As they walked, Dante noticed Sang had stopped, his face contorted in anger as he stared at the sky. Dante followed his gaze, marveling at the sight of three celestial bodies: a moon, a bluish-white sun, and a red planet. The red planet was slightly larger and had a pirate ship sailing towards them, its black sails emblazoned with a red wax seal symbol and a capital ‘R’. Joyce’s voice broke the silence. “The Dread Knot,” she said, turning to Sang. “Isn’t that the house of Royo’s ship?”
Sang clicked his tongue in annoyance. “Rose.”
The Dread Knot hovered above the street, lowering a paddle boat towards them.
As the paddle boat landed, Dante could see a menacing figure in an all-black military plated trench coat. The figure wore an all-black helmet with a black plume on top that obscured his face. Long, white hair cascaded down to his shoulders, adding to his intimidating presence. A black fur cloak draped over his shoulders, and a rifle was strapped to his back. As Dante looked closer, he noticed two large pistols holstered at the figure’s waist.
Beside him stood Rose, her arms crossed and her expression furious. She pointed towards Dante and shouted, “See, he is cheating on me with a Vixen. Grey hair, yellow eyes. That is the house of Lynch’s trademark. Captain Galewae, I told you, your son was a cheater!”
Joyce stepped forward, her voice steady and clear. “Witch hunter Captain Galewae Royo, I’d like to state the facts. I, Joyce Lynch, first daughter of Sansa and Dent Lynch, defeated your son and won my right to form a party with him. We aren’t dating, and I’ve upheld all the witch regulations.”
Rose’s face twisted in anger, as if someone had slapped her grandmother. “The only thing you will uphold is this ass whooping if you don’t back off my fiancé!” she yelled.
Sang sighed, shaking his head. His father, Captain Galewae, remained silent as he hopped off the boat. Sang took a step back but was quickly restrained by his father, who moved so fast that Dante couldn’t see his movements. Captain Galewae’s grip was firm as he asked, “How could you lose to the house of Lynch in a duel? Have your travels made you soft? Haven’t I taught you how to hunt witches?”
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Sang struggled to push his father off but couldn’t budge him. Fortunately, his father released him and took a step back. Sang spoke up, “She uses rare illusion spells, and I got surprised. Plus, I ain’t a witch hunter like you, father. And Rose is making it up, as always. She may be from the house of Cash, but she knows she can’t buy my love.”
Captain Galewae’s expression remained stern. “She can buy my loyalty and has. I’m here to make sure you will take her with you with no opposition, understand?”
Captain Galewae then turned his attention to Dante, pointing at him. “Sang, do you have your adventurer’s ID yet?” Sang pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to his father. Captain Galewae examined it and said, “Supreme growth rate. A baby dragon and a faerie. Does Bianca even know what she gave you? If being a tamer is too boring, you can always be a witch hunter.”
Dante watched in awe as Sang’s father cast the fly spell, lifting the paddle boat into the sky. The boat glided smoothly above the treetops, the wind rustling through the leaves below. The sky was a brilliant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds that seemed close enough to touch.
Rose stormed up to Sang, her eyes blazing with anger. She slapped him hard across the face, the sound echoing in the still air. “Why does she get to hold your Inunu?” she shouted, pointing at Joyce. “It’s unacceptable! I challenge her to a duel! The winner gets to hold Morning!”
Joyce gently put Dante down, her expression calm and composed. “I must decline,” she said softly. “It would be in my best interest to stay on your good side.”
Rose scooped Dante up, holding him tightly. “Smart. Keep playing nice, and I’ll keep you. But one false move, and you’re a dead bitch!”
Sang sighed, rubbing his cheek where Rose had slapped him. “Rose, why are you such a spoiled brat? You got what you wanted, now shut up. And Morning might act nice, but one wrong step and you both die.”
Dante, nestled in Rose’s arms, thought to himself, “You all are dead. How does this guy get girls? His dad is some weird pirate, and he shoots witches. What kind of world am I in?”