After chatting with the captain for quite a while on the ship, my admiration for the captain surged.

This is because even though there are only seven people on this ship, they dare to wander on the vast sea. Let's not talk about the weather and other factors for now; just the pirates alone are already extremely deadly.

In any case, if it were me, I would definitely pilot an airship here.

Even if I couldn't catch any fish.

However, Uncle Monty mentioned that they dared to come to such distant waters to fish because there are now many warships sailing in the nearby seas, making it almost impossible to catch fish. And because of this, the price of fish has skyrocketed, so the returns from a sea expedition are quite high.

But this time we encountered pirates, and with us on board, although the harvest is not large now, it is still better to return to port and rest for a while.

"I'm really sorry."

After listening to Uncle Monty's explanation, I said apologetically.

"We made you return to port early because we boarded the ship."

"No, no, you also helped us eliminate the pirates, right? The things on the pirate ship are probably quite valuable. The main thing is that the price of the ship itself is quite high."

That's right, by now we have hung the pirates' ship behind ours, treating it as our spoils of war.

Of course, I have already removed the ice, and then lowered the pirate flag, to avoid any misunderstandings.

As for the spoils of war... Aliyah and Oyado have been on that ship for quite a while, looting it. I believe that after they are done, there won't be much left on that ship.

But the ship itself is quite valuable, after all, this world is not in the industrial age, building a ship is not a simple and cheap matter.

"Well, so it's not entirely without gains. By the way, Uncle, you mentioned earlier that you used to be a mercenary, right? Why not anymore?"

"Because now the Gothic Asean Principality and the Muiselais Principality are in war turmoil. It's mainly due to support from different empires, and these small countries are just cannon fodder. But in the face of immense profits, war is completely inevitable. Mercenaries in such situations are easily drawn into battle, which can be fatal. The people on the ship now are from our previous mercenary squad, and a mercenary group needs over 50 people to establish, so we formed a small mercenary squad."

Uncle Monty sighed.

"Although war is terrifying, our abilities are still there. Our ancestors were also fishermen, so we decided to go back to our old trade after discussing it."

"Is Corrie also part of the mercenary group?"

I looked at Corrie, who was scribbling something nearby.

Corrie is Uncle Monty's son, the voice I heard when I was just picked up. He is probably around the same age as Oyado, mainly responsible for food and record-keeping on the ship.

He's really a future good man in training.

"He used to be the group's scribe and is now learning swordsmanship with me."

"Oh, I see."

Although I don't know what level of mercenary Uncle is, but it's not low.

Not to mention Uncle's level 34, just Corrie's level 16 is already higher than a certain emperor. It seems that the people on this continent are quite strong.

Well, they must have a lot of experience.

"So, how long until we reach the harbor?"

"Well, probably half a day more? The wind speed is good now, so we will be entering the nearby seas soon. I don't know how much of your memory is lost, but I'll still explain. When we reach the nearby seas, we will encounter many warships. So, be careful not to do anything conspicuous. Although we're a fishing boat, the military might suspect us of being an imperial ship in disguise and attack us directly, and then we'd be in deep trouble."

"Don't worry, I'm not the kind of person who enjoys trouble."

But I think instead of talking to you, I should talk to Oyado and them. When it comes to the ability to court death, I think I'm far behind.

"Oh, that pirate ship has been taken care of."

Just as I was thinking of them, the two of them burst into the cabin in a flurry.

"The bodies of those pirates on the ship have all been tossed into the sea. They were so poor, they didn't have anything valuable on them."

"If they weren't poor, why be pirates at all."

I looked at Aliyah and said.

"True."

"Well..."

I didn't know when Kori had already walked up to us.

"Can you sisters teach me sword fighting? Both of you were so amazing in the previous battle."

Kori's eyes sparkled as he asked.

"Kori, doesn't your father know how to wield a sword?"

Uncle Monty seemed quite taken aback, looking at his son with a bitter expression.

"Um, not really."

Kori scratched his head.

"My father uses a big sword, and I think it would be hard for me to master it before I'm an adult. But the sword techniques the sisters used seemed easier to handle, so..."

I smiled at Aliyah, whose expression was now quite uneasy.

Sword techniques? Where did she learn that without any skill buttons, it's like she's just randomly slashing.

But just like me, now she can check out the moves in the skill menu; however, actually using them might require a lot of practice.

Under Kori's expectant gaze, Aliyah was sweating profusely, her eyes seeking my help.

How am I supposed to explain this? Am I supposed to say that I rely on high levels and A's in fights?

Although that is the truth, who would believe it?

In response, I shifted my gaze to Oyado.

Oyado also felt the gaze from Kori and me, and after a moment of thought, she spoke.

"I can teach Kori some thief skills, but honestly, basics are important. Are you sure you want to give it a try?"

"Of course!"

Kori nodded eagerly.

"Alright, let's talk outside then."

With that, Oyado led Kori out of the cabin.

Thief skills, I guess Oyado must have her reasons, after all, teaching a child assassin skills isn't a good idea.

Although occupation doesn't define a person, look at Oyado, she's an assassin but isn't she doing just fine?

Although if she goes berserk, I think not even a dragon can stop her.

"Sorry for the trouble Kori caused you."

Uncle Monty apologized.

"No worries, isn't it good that children are eager to learn? If Kori becomes stronger, you'll have an easier time, won't you? By the way, where is Kori's mother?"

Upon hearing this question, Uncle Monty's face darkened.

"Well, it's not convenient to talk about. Let's drop it."

I quickly interjected.

"You'll find out when the time is right."

Uncle Monty forced a smile and then left the cabin, leaving just Aliyah and me behind.

"How about a game of cards?"

"Sure, let's play."

-------------------------------------------------

At the same time, in the depths of the ocean.

"What! Those people escaped!"

Atop a throne made of blue crystal, a person exuding black aura shouted in a harsh voice.

"You useless lot! You haven't even taken over human territory and already let a city be destroyed? And you let the enemy escape too?"

"Well... they rushed into the passage, and we have no idea where they went. Most likely they're dead and scattered, right?" a merfolk under the throne said.

"Dead men tell no tales! Go find them! And those humans who surrendered, toss them into the dungeons! How dare they cause trouble on my turf, they will pay the price!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!"