Caron and his group reached the harbor without any major issues, and the ship set sail smoothly.
The Mad Dog Pirate Crew, now completely separated from the Queen's fleet, could perhaps have been expected to fall into disarray—but the reality was quite the opposite.
"I can't believe our boss turned out to be the famous Caron Leston!"
"Finally, our lives are turning around!"
"Guess it's time to devote ourselves to the boss till the day we die!"
"For the boss!"
"Heh heh heh heh!"
Caron had expected mutiny, or at least some resentment from these ruthless seamen, but every pirate aboard his ship was practically gleaming with joy.
Watching them from the captain's quarters, Caron commented dryly, "They've just lost their right to be pirates, so what's with all the celebration?"
At that, Ryan chuckled warmly and explained, "Do you think any of us ever wanted to die doing pirate work? The truth is, we were a bunch of nobodies with nowhere to go. We got together for one big score, that's all."
"And how's that got anything to do with this?" Caron asked.
"Well, being under the Ducal Family of Leston at least means we won't starve. You could say we've climbed the social ladder a bit," Ryan answered.
"I'm going to work them to death, though," Caron said.
"Better than not knowing if you'll make it through the week. Besides, they're genuinely impressed by you. Haha!" Ryan said.
Caron had already heard that the harbor forces had grown thin lately—specifically the coastal defense units. Demonic monsters of the sea had been crawling down from the North Sea more frequently, enough that the Ducal Family of Leston had formally requested reinforcements from the Imperial Navy.
Port Leston bordered the East Sea, and in recent years it had become a major trade hub. In short, the port had grown more vital than ever.
Now, with Queen Kynda's elite pirates joining their ranks, that burden could finally ease. After all, no one knew the sea better than those scoundrels.
"We've already received general instructions from Her Majesty," Ryan said.
"Oh yeah?" Caron asked.
"Yes. The boss wants to wipe out the pirates operating along the empire's coasts, right? Don't worry. We'll make sure the Mad Dog Pirate Crew leaves a legendary reputation in those waters," Ryan answered with a grin of pure villainy.
Caron glanced at Ryan with a deadpan expression and let out a long sigh. Then, turning toward the wide sea, he asked, "When do you think we'll reach the Leston Duchy?"
Ryan stroked his chin, then replied, "Hmm... It's hard to say. But at this speed... Maybe within a week?"
"You can't even estimate that and you call yourself a sea expert?" Caron asked.
"Well, it's the first time we've used an 8th Circle dark mage as an engine. You know those guys can't exactly be picked up off the street," Ryan said.
"...Fair enough," Caron said.ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novel•fire.net
Their ship was cutting across the sea at an absurd speed. Behind that miracle was Libre—a dark mage who had reached the pinnacle of the 8th Circle.
Caron glanced toward Libre, who sat calmly at the center of the magic circle, smiling as if he were on vacation.
"What do you think, Caron? Not bad for a dark mage, right?" Libre asked.
"Shut up and just maintain the circle," Caron replied.
"Hehe. I could do this with my eyes closed. So please, don't hate me too much. I may be a dark mage, but I've been a great help to you—" Libre began, but was cut off.
"You're too loud. It's making me want to smash your Life Force Vessel," Caron interrupted.
"Haha! I'll be quiet now," Libre said.
For a dark mage, Libre had quite the repertoire. Of course, he knew acceleration spells well enough to power a ship like this. Thanks to him, the journey back to Azureocean Castle would be significantly shortened.
"There's a lot to do on the way back," Caron muttered.
First on the list was to clean up the scum who had broken away from the Queen's pirate fleet. Rumor had it that those deserters were targeting the Ducal Family Leston's trade ships, hoping for one last big score.
Caron figured if he made an example of a few of them, the rest wouldn't dare bare their teeth.
"And if we can hit a few pirate isles along the way, all the better," Caron added.
Last time they'd returned from the Great Forest to Azureocean Castle, they'd torched quite a few pirate hideouts.
But pirate islands were like cockroach nests. Let your guard down for a second, and they'd grow back stronger.
Some questioned Queen Kynda's leadership, but Caron understood her well enough.
I'm mostly to blame, he thought.
Kynda's pirate fleet had grown more passive ever since she took Caron's hand.
Pirates weren't known for obedience. They were the type who had to taste crap to recognize it for what it was.
"If I drag a few of the pirates onto my ship, some nasty rumors ought to spread," Caron said.
"Caron," Leo called out.
"Yes, Leo?" Caron asked.
"You know... I think being a pirate suits you," Leo replied.
"Thanks for the compliment," Caron said with a smile.
"By the way, did you inform the Mercenary Guild? You're the Mercenary King now," Leo asked.
"Oh, that? Yeah, I let them know in advance," Caron answered.
After defeating Nelson, Caron had officially claimed the title of Mercenary King. Every mercenary belonged to the guild, so Caron had already shared his plans with the higher-ups.
"The guild executives are going to visit Azureocean Castle soon," Caron said.
"What'll you use the mercenaries for?" Leo asked.
"Can't make them work without pay. I'll pay them well, then drag them to the Demon Realm later. We're short on manpower," Caron answered.
"At this rate, Azureocean Castle's going to turn into a meeting hall. Dwarves, mercenaries... The place will be swarming," Leo said.
"That's exactly what I wanted," Caron said.
All roads now led to Azureocean Castle. That was the rumor spreading across the continent, and everything was unfolding just the way Caron wanted.
"With the Mercenary King title handled, the only thing left is the Continental Peace Summit, huh?" Caron muttered to himself.
But Seria seized the moment to say, "I've heard some details. Do you really believe that conference will bring peace?"
"Seria, you're still so naive. You think peace comes just because a bunch of rulers sit around and talk about it?" Caron asked.
"...Doesn't it?" Seria asked back.
"When politicians gather, a fight's bound to break out. Especially the southern kings. They've been at each other's throats for ages. If talking could fix things, they'd have stopped fighting a long time ago," Caron explained.
Peace through diplomacy was a fairytale. There was only one real way to secure peace.
"If I gather the troublemakers and beat them equally, that's peace. Show them that acting up means they might die—and boom, peace," Caron said.
"...It's a very Caron-like solution." Seria sighed.
"As long as we get to the end, it doesn't matter how we get there," Caron said.
Even peace, if necessary, had to be won through intimidation. Otherwise, the Demon Realm invasion would only invite endless whining.
Upon hearing Caron's blunt and brutal logic, Seria let out a faint sigh and said, "You really never disappoint."
"Thanks for the compliment," Caron replied.
"It wasn't a compliment," Seria retorted.
"Let's pretend it was," Caron said with a grin. He then stretched his arms toward the sea and murmured in a lazy voice, "Can't wait to go home."
Aqua and the rest of his family were surely waiting for him at Azureocean Castle. And as always, he was returning from this journey loaded with priceless goods.
Smiling contentedly, he gazed out at the horizon.
And so, under the command of the Mad Dog himself, the Mad Dog Pirate Crew began their voyage back to Azureocean Castle.
***
A week passed since Caron's group set sail.
In the port city of Mare, part of the Leston Duchy, a middle-aged man and a sweet-looking young girl stood waiting at the docks, hand in hand.
"Let's wait just a little longer, Aqua," the man said warmly. "They say Caron's ship is nearing the coast. We'll see him soon."
"Yes, Grandpa!" Aqua replied brightly.
The two smiled as they gazed out toward the sea. Some of the townspeople approached, bringing various gifts.
"I brought some snacks—just in case," one said kindly.
"If you're bored, perhaps try this," another added, holding out a treat.
They were gifts given willingly by the harbor residents, most of them sweet things that children loved. The little girl beamed and accepted them with delight.
"Thank you! Hehe," Aqua said.
Her radiant smile only made the people smile wider in return.
"No, thank you, sweetheart."
"She's just too cute for words."
The little girl who had become the darling of the entire duchy was none other than Aqua, Caron's daughter and a dragon hatchling.
Fayle looked on fondly as Aqua popped a candy into her mouth, thinking, She's so lovable.
Ever since Aqua arrived, a warmth had settled over Azureocean Castle. Even Fayle's brothers, who once bickered like enemies, held their tongues when Aqua was around. The castle had grown noticeably more peaceful.
Even Halo, known for being a stone-faced loner, had started visiting every single day just to see Aqua. Her influence was undeniable.
It was around then, while she was still basking in the townspeople's affection, that someone shouted...
"A ship's coming in!"
"That's Young Master Caron's ship!"
From far off, a vessel came hurtling toward the port at an astonishing speed. What had looked like a speck on the horizon now loomed large near the docks.
Soldiers at the harbor scrambled into formation as Fayle held Aqua's hand tightly, both of their gazes fixed on the ship.
Time seemed to stretch out—until, with a resounding thud , the ship docked. And then, familiar faces began to disembark.
"Daddy!" Aqua lit up and ran forward, laughing joyfully.
The man who stepped off first scooped her up in his arms, asking, "Have you been well, Aqua?"
"Yes! I was super happy!" Aqua answered.
"That's good to hear. I was worried you wouldn't settle in well, but that smile tells me I worried for nothing," Caron said.
"Aqua! Are you doing alright?" Leo asked.
"You've gotten even cuter since we last saw you," Seria added.
"Hehe! Uncle Leo! Saintess Seria!" Aqua exclaimed.
She basked in the affection of Caron's group, as if she were their collective treasure.
Ahem.
Fayle cleared his throat and walked over. Caron, still holding Aqua, gave him a smile before saying, "I'm back, Father."
"You've done well, truly," Fayle said.
"I hope nothing serious happened while I was away," Caron added.
"No, nothing," Fayle said simply.
"That's good to hear," Caron answered.
The father and son exchanged a quiet, heartfelt greeting.
Meanwhile...
"Move it, move it!"
"You want to be shark food? Or maybe take a dive and never come up again? Wake up, you useless trash!"
Men with vicious faces began to shove criminals off the ship—prisoners bound tightly in ropes who rolled onto the dock like sacks of grain.
Caron gently set Aqua down and covered her eyes with both hands, saying, "You shouldn't see stuff like that, that's yucky."
But Aqua only giggled and said, "Bad people should get punished!"
"That's my girl," Caron said with a laugh.
"If you caught them, Daddy, then they must really be bad people. Do you want me to give them a little bop later?" Aqua asked.
"Oh? You know how to do that now?" Caron asked.
"Yes! I can summon a huge magical fist and— Bam! " Aqua said excitedly.
"...That kind of thing usually kills people, Aqua," Caron said.
"Should I show it to Uncle Leo first?" Aqua asked innocently.
Like father, like daughter. Aqua was now casually spouting terrifying things.
"Who are these people, Caron?" Fayle asked.
With a grin, Caron replied, "I picked up a lot of trash on the way here. Didn't you say there was a labor shortage lately?"
"Well... That's not wrong," Fayle said.
"They're pirates. Use them however you want," Caron said.
Every time Caron came back home, he seemed to bring more "gifts."
"Boss! What should we do with these prisoners?" one of the reformed pirates asked.
"What do you mean, what should you do? Turn them over to the guards! And if any of you feel like turning yourselves in, go ahead and do that, too!" Caron shouted.
"Turn ourselves in?! Ha! We're in the navy now! Proud members of the Ducal Family of Leston's fleet! These dirty pirates—you'll pay for your crimes!" the reformed pirate said.
"Let's clean up this filth!" another added.
The reformed pirates shoved the prisoners like soccer balls, herding them away with enthusiasm.
Fayle pointed toward them and asked, "And who are those men?"
"Oh, they're the Queen's elite squad. She told me to bring them along. Don't let their looks fool you—they're surprisingly useful," Caron explained.
"...I see. That 'Boss' title suits you, son," Fayle remarked.
"Hehe. Thank you, Father. Shall I promote you to Big Boss?" Caron asked with a smirk.
"I'll pass," Fayle answered.
But Fayle's astonishment didn't end there.
After the prisoners and ex-pirates came another group—this one clad in dark navy armor, hauling heavy crates. There were a hundred of them, all exuding an eerie, ominous aura.
"...And who are they?" Fayle asked once again.
"Ah, them? It's a long story. Let's just say they're Death Knights I liberated," Caron answered.
"Death Knights?" Fayle asked.
"Yes, they've pledged their strength to help me take revenge against the Demon Kings. I'll tell you the details when we're at Azureocean—Hey! Don't just toss that crate! It's full of explosives! Are you going to take responsibility if you blow that up? Just because you've already died once doesn't mean you can act like lunatics!" Caron yelled.
There were criminals, Queen's pirates, and Death Knights.
Fayle looked around at the bizarre crowd his son had gathered and sighed deeply, thinking, At this point, even calling him a walking bomb feels like an understatement.
The ultimate weapon of mass destruction, proudly belonging to the Ducal Family of Leston—Caron Leston—had finally returned.