𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

Silence dominated the ship. 

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Dorkin, who had been shouting curses until a moment ago, was now a lifeless corpse on the deck. 

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“Wh. . .what are you doing!”

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It was Kiel who broke the silence. 

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“What do you mean, ‘what’? Weren’t you the one who testified that this man was committing piracy?”

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Barabad scoffs as he wipes the blood off his sword. 

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“But. . .but that doesn’t mean you have to kill him all of a sudden!”

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“I am the squad leader of the demon realm’s territorial sea patrol. My mission includes the right to execute punishment for crimes committed within the territorial sea.”

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He says calmly to the approaching Kiel. 

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“So you executed him.”

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Luke stepped forward. 

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“Do you have a problem with that?”

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“Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the laws of the demon realm, so I cannot judge whether your actions are justified or not. However, even if it is within the territorial sea, isn’t it unacceptable to take the life of a person from another country, even under the law of the demon realm?”

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At Luke’s words, Barabad’s eyelids twitched slightly. 

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The air on the deck began to tense quietly. 

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“. . .What are you trying to say.”

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“Nothing in particular. Just that I have become a witness to not only the act of piracy but also what just happened.”

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After saying that, Luke stepped back. 

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“Anyway, since you have acknowledged that this was an act of piracy, our innocence has been proven, right? In that case, can you release us? We need to return to the Arrogas Kingdom.”

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“I can’t do that.”

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“Why not? You have no more use for us.”

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Barabad pointed at Luke. 

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“Indeed, now that we know it was an act of piracy, we don’t need your testimony anymore. But you have committed a separate crime. A crime called territorial sea violation. I can’t overlook that.”

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“. . .!”

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Luke was at a loss for words. 

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“What are you talking about!”

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The one who raised a protest was Kiel. 

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“Isn’t it recognized by the agreement that it is permissible to cross the territorial sea in case of rescue!”

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“That’s true. But as long as there is no evidence that you have performed a rescue, we cannot release you.”

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“Even if I testify.”

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“Unfortunately, since you are also a party involved, you cannot be a witness. Besides, we don’t even have proof that you are nobles of the Arrogas Kingdom. Therefore, it is likely that the future measures will be left to the authorities of the demon realm.”

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Looking at Barabad, who had no room for negotiation, Kiel leaned into Luke’s ear. 

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“Luke, what should we do? It doesn’t look like he’s going to let us go easily.”

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“Unfortunately, there’s nothing we can do.”

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Luke shrugged his shoulders as if giving up. 

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“If we resist, our situation will only get worse. We have no choice but to obey.”

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“But then Luke and the others won’t be able to go home. . .”

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“Well, it can’t be helped. Let’s think of this as fate and give up.”

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Contrary to Luke, who was nonchalant, Kiel was distorting her face with regret and guilt. 

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“. . .I’m sorry. It’s my fault that I’ve caused trouble for Luke and the others. I didn’t think it would come to this. . .”

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 ㅤ

Luke gently placed his hand on Kiel’s trembling shoulder.

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“It’s okay, it’s not like we’re going to lose our lives. Besides, I think Kiel’s action of going to help without considering herself was admirable. I respect that.”

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“. . .Thank you.”

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Kiel rubs her eyes vigorously.

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“Besides, depending on how you think about it, this could be a great opportunity. After all, we can go to the demon realm without any particular procedures!”

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“. . .Luke, that’s why you didn’t seem too troubled earlier.”

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Alma looked at Luke with a dumbfounded expression.

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“No, no, that’s not it at all. I’m just trying to take the situation as positively as possible.”

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Luke, while looking away, mumbled an excuse.

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But his body was restless with anticipation.

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“Really.”

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Alma sighed lightly and put her hand on Kiel’s shoulder.

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“Don’t worry too much about Luke. I’m fine too. With Luke, we’re always in trouble, but we always get through it, so it’s okay!”

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“Both of you. . . thank you.”

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Kiel returned a smile to the two of them with teary eyes.

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“. . .I understand, I’ll do whatever it takes to get you two home safely, so don’t worry!”

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“Is the conversation over?”

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Barabad interrupted with a bored look on his face.

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“Now, let’s move to our ship. My subordinates will steer your ship, so rest assured. Don’t even think about escaping.”

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“Who’s going to run away? Just so you know, if you put even one scratch on my ship, I’ll feed all of you to the sharks.”

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Kiel stood in front of Barabad and walked away briskly.

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“Kiel is back to her usual self.”

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Luke whispered to Alma.

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“But what are we going to do now? We’re going into enemy territory.”

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“I don’t know yet. We’ll have to go to the demon realm first.”

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Luke shrugged at the worried Alma.

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“But I feel like we have to go to the demon realm anyway. I think there are parts of the southern territories that we can’t see from our country.”

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“That’s true, we won’t know until we go.”

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Alma nodded vigorously.

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“I’ll go anywhere if Luke is going.”

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“Thank you, Alma. It’s reassuring to have you with me.”

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Luke gently smiled as he held Alma’s hand.