influence of Benessa, ranked second, is confined to the Mediterranean Sea, the Brittania Empire exerts its power across the seas of the North Sea, the Atranta Sea, and the Indies.

However, despite possessing such formidable naval strength, the world’s oceans still remain vast.

Protecting major trade routes and ports and, at times, deploying forces in wars against hostile nations inevitably results in the consumption of military strength.

Even the Brittania Empire, which holds colonies all around the world, cannot help but feel the limits of its national power.

To overcome these limitations, the policy employed by the Brittania Empire is…

The operation of privateer ships.

By making deals with pirates and legitimizing their actions, while forbidding them from attacking imperial citizens, this system demands their support for maintaining imperial security.

This unexpectedly ancient policy dates back to the times of heroes like Francis during Queen Elizabeth’s era 200 years ago and Captain Kidd from 100 years ago.

For Achroiel, who harbored a deep-seated hatred for pirates, one major reason she decided to leave the Brittania Empire was related to this privateer operation.

But now…

Achroiel had no choice but to accept Nelson’s proposal to hand over the so-called two sharks raised by Brittania.

‘Though I don’t like it… It’s not the time for such arguments…’

If she had had the time, she might have sought another way.

However… at this moment, she had no leisure to ponder the past, nor the right to voice personal feelings.

Even at this very moment, the images of… Elkana and Ambasha flickered before her eyes…

‘Even while I’m doing this… they must be enduring hellish times…’

Her friends, dragged away by the Pirate King due to her foolish doubts.

What it meant for those with the forms of women to be captured by those wicked pirates went without saying.

Indeed, the two of them, being bounty hunters who bore the full brunt of the pirates’ hatred, were undoubtedly suffering even worse agony.

‘Surely… they’re experiencing repulsive acts… They may even be subjected to things like that… enduring every humiliation possible as women, gradually losing their sanity… and eventually becoming mere playthings to satisfy the pirates’ lust… Ugh…’

The mere thought was not just repulsive but horrifically unimaginable.

Though she had no way to ease their immediate pain, she had to rescue them by any means before their minds shattered.

To do this, even if it meant joining hands with former enemies, she needed to secure maximum strength.

Thus, Achroiel decided to temporarily set aside personal grudges and focus on what she had to do going forward.

It would be splendid if she could behead the Pirate King.

But Achroiel knew well.

Unless the Brittania Empire took a direct stand, it would be exceedingly difficult to take him down with such strength, even if luck were on her side.

However, while capturing the Pirate King might be a tall order, at least achieving her goals was not impossible.

‘Just hold on a bit longer… I will definitely save you… Elkana… And Ambasha…’

*

“What? Are you talking about that Pirate King or whatever?”

“Indeed, Duke Ocleang. It seems he has become quite enraged since the recent ‘Sacco di Benessa’ incident.”

Sitting before me was a “guest.”

Upon hearing General Rafael’s words, Duke Ocleang began to show a keen interest.

“Really? Is that so?… I mean, it’s only natural to be furious after being robbed by some pathetic pirate. Heh, it truly is wonderful that I will get to see those filthy pirates buried in the sea.”

Duke Ocleang rolled his plump cheeks while speaking.

Observing him, Rafael spoke in a calmer tone.

“Yes, that is exactly why we requested support from our side and decided to accept it… However, to be honest, we have many concerns regarding this matter.”

“Concerns? Is there some issue?”

“Yes, as you know, our Kingdom of Frantz does not possess strong naval power. Furthermore, with the recent financial situation deteriorating, even if we were to support, it might not be at a satisfactory level.”

“What do you mean by that? Are you saying you don’t even have money to deal with some pathetic pirates?”

“That’s right. Funding is indeed an issue, but the reality is that our troops are insufficient as well. Just as in past reigns, our kingdom has preferred military training focused on land forces.”

“Ugh… You’ve disappointed me yet again after your previous slip-ups.”

“I can only apologize as the one in charge. At this rate, even if we subdue the Pirate King, it will be hard to bring back any loot.”

“…Huh? What do you mean by loot…?”

“Isn’t that obvious? The opponent is none other than the Pirate King. He must be hoarding the continent’s precious treasures.”

“Is… Is that so? I suppose… that makes sense…”

At Rafael’s words, a feeling of greed began to shadow Duke Ocleang’s face.

Though he had been inclined toward luxury since childhood, the recent worsening financial situation in the Kingdom of Frantz was preventing him from enjoying his usual indulgences satisfactorily.

In light of that, Rafael continued with a voice laced with regret.

“However, with current support, it’s hard to expect much. The real main players are Benessa and the Brittania Empire. All the treasures, not to mention the slaves they have seized, will undoubtedly go to them.”

“Treasure… and slaves…”

As soon as the word “slaves” was mentioned, Duke Ocleang reacted sensitively.

Having learned that his slave ship had been robbed due to a pirate king’s raid in the past, Rafael grinned inwardly at the sight of Ocleang’s unusual demeanor.

“Well, if noblemen, including you, would lend your strength, the situation could change, but there’s no reason for you to do so, is there?”

“Hmm…”

Rafael then stood up from his seat.

Watching this, Duke Ocleang began to emit an oddly peculiar aura, his plump cheeks jiggling.

“Well then, I shall take my leave. I will see you at the Cabinet meeting tomorrow.”

With those words, Rafael started to step outside.

His movements were disciplined, like a soldier, yet curiously slow.

Just as he was about to leave the room…

“Wait. Hold on a moment.”

“…”

Duke Ocleang’s words stopped him in his tracks.

After that, a momentary smile blossomed on Rafael’s lips, only to vanish swiftly.

He turned back, a puzzled expression on his face.

Watching him, Duke Ocleang thought with a sly grin.

‘This is surely a golden opportunity… A chance to compensate for my past losses and, while I’m at it, to also acquire that Ambasha woman!’

The spark of desire, which he had half-given up on, began to ignite fiercely once more in Duke Ocleang’s heart.

This time, he felt he could finally enjoy that delicate young girl.

As that thought occurred, Duke Ocleang’s mouth started to salivate with sticky anticipation.

*

For the first time, I opened my eyes.

What began to appear immediately after…

Was the figure of a woman.

Dressed in a pure white outfit,

Wearing a hat adorned with a black skull,

With hair as violet as a carpet,

And… a beautiful woman with blue eyes.

Facing the light I saw for the first time, I asked my first question.

“Who are you…?”

The first words that came from my mouth.

In response, she answered.

“I am your mother. And…”

With that statement, she slowly reached out her hand.

A sense of warmth enveloped me as she said,

“You are my… greatest masterpiece.”

Her voice was filled with tenderness.

From that moment,

The gentle being I felt

The mother

Became the entirety of ‘that’ life.

I raise weapons for my mother.

I spill blood for my mother,

I kill for my mother.

And… I die for my mother.

That alone… is both the reason for ‘that’ existence and its justification.

With such a truth etched in my heart,

It follows her with weapons in hand, just as always.

“P-please! Just… please spare this child’s life…”

An imploring human, kneeling before my mother.

A being shedding tears while holding a small child.

As I watched them,

My mother smiled and said,

“Kill them. All of them.”

“Yes, mother.”

Following her bidding, I swing the axe.

The cries that follow are unimportant.

There is only one thing of consequence.

My mother’s smile.

For that, ‘that’—

No, the being I can now call ‘her’ fulfilled her duty, drenched in joy.

At that moment.

“Captain! You must come see this!”

“Huh?”

A sudden voice breaks the calm.

My mother, removing the smile from her face, gazes towards the source of the sound.

Standing there were beings I had never seen before.

A woman with golden hair and golden eyes followed by others.

Upon seeing them, my mother smiled again and said,

“It’s been a while. What can I do for you in the name of the Brittania Empire?”