Chapter 74: Chapter 74: Belonging

Subsequently, Aiven was surprised to discover from Tru’s memory that neither Tru nor Sku knew about the “Shipwreck Elegy” being in the hands of “One-Eyed Becky.”

“Interesting.”

However, the conflicts and opportunities within the “Shark Tooth” pirate gang had already disappeared with the demise of the gang’s leader and deputy leader, strategist, and most of the key members. Aiven didn’t plan to pursue it further, since the benefits they accumulated had been taken in by himself, hadn’t they?

Aiven had already wasted quite some time in the captain’s cabin. After hastening the search of hidden spots within the cabin, he reaped anonymous gold tickets worth thousands of gold coins, and a bag of diverse gemstones, universal currency anywhere, and the harvest was quite substantial.

The pirate ship wasn’t a treasure ship; in reality, it only contained some movable wealth. If ultimately, the pirate gang’s treasure location could be found, that would truly be the big harvest!

But now, it’s just a thought; as of now, Aiven did not have the capital for independent maritime adventures.

“The treasure hunt can wait until later. Getting another Ocean Treasure already satisfies me greatly.”

After a while, Gary and Chris returned from the ship’s cabin. They had mainly gone to scavenge the sailor’s quarters and the cargo hold–the “Shark Tooth” as the flagship of the pirate gang was still quite profitable, but compared with Aiven, it was like dwarfs before giants.

Seeing there was even a corpse in the captain’s cabin, no one asked more, assuming it to be a survivor Aiven eliminated.

“Deliver everything directly to the captain’s cabin when we return, understand?”

“Hehehe, understood, understood!”

With tacit understanding, the loot these people gathered counted as extra perks for all participants, distributed proportionally among the entire crew on the warship.

The remaining big likelihood were large loads robbed by the pirates. These included the pirate ship underfoot, which would be registered and inventoried by the first mate to become paper winnings–to be exchanged for merits and official rewards.

This was something they didn’t need to worry about.

When the group returned to the Silver Wings, they found Gel, who had gone to handle the “Sawfish,” had already returned to the ship. As for the fate of those pirates, it was needless to say.

At the moment, Gel was talking to Vice Admiral Snite. Upon seeing Aiven walk over, Vice Admiral Snite stepped forward two steps and grasped Aiven’s hand, saying, “Young man! Well… I’m like your uncle, let’s call you Aiven. I’ve heard about your performance, indeed, you are the great contributor who saved the entire ship.

Milan told me you are great friends. You are always welcome to visit our house. Feel free to tell me if you need anything; within our Third Fleet, I can still say a few things, hahaha…”

Instead of hollow words like “the Kingdom Navy will remember your achievements,” he expressed closeness directly in his personal capacity–a sign of substantial sincerity from one of the most powerful generals within the Third Fleet.

“Thank you, sir, eliminating pirates is the work of everyone, and as a member of the Navy, it is my duty.” Aiven replied immediately, standing straight and saluting upon hearing the words. Vice Admiral Snite dropping the general’s air was no excuse for a mere captain like him to be negligent at will.

With his words, General Snite’s smile turned even brighter; rarely does this young man exhibit such humility despite his talents and capabilities.

If the initial closeness was due to Aiven’s merits and Gel’s influence, now he was genuinely intrigued by him. Should this young man maintain this mindset, his future is boundless; perhaps he could truly become a pillar of the Navy.

“I’ve always thought Milan was somewhat unreliable with everything, but it seems his eye for friends is quite sharp. You should interact more, and if he could learn even three parts of your steadiness, I’d thank the Goddess for her blessings.” Vice Admiral Snite patted Aiven’s shoulder, smiling as he spoke.

This intimate attitude astonished the adjutant nearby; when did their general ever become so close to a lower-level captain officer? Indeed, Captain Aiven had caught the general’s eye, and Master Milan also greatly esteemed him.

Thinking this, the adjutant’s view of Aiven subtly changed, perhaps he should also… express something?

“By the way, help Captain Aiven with the procedure; officially assign the ‘Thorned Gold Rose’ to him. How can a Sniper Firearm be without its exclusive Alchemy Firearm?” As the adjutant mildly froze, Vice Admiral Snite instructed him.

“Certainly, sir. I will handle it personally upon disembarking,” the adjutant promptly agreed.

Just those words set the ownership of this precious alchemy weapon.

The Vice Admiral is the highest officer in the fleet’s logistics department; his allocation to Aiven went uncontested throughout the Third Fleet, even the Fleet Commander wouldn’t have a legitimate objection.

“Thank you, sir! I will keep striving!” Upon hearing this, Aiven was thrilled, having been contemplating whether to return this firearm moments ago, now he gained rightful usage rights–how could he not be delighted?

Engaging with Aiven had reached its limit, saying more would be excessive; imbued with social skill, General Snite naturally knew how to maintain a balanced stance.

“Colonel Gel, I’ll take a shortcut. The matters on the ship are entrusted to you. After the registration of the spoils, I’ll allocate you the highest amount,” Snite nodded to Gel and turned with the adjutant, heading into the ship’s cabin.

Earlier, Milan fought alongside the sailors; now he’s notably wounded, resting in the cabin. Having finished the work, he–a father–naturally had to attend to him.

“Yes, sir!” Colonel Gel stood upright and saluted.

Watching the general disappear at the cabin’s entrance, the uncle and nephew exchanged a knowing glance and walked toward the captain’s cabin of the Silver Wings.

The door closed.

Aiven first produced is Tru’s testimonies, detailing the antecedents and aftermath of the attack.

After Gel browsed through it, his suspicions drastically lessened and he agreed with Aiven’s decision not to present it to Vice Admiral Snite directly.

“Aiven, you’ve done very well. Subsequently, I will relay this confession to Vice Admiral Snite separately, under the guise of reporting the situation–don’t let others know about it.”

This is, indeed, the case. If the crew were to learn this assault was a long-planned trap targeting the Vice Admiral, it wouldn’t matter as much within the ship; yet, if it spread, it would severely tarnish his reputation.

Being chosen by pirates as a target for elimination? It’s essentially an embarrassment to the Navy–a laughable disgrace! Though the Vice Admiral is fundamentally a civilian officer, this intelligence won’t shake his position, but it will certainly make him hang his head low.

Upon seeing Aiven later unveil the “Mist Silver Lamp,” an ardent suspicions Gel had long held was not overly surprised, simply instructing Aiven to store it well and deal with it upon returning to Gabred.

The duck in hand couldn’t fly away again; having handled an Ocean Treasure before, Gel equably handled it.

The subsequent gold tickets and Treasure Vault Key were of even lesser concern.

“We will rest and repair the three warships for one day, then return home tomorrow. I’ll let the First Mate take charge of the Sawfish, and you shall lead the Shark Tooth.”

“You want me to take charge…?” Just about to decline, Aiven noticed Gel’s eager gaze, realizing this was his uncle’s opportunity for him to learn and immediately rephrased:

“Alright, I will give my utmost effort.”