As evening approached, the tavern gradually became more crowded.
Patrons drank large mugs of chilled liquor, bragged about their adventures, and exchanged stories they had heard from across the seas.
Bursts of laughter echoed throughout the lively establishment from time to time.
“Hahaha!” The tavern owner, Afra, busied herself amidst the cheerful commotion.
Because she was short-handed, Lily and Light had voluntarily started helping their mother with various tasks around the tavern.
Jingle— At that moment, the tavern door was pushed open, causing the bell hanging above it to ring with a crisp, pleasant sound.
A man with black hair, a sturdy build, and a silver-white sword hanging from his waist stepped inside.
The patrons paid him little attention.
Or rather, they paid no attention at all.
At this hour, people constantly came and went for drinks.
The sound of the doorbell had long since become background noise to them.
Likewise, the newcomer paid no mind to the customers chatting and drinking around him.
With unhurried steps, he walked up to the counter.
Having just finished serving another customer, Afra automatically greeted him with a professional smile.
“What would you like to drink?” The man took a seat at the counter and spoke calmly.
“The usual.
Liquor with ice.” Hearing the familiar voice and those familiar words, Afra froze.
She instinctively looked up to examine the man before her.
The moment she saw his face, her eyes widened in shock, and she quickly covered her mouth.
“Y-You…?!” The newcomer was none other than Carnes, who had transformed from an old man back into his youthful appearance.
Seeing her astonished expression, Carnes smiled faintly.
“I came to say goodbye.” Afra was momentarily stunned.
After recovering herself, she slowly lowered her hand and smiled.
“I see.
Has your injury finally healed?” “Yes.
And thank you for taking care of me all these years.” Carnes nodded without trying to hide anything.
“Carnes…” Afra seemed about to say something but hesitated halfway through.
“What is it?” Carnes asked curiously.
Afra shook her head with an apologetic smile.
“No, it’s nothing.
It’s just…
with how you look now, calling you Uncle Carnes feels a little strange.” Carnes chuckled.
“Then just call me Carnes.
I don’t mind.” “It’s honestly unbelievable.
You look younger than I do now.” Afra laughed softly as she prepared his drink.
“Where are you planning to go?” “To sea.” Carnes’s gaze remained calm.
“To settle the debts and grudges that were left unresolved all those years ago.” “Tonight?” “Tonight.” Carnes nodded.
The instant those words left his mouth— Bang!
The tavern doors were violently thrown open.
The sudden noise immediately attracted everyone’s attention.
Conversations ceased.
Movements stopped.
Every person in the tavern turned toward the entrance.
Standing there was a middle-aged man drenched in sweat and breathing heavily.
After glancing around the room, he spoke in a trembling voice.
“T-This is bad!
Really bad!
Pirates…
I saw a pirate ship!
They’ve docked at the harbor!” The announcement instantly caused an uproar.
“What?!” “Pirates?!” “Hey, Hans!
Are you serious?
Pirates have arrived?” “Damn it!
Is this island’s peace about to be destroyed by those vicious pirates again?!” One after another, the tavern patrons jumped to their feet.
Upon hearing that a pirate ship had arrived, none of them felt safe enough to continue drinking.
They needed to get home immediately.
They needed to gather their families and hide.
If they encountered pirates, death was a very real possibility.
In a panic, the customers rushed out of the tavern.
At the counter, Afra’s expression changed as well.
Almost instinctively, she looked toward Carnes.
Before she could say anything, Carnes spoke first.
“There’s no need to worry.” “I believe the ship that just docked belongs to my crew.” “And even if it doesn’t…
there’s still nothing to worry about.” “I’ll handle it.” Looking at Carnes’s calm and composed expression, hearing the confidence in his voice, the panic on Afra’s face eased considerably.
A smile gradually returned.
“You’re just as dependable as you were back then.
Whether it’s this group of pirates…
or those bandits from years ago…” At that moment, Lily and Light hurried over.
They stopped beside their mother and called out anxiously.
“Mom!” Turning toward her children, Afra smiled lovingly and reassured them.
“It’s alright.
There’s nothing to worry about.” — Meanwhile, at the harbor.
A pirate ship had just completed its docking.
More than twenty crew members with swords hanging at their waists slowly gathered near the bow under the leadership of a tall man.
He wore a red-and-white striped suit and round spectacles.
He also possessed pointed ears and a long tail.
This man was none other than the Special Crew Member recruited by Carnes.
Demiurge.
Sweeping his gaze across the town below, Demiurge maintained a cold expression as he spoke calmly.
“Let’s go.” “Don’t keep our captain waiting for too long.” “Yes, sir!” More than twenty crew members answered in unison.