Free Web NovelChapter 8: Chapter 8
Chapter 8
Charlie stepped forward and bowed deeply to Rorschach.
"Thank you, Lord Rorschach. If it weren’t for you, Kuro’s plan might have actually succeeded."
Rorschach sheathed his sword and replied casually, "No need to thank me. By the way, that guy’s head is worth 16 million berries. You can take it to the Navy and cash in the bounty."
"Consider the money my... uh, gift to you." freeweɓnøvel.com
He had almost said "dowry" but managed to swallow the word at the last second and changed it to something safer.
"A gift?" Charlie looked confused. "Lord Rorschach, you’ve already done us such a huge favor. Why would you give us a gift?"
"Cough, cough. It’s nothing. Let’s head inside first," Rorschach cleared his throat and quickly changed the subject.
At the dinner table, Rorschach ate without the slightest care for manners, devouring everything in sight.
"Lord Rorschach, you not only saved my life but also removed a major threat from my household. I truly don’t know how to repay you," Charlie said elegantly, sipping red wine. Seeing how happily Rorschach was eating, he couldn’t help but smile. "If there’s anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. No matter what it is, I will help."
Rorschach patted his full stomach and glanced subtly at Kaya.
"President Charlie, are you really willing to help me with anything?"
"Of course. Just say the word," Charlie replied with full confidence.
"Then... I want Miss Kaya to become one of my crew members."
"No prob— huh?" Charlie froze mid-sentence. "Lord Rorschach... what did you just say? I think I misheard you..."
"I said, may I have Miss Kaya join my crew as a shipmate?" Rorschach repeated seriously.
His expression was completely earnest.
Charlie’s eye twitched. Kaya sat there stunned, her face turning bright red. She never expected the handsome blond adventurer she had just met to suddenly invite her to become his crewmate.
But she was weak and sickly... Did he perhaps want her for...?
At that thought, Kaya’s face burned even hotter and she lowered her head, trying to hide like an ostrich.
"Lord Rorschach... Kaya’s body is still very frail, and she has no experience sailing at sea," Charlie stammered. "How could she possibly be worthy of traveling with someone like you?"
Even though he had agreed so readily earlier, this concerned his daughter. He had to think carefully.
"You don’t have to worry about her health," Rorschach said calmly. "I can cure her condition completely and make her body even stronger than before. The effect will be immediate. I’ll also teach her how to grow stronger in the future, so you have nothing to fear."
"As for sailing experience... well, to be honest, I don’t have much either," Rorschach laughed. "But traveling the seas together with Miss Kaya sounds pretty wonderful, doesn’t it?"
His direct words sounded almost like a confession. Kaya’s face turned completely scarlet.
At the same time, she couldn’t deny the excitement she felt at the thought of exploring the world and seeing all its wonders. freēwebnovel.com
"What? You can really cure Kaya’s illness immediately?" Charlie asked, eyes wide with shock. "Is that truly possible, Lord Rorschach?"
He knew his daughter’s condition better than anyone. She had been sickly since childhood. Every doctor they consulted had only told them to let her rest and slowly build her strength with tonics.
But Rorschach was claiming he could fix it right away.
"Yes, it’s true," Rorschach nodded. "I have a special medicine that can instantly heal illnesses and greatly strengthen the body."
Of course, he was talking about the Black Chicken White Phoenix Pill he had received from the sign-in.
He had no use for it himself, but if it could help recruit a future ship doctor, he wasn’t going to be stingy.
Charlie closed his eyes and thought deeply, his expression conflicted. After a long internal struggle, he finally let out a sigh and looked at his daughter with serious eyes.
"Kaya, Lord Rorschach is asking you. Whatever decision you make, Dad will support you."
"I..."
Kaya’s face was still flushed. She felt torn.
The future Rorschach described sounded incredibly tempting, but it also meant leaving home and her parents.
For a girl who had barely left the nest, it was a frightening thought.
"Miss Kaya, baby birds eventually have to leave the nest and grow up," Rorschach said gently, resting his cheek on his hand and smiling at her. "I sincerely want you to join my crew and travel with me."
When she still didn’t answer, Rorschach sighed softly.
"If you’re really that conflicted, you can take a few days to think abou—"
Before he could finish, Kaya stood up, her eyes filled with determination.
"I accept. I’m willing to become your crew member, Lord Rorschach."
Seeing her resolute gaze, Rorschach broke into a wide smile.
"Then from now on, I’m your captain."
"Here, take this pill. It will heal your body and strengthen it."
Rorschach took out the Black Chicken White Phoenix Pill from his storage space and handed it to her.
Kaya took it without hesitation and swallowed it immediately.
"Ha..."
Almost right away, she felt her whole body become incredibly light. All the fatigue and heaviness she had carried for years vanished in an instant.
Not only that — she felt much stronger.
She grabbed the edge of the heavy dining table with both hands and lifted it easily.
Charlie stared in utter disbelief. In the past, Kaya struggled just to move a chair. Now she was lifting an entire table like it weighed nothing.
The pill Rorschach gave her must be incredibly precious. Such rapid and powerful effects were probably unheard of in this world.
Charlie let out a long sigh, then stood up and bowed deeply to Rorschach.
"Lord Rorschach, please take good care of my daughter from now on."
Rorschach waved his hand casually. "You’re too polite, President Charlie. Kaya is my crewmate now. This is only natural."
Meanwhile, Kaya was still in a daze, marveling at her newfound strength. The feeling was surreal — just moments ago she had been weak as a kitten, and now she felt like a powerhouse.
Charlie smiled warmly and gently patted his daughter’s head.
"Kaya, spend the next few days with your mother, alright?"
"Yes, Father," Kaya replied, her voice soft but steady.
