Pirate Kingship

「A day later.」

In the captain's cabin of the flagship, the Fourth-rate Ship *Support*, part of the long-range fleet that had just departed the First Circulation Zone.

"This is... the cultivation method for artificial spices? Captain Byron, you've really obtained it so quickly?!! Was there enough time for the journey?"

Rear Admiral Elsie Newman, commander of the fleet, stared at the stack of *Spice Cultivation Manuals* Byron had placed before him and abruptly stood up. Holding the manuals, he walked over to the porthole. Bathed in sunlight, he meticulously examined each page, his eyes growing increasingly brighter.

"It's real. It's truly real. Even without experimentation, one glance at these detailed cultivation records reveals they're no fabrication. Mr. Byron, you've actually done it."

After Rear Admiral Newman had carefully read through the three artificial cultivation methods detailed in the manual, he used a divination tool similar to Biface Dice and the Oath Ring from the realm of Mysticism to repeatedly confirm the content's authenticity. It was no wonder he was so agitated.

Although the Bantaan Archipelago was renowned for its spices, natural spices were not only scarce but also perilous to forage for deep within the mountain forests. Consequently, when these spices finally entered market circulation, they were naturally extremely precious. Foreign colonizers had always traded various ironware, tools, and other goods with the natives but could never comprehend the principles behind the spices' creation. This had become a popular research topic among naturalists from various countries. Now that he had obtained three cultivation methods at once, he naturally treasured them as if they were priceless artifacts.

Furthermore, the Taya civilization had already disintegrated. This complete set of cultivation manuals might be the only one of its kind in the entire Bantaan Archipelago, instantly multiplying its value severalfold.

"Unfortunately, even with artificial cultivation, it will take many years to produce finished products. To barely mature beyond a woody state to reach the quality of spices suitable as fuel for lighthouses—an inferior grade—would require at least three years. Moreover, the quality of artificial spices is undoubtedly much lower than that of wild, natural ones, necessitating larger doses. To reach the medicinal grade used by Transcendents, at least eight years are needed, and the older, the better."

Once the initial excitement subsided, he noted that the primary drawback of this cultivation method was the time involved, and he couldn't help but sigh.

Byron, standing respectfully to the side, chimed in, "Your Excellency is correct. Among that group of Castilian colonizers, the one mastering the core technology is actually a Second Order Famine Hunter. The reason they can occasionally produce high-quality spices might be, firstly, the sufficient age of the trees, and secondly, the effects of their corresponding transcendent abilities. Moreover, I have ascertained that all the missing persons had been used by them in Blood Sacrifices. Perhaps we can find a solution by exploring forbidden knowledge."

Hearing this, Rear Admiral Newman's expression of regret vanished. "I was too hasty. Our Newman family can afford to wait." He knew that as long as he possessed this information, everything else was a minor detail. For a great family with a lineage spanning hundreds of years, waiting ten or even eight years was nothing, let alone eighty or a hundred. As long as humans and Transcendents existed, spices would never lose their value.

Of course, this is the most ideal situation. One's ancestors plant trees, but their descendants aren't necessarily the ones who enjoy the shade. It might even be the old neighbor... Tsk tsk.

Byron thought to himself, "Grow them, grow them! Isn't giving the cultivation method to the Newman family precisely for this purpose? Moreover, I've scoured the memories of all the Castilian Undead Servants and meticulously prepared a foolproof cultivation starter pack. Anyone can succeed by simply following the steps. First, let them cultivate on a large scale in their own territory. Then, after three, five, or eight years, when it's time to harvest, I'll serenade them with... 'Listen to me say thank you.'"

Byron himself, aided by a Crystal Skull inhabited by a Nature Spirit, the Corn God, could rapidly complete his primitive accumulation. He didn't believe he would still be stagnating by then. It was completely uncertain then who would ultimately own the spices the Newman family had painstakingly cultivated for many years.

This was tantamount to a technology investment: using technology in exchange for the Newman family's land, personnel, financial resources, and time—but in the end, Byron intended to take it all! Borrowing a hen to lay eggs—it's simply perfect!

Rear Admiral Newman was oblivious to what the kingdom's foremost rebel was plotting. He strode forward, clapped Byron firmly on the shoulder, and for a moment, even lost the customary impassivity of a seasoned nobleman.

He exclaimed, "Excellent, excellent, excellent! Mr. Byron, I truly don't know how to express my admiration for you! Whatever reward you desire, as long as it's within my authority and that of the Royal Governor of the Colonies, I can grant it to you."

Hearing this, Byron didn't mince words. "Your Excellency, if possible, please issue me a 'Pioneering Order' for the entire Bantaan territory."

With a 'Pioneering Order,' one could legitimately stake claims to land; any territory one managed to occupy would become their domain. As long as they could establish a lighthouse and secure their footing, then by submitting a lord's edict or a public charter to their home country's colonial Governor's Mansion and maritime court, they could gain official recognition. They would then obtain all independent economic rights and political privileges on this land. As long as they didn't openly rebel or cease paying taxes, they would be the de facto emperor of their own territory, free to do as they pleased.

Artificial spices might take years to yield results, but land rights offered immediate benefits. Although Byron was still unsure when he would expand, he certainly wouldn't stop at the Tayman Archipelago.

Rear Admiral Newman pondered for a moment before agreeing. "No problem, I grant your request. Mr. Byron, I admire your ambition. It's not just the 'Pioneering Order'; I'll also give you a directive from the Bantaan garrison's logistics department, granting you access to purchase military equipment. After all, every year a batch of munitions becomes damaged by moisture or is decommissioned for various reasons. This doesn't violate regulations."

As a 'Black Glove' who had signed a strict contract of personal fealty, Byron's interests were deeply intertwined with the Newman family's. The stronger he became, the more dirty work he could handle for his superiors. They weren't concerned about his ambition growing too large. Could it possibly surpass that of the Newman family, who aspired for their patriarch to become the Viceroy of the Kingdom of Hightens in the Bantaan Archipelago? On the contrary, they worried he might lack desire and the motivation to continue striving. It was like how sales recruiters preferred candidates desperate for money, ideally those supporting elderly parents and young children while burdened by heavy debt; only such individuals possessed the strongest drive. In any case, no matter how successful this Sea Hunter became, with that cleverly disguised contract in place, the Newman family could effortlessly pluck the 'peaches' he cultivated.

Then, the Rear Admiral added playfully, "I can tell that you young men are all interested in the Flower of the North. After all, who wouldn't desire such a beauty, wealthy and influential, capable of letting her spouse leapfrog twenty years of struggle? But picking such a thorny rose isn't simple. Keep at it. If you need it, I can even offer you a little assistance."

Before Byron could retort, he was silenced by the Rear Admiral's 'I've been there, I understand completely' expression.

"I won't take up any more of your time. Get going.

"I heard that Vincent, the Royal Hound, offended the Countess. She had him publicly thrashed and locked in the brig. He hasn't been seen for days. If you want to seize this opportunity, you'd better act fast."

Though his words were casual, the Newman family was clearly eyeing Catherine's title and lands. As an official power symbolizing legal authority, openly annexing her territory was clearly unfeasible. But if they allowed Byron, the pirate and 'Black Glove,' to seize it, then as he accumulated more stains from his dirty deeds, it would become perfectly justifiable for their Navy to 'eradicate bandits.' They could even launder all the stolen goods, ensuring the original owners couldn't trace anything back to them. Feeding a thief for one's own gain—utterly perfect!

There were no loyal confidants here, nor any benevolent elders—only one Smartass and one cunning old fox. So much for 'borrowing a hen to lay eggs' or 'nourishing a thief to fatten oneself.' From the very beginning of their cooperation, both had been plotting to fatten the other up before devouring them, skin, bones, and all.

"But, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you," Byron thought to himself. As 'kindred spirits' in a sense, Byron naturally understood what the other was thinking.

As he walked out of the captain's cabin, he glanced up at the Sailing Logbook visible in his right eye.

[The Mystery of Tayman Brak Island's Abundance, Historical Influence 15] had been completely decrypted.

In addition to Historical Reviser, Heartfelt Trouble, and Outlaw Madman, he had acquired a new entry:

[You're Not the Murderer]:

"The target was shot eight times in the back but died by suicide!

The weapons you use for killing, such as swords, firearms, cannonballs, warships... and the like, will be imbued with a high degree of mystery provided by the [Sailing Logbook].

Fingerprints, forging processes, rifling—none of it will have any connection to you.

Even if others use divination to investigate a crime scene you orchestrated, they will first eliminate a correct option.

You or your team can no longer be pinpointed by the murder weapon or method.

Now you are a truly complete [Outlaw Madman]!"

Byron had been sufficiently cautious in his previous actions. Even the stone cannonballs he had used were locally sourced from Bantaan, and afterward, he had burned away all traces. However, with so many people involved, there was no guarantee that some careless individual wouldn't inadvertently leave behind a clue. But now, with the passive enhancement from the fourth entry, [You're Not the Murderer], even if they were to sack the York Family's port, as long as they weren't caught red-handed, they wouldn't be identified later.

Every entry reward Byron obtained was related to the mystery he had decrypted and perfectly suited his current pressing needs. Thus, the Golden Deer and the future privateering crew finally had the confidence to 'row without oars' on the high seas.

「Soon, the ships in the fleet parted ways, setting off in pairs towards different destinations.」

Byron, feeling utterly relaxed and with a spring in his step, boarded the Grenville family's *Osprey*. He excitedly grabbed Catherine, who had rushed out to greet him, and said, "Sister, quick, come see! I have an amazing treasure to show you!"