𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐎𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝

“Why are you here?!”

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“Why? Didn’t you hear from this person?”

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As usual, Barbassa asked Luke with a gruff face.

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“I was supposed to come and explain again about the other day when you guys came to my territory, didn’t you know?”

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“. . .It’s none of their business.”

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Omid turned his face away uncomfortably under Barbassa’s gaze.

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“. . .Well, it doesn’t matter. I have nothing to do with your politics. More importantly.”

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Barbassa turned away from Omid as if he had never been interested in the first place and turned back to Luke.

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“If you want to go to Osten Island, you should use my ship. Our port is across the river from here, so if you’re in a hurry, you should go quickly.”

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“Is that okay?!”

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“I owe you. I don’t like to drag debts around.”

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“Thank you!”

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Omid stood in front of Luke, who was about to run off.

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He glared at Barbassa as if he had eaten a bug.

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“Lord Berlanji, I would appreciate it if you would not take matters into your own hands. This is a matter for our country. I would appreciate it if you, a demon, would not interfere.”

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“Oh, what’s the matter? I just said I would lend a ship, I didn’t mean to interfere in your country’s affairs.”

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“Grrr. . .”

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Omid’s face twisted in anger at Barbassa’s smug attitude.

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“You should understand the current situation surrounding this region. I would appreciate it if you would refrain from unnecessarily stimulating international relations.”

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“Isn’t your statement itself an interference in domestic affairs? I don’t know about your country, but in my territory, there is no ban on travel to Osten Island. Of course, I have no intention of stopping this person from going to Osten Island.”

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“Grrr. . .”

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Omid fell silent.

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Barbassa turned back to Luke as if to say the discussion was over.

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“The conversation seems to be over. You should go quickly.”

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“I appreciate it.”

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“There’s no need. We’re even now.”

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“Wait a minute.”

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Omid stopped Luke, who was about to run off.

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He squeezed out words from his twisted face without looking at us, probably out of frustration.

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“As the supervisor of the southern territories, I cannot let you go.”

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“I’m sorry, but I don’t think you have the authority to do that. I think it would be an abuse of authority for you, even as a supervisor, to interfere with my actions as a representative of Flora-sama.”

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“Grrr. . .”

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Omid swallowed his words in frustration.

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Luke didn’t want to bring up Flora’s name, but he had no choice at this point.

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Kiel might be in danger while they were doing this.

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They had to get to Osten Island no matter what.

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“I’m sorry. You’re right that going to Osten Island now might stimulate the situation in this country. But I can’t abandon my friends.”

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“. . .Your actions will be seen as aiding the enemy. I will report this to His Majesty the King.”

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“I’m prepared for that. Excuse me.”

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Luke bowed and turned on his heel.

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Alma and Tyra followed him.

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“You’ll regret it!”

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The three of them ran off without looking back at Omid’s warning from behind.

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 　　　　◆

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The port of Berlanji is located just across the large bridge in Iannat, leading into the demon realm.

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It shares a bay with the southern territory of the Arrogas Kingdom and the demon realm.

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This could be said to represent the complex relationship between the two countries.

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“You saved me! Thank you very much.”

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While preparing the ship, Luke expresses his gratitude to Barbassa.

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“I told you, I’m just repaying a debt.”

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As always, Barbassa remains expressionless.

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“But be careful. I have a non-interference policy regarding Osten Island, but it seems there are others in your country and mine who do not. And those people seem to be unwilling to let others interfere with the island.”

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“. . .Could it be that the ‘worm in the lion’s body’ you mentioned is. . .”

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The face of Omid comes to Luke’s mind.

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Omid’s attitude was clearly strange earlier.

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He said he was a supervisor, but why was he so adamant about preventing Luke from going to Osten Island?

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Does Barbassa know something?

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“Sir, what do you know. . .”

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“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

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Barbassa shrugs as if he doesn’t know what Luke is talking about.

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Judging by his expression, Luke lets out a light sigh.

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“. . .No, I think I’ll understand once I get to the island.”

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Whether Omid has any thoughts or Barbassa knows anything, the goal of helping Kiel will not change.

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“Hmm, you’re going without knowing what’s waiting for you. Do you realize that you’re even risking your own position for this?”

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“I understand. But it’s just my nature.”

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Barbassa’s mouth corners lift slightly at Luke’s bitter smile.

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“Your personality must make it hard to live among humans. If you ever lose your way, come to me. You should be able to find a way to survive among the demons.”

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“I hope it doesn’t come to that. Thank you very much!”

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The anchor is raised, and the ship slowly departs from the pier.