The dining hall inside Auransa's mansion was warm and bright, the table overflowing with roasted chicken, bread, soup and fruits that shimmered under the candlelight.
Auransa: Eat as much as you like.
Orimo: Thanks.
Ryuki quietly sliced into her chicken, savoring it. Orimo was eating like he hadn't seen food in years.
Auransa watched them with a soft smile.
Auransa: I'll be inviting the villagers you met… to live here, as citizens. Proper homes, proper rights.
Ryuki paused.
A small smile formed on her lips.
Ryuki: We'd appreciate it.
For a moment, everything felt peaceful.
But then—
Auransa's hand froze mid-page as he glanced at the newspaper beside him.
His expression shifted.
The room's atmosphere changed.
His eyes widened… and his face went pale.
Ryuki: What happened?
Orimo: Saw a ghost?
Auransa slowly lowered the paper.
His voice was faint. Almost trembling.
Auransa: Ashveil Pirates… Conqueror Ashveil Kenny… is heading toward the Navy Fortress.
Silence.
Ryuki's eyes narrow, understanding instantly.
Ryuki: Wasn't he once in Arata's crew?
Auransa: He was. But he broke away when Arata made a mistake that cost thousands of lives. From that day on… they became enemies.
Kenny vanished into the shadows, building his own empire.
And now… after years of silence… he moves again.
Orimo leaned back, unbothered.
Orimo: Who cares about them?
Auransa slammed a hand on the table. The plates rattled.
Auransa: You don't understand.
If Ashveil Kenny joins this war…
The entire world will shift.
A silence heavier than steel fell.
Orimo stood up, wiping his mouth.
Orimo: Can you lend us a ship, by the way?
Auransa blinked, baffled by the absurd composure.
Then he exhaled through his nose and laughed softly.
Auransa: …Sure.
I'd like to.
Chapter 48 End