Rhett raised his hands in mock surrender, his expression exaggeratedly innocent. "Oh, Admiral, don't be so upset. I was just worried my Vice Captain might get tricked. Pure concern. Pure concern."
He winked at Bufeng as he spoke.
Gale was so angry he almost drew his sword. He held back, grunted, and turned away. He focused his attention on Bufeng.
Bufeng looked at Gale's serious eyes, then at the red-eyed man who seemed unreliable but spoke the truth. His face was full of conflict.
The boy spoke. "If I join the Navy... can I get revenge? Can I catch the leader and the pirates?"
Gale was about to answer—
"Hey, kid," Rhett interrupted, now holding an apple. "Before you ask, think: who's really responsible for your loss? Who led the attack?"
The Navy. The same organization now offering to help.
The question cooled Bufeng's hope. Gale's face darkened.
"Rhett!" Gale's voice was sharp. "Are you going to ruin this? There are pirates involved too!"
"Sure," Rhett shrugged. "Pirates are the blade. The Navy is the hand holding it. Now the hand wants you to help break the blade. But the hand is still bloody. Interesting."
Gale's claws almost came out. He controlled himself.
He turned back to Bufeng, his voice firm. "I swear by my honor as an Admiral. I will find every Navy traitor and every pirate who did this. No matter who they are, they will face justice."
Rhett: You've said this at least twice in the last two chapters. But it's the best Gale can offer.
Gale: I wouldn't need to repeat myself if someone wasn't constantly undermining me.
Gale's words were heavy with determination. He gave the order: "Investigate every officer who's been acting suspiciously. Find those who match the patch. I want them found."
"Yes, Admiral!"
Gale was about to leave when Rhett's voice rang out.
"Hey, Joy Boy. This island is nice. Let's stay a while. Vacation."
Joy Boy, without thinking, agreed. "Sounds fun! We can help rebuild!"
Gale froze. His eye twitched. He turned back, staring at the smug Rhett.
He knew the moment he left, Rhett would turn Bufeng against them. Joy Boy would just go along.
If Bufeng joined the pirates, Gale would have to fight a beast-controlling enemy influenced by Rhett. The thought made his vision blur.
So Gale forced a smile, awkward but determined. "Given the investigation will take time, and for your safety, perhaps you should all travel with my warship."
Rhett grinned. "Oh, our safety~"
Gale ignored him. He looked at Bufeng. "Join us. I'll protect you."
Rhett laughed. "An Admiral inviting us onto his ship. Sure, we'll come. Our ship is broken anyway. I hope you have good food."
So the warship now carried its crew, wanted criminals, victims, and their beasts.
Gale looked at this strange group and regretted everything. But he had a plan.
For the sake of a future Admiral, he would endure.