A Barbaric Proposal Side Story 40

※A Business Bound to Collapse※

[Shellan] "Still, I can’t help but think this was a poorly calculated decision. Don’t you agree, Dief?"

[Dief] "What is, Shellan?"

[Shellan] "This ransom business."

[Dief] "Oh... I think it’s a terrible thing to do. Kidnapping innocent people, locking them up, and demanding money? It’s wicked."

[Shellan] "Set the morality aside for a moment—we can’t expect pirates to possess a conscience. My point is that, from a strategic perspective, this is a highly unstable business with glaring flaws and limitations, and bound to collapse."

The pirates stared, their mouths hanging open.

[Atil] "What is she even talking about?"

[Hazarro] "Wasn't that a child?"

She certainly looked like a child—and a remarkably pretty one at that—and while she spoke the Common Tongue with perfect clarity, they couldn't grasp a word of her analysis.

[Shellan] "Think about it, gentlemen. Logically speaking, what kind of parents would send two children to such a remote area alone? Use your common sense."

[Atil] "Damn it, do you think I’m an idiot?"

[Shellan] "We obviously have escort knights. Once they realize we’re missing, they will come looking for us."

[Hazarro] "Do you think we’re new to this? Why are you runts worrying about us?"

[Shellan] "It isn't a worry; it’s a suggestion for reflection. This isn't some isolated island where only you live. If anyone asks around, they’ll find out where you’re staying in no time. Do you believe our knights won't be able to track us here?"

[Atil] "Gah."

The pirates faltered, exchanging uneasy glances as the weight of her words settled in.

[Shellan] "If you’ve been in the ransom trade as long as you claim, how could you have overlooked something so basic? Are you actually that dim-witted? But after a little thought, I think I understand why."

Atil instinctively raised a fist, but Hazarro held him back.

[Atil] "Who are you calling dim—!"

[Hazarro] "Shut it for a second. Hey, kid. What did you figure out?"

The two pirates had brought coils of rope to bind them to the warehouse pillars. This wasn't the main warehouse where they kept their stolen loot—the vice captain kept the key to that around his neck—so they had scouted the area and broken into an empty storehouse with a window.

However, the rope remained idle in their hands because Shellan had begun her critique at the perfect psychological moment.

[Shellan] "You’re pirates. That means you likely don't usually kidnap people on land. You probably take hostages from the ships you raid."

[Hazarro] "Hmph. And?"

[Shellan] "The result is obvious. Even with hostages, you’d keep them locked in the hold of your own ship. You’ve never had to worry about anyone coming to find you on your own turf before."

[Atil] "Whoa!"

[Hazarro] "She’s right!"

The two pirates were completely taken aback. This child—they were starting to doubt she even was one—hit the nail squarely on the head.

They had forgotten that the rules changed on land and simply acted out of habit. They had snatched the children without even considering where to hide them.

They had felt a nagging sense of unease while wandering the warehouse district looking for a spot, but they hadn't been able to pinpoint the source of their anxiety until their own hostage pointed it out.

Dief looked at Shellan with his usual admiration for her insight.

[Dief] "Wow, I think Shellan is right. That means Sir Ashker will find us in no time, right?"

[Shellan] "Exactly."

She nodded confidently, and the pirates’ pupils began to shake like rafts tossed in a storm.

[Shellan] "And another thing, gentlemen. Our knights are all very kind people now, but they used to be quite... notorious."

This was a fabrication Shellan added on the spot. She didn't actually know the legends of Tiwakan from before she was born. It wasn't recorded in standard history books, and since everyone was now accustomed to the title "Arsak Knights," no one spoke of Tiwakan anymore. Furthermore, her father had intentionally avoided the subject, not wanting his children to know that side of him.

The only time they had ever heard the name "Tiwakan" was that single winter day last year when King Pembrovin’s portrait had been discovered.

[Shellan] "If they find us themselves, I doubt they’ll settle the matter peacefully. Wouldn't it be better to return us before that happens?"

Her proposal was perfectly logical, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to sway the pirates. They weren't particularly reasonable men, nor were their minds as sharp as Shellan’s. They were a group accustomed to following the Captain’s orders whenever they encountered a situation beyond their understanding.

Atil turned to Hazarro.

[Atil] "What do we do?"

[Hazarro] "What else? I’ll go and ask the Captain. You stay here and keep a close eye on these two."

[Atil] "What? What if those knights show up while you're gone?"

[Hazarro] "Then just run! And for heaven's sake, how would they know where we went so quickly? It took us forever just to find this place ourselves."

They had struggled to navigate the warehouse district while avoiding prying eyes. It had been early morning, and they had been lucky that this particular area wasn't busy yet.

[Atil] "Ah, I suppose you’re right. Just hurry back."

[Hazarro] "Watch the brats. They’re too clever for their own good, so tie them up tight."

Their hands and feet were already bound, having been carried like cargo. Binding them to the pillar was just an extra precaution.

[Atil] "Fine, fine. You know my knots never slip."

[Hazarro] "Good."

Hazarro slipped out of the warehouse. Once he was gone, Atil drew a large cutlass from his belt and glared at them with a menacing expression.

[Atil] "Listen, you two. Don’t open your mouths again. If I hear so much as a peep, I’ll start cutting off your fingers one by one."

At that, even the children found it difficult to stay brave.

[Shellan] "...If you do that, the Arsak Knights will not let you live."

[Atil] "Oh, the knights? Where are they then? I don't see them."

He swung the blade through the air for emphasis.

[Atil] "But I see my sword. If I feel like it, I could slice your little fingers off right now. Do you understand? So shut up and stay still!"

[Shellan] "..."

Atil might have been slow on the uptake, but he had years of experience as a pirate. Handling hostages was a skill etched into his very bones.

Shellan and Dief remained quiet as they were lashed to the pillar.

Atil grumbled about how this was his first time babysitting as he began to blow thick clouds of tobacco smoke into the air.

---

[Liene] "Oh...?"

[Black] "Liene?"

Liene had been gathering seashells for the children along the shore when she suddenly froze, a frown marring her features. Black immediately dropped the shells he was holding and rushed to her side.

[Black] "What is it? Are you in pain?"

[Liene] "No, it’s just... something feels wrong."

[Black] "What do you mean?"

[Liene] "Well..."

She tilted her head and looked at him with a troubled expression.

[Liene] "It’s the children."

[Black] "The children?"

[Liene] "Shouldn't they be here by now? It’s already been five days."

[Black] "Ah... has it been that long already?"

He found himself momentarily speechless regarding the children. It was a situation where he had to choose his words carefully.

[Liene] "It’s strange that we haven't heard a word from them. Do you think they’re still angry with us?"

[Black] "I doubt that."

Indeed, there was no way. Fermos was supposed to be keeping them occupied back home.

...Still, five days is a bit much.

He had expected Fermos to stall for three days at most. Even if he had displayed unprecedented competence in buying time, there should have been a message saying they were on their way by now.

Black pulled Liene into a gentle embrace.

[Black] "Don't worry. I’ll send word to Nauk. I’m sure the children are fine."

[Liene] "Perhaps we should just head back now?"

[Black] "We might miss them on the road if we do."

[Liene] "Even if we leave now?"

[Black] "It’s highly likely."

[Liene] "Hmm..."

In truth, he wasn't sure. He simply didn't want her returning to Nauk just yet.

He kissed her forehead softly.

[Black] "They won't be angry with you. And if they are, blame it on me. I’ll handle their temper."

[Liene] "What are you talking about? I agreed to come here, so this was our joint decision. If they are upset, we’ll face it together."

Even a heart as calloused as his felt a genuine prick of guilt at those words.

[Black] "I'll say it again: there’s no need for that. They have become more mature than you realize."

[Liene] "I hope you’re right."

Fortunately, Liene didn't press the issue of returning to Nauk further.

Against the backdrop of the sea, turning crimson with the setting sun, the two continued to gather shells.

The thought that their private time was nearing its end made even the mundane seashells feel precious. Black was surprised to find such a sentimental side to himself; perhaps he was starting to get old.

Meanwhile, a well-trained messenger hawk soared through the sky, racing toward Nauk Castle.

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