Chapter 433: Feuerbach

Chapter 433: Feuerbach

December 6th, 13th Year of Crossing Over

The Narwhale is making its way back to the island. The journey had its turmoil, with two unidentified creatures emerging from the waters and climbing aboard to cause some chaos. Aside from that, our return trip was normal.

The familiar nautical markings had already come into view; we are close to Hope Island now. However, I'm mainly worried about Feuerbach.

He still hadn't woken up from his coma. Though I know not much about medicine, I know this isn't a good sign.

Apart from him, we've suffered considerable losses in this voyage. Three deaths: two sailors and the Third Engineer. The assistant cook lost his left hand, and the cook lost his right leg."

Our Navigator has gone completely mad as well. It's clear we need to replace most of the crew.

All of these in exchange for a mere clue of the key's location. Their sacrifices weigh heavily on me; I don't know if it was worth it. If the key is really there, then the next adventure would be my final one in this seascape.

Just as Charles was about to start the next paragraph, a knock at the door interrupted him.

"What's the matter?" Charles called out.

"It's Linda. Feuerbach's awake."

The news had Charles' heart racing with joy. He swiftly grabbed his coat and dashed out of the door.

"I've conducted a complete blood transfusion and administered some special medicines that are still in their experimental phase. His life isn't in any immediate danger, but the special medicine has definitely damaged his internal organs," Linda shared the details as they both made their way to the infirmary.

"As long as he's alive That's better than anything else," Charles remarked, a light smile suffusing his lips.

Upon reaching the infirmary, Charles pushed the door open to see Feuerbach all bandaged up like a mummy. Despite the bandages, he was holding a crumpled cigarette between his trembling fingers and was trying to bring it to his lips.

"No smoking!" Linda shouted and dashed over. She grabbed the cigarette and threw it away.

A pained expression appeared on Feuerbach's face. His voice was barely a whisper as he weakly pleaded, "Dear, please, just one puff, just one."

"You should be well aware of your own condition right now. Your lungs can't take any more damage. Talk some more, and I'll sedate you."

"Of course, I know my body the best. But right now, I don't want to think of anything apart from having a smoke."

Hearing Feuerbach's clear articulation of his thoughts, Charles heaved a sigh of relief. Fortunately, his Second Mate seemed to be in a stable condition.

***

Under the watchful gazes of the islanders gathered at the docks, the scarred and battered Narwhale entered the port.

Leonardo was taken aback by the sight of the ship's pristine white hull marred with battle marks.

It seems like the Governor faced a rough time on this voyage. I hope he's fine. Leonardo mused in his heart.

Standing on the deck, Charles surveyed his damaged ship with a heavy heart and pained expression. He knew that extensive repairs were unavoidable. The voyage had dealt huge damage to his crew and his ship.

"Buddy, let's do this together," Charles remarked and gave the ship's rail a gentle pat. He then led his crew to disembark.

Upon seeing Charles alighting from the Narwhale, Leonardo hurriedly adjusted his tie and headed toward Charles. However, someone else outpaced him this time.

It was a mother holding a little boy by the hand. She ran forward and agitatedly scanned the faces of the crew members.

"Governor, where where is my husband?"

Dipp hurried forward and whispered into Charles' ear, "Captain, her husband was a sailor under me. He was torn into shreds by those sea otters."

Charles nodded in understanding. With his gaze fixated on the woman, he answered, "I'm sorry, he has fallen in the line of duty."

The news was too much for the woman to bear. She collapsed to the ground, and the light in her eyes vanished immediately.

"Rest assured, I will double the death compensation for him. And to honor your husband's brave deeds, I will give you a house in the heart of the island. You and your child would not have to worry about your daily needs for the rest of your life."

Charles' declaration stirred a buzz among the surrounding crowd. Most of them secretly wished it was one of their family members who had passed away instead. After all, everyone knew just how generous was Charles' compensation.

In all the seascape, no one could compete with Charles in terms of generosity, and none would be unsatisfied with such compensation.

"I don't want money! I don't care about some house in the heart of the island! I just want my daddy!"

The small boy beside the woman protested loudly as his tiny hands gripped a wooden boat. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he looked at Charles with a defiant glare.

Charles glanced at the boy before turning away without a word. He then made his way toward the nearby car with its door slightly ajar.



Cosyjuhye's Thoughts

Feuerbach is so sus now.