Gin responded expressionlessly.
While Krieg's antics left him feeling somewhat ashamed, he never resisted. After all, Krieg had once saved his life. That alone was enough for Gin to repay him with unwavering loyalty.
Compared to that debt, his personal feelings were trivial.
Krieg cast a sidelong glance at Gin, easily guessing what was on his mind. But he didn't seem to care.
"I paid a hefty price to bribe Colonel Baxter of the 18th Branch just for this plan. Got you a legit navy identity, too."
"This disguise is flawless. Even if the real navy shows up, they won't be able to see through it."
"Don't let me down."
Gin nodded without a word.
That night.
The wind picked up in the bay, waves rolling in steadily. The crew had all gone their separate ways, but Gin remained seated alone on the deck, staring blankly at the distant sea, eyes devoid of life.
Several days later.
A battered warship slowly sailed into Raven Harbor.
Its hull was heavily damaged, the ship's model nearly indistinguishable. The navy emblem on the sail was torn, and the armor plating bore deep scorch marks from cannon fire.
Clearly, it had just come through a fierce battle.
Guided by dockworkers, the ship edged its way to the pier.
The gangway descended—and from the deck stepped Gawain.
Clad in a naval lieutenant's uniform, head held high, Gawain exuded confidence and poise. His clean features and upright bearing immediately caught everyone's attention.
What a gallant young officer, they thought. Handsome and noble.
The port guards, who had been on edge, visibly relaxed.
After all, these days, pirates either looked grotesque or shady. A man like Gawain, with his honest and composed appearance, seemed the very embodiment of integrity.
"Mr. Navy, I'm Grayza—the person in charge here. How can I help you?"
A pleasant voice called out.
A young woman emerged from the crowd, surrounded by guards. She appeared to be in her twenties, dressed in elegant attire with subtle makeup. Though not strikingly beautiful, she stood out among the plainly dressed civilians like a lotus blooming in murky waters.
Gawain placed his palm over his chest and gave her a courteous bow—the formal, knightly kind.
"Madam," he said gently.
"We recently engaged in a brutal battle with Kuro of a Hundred Plans at sea. Our supplies are depleted. Without food and medicine, we won't make it to the next naval base."
"I humbly ask for your aid."
Grayza blushed at his respectful gesture.
Being from a noble family in the East Sea, she instantly recognized the salute—it was an authentic knight's bow, the kind only taught to those sworn to royalty.
A born knight and navy officer... In that moment, Gawain's righteous character became indisputable.
"No problem. You are free to—"
But before she could finish, a shrill whistle rang out in the distance.
Everyone turned.
Another warship was slowly approaching the harbor.
Unlike the first, this one bore crisp flags, an intact hull, and neatly aligned marines on deck.
Confusion rippled through the crowd.
"Two warships in one day?"
"That's never happened before."
"Doesn't the navy usually coordinate these things?"
"Wait a second... could one of them be fake?"
"Wouldn't be the first time. Remember the news? Pirates disguised as naval officers sneaking into ports, attacking when no one expected it. Several towns in the East Sea were wiped out!"
"So which one's real—and which one's pretending?"
As whispers spread, people instinctively backed away from Gawain.
"What do we do?" whispered Kuro, nerves tightening.
He leaned toward Gawain, his hand already slipping into his cloak to retrieve a hidden clawed blade.
They weren't actual navy—they only wore counterfeit uniforms. If questioned, their lie would crumble instantly.
And once that happened, fighting would be the only way out.
It wouldn't just mean failure. It would mean this vital supply point was lost forever. For a pirate crew, every supply port was a lifeline.
"Don't be impulsive," Gawain said in a low voice, eyes locked on the approaching ship's deck.
A striped turban... dark bags under weary eyes... that overly thin figure—
He'd seen this man before. He was sure of it.
But he couldn't quite place him.
Then, another figure stepped out from the cabin. Broad and armored, with shield plates on his limbs and a massive turtle-shell-like barrier strapped to his chest.
"Iron Wall... Pearl?" Gawain murmured.
Then his gaze drifted back to the slender figure beside him. The image in his mind began to align, and a sly smile tugged at his lips.
"So everyone's faking it, huh? Interesting~"
On the other ship's deck.
Gin stared back at Gawain's vessel, confused. He hadn't expected to encounter the navy here of all places.
Still—
Judging by the visible damage on the other warship, it had just come from battle. It likely wasn't a threat.
After ordering the gangway lowered, Gin descended with Pearl and the rest of the crew—also dressed as marines.
"I'm Major Nig of the 18th Branch," he declared. "This is my subordinate, Earl."
"We recently fought off a large group of Kuro pirates at sea. We're out of supplies and need food and medicine to reach our nearest base."
"We'd appreciate your help."
A heavy silence followed.
Grayza's eyes flicked between Gin—gaunt and ghostlike—and Gawain, the picture of nobility.
Without a word, she shifted subtly closer to Gawain.
Her guards raised their weapons, leveling them squarely at Gin and his crew.
Between the two, Gawain's story seemed more believable. The damage on his ship was real—impossible to fake.
Gin, on the other hand, looked suspicious by default.
Kuro glanced between the two groups, then back at Gawain, a sinking realization dawning on him.
Wait a minute… wasn't I the one who actually got beat up?
How does this make sense?!
Right then, Kuro had a strange feeling—like following Gawain might actually shorten his lifespan, even if they didn't go into battle.
"What's the meaning of this?" Gin's eyes narrowed, his voice calm but wary.
Had their cover been blown? Who leaked the intel?
He glanced across the crowd—and locked eyes with Gawain, standing proud, unshaken.
What a heroic and extraordinary young general, Gin thought unconsciously.