Sifa stood up, putting away his divergent thoughts, and responded with a natural expression, his tone passive, avoiding any impression of active participation, as he sought to minimize provoking any unknown Extraordinary hidden among the people.
"Exactly. My father is Baron Bison Disraeli. As I told Joyce before, once we arrive at the port, I will contact my father and ask him to appoint a lawyer to defend us."
Sifa tried hard to display an air of awe-inspiring justice.
"The gentlemen present, including myself, have participated in more than one dangerous battle. Of course, in those battles, our hands were stained with blood—but in essence, they were acts of self-defense. I cannot tolerate such things being equated with crime. I will have the lawyers strive for the fair treatment we deserve and protect our reputation. We are not murderers!"
Joyce squeezed his pocket watch, clinging tightly to this important item, and echoed firmly:
"Mr. Sifa is right! We are not murderers. We don't have to escape. We don't need to hide. We deserve to be treated fairly!"
In the restaurant, the passengers were inspired by the words of the two, and voices of agreement rose one after another. The captain pressed his hands slightly, signaling everyone to quiet down. He then spoke.
"In that case, we will head to the Enmat Port."
Hearing the captain's decision, cheers broke out in the restaurant. After the cheers subsided, Sifa coughed lightly, adjusted his top hat, and turned to Joyce with an embarrassed, slightly awkward tone.
"Joyce, I don't know if you'd be willing to move to first class. My bodyguards and servants... they're all dead. The room feels empty now, and living alone makes me uneasy."
Then he looked at the captain.
"In addition, I'm very concerned about what happened in the second-class cabin last night. I have a feeling that those lunatics aren't all dead—perhaps one or two are still hiding somewhere on the ship."
The experienced captain easily understood Sifa's subtext from his expression and words: I'm scared, I need protection!
Considering this was an aristocratic young master, such a reaction was perfectly normal. Just as the captain was about to ask if anyone would be willing to move to first class to help protect this important passenger, a burly man stood up.
"Master Sifa, if you don't mind, I'm willing to move in as well. My name is Brando. I was a sergeant in the Royal Army and took part in the colonial war on the Southern Continent. My skills haven't dulled. For the sake of returning home safely to see my two lovely children, I swear I will do my best to protect you."
Obviously, the captain wasn't the only one who understood Sifa's hidden meaning.
Sifa, half genuine and half pretending, appeared truly relieved.
"That's wonderful, Mr. Brando. During this time on the ship, I will pay you the salary of a temporary bodyguard. Of course... after we disembark. After all, my wallet is in the hands of the 'King of the Five Seas.'"
Brando was a little surprised but waved his hands.
"No, no, no. You're already helping us by hiring a lawyer to defend us. How could I accept payment for this?"
"Please accept it, Mr. Brando. These are two different matters."
"Well then... thank you for your generosity."
Brando no longer refused. With the pirates having taken all his belongings and two children waiting for him at home, the temporary bodyguard salary would help support him until he found his next job.
Seeing Brando agree, Sifa was relieved—he had completed the second step of his plan: show weakness to the Extraordinary hidden in the crowd. This was crucial. Throughout the incident, that unknown Extraordinary hadn't slaughtered everyone on board. Sifa believed that if the person had wanted to, they could have. So the decision to spare some lives likely served some purpose. Under such circumstances, as long as Sifa didn't appear threatening, there was a high chance he would be ignored.
And to appear non-threatening? That meant showing weakness. Thus, the earlier performance.
The itinerary now set and legal aid arranged, hope brightened the faces of the people. The atmosphere in the restaurant shifted from somber to warm and cheerful.
After finishing his breakfast, Sifa returned to his cabin with Joyce and Brando. The two went to pack their belongings, preparing to move into the first-class room later. Sifa, returning alone, had just closed the door and removed his top hat when there was a knock.
So soon?
Leaving his top hat and cane aside, Sifa opened the door—but it wasn't Joyce. It was a round-faced youth.
"Mr. Sifa, I've come to thank you," said Tris with a friendly smile.
Sifa stepped back quickly.
"Please, come in, Mr. Tris."
Tris entered, looking around and sighing sincerely.
"A first-class room... big, luxurious, stylish."
Sifa half-joked, "If you like, you could move in too. There's still room."
"Really?" Tris smiled softly, his eyes thoughtful, as if seriously considering it.
Seeing this, Sifa regretted the invitation. He had only intended for Joyce to move in. Brando's addition was unexpected, and now Tris? With so many around, how could he summon his mysterious book or conduct research?
Fortunately, Tris declined.
"Thank you for your invitation, but I prefer my own space."
On the surface, Sifa feigned regret.
"A pity—I thought I'd have a chance to keep you company. These days, your courage has been admirable. I had hoped to make friends like you."
Tris chuckled.
"I'm also glad to have the friendship of a nobleman. Speaking of which, I truly thank you—thank you for your legal aid. If not for you, we might have considered going to the City of Generosity."
Sifa smiled and shook his head.
"Compared to what you've done for us, it was nothing."
"You're too humble." The smile faded from Tris's round face. "Mr. Sifa, I don't know if you feel the same, but I sense something unusual behind this disaster—almost as if there's a conspiracy."
Yes, yes, I think so too!
Sifa nearly blurted out but restrained himself.
"Why do you say that?"
"Don't you find it strange?" Tris pressed. "After the pirates left, we should have united. But suddenly, the crew and sailors fought over a trivial matter. The situation deteriorated rapidly into bloodshed, and everything spiraled out of control."
Thoughts flashed through Sifa's mind.
Why is he discussing this with me? Is he an Extraordinary? The mastermind? Testing me?
Sifa forced himself to stay calm. No, if there is an Extraordinary, they've stayed hidden. Why reveal themselves now? More likely, Tris is a pawn... or simply guided.
Still, Sifa stayed cautious. Perhaps Tris was sent to test him.
"As you said, I also think this whole thing is unusual." Sifa shrugged. "But... such matters should be left to the police. I just want to get ashore safely."
He agreed with Tris's view but avoided delving deeper—protecting himself wisely.
There was a knock at the door. Good timing, Sifa thought, and smiled.
"Please wait, I'll get the door."
Tris stood.
"No need—I have things to do. Goodbye."
"I'll see you out."
Sifa opened the door. As expected, Joyce and Brando stood outside, looking slightly surprised to see Tris. After a few polite exchanges, Tris left.
Once his figure vanished around the corner, Sifa smiled at his companions.
"Come in, gentlemen. Let me show you the rooms here. You can choose whichever you like."
---
July 1st.
Sunday.
Enmat Port bustled with life as always. As one of the Kingdom of Ruen's coastal ports, ships arrived and departed daily. On a passenger ship that had returned just yesterday, sailors cleaned the deck.
One sailor, pausing to straighten his back, narrowed his eyes at the sight of a new ship approaching—a passenger vessel with raised sails and billowing steam, preparing to enter port.
On its hull was a distinct emblem: a spiral cluster of purple flowers.
The sign of the Alfalfa!