[Ch. 45] A Pirate Named Gyles (Past)

The doors to the captain's room were thrown open revealing a handsome man with a charismatic smile in the doorway.

He wore a black button-up shirt without the top two buttons fastened. A chiseled chest with faint scars was on display as he proudly puffed out his chest. A red bandana displaying the pirate insignia was tied around his upper arm. He had a short stubbled black beard with flowing black hair tied into a relaxed ponytail. His charismatic smile shined brightly on his face and was complimented nicely by his bright blue eyes.

I shook his outstretched hand as we slapped each other's backs. I felt my chest feel lighter once I saw his smile. I spoke to him, "Idiot. I was wondering if you'd come."

He broke out into loud laughter, "Of course I came! Especially after your generous donation."

I corrected quickly, "Not a donation."

He winked at me, "Of course! It's not a donation, but a trade. The items you want so badly are over here."

He led us over to several barrels on the side of the hull. I approached them and inspected the barrels carefully. I took a deep breath and felt my body relax at its oaky aroma. He always knows to bring only the best for me.

He looked at me with a smug smile, "Well?"

I gave a single nod, "Very good."

He broke out into laughter, "I always give you the best!"

I swear he can read minds sometimes.

I snapped my fingers and the barrels disappeared. I muttered in a low voice, "I know you do."

He grinned and leaned close to me. His tone was suggestive as he watched me move, "By the way, have you reconsidered my offer?"

"My answer is the same."

Raylon noticed how close we were and started muttering to himself in irritation. Unable to handle the suggestive atmosphere, he jumped in. "Uh, Moao?"

The man looked at Korph and Raylon as if he just now recognized them standing there. He clapped his hands together, "Who's this? Did you bring friends with you?"

I introduced them, "This is Korph and Raylon." I pointed to the man next to me, "This is a pirate."

Raylon didn't even bother smiling as he checked out Gyles while still frowning in displeasure. Korph raised his eyebrow as he muttered, "He doesn't even have a name?"

The Pirate was so used to my personality that he didn't even look upset by my lack of introduction. He shook their hands vigorously, "Nice to meet 'cha! I'm Gyles. The captain of this crew so to speak."

Raylon clicked his tongue as he pulled back his hand from his grip. Raylon's response only caused Gyles to smile even larger. He turned to me with a snicker, "You've never brought anyone on my ship before. I'm surprised."

I shrugged and played with my hat in boredom.

His smile was even larger, "It's even more surprising to know it is none other than Prince Korph of the Dragon clan and Prince Raylon of the Phoenix nation. I heard you were spending time with them at the Academy and even going on trips, but I still didn't think you would bring them aboard my ship."

Gyles turned to Korph and chuckled, "How are her plants? Did another one try to bite you yet?"

Korph shouted in surprise, "How'd did you-"

I interrupted quickly, "Pirates deal in information."

Gyles winked at Raylon with an all-knowing grin, "We know all sorts of things."

Raylon looked at him with his eyebrow raised, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, let's just say we know two princes were responsible for releasing a handful of slaves. Not to mention there was a little child who killed countless guards and single-handedly took down an entire nation."

I redirected his attention before he revealed too much and demanded hush money, "Are you attending the parade tomorrow?"

He easily took the bait and nodded, "Yup! A few of my men will be selling our new items while the rest drink and enjoy women. You part of the parade again?"

I frowned and looked towards the ocean.

He chuckled, "Thought so. Well then, I will find you later. Which inn is it this time?"

I glared at him, "You already know so why are you even asking?"

He gave a cheerful laugh, "You're right. See you then."

He gave me a wink before turning to leave. Raylon didn't even try to hide his glare. Noticing Raylon's unusual hostile self, I pushed him towards the exit. I whispered into his ear, "Don't cause trouble."

He grew quiet as his ear burned from my breath. He grunted in annoyance, "You two seem close."

"He's a business partner."

"Right. And what exactly did he mean by a trade?"

I answered casually, "Hong Guang."

Korph followed with a confused look, "Huh?"

Raylon smacked his face as he caught on, "The funds that were rerouted to the 'offshore' account by Hong Guang?"

"Mmn."

He looked away with a frown, "Okay, that makes sense. But are you sure you two aren't more than business partners?"

Korph chuckled, "Girls don't find jealousy attractive Ray."

"Shut up!" Raylon shouted before pouting. He turned back to me while sulking, "What was that offer he was talking about?"

I glanced at him and felt a bit interested in his reaction. I licked my lips as I indulged in the taste. When he looks like that, I just want to tease him more.

I decided to taunt him and responded nonchalantly, "Nothing much."

"You won't tell me?!"

I shrugged, "It's really nothing."

He crossed his arms with a frown, "Whatever. You two can go be all lovey-dovey for all I care."

The corners of my lips twitched. He really is jealous, isn't he?

He didn't see my almost smile as he was looking away in irritation, "Are we heading back?"

"Why would we head back?!" Korph looked around starry-eyed, "How about we get some food? It smells so delicious around here!"

I nodded, "Mmn."

We followed Korph as he went to each stall grabbing food and desserts before running to the next one without paying. I paid at each booth as I casually followed behind him. I noticed Raylon was still in a bad mood, so I stopped at a booth and purchased one of the candies. I tapped him on the shoulder.

He scowled as he glanced at me, "What?" I grabbed his hand and forced something into his palm. He looked at it, "What is it?"

I didn't bother explaining as I continued to follow Korph and pay the booths that he had unknowingly stolen from. Raylon looked at the wrapper and opened it revealing a brown cube. He sniffed it before putting it in his mouth. The cube melted in his mouth instantaneously, filling it with a sweet sensation he had never tasted before. I noticed him gleefully enjoying the chocolate and felt the corner of my lips curve up.

We returned at night after visiting the city to see Amanda and Mona chatting in the lounge. Mona turned to us, "Where have you been all day?"

Raylon sat down grumbling, "Visiting some acquaintances of Moao's."

Korph leaned against the couch with a smug smile, "Oi, are you still pouting?"

"Shut up."

Mona was immediately concerned and looked at Raylon, "Why are you pouting, brother?" I walked in and sat down, still dressed as a boy. Mona gave me one look and flinched, "Oh."

Amanda could only shake her head in shame. I forgot that Mona has yet to see me dressed like this. But her reaction seems a bit lackluster.

Mona forced herself to look away from my appearance as her face twitched, "So why are you pouting?"

Raylon answered with a sneer, "I'm not pouting."

Korph leaned forward with a mischievous grin, "He is upset that Moao is friendly with a male pirate."

Mona gave a nod, "I see. So he's just feeling jealous."

Raylon snapped, "I'm not jealous."

Amanda changed the subject, still looking embarrassed by my outfit. "Did you do anything else?"

"Yeah!" Korph shouted excitedly, "We visited the booths for all the free food!"

"F-free food?" Amanda looked over at me and I could only shake my head.

Korph tapped his chin, "Yeah. Weird enough though, they all looked at us like we were monsters or something. I think I saw one person pee themselves."

Raylon shook his head and groaned, "It was because the food wasn't free. Luckily Moao was there to pay for everything."

"Really? Oh. I didn't know that. Why would they charge for food?! That's a rip-off!"

Raylon cried out, "How did you not know!? This is Sadon we're talking about! When have they ever given out something for free?!"

"Hey, don't get all angry with me just because your jealous of Moao's man friend."

"Oi!" Raylon stood up and began to attack Korph. I found it too loud and left the room to continue my research.

Amanda shook her head, "I can't believe she actually went out into public like that… If anyone finds out…"

Mona looked over at Amanda, "Don't worry Miss Amanda. I didn't see a thing."

Amanda smiled softly at her before turning away spitefully, "I am going to put her in the tightest dress tomorrow."

The next morning Amanda held true to her word. After dragging me out of the research room, she quickly got me ready. I gasped as she pulled the dress tighter. She strained to speak, "Stop resisting. You have to be at the parade at noon. Don't forget all the free drinks afterwards."

I arrived downstairs wearing a tight silk red dress with sleeves of intricate lacework. Half of my hair was up in a loose bun with curls hanging down. I now truly looked like the daughter of the Baron. I noticed Raylon gawking at me and gave him a cold stare. He turned his head in embarrassment when he realized I caught him looking.

Korph jabbed him in his side and whispered, "Need a rag for that drool?"

Raylon jabbed him back, "Shut up."

At the same time, Mona was staring at Amanda with wide-opened eyes. It was the first time she had seen Amanda not wearing her maid uniform. Although her clothes weren't as intricate and flashy as mine, they still complimented her personality nicely. She wore a light blue flowing dress with white lace covering the bottom of the dress. On her head was a blue bonnet that matched her outfit.

She peeked out from the bonnet after noticing Mona's deep stare. "Is something wrong, Princess Mona?"

She coughed, "No! No. It's nothing. I've just never seen you without your maid outfit."

"Oh! Yes. The servants are allowed to wear personal clothes today. We all have the afternoon off to enjoy the celebration."

"Oh." Mona said blushing, "Well, you look wonderful."

Amanda's cheeks flushed red in response, "T-Thank you. Well... W-We should get going. My Lady must go in one carriage while we will be in another. She must participate in the parade, so she will meet up with us after at the inn."