[Vol. 7] Chapter 33: Rashid Bachiri
This island, [Ezer Island], lies at the very edge of the Emerald Sea, bordering the [Ghost Sea]. It’s about the same size as one of the six outer islands of Eastern Sea Pearl and is only a few hundred kilometers away from the [Great Whirlpool] to the west.
When the enormous vortex spins violently, the island can even feel the pull of the sea currents, and the energy particles in the air shift noticeably. It’s safe to say this place sits on the brink of extreme danger.
Due to its proximity to the perilous [Ghost Sea] and the [Great Whirlpool], the energy in the air here is especially unstable. This island was originally just an uninhabited wasteland. However, a few years ago, [Deep Sea Ghosts] suddenly emerged and waged war against the native tribes of the Emerald Sea.
After being driven back into the [Ghost Sea] by the coalition forces led by Queen Anies, military outposts were built on the islands bordering the [Ghost Sea] to prevent those eerie beings from returning. [Ezer Island] is one of these outposts.
Since it’s close to the Eastern Sea Pearl Archipelago, the Merfolk make up the majority of its forces. However, unlike the true Merfolk homeland, warriors from various sea island tribes can also be seen here, Fishmen, Walrus-folk, Sea Spirits, and even Humans of different origins.
That said, the humans living in the Emerald Sea’s remote islands are mostly mixed-blood, as pureblood humans from the Human United Kingdom rarely settle here. Without some degree of mixed ancestry, it would be difficult to adapt to the offshore environment and climate.
As a military outpost, and given that [Ezer Island] was originally a barren frontier land, its soil is quite poor, with no notable landmarks or valuable resources. Even though the island tribes have established a base here, the only habitable and frequently used area is a small section in the northwest, directly facing the [Ghost Sea], less than one-fifth of the entire island.
After years of war, the warriors stationed here are mentally and physically exhausted. Although Queen Anies’ presence has lifted their spirits somewhat, the air of gloom and fatigue among the soldiers is undeniable, clear signs of contamination’s lingering effects.
It seems the war isn’t going well. No wonder Princess Nitila was so desperate to seek reinforcements.
When Violet and the others returned to the outskirts of the outpost, Silisa was already waiting for them. Since they were guests of the Queen, but ultimately outsiders, it was only natural for someone to escort them. Unfamiliarity with the local forces could easily lead to misunderstandings or unexpected conflicts.
Noticing the three approaching, the Sea Priestess, who had been glancing around anxiously, visibly relaxed and quickly stepped forward to greet them.
At such a critical moment, the Queen naturally didn’t want any unexpected complications.
“Miss Violet, you’ve arrived.”
“Please follow me. Her Majesty and our guest are already waiting.”
“Alright, thanks for leading the way.”
As they followed the priestess deeper into the outpost, the atmosphere felt a bit dull. The black-haired girl suddenly decided to strike up a conversation.
“By the way, Silisa, has your body recovered? You used up so much energy yesterday, and now you're joining such an important mission. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“?”
The beautiful Merfolk priestess, whose long hair flowed like ocean waves, turned back with a slight look of confusion but quickly smiled and reassured her.
“It’s fine, Miss Violet. I didn’t actually use up my physical strength or magic power yesterday. It was just a bit of mental exhaustion from communicating with the gods. A good night’s sleep, and I’m completely recovered. Don’t forget, I am a priestess after all.”
“A priestess, huh...”
Violet nodded nonchalantly, then casually asked, as if just making small talk.
“In that case, you must know quite a bit about the deity who performed that miracle yesterday, right? That was Vier, the Sea Goddess from legend, the one you worship?”
“......?”
Silisa gave the black-haired girl a long, meaningful look, then sighed.
“Miss Violet, discussing gods casually in private is a serious taboo. Please don’t say such disrespectful things in the future.”
“Oh… my bad, my bad~ I just don’t know much about gods, so I was a little curious.”
Silisa gave a slight nod, choosing not to press the matter further. However, she also didn’t continue the conversation, instead silently picking up the pace as she led them forward.
Before long, they passed through the guards and arrived at the Queen’s meeting chamber.
Just as Miss Priestess had expected, there was another notable figure in the room besides the Queen and her royal guards.
At first glance, the man looked human, appearing to be in his thirties with a tall, well-built frame and tanned, weathered skin, clearly the result of long-term exposure to the harsh sea winds and sun. He had the rough look of a seasoned sailor.
That said, he wasn’t unattractive. His short golden hair and mature features gave him a steady, intelligent charm, resembling a rugged yet refined older man.
He wore a canvas sailor’s hat and a loose-fitting black and gray outfit, designed for easy movement. On his shoulder, there was a strange emblem. A skull supported by crossed swords. Around his neck, he wore a necklace made of various beast fangs, adding a wild and fierce touch to his otherwise intellectual appearance.
When Violet and the others entered the meeting room, the man was already seated, engaged in conversation with Queen Anies. Upon hearing the door open, he naturally turned his gaze toward them, locking eyes with the priestess at the front.
Both of them raised an eyebrow at the same time, their expressions showing a hint of surprise.
“This guy… seems interesting.”
As she observed him, Violet silently pondered.
There was a faint, almost imperceptible divine aura surrounding him, something that subtly concealed his true presence. Even Violet, upon first glance, couldn't immediately determine his exact strength.
But there was no way this man was a god, nor did he seem to be a descendant of a god. That left only two possibilities. He was either a blessed one, favored by the gods, or a lucky soul in possession of a powerful Divine Artifact.
At that moment, Queen Anies spoke at just the right time, interrupting their silent exchange.
“You’re here. Please, take a seat, all three of you. I’ll introduce—”
“Ah, hold on, Your Majesty.”
Violet raised a hand slightly, then glanced at the intellectual-looking man, who was already smiling and nodding at them. Her eyes sparkled with interest.
“If you reveal the answer right away, it won’t be any fun. We’re not in a rush, so why don’t I take a guess at our mysterious guest’s identity?”
Without waiting for a response, the silver-blue gaze of the young priestess landed directly on the crossed-swords skull emblem on the man's chest. Her lips curved into a playful, knowing smile.
"A classic pirate insignia, a human man, able to reach the edge of the [Ghost Sea] at nearly the same time as us, and even personally invited by Her Majesty the Queen for this matter..."
Violet narrowed her eyes slightly and continued with certainty.
"A legendary pirate who has roamed the Emerald Sea for years, said to be the only one capable of freely entering and leaving the [Ghost Sea], the captain of the [Sea Sovereign], the Pirate King, Rashid Bachiri. I can’t think of any other possibility. Am I right?"
"Hahaha!"
The blond-haired man or rather the Pirate King Rashid let out a hearty laugh and nodded approvingly.
"I’ve heard stories about a certain mysterious wandering priestess, who has been traveling across nations in recent years. They say she calls herself Violet, and her mastery of [Holy Art] is beyond extraordinary. Some even believe she has surpassed the realm of legendary level itself. When Her Majesty mentioned your name earlier, I wasn’t sure if it was really you. But now, it seems I’ve met the real deal."
He stood up gracefully, placed a hand over his chest, and gave a polite bow.
"You’re absolutely right. I am Rashid Bachiri, captain of the [Sea Sovereign]… Well, just a pirate, really. But to think that someone of your caliber would come all the way to the Emerald Sea… what an unexpected and thrilling surprise. It’s an honor to meet you."
"You actually know about me?"
Violet raised an eyebrow, her surprise growing.
She had certainly done quite a few remarkable things during her travels, but she had always been careful to keep a low profile. Very few people should actually know her true abilities.
Even Queen Anies, despite being a ruler, only had a limited understanding of Violet, likely because the Emerald Seas were too far from the mainland. The way the queen had first reacted to her made that clear.
And yet, this Pirate King Rashid seemed to know exactly who she was…
Could it be because he could freely cross the [Ghost Sea] and reach the outside world?
There was one more thing.
If Violet wasn’t mistaken, the way Rashid had just bowed… That was the etiquette of the Holy Empire, wasn’t it?