Ch. 4: A Pirate's Job
I felt my shoulders droop slightly at seeing the friendly relationship between Douglas and the hostess…
Then, dishes were brought out to our table one by one.
Douglas: “Around here, the sea has a low temperature, so the fish are resilient and extremely delicious.”
OO: “I see, and they all look delicious…”
Douglas: “Don’t hold back, eat as much as you want.”
I took in the rows of seafood that had been set on the table, all the plates thick with food.
OO: “I’ll try this one.”
I took a bite of a large shrimp, and the rubbery body split open in my mouth.
[CHOICE]
-
It’s so good (SUN)
-
I’m grateful (MOON)
Relishing the taste of the delicious food, Douglas let out a chuckle as he swirled his wine glass.
Douglas: “I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
OO: “Eh…-“
Douglas: “You were looking a little down.”
OO: “!”
He noticed…how embarrassing.
When I realized he’d seen right through me, my cheeks heated up.
Douglas: “…”
I wondered if Douglas knew what I was feeling, but he just cheerfully took a sip of his wine.
Douglas: “Truth is… When I introduced myself as a pirate, I thought you might be too scared to come meet me.”
OO: “That’s not…”
Actually, I did think he might be kind of scary but…
Douglas: “Hehe… You’re honest OO. You really were scared huh?”
OO: “Eh…-“
Indifferent to my shock, Douglas let out a boisterous laugh.
Douglas: “I’m just kidding. We aren’t like you were thinking OO. Our main goal is to stop poachers from abusing the resources in the area, and to maintain the order both on land and in the water. See? I’m not scary right?”
[CHOICE]
-
No… (SUN)
-
But… (MOON)
We hadn’t known each other long, but the time I had spent with Douglas was so enjoyable…-.
How strange…
Gradually, the desire to know more about him had filled my mind.
OO: “So other than being a pirate, you defend the seas too.”
Douglas: “Well, that’s close.”
----------------
Douglas: “Originally my ancestors came here to do trading on their merchant ships, and they unified the pirates on land-… no, rather they culled them. That's why… I have to take care of it."
--------
He said something like that earlier.
I felt myself admiring Douglas for how he would protect the peace of the vast, deep sea, when…-.
Douglas: “But at the same time, there’s also treasure hunting.”
Suddenly, his eyes filled with mischief.
OO: “Treasure hunting?”
Douglas: “Right, looking for gold and jewels. That’s more pirate-y yeah?”
OO: “Treasure hunting… yes, that’s the image I had of a pirate!”
With each word from Douglas, I found myself newly surprised, and it made my heart pound.
OO: “It’s so good!”
Douglas: “Good. Go ahead and eat up.”
OO: “Right!”
Seeing my reaction, Douglas smiled happily.
OO: “This is my first time eating such delicious seafood. I’m really grateful.”
Douglas: “It was worth bringing you then if it makes you that happy.”
Douglas looked at me in delight as he spoke.
OO: “No…actually, I did think you might have been a little scary.”
Douglas: “Haha, you really are upfront.”
OO: “I’m sorry…”
Douglas: “Don’t apologize.”
As Douglas swirled his wine glass, he looked on at me with interest.
OO: “But…in the end you’re still a pirate, right?”
Douglas: “Yup, a justice-loving pirate…or something like that.”
OO: “H-how does that even…-“
He looked at me, my eyes having gone wide.
Douglas: “Haha, your reactions really are interesting OO.”