Reborn As a Pirate - Chapter 128

Chapter 128: Arrested!
“The ‘Black Cat Divination House’ I manage became a target simply because it bears the word ‘cat’ in its name,” Meloye explained with a trace of frustration in her voice. “With no other choice, I had to deceive the Libra Knights with a cleverly crafted prosthesis.”

“The prosthesis is almost identical to me in appearance,” she continued, her tone tinged with resignation. “However, its expressions and language capabilities are limited. It’s a temporary solution at best; they’ll realize it’s not me eventually. That’s why I’m preparing to assume a new identity soon.”

“I returned to the ‘Black Cat Divination House’ earlier today just to set a coded message. If you had arrived even a day later, you likely wouldn’t have found me.”

Ryan nodded, absorbing the weight of her predicament, then asked, driven by a blend of concern and curiosity, “What exactly is this ‘sacred object’ that was lost?”

Meloye’s expression turned pensive. “It’s rumored to be one of the keys to activate the ‘Sacred Libra.’ Of course, that’s just what I’ve heard; the specifics are unclear to me.”

She looked somewhat embarrassed as she added, “I’ve only been in charge of this branch for a couple of months. The previous leader vanished without explanation, leaving us with scant intelligence and resources.”

“You must be allied with a witch, right?” Meloye’s gaze fixed intently on Ryan. “No ordinary person carries such a distinct and potent smell of witchcraft about them.”

“Smell?” Ryan echoed, intrigued by her choice of words but neither confirming nor denying her assumption.

“Yes, smell.” Meloye nodded affirmatively. “I have the ability to communicate with animals and even monsters, borrowing their powers for my use. This enhanced sense of smell, for instance, comes from a creature known as a ‘star-chasing dog.'”

“You’re so open about your abilities,” Ryan remarked, visibly surprised.

Meloye responded calmly, “Even if I hadn’t told you, you might have guessed some of it on your own. Moreover, you’ve earned the trust of other witches. In this world, witches must support each other as much as possible, that’s the foundational principle of the Witch Association.”

“If it’s feasible, bring your witch allies to me. I’ll assist them as much as I can within my capabilities.”

Ryan, understanding the gravity of their shared circumstances, appreciated why the Blood Witch had spoken so highly of the Witch Association. “Your situation is precarious right now, so I won’t impose upon you for further aid,” he said, rising to leave, aware of the undercurrents in the city of Santos, stirred by the theft of the holy relic.

Having recently come from the tumult of the Whirlpool Islands, all he desired was a period of calm. “I should avoid any further entanglements for a while.”

“Take this with you,” Meloye offered, handing him a small blue conch. “It’s a sound transmission conch. As long as you’re within a hundred kilometers, you can use it to communicate, just tap the bottom three times to activate it. It will also vibrate to signal incoming messages.”

“And take this map,” she added, extending a carefully folded piece of parchment towards him. “It may help you navigate more safely.”

“It details the topography of the island and the marine conditions within nearly a hundred nautical miles,” Meloye explained as she handed over the map and the conch. “I hope it proves useful to you.”

Ryan accepted the items, his gaze meeting Meloye’s with a solemn intensity. “We’re departing shortly, but if you find yourself in dire straits in the coming days, don’t hesitate to reach out for help, within my means, of course.”

“Thank you, I appreciate that,” Meloye responded with a gracious smile, although she didn’t fully take his offer to heart. She had sparred with Ryan before and knew his capabilities surpassed her own. However, her skills in evasion were unmatched, particularly in the labyrinthine cityscape. She believed that if a truly inescapable danger arose, even Ryan’s intervention might prove futile.

Nevertheless, she did not dismiss his kindness outright.

“If you’re ready to leave, please step into this mirror. It will take you back to the farmhouse,” she instructed.

Ryan nodded and approached the mirror, his figure dissolving into the glass until he vanished completely.

As the surface of the mirror stilled, Meloye’s smile faded into a pensive frown. “Should I relocate to avoid further scrutiny? It feels as though something significant is looming on the horizon.”

“There are only two days left. Once ‘that’ is completed, I’ll leave.”

…

Ryan reappeared beside the water tank in the farmhouse, blinking against the sudden return to brightness. He touched the water, finding it had reverted to normal, no longer a magical conduit.

“What an intriguing spell,” Ryan murmured, impressed by the ingenuity of the Witch Society.

He unfolded the map, studying it briefly before setting out for a shipyard on the outskirts of the city. Given the unrest in “Santos,” acquiring a small boat for a swift escape seemed prudent.

Leaving the farmhouse, Ryan followed the map’s directions to the western area of the outer city of Santos, where the city’s sole shipyard was located. But as he neared his destination, Ryan abruptly stopped.

“Click…”

The sharp, metallic sound of armored footsteps echoed from both in front and behind, heralding trouble. Two knights clad in silver armor, each bearing the distinctive golden “Libra” insignia on their chest, appeared, effectively sandwiching him between them.

The knights radiated a potent spirituality, their presence alone suggesting they were at least of the second level in terms of power.

“Libra Knights?” Ryan’s brow furrowed in concern.

“After thorough investigation, it has been confirmed that Ryan Rayland, a wanted criminal from the capital of Augustus and known as the ‘son of blood,’ sought information about the ‘Black Cat Divination House’ from Jorah, a resident of the outer city. The proprietor of the house, Meloye, has been identified as a ‘witch’ and is a prime suspect in the theft of the ‘holy object’. By order of the court, you are to be detained and interrogated,” one knight announced formally. “Please come with us. Should it be determined you have no involvement, you will be released.”