"Olga Marie… I'd like to request paid leave…"
"W-What…? Are you feeling ill?"
"No, it's… mental strain…"
"I-I see…"
The Babylon-Gilgamesh!
"Captain! A woman and a golden guy from the sky!"
"What!?"
"So flashy! Insane!!"
"How's the woman?"
"A real catch, Captain!"
"Awesome!"
"Hmph, look at those vermin squirm. Very well, I'll greet them in the custom of Master's land. Listen, you motley rabble!"
The king's voice boomed, wider than the sea, higher than the heavens.
"My name is Gilgamesh, Heroic King! The sole sovereign who claims this star as his garden! Bow, curs! Lower your heads! I graciously permit you to bask in my presence! Let my radiance sear your souls!"
"I'm his Master! Nice to meet you!"
"I'm Mash Kyrielight, Master's Demi-Servant."
First, we declare our identities and purpose to build a smooth rapport.
"We have business on land! Take us aboard and guide us to your hideout at once! Obey, and all's well! Refuse, and—"
"Who's this jerk!? Sea men bow to no one! Get 'em, boys!!"
""""Raaagh!! Use the men! Take the women! Raaagh—!!!""""
The first contact failed. Building rapport is tough.
"Hm, expecting barbaric mongrels to grasp my majesty was too much. Kneeling requires intellect, haha."
"Pirates incoming! Shall we intercept!?"
"Of course. But don't kill them. Sailing the seas requires know-how, and we need their hideout's location."
"Non-lethal strikes, got it! Mash Kyrielight, engaging!"
Mash leapt forward, repelling the swarming pirates with her shield. Non-lethally.
Using a shield for non-lethal strikes is pretty deft, now that I think about it.
"Guh!? She's strong!?"
"What's she doing!? Just a kid!"
"She's nuts! Crazy strong!"
"Take this! Don't underestimate us!"
"Master, handle them casually. I have work to do."
"Work?"
"Aye. Use that half-baked one. She'll manage the balance."
With that, I stepped away from Master.
The vessel's a bit too eager, so I'll let him take the lead for now.
First, I'll search for maps, charts, or logs. What might I find?
"Got it! Come, 'Jeanne Alter'!"
Rikka's right hand glowed, summoning the dark witch.
"I understand. Burn these sweaty brutes just enough?"
"Medium-rare! No killing, absolutely!"
"If you say so. Burn, savages! Kneel in Master's mercy and beg forgiveness—!"
Flames of measured wrath engulfed the ship—!
"Gaaah!! Hot! Too hot!!"
"Damn it! Burned at sea!? What kinda joke is this!?"
"Eeeek!! She's terrifying!"
"Nooo!!"
"Your sin for spewing vulgar words at my Master—pay with your bodies—!!!"
"""""We're so sorry—!!!!"""""
The men's screams echoed in torment.
And then—
"""""We're really sorry—!!!"""""
Through dialogue (and combustion), the pirates were tamed.
"Can you guide us to your hideout?"
"""""Aye, aye, ma'am!"""""
"No betrayals, right?"
"""""Of course not!"""""
"Let's get along?"
""""""With pleasure—!!!"""""
Bound by well-toasted friendship, Master and the pirates forged a tight bond.
"Thanks, Alter!"
"No big deal. I won't let crude men have you."
"Alter's so kind! Thank you!"
"No hugging… ugh, fine. They're too sweaty. I'm out."
"Good work, Alter-san."
"Take care of Master, Mash. …Where's Goldie?"
"Now that you mention it, he said he had something to do…"
"I'm right here!!"
The voice came from above.
All eyes widened in shock.
"I've replaced this shabby ship's sails! Henceforth, this vessel is mine, by me, for me!"
"My ship's mast—!!?"
"Its tentative name: Babylon-Gilgamesh! For a time, I entrust my body to it! The ship's look must match my grandeur! Hahaha!!"
Yes, that was my task. I painted the ship's most visible parts in my colors.
Oh, I found the logs and such. This was just… a side project. Probably.
"That's what you wanted to do…?"
"It's… extravagant…"
"Is he an idiot? No, seriously, an idiot?"
"[Well, it's Gil.]"
"[The Director's unfazed! You can't get used to this!?]"
"[Quietly doing massive work alone…]"
"Talks with the crew are settled! Set sail! The Babylon-Gilgamesh's maiden voyage begins! String up the captain! My ship needs no other!"
"You're a demon—!!?"
"A king!! Let me preach truth! Only those ready to be usurped may usurp! Now, sail! Work like dogs, crew!!"
""""""Aye, aye, sir!!!""""""
"You lot switched sides too fast!! Wait, stop—!!"
"Full speed to the land hideout!!"
Donning a captain's hat I found, the vessel-turned-captain barked orders.
"Mash, Jeanne! Let's do it—that Titanic thing!"
"T-The bow pose?"
"That's silly. It's dangerous, so no."
"No good?"
"…Just once."
"Alter-san!?"
"Former captain! Your fate hinges on your guidance! Lie, and you're shark bait!"
"Heh, don't underestimate me! Pirates don't sell their souls!"
"Master!"
"'Kiyohi—'!"
"Liars get burned. Oh, I'll burn you. Cold death or hot—your choice…?"
"I'll guide you with utmost sincerity!!"
"That's right! Forward, forward!! Work briskly, pirates!!"
""""""Aye, aye, sir!!!""""""
No one died. Good, good.
The Babylon-Gilgamesh set course for land…
"Hahaha! Is he mimicking me!? Haven't seen him in a bit, and he's gotten fun!"
"I still can't believe that's the Heroic King. Well, opinions mean nothing before facts."
"I could share a good drink with that guy! Can't wait to be summoned! Let's drink!"
"This is the control room!?"
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/Greyhounds
If you want to see it, then why not?