NOVPUB"…Does Cardinal Siegfried know of this?"
Allegro III fixed his crimson gaze on Jacopo. Though his voice was low, it carried a commanding presence that seemed to shake the entire hall.
Jacopo hesitated briefly, lowering his head. A report freshly received was gripped tightly in his hand.
Having served the pope longer than anyone else, Jacopo knew full well that the answer he gave now would determine his fate.
From this moment on, not a single misstep could be allowed.
"He is not yet aware, Your Holiness."
He spoke in a soft, measured tone.
Allegro III's shoulders seemed to relax ever so slightly. Jacopo, sensing his judgment had been correct, lowered his voice even more.
"I came straight here after hearing the news at the port."
At that, the pope let out a long sigh and leaned back into his chair.
His hand still gripped the golden armrest, but the force had eased.
His gaze slowly drifted to the tall windows across from the throne.
Beyond them lay the capital of the Radiant Holy Kingdom, its massive city walls standing firm. Just below those walls, the sea shimmered.
Long ago, the Radiant God had appeared on this island, and so it had become the heart of the kingdom.
Sunlight glinted off the marble walls, but to the pope's eyes, they no longer symbolized peace and stability.
The news from the port stirred chaos in his mind, and he saw a shadow creeping over the city's future.
"You did well. For now, let's keep this from him."
The pope leaned forward, placing his hand once more on the armrest. His eyes gleamed with a cunning light, like a jackal ready to strike.
"This isn't just a one-time event. With this many ships missing, we must assume there's an organized force at work. I suspect the Emperor of Celeste."
Cardinal Jacopo shared the same suspicion.
Realizing that the pope's fury had shifted away from him and toward the emperor, he immediately agreed.
"I feel the same, Your Holiness. Only an empire could orchestrate something on this scale."
There were many nations that had clashed with the Holy Kingdom, but only the Celeste Empire possessed the power to sink hundreds of cargo ships and destabilize the Radiant Holy Kingdom's economy.
Grinding his teeth, the pope finally made his decision.
"Summon the Sacred Sea Knights at once. We shall find and obliterate the force behind this outrage!"
Jacopo let out a silent sigh of resignation.
Once feared as rulers of the seas, the Sacred Sea Knights would now emerge from the shadows once more.
Elsewhere, Michael, Drake, and the pirate crew gathered in the dining hall aboard their enchanted ship.
The spacious dining room was crafted from rich, dark wood, with the ship's natural grain adding an antique charm.
A brass chandelier swayed gently with the ship's movement, its embedded mana stone casting a soft glow over the space.
One side of the room featured a row of round windows. Through them, the dark sea and glittering stars could be seen, creating a poetic and serene atmosphere.
The glass was reinforced with a bluish magical enchantment, through which moonlight filtered in, lending the space an even more mystical air.
The table was lavishly set with smoked meats, large loaves of bread, dried fruits, and a hearty seafood stew.
All of it had been prepared by a chef hired from the Crassus estate.
Michael raised his glass as he looked at the pirates seated around the table.
He felt a pang of guilt—after resurrecting them, he had put them straight to work without giving them a proper welcome or rest.
"It seems this is the first time we've all gathered together like this. Thank you, everyone—for everything you've done. I'll be counting on you going forward, too."
The pirates raised their rum with loud cheers, joining Michael in a toast. Drake laughed heartily as he drank deeply from his mug.
"You flatter us, my lord. You brought us back to life and gave us a chance for revenge against the Holy Kingdom and the Empire—we couldn't ask for more."
Another pirate chimed in.
"And that's not all! A fine ship, excellent food and drink—we're living the good life thanks to you!"
"And we even get to do some good by helping those in need. What more could we ask?"
Most of them had once been knights of the Celeste Empire.
Betrayed and unjustly killed, they had abandoned their identities as knights to live as pirates. In this new life, they had found joy.
Michael smiled as he watched them.
Meanwhile, Johannes, the newest addition to the crew, had been taken for indoctrination by the pirate in charge of education.
The same was true for the other crew members rescued from the cargo ship.
The former captain, Achilles, had filled his crew with slaves to cut costs, and that decision had allowed Michael to liberate and recruit them.
Now freed from bondage and given a new life, these former slaves pledged their loyalty to Michael and the pirates.
They signed the contract drafted by Leonardo in their own blood. Should they break the oath, they would immediately vomit blood and die.
Even so, neither Johannes nor the others had a single complaint.
Life in the Pamir Empire had been that harsh. And now, knowing that their families would eventually be brought to the Crassus estate, their hearts were even more at ease.
While Johannes and the others endured mental re-education, the pirates drank rum like water and enjoyed their time with Michael.
Beyond the dining room's windows, the dreamlike sea stretched endlessly.
Leaving behind the feast and the laughter, Michael and Drake quietly slipped out and made their way to the captain's quarters.
"There must be a reason you've come here like this, my lord?" Drake asked.
Michael smiled with satisfaction at the perceptive question. Working with someone sharp always made things easier.
"You're right. The continent's political landscape will soon be in chaos. I have a task for you to complete during that time."
Drake locked eyes with Michael. His gaze, already sharp, turned even more piercing.
"Does that mean… we won't be raiding for a while?"
