HoG - Chapter 5

Chapter 5: Captain Salman's Unspoken Issue

The "Navigation Log" revealed that Byron, the last of the Lancasters, bore a legend rating of [12], signifying recognition across an entire region. His name was likely known among the elite of the Hastings Kingdom, particularly within the York family, his sworn enemies. There might even be a warrant for his arrest.

Yet, Byron was unfazed by the prospect of exposure due to a mere name. This was because, nearly a millennium ago, the church—the highest authority on the Old Continent—issued a peculiar decree. Believers were restricted to choosing names for their children from the 65 male and 48 female names listed in the "Gospel of Creation," with any other names strictly forbidden. This edict persisted until the 1453rd year of the Silver Age, 18 years prior, when it was finally revoked, though its influence remained.

In the numerous countries that worshipped the "Creator," the repetition of names was staggering. Commoners resorted to nicknames like "Fatty" or "Shorty," while nobles prefixed their names with their fiefdoms to distinguish themselves. Even the names of kings were frequently repeated, necessitating the addition of "so-and-so the nth" for differentiation.

For instance, Byron's uncle, the former king of Hastings known as "Mad King" Henry VI, was the sixth king named Henry in the dynasty. His predecessor, Byron's grandfather Henry V, was the fifth, and his great-grandfather Henry IV was the fourth.

Thus, Byron needed only to change his surname to evade detection. "Tudor" was borrowed from his mother in this life.

The young pirate leading the way was no different. After subtly probing for information, Byron learned that the pirate's name was Little Hans, and his father, Old Hans, both carpenters on the pirate ship, had been captured during a raid, much like Byron. However, their fate was kinder than that of the crew of the "Pelican." Not only were they spared from the sharks, but their exceptional carpentry skills also earned them a high status on the pirate ship.

'High status? And young?' Byron recognized an opportunity to gather intelligence and deliberately slowed his pace.

The two ascended the wooden ladder of the pirate ship, from the lower deck near the hold, through the gun deck, and up the stairs to the open deck. Little Hans, unaware that by simply walking this route, the navigation log had delved into the history of the pirate ship through the "Echo of History," led the way.

Deep blue ink swiftly inscribed details onto the pages:

"Pirate Ship 'Maneater': A small galleon, a modification of a carrack.

Measuring 22 meters in length, 6 meters in width, with a draft of 2.75 meters and a displacement of 200 tons, it boasts 7 six-pound cannons on each side of the open deck and 2 two-pound cannons at the bow and stern.

The hull and deck are constructed from white oak, a specialty of the Hastings Channel Islands, while the masts are made of snow fir from the Eternal Night Peninsula.

Originally a merchant vessel of the Bantaan Overseas Trading Company of the Hastings Kingdom, it was meticulously modified by the shipwright Old Hans.

The forecastle and sterncastle were lowered to enhance speed and maneuverability, the gun deck was converted into living quarters for the sailors, and the armament was upgraded from the original four-pound cannons to six-pound cannons at considerable expense.

In terms of speed, firepower, and personnel, it is more than capable of overpowering other merchant ships of the same class.

Its estimated value is around 10,350 pounds, slightly more than a sixth-rate cruiser built by the Navy, but far from the cost of a fifth-rate ship, with an even wider gap in combat effectiveness.

Nonetheless, as a vessel for a novice captain, it is more than adequate."

Within a three-meter radius, every object Byron focused on would generate a detailed "material" record in the log, akin to having an experienced appraiser by his side. As long as it did not involve supernatural forces, Byron could uncover most secrets with a mere glance.

To delve into the mysteries of supernatural entities or events, he had to expend his own "spirituality" to gain insights, whether shallow or profound. Then, like a detective, he would use conventional methods to unravel the mystery piece by piece, revealing the ultimate secret.

Observing the prompt from the "Navigation Log," Byron felt a surge of confidence and casually patted the polished wooden ladder railing beside him, offering a seemingly offhand compliment:

"The carrack merchant ships of the Bantaan Overseas Trading Company are quite mediocre in design. However, the shipwright's exceptional skills have breathed new life into this ship through the later modifications.

I have served as a noble steward, attending to the esteemed Lord Crawford, and had the honor of serving with him in the Channel Fleet for a time. I am acquainted with many renowned shipwrights in Hastings and even across the Old Continent.

In my opinion, only the ship engineers of the Royal Dockyard, with the High Tower sequence 'Craftsman' profession, could possess such exquisite skills."

As anticipated, Byron caught a glimpse of Little Hans's suppressed smile and the slight reddening of the acne scar on his nose, betraying his excitement.

Little Hans, his face alight with joy, took Byron's hand and exclaimed excitedly, "Byron... sir, I never expected you to have such discerning taste and knowledge of shipbuilding!

To be honest, the shipwright who modified this ship is none other than my father. He's always been my idol and role model.

Though my father never achieved 'spiritual' sublimation to become a High Tower sequence 'Craftsman,' in terms of experience and skill in shipbuilding, he would never lose to those renowned figures.

My father would be overjoyed to know that someone appreciates his work so much. After we meet with the captain, we must have a drink together."

Byron feigned ignorance and surprise, "A master shipwright is right here beside me?"

He then modestly waved his hands, "I was merely stating the truth. Anyone with a basic understanding of sailing ships can see the excellence of this pirate ship at a glance. However, it would be my honor to meet such a master!"

Flattery, it seemed, never failed. A craftsman took pride in his craft, and praising his skills struck just the right chord. Every capable father was an idol in his son's eyes, and acknowledging his father's abilities was even more gratifying than acknowledging his own. Praising a son in front of his father would have an even greater effect.

Moreover, the praise came from a noble steward who had served the upper echelons of the kingdom and witnessed many grand occasions, setting it apart from the compliments of the ignorant and uncouth.

Byron's simple, yet well-placed praise had stacked three buffs.

Little Hans, not particularly cunning, instantly felt a surge of goodwill towards Byron and subconsciously slowed his pace to match Byron's, his chatterbox now open.

He not only enthusiastically explained the ship's facilities along the way but also introduced the "newcomer" to various precautions on board.

Byron occasionally interjected with a few words, subtly reinforcing his own persona—a noble steward in the service of Lord Crawford, not only skilled in cooking but also knowledgeable, with a refined manner of speaking that made people feel like a spring breeze.

He even occasionally shared anecdotes related to the lord and the upper nobility of the kingdom, leaving Little Hans unable to detect any flaws.

The young man couldn't possibly imagine that the original cook was actually a self-aggrandizing imposter.

And Byron, this "imposter," was not only a descendant of the nobility himself but also had Lord Crawford as a close retainer of the Lancasters.

The new identity required no acting.

However, even the longest journey comes to an end.

Feeling particularly congenial with Byron, Little Hans's eyes grew complex, and he hesitated several times before speaking.

It wasn't until they were about to reach the open deck that he mustered the courage to whisper a warning, "Mr. Byron, the captain's appearance is somewhat... uh, special.

When you meet the captain, please don't lose your composure. The captain despises it when people look at him differently.

And also..."

A flash of fear passed through his eyes, and he lowered his voice even further, "Do you know why, on this ship, every other position is filled except for the cook?

On this ship, while other positions also have their dangers, the cook is undoubtedly the most perilous role, without a doubt!

Since I've been on board, I haven't seen any cook last more than a month under the captain.

Most of them disappear within just a few days and are never seen again.

If you're not completely confident in your cooking skills and can't constantly provide the captain with new experiences,

It's best to find a scapegoat as soon as possible and get rid of that chef's hat."

"Dangerous?"

Hearing this, Byron also paused in his steps.

He hadn't expected that behind what should have been a very relaxed "job interview" for him, there would be such peculiarities.

Even more unexpectedly, the navigation log hidden in his right eye suddenly began to write automatically again.

At the end of the page, after the only blood-red supernatural record, Secret: The Shadow of the Red and White Rose War (Historical Influence 31%, Decryption Rate 11%), a new record was formed.

You have discovered a new secret:

Captain 'Blood Eye' Salman's Unspoken Issue (It may change the fate of over a hundred people on the ship, Historical Influence 4%, Decryption Rate 8%)!