"May the Sea God bless us!"

"May the Sea God bless us!"

The crew shouted in unison. The captain opened a bottle of aged red wine, took a big sip, then poured the rest overboard.

With the deafening sound of the steam whistle, the cargo ship began to slowly leave the shore, and the sails gradually unfurled.

Tears welled up in Kasmin’s eyes.

Su Changxing glanced over: "You’re crying?"

Kasmin said softly, "I’ve never left this place, not since I was small."

Though she longed for freedom, she had never truly possessed it. Typically, a Princess couldn’t leave Wodan.

Su Changxing smiled, "An Empress shouldn’t be so weak."

Kasmin pouted and replied fiercely, "You’re lecturing me at a time like this?"

"Hmm, I suppose I’m not qualified." Su Changxing grinned, feeling good because he’d found clues about the Ninth Dimension as soon as he boarded the ship.

[The entrance to the Ninth Dimension is nearby; please search carefully. It could be anything.]

Although the hint seemed to offer nothing, Su Changxing knew the entrance to the Ninth Dimension was on this ship. Considering the cargo was forbidden and related to magic, he was certain the entrance was inside one of the cargo boxes.

With this realization, he felt the sudden ease of what had seemed impossible.

No clues previously, yet now, easily within reach.

By noon, the cargo ship completely left the port of Wodan.

Su Changxing knew it was time for them to act. Acting sooner would prevent complications and save time on the voyage, since Maelon and Singe were different directions.

No navy was on board; the crew comprised their fighting strength. Compared to Wodan’s guards, they were certainly weaker, especially since some onboard were allies, making the battle inevitable.

Su Changxing brought Kasmin out of the cargo box, and they were in the lowest deck of the cabin, able to clearly hear the sound of the waves, with no one around.

"Let’s take down the captain first," Su Changxing said casually, as he started up the stairs.

Kasmin followed, "I’ll come too. Sailing on the ocean can be dangerous. If we can persuade him, that would be ideal."

Su Changxing nodded, agreeing it was a good idea; the Princess’s reputation might deter the captain, "Alright, we’ll go together, but let’s not cause too much commotion."

He glanced upwards, thinking aloud, "The captain should be at the top, in the captain’s quarters."

There were quite a few people on the ship, but since it was large, everyone was dispersed. Su Changxing and Kasmin easily reached the captain’s quarters.

Outside the door, through the glass window, they saw the captain engrossed in a magazine featuring women.

Su Changxing silently approached him, pressing a firearm to the back of his head. "Is it interesting? I’d like to see too."

The old captain felt the coldness at the back of his head, paused, afraid to startle the person behind him into shooting, and whispered, "Who are you? What do you want?"

As expected of the old captain, he remained exceptionally calm in that situation, showing no panic. Most would be scared witless by then.

Su Changxing said calmly, "Choose: live or die."

Upon hearing this, the old captain panicked, raising his hands and saying eagerly, "You’re from the Imperial Family, aren’t you? I’m just a lousy sailor, and haven’t done anything against the Empress."

Su Changxing considered this and chuckled, "So quick to react; you sensed something was off beforehand, yet still set sail."

The old captain showed resolute eyes, affirming strongly, "I’m loyal to the Empress. Knowing you are from the Imperial Family, I felt helping you is better than not."

"Though I’ve transported cargo for the Duke, that was out of necessity. You can’t kill me for that."

He analyzed logically, thoughtfully preparing his words beforehand.

A true opportunist.

Su Changxing didn’t care whether he spoke truthfully. He smiled and said, "You seem smart. As long as you’re loyal to the Empress, we’re friends, don’t you think?"

The old captain shouted confidently, "I’m Weilian, loyal to the Empress!"

Su Changxing continued, "We’re heading to Maelon."

The old captain assured, "You can go wherever you command."

Su Changxing lowered his firearm, satisfied with the captain’s attitude, which undoubtedly reduced complications.

The old captain turned carefully, seeing Kasmin and immediately kneeling, "Greetings, Princess!"

His reaction was more intense than Su Changxing anticipated, showing complete submission. Previously, he resisted slightly with Su Changxing.

Kasmin smiled, kindly saying, "As long as you remain loyal, I will forgive whatever you’ve done before."

The old captain declared aloud, "I’ve always been loyal; my ancestors served as soldiers for two generations."

When Jefferson’s men reached the lowest deck, searching the cargo boxes, they were taken aback by its emptiness.

Upon ascending, they found the captain had already pledged allegiance to the Princess.

Seeing the merchant with a monocle and a portly belly, the captain chuckled, "Old Garlic, if you’d said you served the Empress earlier, we wouldn’t have misunderstood."

Nobu adjusted his monocle with his left hand, holding a precise firearm in the other, momentarily puzzled: "What misunderstanding?"

The old captain chuckled and gestured toward Kasmin, who’d accompanied him, "I’m serving the Queen too."

Nobu understood the captain’s nature and grasped the situation; he’d refrained from telling him before, fearing betrayal, sensing human nature’s fickleness.

Since the captain had pledged allegiance, others likely wouldn’t object.

Except for those sent by the Duke to monitor the transport, who were killed and tossed into the sea as fish food.

"Ha, I’ve disliked them for a long time. Those bastards do nothing but want to boss me around," Weilian spat into the sea.

The sea around the cargo ship turned red from blood, drawing a large group of carnivorous fish, causing waves on the surface.

Meanwhile, the cargo ship altered its course toward Maelon.

Old Captain Weilian began delivering his victory speech, "From now on, we’re not merely a cargo ship but serving the Princess. This ship shall be called Recovery!"

"For the Princess!"

He uncorked a bottle of wine, presenting it to Kasmin.

Kasmin took a big gulp and poured the rest into the sea, "Our voyage to Maelon is for the Empire’s restoration. Once successful, you all will be celebrated heroes."

The crew below listened, feeling exhilarated, suddenly perceiving their lives as different, brighter, with promising futures ahead.

A sailor’s job typically isn’t ideal; without other options, few would work in this field.

Months at sea each year, the solitude is unbearable for many.

Veteran sailors who refused to leave did so because they’d adapted, becoming confined, unable to return.

Su Changxing found Kasmin’s ability to inspire natural, possessing much, naturally promising and persuasive.

It likely counts as a kind of charisma.