Chapter 223

Chapter 223Previous

Lil sighed and handed some coins to the boy, who then put the huge basket of lilies down, counted the money, and walked away with a big smile. Lil rubbed her brow while staring at the blooming flowers. She didnt particularly dislike the flowers, but thinking about Sagastars intentions just exhausted her. As a result, Lil, caught in this uneasy foreboding that things wouldnt end here, sighed even deeper.

Moments later, Lil had to greet Sagastar amidst a stack of presents. Sagastar, who became much more recognizable after washing himself and changing his clothes, took off his hat and greeted her as if this were actually their first time meeting. Unsurprisingly, Lil now obediently accepted his manners.

Will this be all right? I realised I dirtied your clothes earlier, so I thought you may need this.

Lil hadnt even opened the gift box yet, but judging from what Sagastar said, she figured it contained clothes. Lils eyes wandered towards the servant who had to buy and carry all those presents in the blink of an eye.

The reason why Sagastar is acting like this is, firstly, because he wants to change Eds sentiments towards him, and secondly, because hes conscious of my family. If Sagastar hadnt been married, he might even have offered to take responsibility for damaging my body.

I want to keep my heart grateful, so I wont refuse.

Yes, please accept it. Because the burden on my heart is great enough as it is.

Lil nodded gently, offering Sagastar the seat across from her. Sagastar behaved so politely that a run-down bar like this suddenly felt like a salon. And thanks to this, all the attention from the people inside the bar was on them, compelling Lil to lower her voice, aware of the dozens of eyes on her.

Commodore, thank you for all these gifts, but I actually have something else to ask of you.

Is there anything you want from me? Id be happy to give you anything.

Even though you did the right thing back then, Commodore my injury inevitably weakened me, and both my body and soul suffered. Theres something I must do, but because my recovery is slow, Im looking for someone who could do it in my stead. If there could be at least someone

Whats it about? Id gladly offer my help.

Lil recalled the identity guarantee she had received from Cesar.

If it were a random request of release, Sagastar would flatly refuse to assist. However, Im now in possession of an official guarantee. I dont want this to go to trial. I want to legally end the investigation as soon as possible, even if it was only for the sailors who were held as hostages.

If you think this request is too much, you can stab me once again.

Sagastar jumped up and waved his hands.

What are you saying?!

I mean I dont care what happens anymore. As long as the crew are all right.

What?

When Lil leaned towards Sagastar, the commodore leaned in towards her as well. Lil spoke quietly, taking care to not let her voice escape from their table.

Please release the crew before the trial.

She had no reason to address Ed politely, but she felt like it would be better if they didnt appear too close in front of Sagastar.

As Ed approached, the smell of the wind became stronger, and the chill of the morning breeze reverberated when he sat next to her.

I meant for him to take a seat next to Sagastar, why is he sitting next to me?

Ed removed his gloves and placed them on the table before stroking his unkempt hair. The seat they sat in was so narrow that his justaucorps brushed against her shoulder. The cold outside wind that came with him seemed even colder than Lil remembered, like it was getting cooled by the heavy sins he was carrying with him.

Lil had to sit close to Ed because the wooden bench was shorter than the table. Even though he had to be aware that their arms were touching, Ed remained motionless. Lil attempted to push his arm slightly but gave up for fear of appearing ridiculous.

Perhaps realising Eds mood, Sagastar quickly explained.

This is all because I ruined Miss Liloas clothes. Those gifts are from me to make amends to her.

Still, Ed kept his stoic expression despite hearing what Sagastar just said.

I guess this is why people always say, beyond mountains, there are mountains.*

In her mind, Lil washed her face dry. She couldnt deny her involvement with Ed seeing the way he acted. Sagastar even seemed to understand why Ed was so prickly, and Ed didnt appear to have any intention of hiding it either.

Why are you doing this?

Lil herself was getting more and more nervous.

And the flowers are meant to congratulate her on her recovery. Its common courtesy Yes, thats what it is.

Ed looked startled for a moment, but immediately shut his lips. It was only a little while ago that she asked Sagastar to apologise for the assumption that she had any involvement with Admiral Retiro.

The sudden embarrassing atmosphere was all Lils doing.

After that, an awkward silence passed. Ed never intended to talk to Sagastar again, and Sagastar couldnt bear to start a conversation first either. Observing the two, Lil felt that Sagastars guilt seemed bigger than she thought. She knew that Sagastar had been promoted because of Eds full support, so she initially assumed that everything Sagastar did for her so far was his way of amending his concerns regarding his rank. However, Lil was now slowly changing her opinion on the matter. True enough, there might be concerns about his rank, but more than that, the emotional tension was high between Ed and Sagastar.

Even a stranger would hold the view that Ed saved Sagastars life and Sagastar was now the shameless one for betraying his saviours grace.

Lil, who was still caught between the wall and Eds shoulder, squirmed and raised herself a little.

Anyway, the Commodore and I were talking about the identity guarantees. The Admiral remembers, right? That document I showed you.

Footnote:

Beyond mountains, there are mountains. = Haitian proverb that means as you solve one problem, another will present itself. Although it can seem grim, this seems to be a universal truth, no matter the situation. [THE LANTERN]