In the garden of the Admiralty residence...

Servants bustled about, setting a warm, intimate banquet.

Duke Kein Franlen Heiltsimlem, led here by Mary Gale Bandem, stepped into the garden with a smile.

Admiral Bandem, standing in the garden, strode forward and embraced Duke Kein warmly.

"You’ve grown so much... Kein, my nephew."

"I’m still not worthy... Uncle Euryes. How is your health? I brought many tonics..."

"Haha, seeing you thrive like this is better than any tonic... I want to live long enough to see you marry, raise children, and carry on the family line."

"Well... heh... I’ll do my best."

Mary stood frozen, hand clamped over her mouth in shock.

"Gods... Father is Duke Kein’s uncle? And he calls him nephew? Then I—Father, why never tell me Duke Kein is our kin?!"

Admiral Bandem rubbed his beard sheepishly.

"You were too young then. And it’s been nearly twenty years since I last saw Kein—he was only four..."

Kein walked over, gently ruffling Mary’s hair with a smile.

"I remember when Uncle Bandem and Aunt Hynal brought you to our home... you were just this big."

He held his palms a handspan apart.

"Ha! Today’s a family feast. Kein, treat this place as your own... If anything troubles you, speak to Butler Duwa."

Duwa, standing nearby, bowed.

"Understood... Ah, right. I rushed here the moment I heard you were in danger. But His Majesty—well, you know..."

Admiral Bandem’s expression turned grave. He gestured for everyone to sit, then waved the servants away.

"This assassination attempt ties back to *that* matter. We neutrals..."

The servants withdrew, leaving only Duwa.

Kein nodded, sat, and sipped his tea.

"His Majesty is caught between the two Crown Princes..."

"Regardless, as loyal subjects, we must stand firm... Her Majesty still reigns, with no heir named. We should declare our stance."

"But neutrality offends both sides... This attack likely involves the Crown Prince, no?"

"After investigation... we suspect the Crown Prince’s faction. Whether by his order or a subordinate’s—or perhaps rivals framing him to ignite strife..."

"Stay vigilant, Uncle. As Admiral of the Seven Ports, too many eyes watch you. His Majesty sent Dragon Guards for your protection—he worries deeply."

"Her Majesty’s wisdom is unmatched... Perhaps she acts out of kinship... or perhaps she..."

"Her Majesty has her reasons. Our duty is to serve faithfully. She sees clearer than anyone—pity the Princes lack merit..."

"Which is why I worry for *you*, Kein, my nephew."

"Hm?"

"You’re too exceptional. If Her Majesty... passes unexpectedly... they might eliminate you preemptively. Though I believe she’d name you Marshal and Regent. Why she hasn’t shielded you yet—letting the Marshal’s grandsons grow jealous—is a mystery."

"Trivial. His Majesty has greater plans. This is the Kingdom’s pivotal hour. Years of war have built our advantage... Those short-sighted fools are mere clowns."

A cold glint flashed and vanished in Kein’s eyes.

"Hm... Very well. Mary, you’re grown now. Time you learned certain truths. What we discussed—you understand..."

Mary nodded firmly.

"I’d die before speaking a word, Father."

"Especially your sisters married abroad. They must never know of Kein’s kinship to us. Understood?"

"Yes, Father."

With business concluded, they began dining.

"Haven’t tasted wine-steamed shrimp in years. Your handiwork, Uncle Euryes?"

"Prepared it specially for your visit..."

"I’m full... Uncle, I came for another reason too."

Admiral Bandem dabbed his mouth with a napkin.

"I guessed—it’s about *that* man?"

"Indeed. A fascinating one."

Kein sipped lemon water, patting his full stomach contentedly.

"So? Your thoughts?"

"Unfathomable... Profoundly inscrutable."

"Oh? Such praise from you..."

"Yes. His intentions are unreadable. That aura—only forged by years commanding others. Recruiting him will be... difficult."

"Then your plan?"

"As a hunter... the fiercer the prey, the greater its worth. Why flee when you can fight? Especially when the prey is a *dragon*. The harder the chase, the sweeter the thrill, no?"

"Heh... By the way, Mary’s taken quite a liking to him."

"...!! FATHER! What are you two talking about?!"

The uncle and nephew shared a silent, knowing smile.

---

Aboard the *Resurrection Goddess*... at the stern-facing helm.

Pipe Captain lounged in a wide armchair, one ankle hooked over his knee, head tilted against his hand resting on the armrest. He seemed lost in thought...

Faglas mixed drinks at a small cart nearby, passing them to the crew seated in two rows opposite Pipe.

Purames sipped cautiously, stealing glances at Pipe.

*Sigh. I don’t understand their habits at all. Tried hosting a casual gathering to bond—why does it feel like an interrogation?*

Pipe fumed inwardly. *This skull face gives nothing away. No expressions, no tone...* He stood abruptly, his coat sliding off the chair. Pacing with hands clasped behind his back, he strained to lighten the mood—but the tension thickened with every step.

*What’s weighing on the Captain? He looks troubled.*

"After observing the Navy," Pipe suddenly spoke, "their warships aren’t as fearsome as rumored..."

The crew exhaled in relief—but Pipe, misreading their tension as eased, pressed on.

"Their magic cannons have short range. Ours—the Fire God Cannons—reach triple that distance. As for firepower... unknown. First impressions only. I couldn’t push too hard... But this human, Kein..."

He recounted his barony appointment and ship inspection.

"Captain... I believe..."

"Purames. Speak freely. I value your counsel."

"Yes, Captain! This human Kein must be eradicated. He’s dangerous. Eliminate him now before he grows stronger!"

*Why jump to murder? This mood... Sigh. Killing him unprovoked? But Purames always has my back. Need an excuse... Is it my other self? Does Ma Xiaoming’s soul like Kein? I don’t want him dead...*

"Ahem... Purames, I know you guard the Reaper’s Scythe’s safety. But this might... disrupt my plans..."

*That sounded weak. What plans? I just hate killing without cause.*

Purames pondered deeply.

"I understand... Your wisdom humbles me. Forgive my blindness, Captain."

"Hm... Good. Explain the strategy to everyone. Details need refining, but they should know the direction. Faglas—prepare more food and drinks. You’ve worked hard."

"It’s my duty, Captain. No thanks needed."

"Right... I need to think further. Excuse me."

Pipe teleported to his cabin via ring. Leaning against the wall, he stared at his skull reflection in the mirror. *So tired... So shameless. Pulling this trick every time. Even Purames’ trust won’t last. How do I protect them? Conquer the seas? It’s not that simple... What do I do...*

After Pipe left, Purames rose slowly to face the crew.

"Purames—what’s truly in the Captain’s heart?"

"We’re all fighters except you. Spit it out. I won’t risk his wrath."

Faglas, the Gold-Silver Twins, Greenland, and the Siren Sisters gathered close as Purames shared his theory.

"A *puppet*?!"

"Brilliant... Since none of us are human, why slaughter them all..."

"...when propping up a puppet ruler serves us better."

"Worthy of our Captain... Using this man as a pawn..."

"So we mustn’t kill him—we must *protect* him."

"And make him understand his role as a pawn... Show strength when needed?"

The crew huddled, plotting the next move.

---

Within the Fire Eagle Duchy...

"See? You’re much better now, Brother Elfa!"

"Don’t call me ‘brother’."

"Got it, Brother Elfa..."

"......."

"Don’t glare like that. Sorry, Brother Elfa... It just feels warmer this way!"

Unfazed by Elfa’s icy stare, Cabell waved him off. He knew the man wouldn’t kill him.

"Why bring me here?"

"To give you a fresh start..."

Cabell gazed at the riverside village nestled below mountain ranges.

"One year... Take this country."

"...!!"

"Anyway, since you’re already homeless, why not build a new home?"

"..."

"Just seize a country, and revenge would be a breeze..."

"Easier said than done..."

"Well, consider this a bonus for the commission... Here’s a full set of noble identity papers. Use them well. If you need anything later, contact me anytime—you know how to find me. The hiring fee’s flexible; I’ll give you a twenty percent discount... If you’re short on cash, I can bill you later."

"...Why me?"

"Ah, the fact you asked that is answer enough. I can’t say much now, but do your best... I believe in you~"

"Hmph..."

He caught the bag of identity papers, then pulled out the noble attire and certificates. There was also a lengthy dossier detailing Baron Aivend Larges.

Cabel led over a horse.

"That’s all for now... You’ve got nothing left anyway, so don’t overthink it. Go plunder hard—this world’s a treasure vault... opening just for you~"

"Even without you saying it, I guessed who you are."

"Oh?"

"The Sixteen Battle Angels... Legend says among the kingdom’s sixteen mightiest heroes, passed down since ancient times, one wields a silver long spear..."

"Ah... See? We were right to choose you. My picks never fail... Since you’ve seen through my identity, I’ll be blunt. Help us seize this country in exchange for my aid in your revenge... It’s those old men forcing me—not my will. And listen: you can’t take revenge alone. Besides us, no one else in this world can help you..."

"Understood..."