Chapter 6

In the dawn, a small sailboat crossed the sea.

The vessel, adorned only with a plain white sail, might be small, yet it glided swiftly, much like a grand ship.

For anyone unfamiliar with the currents and winds in this area, achieving such speed would be a challenge.

The pirate at the helm, Franklin, looked over at Ambasha beside her, continuing her explanation with a sense of seriousness.

“Wha… when steering a ship, it’s essential to ride the currents and winds like this.”

“I see… but don’t the currents and winds change frequently? The wind just a while ago feels different from what’s blowing now.”

“Yes, the wind varies a lot due to the weather, so we usually rely on the regular movements of the currents first, then adjust to the wind second. In early spring like now, if you head slightly diagonally from where the sun rises, you can catch the currents here.”

Being a pirate wasn’t just about fighting.

Unlike bandits, those, who used ships to roam the sea, had to learn basic navigation skills thoroughly.

This was crucial not just for battles, but for escapes as well.

Reading the currents and predicting wind direction were unexpected tasks that required a certain level of expertise.

That’s why even in the flow of long human history, the job of a pirate had survived into the 21st century, continuing to stir up the seas.

“There’s more to learn than I thought… to become a pirate. I want to master it quickly too, so I can be a great pirate like you, sister.”

“You’ll learn it soon. Ambasha is smart, after all… You can do things like this too.”

While saying so, Franklin gave a shy smile at Ambasha’s words, which mixed both praise and admiration.

Before joining the pirate crew, her gloomy appearance had made her more of a target to avoid than someone to compliment.

It was a sight that would make anyone faint if seen, steering a ship through the darkness.

Fortunately, her crew had grown accustomed to her and treated her without issues, but even so, going outside for work was still a burden for someone with a fragile mental state like hers.

However, today, Ambasha stood beside her, showing warmth with a pure look on her face, not fearing her at all, much like a cute puppy that followed along well.

Feeling her heart warm at that fact, Franklin thought that her pirate life ahead would become much happier.

Then,

“Ah!”

Franklin’s eyes finally caught a distant glimmer of light.

“We’re almost there. That’s Cyprus!”

*

The Island of Cyprus.

Located in the Eastern Region, part of the Turk Empire.

Thanks to its strategic location, it had been an important trade route with the East since ancient times.

Although its fame had declined since major trade routes shifted to the Atlantic to the west, many merchants still used this place as a trading post with the East.

For the Golden Beard Pirate Crew, who made the Mediterranean Sea their base, it was the most convenient place to acquire Eastern goods.

Franklin and Ambasha quietly landed there on their small sailboat and headed straight to the market.

Unlike Ambasha, who could show her face as she was still unaware of her status as a pirate, Franklin had her robe pulled tight around her.

After all, being a pirate and having a bounty on her head meant she had to hide her identity for now.

Of course, it was also to avoid causing trouble for those who might recognize her face while passing by.

However, unaware of Franklin’s circumstances, Ambasha displayed intense curiosity, her eyes sparkling as she eagerly examined the market.

“Wow… there are so many amazing things. I’ve been to the Port of Marinseu a few times, but there’s tons of stuff I’ve never seen before!”

“M… most of them are items from the East, which you can hardly see on the continent.”

The market was filled with exotic items.

Snow-white porcelain,

Flower-shaped ornaments made of jade.

And also, there were creatures she had never seen in her life.

Surrounded by the market that felt like a different country, Ambasha’s eyes sparkled brightly.

“I’ve heard stories a few times, but the East seems like such a fascinating place. I’d love to go there at least once…”

“We…we’ll be going there soon. If you stay on our ship.”

“Really?”

“My captain is the Pirate King, after all. Not long ago, he even went to the East Indies and stomped on the navy of the East India Company.”

“Wow…”

Hearing about her father, the one who had taken her in, gave Ambasha a glimpse of what kind of person he was.

As she listened, Ambasha’s smile changed to something much different from before as she spoke to Franklin.

“Uhm… I think I’ve been too relaxed. Where can I find those spices? I want to make something delicious for my father… no, for my senpai!”

“Oh… it’s not too far from here. Just go straight down that road and you’ll find the usual place we trade with.”

While guiding the slightly rushed Ambasha into a narrow alley where few people passed, Franklin felt pleasantly nostalgic.

This was a familiar shortcut to her, but today, just walking in it felt good.

‘Maybe I should stop by to grab a bite on the way back. I normally just go shopping and head home, but… since Ambasha is here…’

Thinking of a restaurant she had been wanting to try but never had the courage to, a smile spread across Franklin’s face.

‘Ah… I’m sure Ambasha would like it too! It’s the restaurant the vice-captain recommended…!!’

In that moment, a sudden chill in the air caught her attention.

Franklin quickly bent down and pulled Ambasha into her embrace.

And then—

-Crack!!!

*

“!!”

The warmth of Franklin enveloped her.

Ambasha was suddenly seized by confusion.

“!!! Ah… a…ir… sis?”

Red blood splattered onto her face in an instant.

Realizing it was flowing from Franklin’s body, Ambasha turned pale.

“Ah… sister…? Are you… okay?”

“I’m fine; it’s just a light level wound.”

With those words, Franklin slowly turned around, still holding Ambasha in her arms.

She displayed an all-new look, different from before…

As if she was a sharpened blade, a cold presence radiated from her.

Ambasha, caught by surprise, was filled with a deep astonishment.

“Show yourselves.”

There was none of her usual shyness in her voice, only a chilling coldness.

In response, a group of people began to appear right in front of them.

*

Exactly as prophesied, appeared on Cyprus Island a girl with a cross-shaped scar on her forehead, along with a figure hiding in a robe.

According to the request… observing her behavior trying to hide her identity also implied she was likely a pirate, and so Magellan and his subordinates began to follow her back.

Moving as skillfully as they could, trying to conceal their presence.

Fortunately for them, the opponents were entirely unaware of their movements, and as they entered an alley that perfectly suited an ambush, Magellan’s subordinates immediately struck.

A barrage of gunfire flew towards the pirate.

However,

Despite the ambush, the pirate managed to protect the girl and execute an imperfect defense all at once in that brief moment.

Surviving what would’ve been a fatal hail of bullets unscathed, the pirate stood.

Although she was cloaked and her appearance obscured, it was evident that she was quite a skilled individual.

Noting this fact, Magellan felt a heightened sense of wariness as he, along with his subordinates, revealed themselves.

“Oh… to deflect that. You are no ordinary pirate, are you? I suppose that’s why that Duke offered such a bounty.”

“And you are…?”

The pirate spoke in a deepened voice.

Magellan, with a pleased smile, responded cheerily.

“Fufu, indeed, I am the famous Magellan!”

“…Who are you again?”

“…What?”

Caught off guard by the unexpected question, Magellan felt a hint of confusion wash over him.

“Ah… no, I am Magellan, you know.”

“Wha… what does that even mean? Why did you suddenly attack me?”

“Do…Do you really not know? I’m Magellan!”

“Nu… no idea who that is… Are you… are you by any chance part of the Turk Empire’s navy?”

“….”

Her attitude, showing genuine confusion rather than any provocation, led Magellan to feel even more bewildered.

It felt as if he had struck first, yet now he was being hit back.

“You! How can you not know your own kind as a pirate?!”

“You’ve definitely heard of the greatest bounty hunter Magellan of the Mediterranean, right?”

“Ha… a bounty hunter?… Ah. I see now, so…”

Finally understanding, the pirate reacted.

However, the fact that he had to explain himself like this only reinforced Magellan’s humiliation, leaving him feeling quite miserable.

“Tch… fine! That’s not important right now. Hand over that girl peacefully, or…!!!”

At that moment—

-Clang!!!

A knife darted towards him in the blink of an eye.

Not just any ordinary knife, but a large one meant for slaughter, aimed precisely at his nape, which he narrowly blocked.

“That means I can kill you, right?”