Pirate: Crew of Desire and Bonds

Meanwhile, inside Nasha Town...

In a luxurious, heavily guarded manor overlooking the burning port district, Viscount Victor sat comfortably on an ornate throne-like chair inside his private study.

He had a lean, athletic build and wore an immaculate dark crimson coat embroidered with gold thread.

And surprisingly young, appearing no older than thirty as he possessed a refined, aristocratic handsomeness that could easily disarm those unaware of his true nature.

His obsidian-black hair was meticulously gelled back, not a single strand out of place, while a pair of thin, gold-rimmed glasses rested on his straight nose.

The lenses subtly reflected the firelight from the window, partially hiding his cold, calculating amber eyes.

The room was filled with the scent of expensive incense and fine wine.

Through the large window, he watched the raging fires consume half the town.

Victor took a slow sip of wine, savoring the taste as he observed the chaos.

”Beautiful, isn’t it?” he murmured emotionlessly. ”Chaos is such a useful tool.”

Behind him stood several of his most trusted subordinates, each one radiating a powerful and dangerous aura.

Among them was Lady Scarlet... the seductive high-class prostitute Jake had encountered on Captain Henry’s ship.

Instead of her usual revealing attire, she now wore fitted black leather armor that accentuated her dangerous curves while allowing for mobility.

Her long hair was tied back in a practical ponytail, and her beautiful face was set in a rare expression of seriousness.

No one would ever guess that this composed, refined woman had once worked as a high-class prostitute on Victor’s orders... all to seduce a pirate.

Scarlet stepped forward slightly, her voice calm and respectful.

”The fires are spreading faster than expected, my Lord... and we didn’t anticipate the Baron actually destroying parts of the town himself.”

Victor paused mid-sip, slowly lowering his wine glass.

A faint, intrigued smile curved his lips as he turned his gaze fully toward her.

”It seems the old fox has finally decided to bare his fangs,” he murmured, almost sounding impressed.

”I thought he would keep playing the role of the benevolent ruler until the very end.”

He leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other as the firelight danced across his glasses.

Scarlet nodded, her expression serious.

”According to our spies, the Baron personally ordered the destruction of the eastern warehouse district and several key trading posts. It seems he’s not just burning random districts... he’s deliberately destroying supply routes and granaries while spreading rumors that your forces are responsible. The citizens are turning against us faster than expected.”

At this, Viscount Victor let out a low, amused chuckle.

”So desperate. The old fool is willing to destroy his own people’s livelihood just to stall me.”

He tapped a finger on the armrest. ”No matter. Let him burn it. The more damage he causes, the easier it will be to paint him as the villain when I take over.”

He glanced at the burning skyline outside, his amber eyes cold and calculating.

”In the end, the people will blame him for their suffering. And I... will arrive as their savior.”

Lady Scarlet smiled faintly, though a hint of caution lingered in her eyes.

”Should we adjust our plans, my Lord? If the Baron is willing to go this far, he may still have hidden cards left.”

Victor waved a hand dismissively, his expression remaining calm and composed.

”No need. Let him exhaust himself. The more desperate he becomes, the more mistakes he will make.”

He stood up slowly and walked closer to the large window, gazing out at the raging inferno consuming Nasha Town.

The firelight reflected off his glasses, giving his cold amber eyes an almost demonic glow.

”Instead, we will continue as planned. While he burns his own city to slow me down, my main force is already moving into position to cut off his escape routes. He must have realized it too... and that’s likely why he’s resorting to such chaotic methods... or perhaps he’s trying to force my hand.”

Lady Scarlet bowed her head slightly, a small smile tugging at her lips.

”As expected of you, my Lord. Your foresight is truly unmatched.”

Suddenly, Victor turned back from the window and looked at her, his amber eyes sharp behind the gold-rimmed glasses.

”And Henry?” he asked calmly. ”Did that brute finally give an answer?”

Scarlet’s expression remained composed, but a faint trace of displeasure flickered across her beautiful face.

After all, she had debased herself serving those disgusting pirates like a common slut for weeks, only for nothing of value to come from it.

”He rejected the offer, my Lord. Quite rudely, in fact. He said he has no interest in serving under any noble... especially not one from the mainland kingdom. He even threatened to sink any ship flying your banner if they approach his crew again.”

Victor was silent for a moment, then let out a soft, low chuckle.

There was no anger in it, only mild amusement, as if he had already expected such a response.

”Well, as long as he chooses not to side with the Baron, it’s fine. Berserkers like Henry are useful when controlled, but they are also wild cards. If he wants to remain neutral and lick his wounds at sea, let him. We can deal with him later once the island is firmly in our grasp.”

Then Victor turned fully toward Lady Scarlet, his amber eyes narrowing slightly.

”However... if he starts interfering with our operations or tries to play hero, you know what to do. Make his death look like it was caused by Baron Elden Von’s desperate forces. We don’t want the Guild to have any evidence linking it to us.”

Scarlet bowed gracefully, her ponytail swaying.

”Understood, my Lord. I will monitor the situation personally.”

Victor nodded, satisfied, then turned away from the window and began walking back toward his chair.

Just as he took a step—

BOOOMMMM!!!

A brilliant pillar of golden light suddenly shot up into the sky in the distance.

Everyone in the room froze.

Victor stopped mid-step.

He turned sharply toward the window, his cold amber eyes locked onto the fading golden pillar.

The radiant column was pure and intense, piercing the clouds like a divine spear before slowly beginning to dissipate.

For the first time, his refined, composed expression broke.

His eyes widened with genuine surprise as he murmured in confusion,

”Sir Lightborn...?”