The Pirate King's Daughter - Chapter 59

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 59
A bell chimed above the door as it swung open.
Kies had come to the Women’s Clothing Store searching for Tatiana, who hadn’t shown up for quite some time.
As expected, the moment he stepped inside, an excited voice reached his ears.
“This one, ma’am. You should take this one.”
“You’re right. I thought this suited me too.”
Following the sound of the voices, Kies spotted Tatiana standing before a mirror.
But his footsteps slowed, then stopped altogether.
“Your skin is so fair and delicate that this color suits you wonderfully. This isn’t usually one of our popular items, you know.”
Tatiana wore a Light Ivory Sleeveless One-Piece Dress with Pink Tint. Her thighs, exposed by the dress’s deep cut, were pale as milk pudding, exactly as the shop clerk had said.
“Now let’s look at some sandals. We don’t have many to choose from, but we have something perfect for you right now—oh, welcome in!”
Kies, his gaze stolen by Tatiana, didn’t even notice the clerk greeting him.
“Kies?”
He started at the sound of his name and snapped back to attention.
“Why are you here? Have you already bought all your clothes?”
“…Are you buying that?”
“Yes. It’s pretty.”
Oblivious to what was going through Kies’s mind, Tatiana lifted her skirt slightly with no self-consciousness, showing it off.
Thin chiffon rippled softly against her body.
As his heart quickened and heat flooded his face, Kies spun around and spoke bluntly.
“…It’s not that great.”
He knew his reaction was childish, but he couldn’t help himself.
He was already behind as it was.
Tatiana seemed unaware, but Dilshard had already made no secret of his affection for her, and something about Berto seemed off too.
The thought of anyone else seeing her like this made his blood boil, let alone those two.
“You can’t even be honest?”
Tatiana pouted and complained.
“Buy something else. It’s cold outside.”
“Look in the mirror and tell me that—your face is bright red from the heat. And even if it wasn’t pretty, I like it, so I’m buying it anyway. Could you show me the sandals?”
He’d managed to upset her just when he was trying to score points.
‘Adult love is difficult.’
Everything was in the past, or so Tatiana had said.
Then he would simply start anew.
Though he’d made mistakes that were hard to undo, he knew how to win her heart, so he thought he still had a chance.
‘But the moment I stand in front of Tatiana, I turn into a boy again.’
He was frustrated with himself.
Kies watched as Tatiana put on the sandals.
They were just sandals.
Yet seeing the thin straps trace across her foot and wrap around her ankle made his heart race uncontrollably—clearly, he still had a long way to go before becoming a true adult.
“Where are the others?”
Tatiana approached him once the shopping was finished and asked.
“Berto went to teach Perian swimming, and Dilshard said he had something to discuss with Basil.”
“Perian still can’t swim?”
“What he learned in Primanuae was different. He can stay afloat, but he still needs more practice.”
While waiting for the purchases to be wrapped, Kies glanced absently at the clerk and suddenly startled, turning to Tatiana.
“You didn’t buy all of that, did you?”
“…I didn’t have any light clothing, so I bought a few pieces.”
Watching her make excuses, Kies suppressed the urge to buy out the entire store and spoke matter-of-factly.
“I’m not complaining. You used to insist on pants for so long, so it’s just unexpected.”
“That was because of the gun. I like pretty clothes too. They just seem pretty only in my eyes.”
Tatiana spoke with a hint of disappointment.
“They’re pretty in my eyes too.”
As he tried to make up for his earlier rudeness, Tatiana’s eyes widened as she looked at him.
Her cheeks flushed a tender pink, and an awkward atmosphere began to form.
“Your wrapping is ready.”
The clerk called out to the pair.
“Yes!”
Without hesitation, Tatiana hurried over to her purchases.
“You have quite a lot here, so it might be difficult to carry. Would you like us to deliver it to where you’re staying?”
“Oh, I’d appreciate that.”
“May I have your name and address?”
“My name is Tatiana. If you go out and turn left, there’s the Kantein Inn—send it there.”
“Ah, the inn where Basil stays!”
The clerk’s face brightened.
“Yes, that’s right. Do you know him?”
“Of course. I’d say anyone doing business in this part of town knows Basil. He’s always the first to help when trouble arises.”
His good reputation didn’t seem to be undeserved.
“Then I’ll have it delivered to you by the end of the day.”
“Thank you so much.”
Kies followed Tatiana’s every movement with his eyes as he trailed her out of the clothing store, whether the Demon had a good reputation or not.
* * *
After two days of keeping watch over Basil, Pudding reported back that there was nothing suspicious and returned to my side.
But Pudding slipped into Basil’s room once more while keeping their presence hidden.
I needed to arrange a separate meeting.
“Then I’ll go browse the market and head to the shipyard.”
I told my companions as we parted ways to attend to our separate tasks.
I wanted to avoid staying alone at the inn with the Demon, so I was planning to appear to be leaving with everyone else before doubling back.
Fortunately, they all left without suspicion.
The moment they were out of sight, I bolted.
“Basil!”
After hurrying back to the inn through the oppressive heat, I led Basil to my room.
Pudding was keeping watch.
“Huff, phew.”
As I flopped into a chair and caught my breath, Basil across from me poured water and offered it.
“Are you all right…?”
After gulping down the water in one go, I steadied my breathing and opened my mouth.
“Thank you. I have something to ask you. As I mentioned before, you absolutely cannot tell my friends that we’re meeting separately.”
“Yes, what would you like to know?”
I got straight to the point.
“Do you know about the Elianus Empire at the far east?”
“I haven’t been there myself, but I’m aware of it.”
“There are Demons there. Do you have any information about them?”
“Demons?”
Basil seemed considerably startled, despite being a Demon himself.
“Demons are far fewer in number compared to humans. Even I, a Demon living on the surface, have never encountered one—they’re that rare. However….”
Basil’s expression grew grave as he continued.
“It’s quite likely they are dangerous Demons. The Rebels who couldn’t enter Atlantis were all powerful Demons to begin with.”
I’d suspected as much, knowing they were Demons who orchestrated the world’s destruction, but the news was still troubling.
“Do you happen to know anything else about those Demons?”
“Very little. All I know is there’s one female and three males, and that all of them can mimic the exact appearance of other people.”
“Ah….”
Basil let out a sigh.
“Then it’s confirmed. Ordinary Demons cannot change their appearance.”
It was one disappointment after another. I wasn’t going to fight them myself, but the protagonists needed to win, or I wouldn’t survive either.
“Do they have any weaknesses?”
“They’re so powerful that if I had to name one, it would be their inability to work together. They have loud voices and strong individual desires. Sowing discord might work.”
Even that didn’t seem straightforward.
These creatures had been joining hands and trying to seize the Empire for a long time.
‘If someone like Kies, who led wars, is involved, he might have a good idea.’
I’d have to remember that.
“But why are you asking about such things….”
Basil asked carefully.
I studied him for a moment before speaking.
“You’re really not acquainted with those Demons?”
“Of course not! I’m on the Demon King’s side!”
Basil leaped up and spent a good while singing the praises of Lucas.
“I understand. That’s enough.”
The King’s image had certainly been well-managed.
“Ah, this pendant—you said you felt power from me too. Do you know what kind of power it is?”
“I don’t have the Insight to understand such things.”
He revered Lucas that much, yet couldn’t identify the power?
“But I feel an aura that can’t be approached. I’m not sure how you’ll take this, but it feels as though I’m looking upon the Demon King himself.”
A wistful look flickered across Basil’s eyes for a moment.
Lucas must have been a just king. He’d made grave mistakes, but he’d done his best.
‘I’m sorry, but there’s no time for sentimentality.’
I lifted the pendant at my neck and asked.
“You said this power has adverse effects on other people, but it’s fine with me. If I’m not around, is there no way to control the power?”
“I’ve thought about that since our last conversation. What if we put some of Tatiana’s hair inside?”
It was an idea I’d never considered.
“I’ll try it once. Thank you.”
My intended questions were finished, and I was wondering if there was anything else to ask.
“Tatiana!”
Pudding, who had been keeping watch, came urgently through the window.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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