North x Northwest

Chapter 25

- flashback -

Ed grinned, his face half bright and half dark.

I wont just kill her. Ill torture her.

Although Edgar showed no signs of viciousness in the pub, I would have been nave to think he would take my warning seriously.

Cesars threat was to assert his position and make Ed think twice about toying with Liloa. If that had actually worked, Ed wouldnt have deceived Lil and rushed here. However, Cesars worst nightmare, running into Ed before they left Amiaeng, came true.

Ha! Youre pirates! No wonder I didnt get a price from her. Haha, a pirate! Great, thatll make it easier for me to threaten you Ill kill her with that body and that name, hanging as the notorious pirate Lil Schweiz, buried and rotting. What a futile death would that be for dear Liloa?

Dont you dare call her Liloa.

Then what should I call her? Seeing her like this, I dont want to call her by her last name. I know the virtue of respect.

No one in the world would know she died. No one will mourn for her, except you. Well, she might say that youre enough because she hates her family, but is that really all right? Her death wont suddenly make things right with them, will it?

Can you handle the tragedy?

Cesar was silent for a moment.

Although Edgars words arent empty threats, he cant kill Lil that easily, no matter what he says. More than anything else, he came all the way here, because hes interested in her.

But there are plenty of reasons for Cesar to still be concerned.

Impulses, rage, and explosions. Even if it isnt death, Edgar can still inflict equivalent damage. Whatever the case, the outcome would be bleak.

While still being silent, Cesars gaze moved from Ed to the stern of the Bell Rock, following Lil, who was busy making her way to the upper deck. Imagining the horrible reality Ed just painted, cold sweat trickled down his back.

Killing him would be the safest option.

Were you trying to pick your sword? What if I get angry?

Sir Edgar.

Do you think what I said is the worst possible scenario? I can do a lot more than that.

His words were frightening, as Cesar subconsciously envisioned Eds quick blade stabbing and slicing through Lils body.

Lils true identity was never meant to be revealed. But, its pointless to linger in regrets now. Weve been careless.

Cesar blamed himself for allowing Lil to act alone despite hearing the tumultuous news on the streets.

Edgar was able to see and unravel Lils true and hidden identity. There are no limits to what he can do to her.

Cesar, helpless, put down his sword.

Yeah. Thats right

Ed, who muttered with satisfaction, moved his gaze to the Bell Rock again.

Ive been thinking about how Liloa could be in the form of a man.

No, actually, when I first saw her in that form, I didnt even think that was Liloa. When I heard the people around me call her Captain, I thought it was really Lil Schweiz. I came here convinced that Liloa was Lil Schweiz. I knew it, but what I saw was not just a disguise. You cant fool me with a mere disguise.

At first, I was sceptical. Although there are similarities, thinking of two people who seem completely different as one and the same, is not something that most humans do.

Cesar guessed that Ed had gone to Madame Rouges brothel.

Out of fear of escapes, the pimps there were extremely strict with their employees. Edgar wouldnt have had to look long to figure out that Lil being a prostitute was a disguise. If so, he wouldve lost interest in Lil. The target must have been Lil herself, but how could he have figured it out so quickly?

I know what youre thinking.

I was just lucky: the first report I saw was from the Black Whale, Lil Schweiz. I also happened to have received a letter wonderfully similar to it. The loot certificate isnt exclusive to Lil Schweiz anymore, but the writing style is. Well, even if I hadnt seen the report, I wouldve found her in the end. It might have taken me a bit longer and you wouldve probably left Amiaeng by then You really are in such a hurry to escape.

Anyway, back to the point, how can she look like a man?

Cesar hesitated, unsure how to respond when Ed inquired about her appearance. Unable to come up with a suitable response.

Even with my confirmation Edgar wouldnt simply take my word for it, he would want to check it with Lil. If he does, there would be no guarantee that Edgar, who has an eye for rare pieces of art, wont covet the jewel.

Is Liloa, by any chance, borrowing the power of an artefact?

Cesar was perplexed by the question, which came out so naturally as if Ed had already solved it.

No matter how well-versed he is in history and how brilliant his mind is, how can he see through everything?

Dont be so surprised. This isnt my first rodeo. When Im trying to explain an unexplainable phenomenon, I have all kinds of options. Unlike most people, my travels from east to west in search of ancient traces brought me all over the world. Anyway, I have no desire to satisfy your curiosity. Rather, its your turn, isnt it?

Wont you answer?

Shall I shout her real name out loud then? I dont think you made my presence known to Liloa, so wont she be surprised?

Cesar squeezed the bridge of his nose.

All right.

All right?

Yes.

Great.

A rush of ecstasy filled Eds body. He rubbed his hands together, raised his brows, and walked around.

Let me see. Liloa already knows my face. In that case, I dont think shell allow me on board, so you should take care of it. You must guarantee that I can board the Bell Rock.

Cesar attempted to regain his composure.

Although, I thought it was highly unlikely, it was still a possibility. What should I do now? How the hell can I make this work?

Cesar decided to take a gamble.

Get on board as a doctor.

Its the best option. The simplest route is also the safest for Lil. I have no idea what an enraged Admiral would do. For the time being, I have to extinguish the fire. Whats most important is that if Edgar went on the Bell Rock, new negotiations might eventually be possible.

The moment men boarded a ship on sea, theyre all equalized as human beings held in their mothers arms, whether they are the noblest emperor or the humblest slave. Even an admiral couldnt survive an epidemic without water. Men are humbled and rendered insignificant by the sea. Besides, Liloa and I have the highest rank on the Bell Rock, after all.

What?

Thats all.

We dont have a doctor. He died a month ago.

Are you crazy? Youre telling me to treat the pirates pus-filled wounds?

Because you havent completed your medical training, Liloa might strongly oppose your boarding, but the rest of the crew will welcome you. Youll have the support of the entire crew, while the Captain stands alone, so the crew will easily win the vote. If that happens, Liloa cant object either. There will be no choice but to let you join.

Ed tried to reject it more vehemently but soon became aware of the gazes around them. In the end, he could only voice his anger through his mouth.

I dont want to.

Liloa is not under my control. Shes not something I hold and shake. Also, I have no intention of stopping her reasonable and free will.

There will be no large battles towards our next destination. Our priority is to get out of Amiaeng as quietly and quickly as possible. You will rarely see a patient, and due to the shallow waters most injuries in southern voyages are fractured bones, instead of pus-filled wounds.

Even though Ed was still planning to complain, Cesar refused to back down. Ed quickly weighed his options. His brows moved up and down. After rearranging his thoughts, Ed finally exclaimed.

Then, its not that bad.

Go to Doctor Pons on Varese Street and get a letter of recommendation.

When will you depart?

In two days.

Dont you dare double-cross me, know that you wont be safe.

There is no reason for me to lie to you.

Ed fixed his gaze on the men before him, trying to determine the truth in Cesars word. Still sceptical about his innocent appearance.

Well, good.

Now get the hell out of here.

Come to think of it, if she gets hurt on this voyage, things could get quite interesting.

Unable to resist the provocation, Cesar distorted his face. Ed left satisfied after seeing his opponents reaction.

he smiled.

Slowly, revealing his teeth.

- end flashback -

Just like now.

Cesar looked at the admiral. It was a suspicious and unseemly gaze, one that seemed to be watching him. Eventually, the navigator had no desire to please him more and turned his head.

***