On the following day, Aiden was escorted to the ship by some of Julie's men, but the captain failed to make an appearance. Placed on top of a stack of books, he sat waiting on the captain's deck, visibly distressed. The room was enveloped in darkness, with his red eyes fixated on the door.

After noon had already come and gone, the door finally swung open. Howarding, taken aback by the intimidating aura emanating from the boy, took a deep breath and mustered a smile.

"The captain should be arriving at the convex by now. Since we are ready to set sail, won't you greet her?"

Reluctantly, Aiden stood up and trudged towards the deck, without uttering a single word, past the elderly Howarding.

There, he stood motionless for several hours until he caught sight of the red-haired figure drawing closer. His eyes widened and, shortly after, he sensed another presence trailing behind her.

It was Captain John Belladonna, the second most renowned pirate captain on the seas. Not only that, he possessed a distinct appearance, piercing eyes, and long black hair. Standing at the same height as Aiden, he boasted a handsome face.

Dressed in elegant attire and donning a lengthy hat, he strolled with a smile as alluring as the captain's. Aiden couldn't help but feel an inexplicable rage.

Dashing toward Julie, he confronted the man, who couldn't comprehend such audacity from a mere pirate.

Wrapping his arms around Julie, he embraced her as if seeking solace, leaving Captain Belladonna dumbfounded.

Julie, overcome with anger and humiliation, snapped

, "What do you reckon ye're doing?!"

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Belladonna laughed, realizing the dressing-down the audacious boy would receive.

Aiden, in response, tightened his grip.

Within seconds, Julie pinned him to the ground.

Laughing on the situation John Belladonna turned his back and departed.

"Tomorrow, I will come to retrieve you, my dear June," he declared.

Filled with rage, Aiden swiftly let go and, his steps heavy, turned his back on the captain, making his way towards the deck.

A hush fell upon the room, everyone in a state of shock, unsure of how to react without losing their composure.

In a low voice, someone muttered, "Is the boy... jealous?"

For the first time in life, Julie remained unresponsive, drawing her sword from its sheath, instilling fear and silence in everyone.

"Send the crazy lad to the ship's prison," she commanded.

The atmosphere shifted, and the men dutifully carried out her orders.

****

As the day drew to a close, Julie descended to the cabins, which were not on her ship but on another vessel within her fleet.

Aiden awaited her there, and upon catching sight of her, he rushed over, dropping to his knees and gripping the bars of her cell.

"Julie," he exclaimed breathlessly, attempting to reach for her vests.

Slightly taking a step back, Julie gazed upon his countenance, let out a sigh, and handed him one of his books.

"ye must not remain here for long."

"Julie..."

"Just for now, and ah don't foresee myself returnin’ anytime soon, but the old man will be keeping an eye on ya."

"Please, master, do not abandon me," he pleaded tearfully, clutching onto the bars.

"Take care," Julie uttered before departing.

A fortnight would transpire before the captain made her return.