The Investigation

Meanwhile, Lilith also noticed Patricia's strange behavior, and unlike Patrick, she sensed that something was amiss. When she found Patricia watching William from a distance, Lilith decided to confront her directly.

"Do you like him?" Lilith asked without hesitation, her gaze fixed on Patricia.

Caught off guard, Patricia panicked and tried to deny it. "What are you saying? Of course, not!"

Lilith, however, saw through her façade. "You can't fool me like you did with Patrick. I know better than anyone what it means to fall in love with someone. You like him, right?"

Attempting to dismiss the idea, Patricia stammered, "What nonsense are you saying? How could I like that captain? He... He is the Red Pirate..."

Lilith smirked, teasing her, "I didn't say anything about the captain."

Patricia realized that Lilith had tricked her with her clever phrasing. Letting out a sigh, she decided to confide in her friend, pulling Lilith away from prying eyes.

"Please don't say anything to Patrick," Patricia pleaded.

Lilith pretended to be sad, but her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "I understand that you don't want to tell your brother, but what about me? I thought that we are like sisters."

"We are sisters!" Patricia affirmed. "But I'm still not sure about what I'm feeling. Maybe it's something temporary. I... I'm still confused."

Lilith held Patricia's hands, her eyes full of compassion. "I will help you figure it out. But why did you choose the captain? Isn't Jacob more suitable for you? At first, I thought that you fell in love with him."

Patricia took a moment to consider Lilith's words before responding, "It's not that simple. I don't know why I feel this way, but something about the captain intrigues me. I feel very nervous when I'm around him and my heart starts racing like crazy when our eyes meet. I feel that I'm in big trouble. What should I do?

Lilith empathized with Patricia's internal struggle and offered her guidance. "Since this is your first crush, you shouldn't let it go this easily."

Curious about the enigmatic pirate captain, Lilith continued, "First of all, we must investigate that man's love life. We don't know anything about him. What if he had a lover or a wife? You must make sure that you are allowed to love him."

Patricia nodded, realizing the importance of understanding William's background before delving deeper into her feelings. "That's right. But how are we going to know?"

Lilith smiled reassuringly. "Leave it to me. I know someone who will be glad to have a conversation with me."

With Lilith's understanding and support, Patricia felt a little less burdened by her conflicted feelings. She expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you, Lilith. I'm glad that you are by my side."

"Right! Make sure next time not to hide anything from me," Lilith playfully reminded her friend.

Taking the chance when Jacob was alone reading a book, Lilith approached him, pretending that she was merely passing by. When Jacob noticed her, he couldn't help but greet her politely, "Good evening, my lady. May I help you?"

Lilith seized the opportunity and responded with a smile, "Actually, there is something I would like to inquire about. Well... You seem a powerful wizard. Why are you working under the captain?

Jacob closed the book he had been reading, unsure of how to respond to such a sudden question.

After a moment of hesitation, Jacob finally replied, "He is the person who saved my life when the king was about to execute me."

Lilith nodded, acknowledging the debt of gratitude Jacob felt towards their captain. "We've heard a lot of bad rumors about him, but he doesn't seem that bad," she commented.

Jacob sighed, reflecting on the nature of rumors. "Humans tend to exaggerate in everything," he said, explaining the negative hearsay surrounding Captain William.

Lilith's curiosity didn't wane, and she continued, "So if he is a normal person, he surely has a family. A wife or maybe a lover?"

Jacob's face showed confusion, unsure of how to respond to Lilith's direct question. Sensing his uncertainty, Lilith smiled reassuringly, hoping to put him at ease. "I was just curious about him. Knowing that he is a normal man makes me feel more relieved to be around him."

Relieved by her explanation, Jacob felt more at ease, and he opened up a bit more, "It is not easy for a pirate to have a family. William is always sailing, and he doesn't have much time for making and maintaining relationships. As far as I know, he once had a lover, but they got separated..."

Jacob paused mid-sentence, realizing that he had revealed more than he intended. He had unintentionally provided Lilith with a piece of information about Captain William's personal life that he had tried to keep private. Jacob's eyes widened slightly, hoping that he hadn't overstepped his boundaries.

Lilith gracefully changed the subject, sensing Patrick's intimidating presence nearby. "The sea life must be hard on everyone," she remarked, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "After spending all this time sailing, I kind of understand why sailors tend to be rough."

Jacob chuckled at Lilith's remark but quickly turned his attention to Patrick, taking the opportunity to tease him in a lighthearted manner. "If you are curious about me, I too don't have a lover, but if I find a lady as beautiful as you, I might change my mind," he playfully added.

Lilith's quick thinking saved the situation from escalating further. As Patrick's intimidating glares intensified, she took hold of his hand, interrupting the interaction with Jacob, and swiftly led him away.

"Where have you been? I was looking for you. Let's go," Lilith said, pulling him along to avoid any potential conflicts.

Patrick was still clearly annoyed. "I told you not to approach that bastard," he grumbled.

Lilith, however, managed to surprise him by suddenly planting a kiss on his lips, momentarily catching him off guard. His stiffness softened, and his irritation began to dissipate. "I only had a brief conversation with him," Lilith reassured him, trying to ease his concerns.

Before she could walk away, Patrick pulled her back, hugging her tightly, and then he kissed her deeply, expressing his affection in his own passionate way.

After that intense moment, Lilith went to find Patricia to share the news she had gathered. "The captain is single," she informed her friend, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

Upon hearing this, Patricia's concerned expression turned into a radiant smile.

"Really?" she asked eagerly.

"Yes," Lilith confirmed, "he once had a lover in the past, but now he is single."

Filled with newfound hope, Patricia asked,

"So, what should we do next?"

Lilith couldn't help but smirk mischievously.

"You must seduce him," she suggested playfully.