"Hey, Olga Marie? Wanna take a break? Like, until this Singularity's done?"
"What are you talking about, Master…?"
"I've got a really bad feeling about this! Like, super bad!"
"…What's up with the Greeks…?"
Scattered Wealth, Enduring Treasure
"Alright, I get the gist of what you're saying. You don't seem like con artists trying to scam a drunk."
Drake nods, mulling it over, and takes another swig of rum.
"You want to fix this crazy sea. For that, you need someone who knows it inside out. And that someone's me, the pirate."
"Pirate or not, we need you, Big Sis Drake!"
"Feisty girl, huh? I think we'll get along! You lot are like prime merchandise with tons of potential. Investing in you doesn't sound half bad, but…"
Her gaze sharpens, locking onto the golden figure.
"The problem's this guy. Treasure Man."
"Oh? Sizing me up, Pioneer? Your eye for value's not bad, seeing as you rate Master and Mash so highly. I'll give you that."
…Seems I've made a bad impression.
"Sorry, pretty boy. You're generous, loaded, and all, but…"
"…"
"You and I? We're fundamentally at odds. You've got infinite treasure, right?"
"Indeed. My wealth is the pinnacle of infinity and tyranny. The treasures you pirates scrabble for are mere dust to me."
"—That's exactly why we don't mesh. I love wealth too. I'll gather it, steal it, whatever it takes. That's the pirate way, the way of those who live by the sea."
"—"
She doesn't back down. Not even before the King of Heroes.
"But here's the thing—I gather wealth to burn through it like a storm! From that angle, you're a total joke! Wealth that never runs out? That flips the life of sea-dwellers upside down! No need to risk danger. No need to bet your life with idiot crews. No joy in discovering the unknown. No thrill of brushing with death. Ugh, I can't even think about it! One guy hoarding all the treasure, holding the whole world? That's boring beyond belief!"
That's the pride of a pirate…
"If you want it, take it! If you don't have it, find it! You struggle, you nearly die! But overcoming that makes treasure valuable. Spending it makes life fun. That's a pirate! That's the life I've chosen! No matter who you are, I won't compromise on this!"
"""""WOOOOH! Big Sis! You're the coolest!!"""""
The pirates' cheers erupt.
"—"
"So, as long as I'm me, I can't stand side by side with you. Sorry, but that's how it is."
…The vessel says nothing. What thoughts stir within?
"Gil…"
—I'm… so…
"—Heh."
"Huh?"
"Heh—hahaha! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! FWAHAHAHAHA!!"
"Gil, you okay?"
"—Splendid! I like it!!"
He was in awe. His soul was trembling.
"What?"
"That's right! No matter how greedy or vile, a thief has pride! Foolish or not, they have resolve! A true spark of pride! That's a fact! An undeniable fact!"
The vessel laughs, slapping his knee.
Face challenges. Overcome near-death trials. What you seize through struggle holds true value.
That proud way of life—it's the very essence of the 'humanity' the King of Heroes cherishes.
This is a pirate. This is the Pioneer of the Stars.
This is the radiant life of a great pirate who burned with human pride and changed history—
"Well said! There's potential to break the impossible, a vile yet shining pride! I acknowledge your way of life, Francis Drake!"
"Uh… you're pretty reasonable, huh?"
"Normally, I'd skewer you without hesitation. But today, I'm the one and only Good-Mood King! All insolence is forgiven! Your rudeness? Overlooked!"
—No, he wants to thank her.
She faced this king with nothing but her way of life, no weapons drawn.
Thanks to her, I've already encountered a brilliant spark.
"Ugh… when you're this straightforward, I feel like an idiot for picking a fight…"
"Big Sis, acting meek!? Everybody, duck! Spears are coming!!"
"I'll chop your head off and hang it on the prow, you barrel-brained idiot!!"
"But, Gil, what now? She won't stand with you…"
"Hmph. I won't stand with her either. Drake, lend your strength to them. I don't need your help."
"No help? Then what's the plan?"
"Simple. —I'll hire you."
Yes. If standing together won't work, I'll choose a different bond.
"Hire me?"
"Your skill, your wisdom, your fate—I'll invest in them. You wield them. In other words… I'm the boss, and you're my deputy!"
"—"
"Clear enough? Our bond ends when the wealth does. No cleaner arrangement exists! You serve me for profit, I hire you for your skill. Perfect!"
"—Pfft, hahahahaha! Got it, got it! No lingering bad blood, no bruised pride! Fine, a pirate'll drink muddy water to survive. Serving a generous boss? No big deal!"
Yes. A calculated relationship built on mutual respect. That's the compromise.
"Alright! I, Francis Drake, will join Mash and Rikka as allies and work for you! You'll shower me with treasure, right?"
"Naturally. Earn your keep and don't bore me, Pioneer! FWAHAHAHAHA!!"
"Well, it… worked out, I guess?"
"Looks like it. …Good."
"Welcome, Big Sis Drake!"
"You're a huge help!"
"Leave it to me!"
"Here's your advance. Take it."
From a golden ripple, a bottle is tossed.
"—What's this?"
"Spices. Impress me, and I'll give you as many as you want."
"—Wha—"
"Wha?"
"ARE YOU SERIOUS!?"
Drake collapses with a thud.
"Fou! (Now's my chance!)"
"Big Sis!!"
"What's that? Fainting over a mere advance? You've got work to do! Step it up! FWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"
And so, the uneasy alliance of oil and water was sealed as an employment contract.
"…Mapo, pepper… —spices…"
"—I've got it!"
---------------------------------
✨ Want early access to the latest chapters and exclusive content? Support me on Patreon and unlock special perks!
👉 [patreon.com/Greyhounds]