As expected, Robin was in the study, buried in her books. When I tapped lightly on the desk, she looked up, her keen eyes immediately locking onto my face.
"Mister, did something happen? Your eyebrows are all... scrunched up like this," she said, using her hands to mimic a deep frown at her temples.
It was that obvious, huh? I thought as I pulled up a chair.
"Robin, I need you to listen calmly. What we feared has finally happened."
"!! ...Did they catch my mother!?"
"No, fortunately, she hasn't been captured yet. But now that a wanted poster has been issued, it's likely only a matter of time."
"Do you have a plan?"
"I have an idea. If it works, we might be able to intercept Olvia before anyone else... hopefully."
"You don't sound sure... but it's okay. I believe in you, Mister. You took me out to sea, and you've spent two years helping me look for her.
Even if I don't get to see her, I could never hate you. You've done so much, and you're still trying even now."
I placed a hand on her head and gave it a gentle pat. "I'll do everything in my power. So, please, don't look like you're about to cry."
She was holding back so much. To be only eight years old and already bracing herself for the possibility of never seeing her mother again... it twisted my heart. I gave her hair a final ruffly rub and headed for the command deck.
"Change of plans! We are heading for Mary Geoise on an emergency route! How long will it take?"
"From our current position, less than a week if the winds hold, sir!"
"The weather is clear for now. If we steer straight and use the Eternal Pose, we can make it in under five days."
"We should top off our supplies at the nearest island first, Captain," another officer suggested. "We have enough for now, but at full speed, we'll burn through rations fast."
"What about the pirates we encounter on the way?"
"Ignore them unless they are 'High' or 'Special' priority targets. We resupply, we move, and then we head straight for the New World. Everyone, look sharp!"
"""Understood, sir!!"""
I planned to link up with Vice Admiral Saul, have a "talk," and then propose a joint search for Olvia. From what I remembered of the original story, Saul was a good man who followed orders without knowing the full, ugly truth.
If I explained things clearly, he'd understand. If not... well, I'd have to get creative.
Even if Saul had already found her, the question was whether Olvia would even listen to me. I had a letter from Professor Clover, but she viewed the World Government and the Navy as her mortal enemies.
It was a mountain of problems, but I'd made a promise. I wasn't going to back down now.
The Giant and the Archeologist
A few days later, we finally spotted them.
"Target in sight! Vice Admiral Saul's warship is dead ahead! But they appear to be in combat!!"
I raised my binoculars. There he was—a giant wearing a Marine coat standing on the deck. That was definitely Saul.
"Is it a pirate ship?"
"No, sir! No flag. Judging by the equipment, it looks like an exploration vessel!"
I focused the lenses. Cranes, excavation gear, small submersibles... Oh no. That's definitely Olvia's ship.
"Fire the signal flares! Request an immediate ceasefire!"
The red and blue streaks lit up the sky. After a moment, the warship fired back a response signal.
"Keep the ship steady and bring us alongside. Robin, stay in the study—it's too dangerous out here. Chief, look after her!"
I didn't wait for an answer. I used Geppo to kick through the air, leaping across the gap between the ships and landing firmly on Saul's deck.
"Vice Admiral Saul, I am Captain Krieg of the Independent Company. May I ask for a situational report?"
He's huge. That was my first thought. I'd seen giants before, but standing right next to one—especially when I'm used to being the biggest guy in the room—was a trip.
"Oh? So you're the 'Dull Bear' I've heard rumors about, dere-shi. As for the situation... I was just trying to stop that exploration ship... HEY! I TOLD YOU TO STOP FIRING!!"
"But they're still resisting, sir!" a subordinate shouted.
"They aren't hardened, pirates! Are you so weak that you can't subdue them without sinking them?!" Saul roared. The sheer volume of his voice made my bones rattle.
"The rules of engagement state we should minimize casualties for non-pirate vessels," I added calmly. "Though it seems the message hasn't trickled down to everyone yet."
"I apologize, Captain. It's hard to keep these hotheads in line. I've captured a few of these history-seekers before, but I still don't understand why they have to die, dere-shi..."
"They just want to know the truth of history," I said, watching the smoke rise from the other ship. "But the higher-ups want that truth buried.
They claim it's to prevent the resurrection of Ancient Weapons... but one has to wonder what they're really afraid of."
Saul looked down at me, his brow furrowed. "What do you mean by that, Captain?"
Before I could answer, a Marine came running over. "Vice Admiral Saul! We have one survivor!"
They dragged a woman forward. She had long white hair and a face that was striking even through the soot and tears. She glared at us with eyes full of pure hatred.
One survivor? Only one? My blood ran cold. My ROE (Rules of Engagement) had been ignored.
"How could you... my comrades...!!"
No doubt about it. That was Nico Olvia.
"Do you really want the weapons that badly?" she spat.
"You poor people... you judge us without even having a will of your own! You follow the law blindly, shouting about 'preventing weapons' in unison!
"Alright, Nico Olvia, that's enough," I cut in.
I turned to the giant. "Vice Admiral Saul, I'd like to take custody of this prisoner. That's the reason I hurried all the way here. And as for our previous conversation... are you willing to hear what the Government is actually planning?"
"Taking custody is a tall order..., but I truly don't understand why the Government goes this far. I'll hear you out. We can discuss the prisoner afterward."
"Then let's move to my ship. It'll be a private conversation, and she should come too."
I breathed a silent sigh of relief. I'd made it just in time to save Olvia. Now came the hard part: convincing a stubborn, honest Marine like Saul and a traumatized archeologist like Olvia to work with me.
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