After deactivating his Second Order core ability, Dietary Supplementation, Salman, the Gourmet, was noticeably thinner than when he first started. His muscles were even outlined with the distinct lines of a marble sculpture. Essentially, he was not truly a gluttonous fatty at heart.
Byron's Spirituality, however, keenly sensed that as a large amount of fat burned, an indefinable sense of weakness emanated from him. The Gout Stones at his joints were especially visible, and his hands and feet seemed more deformed than ever. So much so that despite being a powerful Transcendent, he walked with a noticeable limp. Although he tried to hide it, Byron could still see he was forcibly controlling his expression, not letting his pain show on his face. Combined with the earlier deductions about the "staple food" taboos, it was clear that beneath Salman's calm exterior lay a deeper and more profound madness.
From what I understand, gout typically attacks intermittently. Even with severe Gout Stones, the pain isn't constant. Now, it seems whenever "Bloody Eye" Salman, the Gourmet, drinks spirits to activate his ability, the purines in his body must surge drastically. And how could a Gourmet possibly restrain his appetite for dietary restrictions? This irreconcilable contradiction is truly costing him his life.
Byron already had some guesses in mind about the 'Secret: Bloody Eye Salman's Unspeakable Affliction'. If he didn't want to die in agony or give up further advancement as a Gourmet, he had to find a way to unravel this knot and cure his disease. And the method to cure his disease very likely involved that taboo 'staple food'!
His own kind!
Byron lowered his eyes, unwilling to meet those Bloody Eyes, which were becoming more beastly than human. Having fled Hightins territory and evaded the Stern Cruiser's pursuit, he had only temporarily escaped the tiger's den. Here, a ravenous wolf still lurked, ready to swallow him whole at any moment.
He became even more cautious and took the initiative to salute Salman, saying,
"Captain, sir."
Byron, in his past life, had weathered society's storms and knew when to bend and when to stand firm. Even after unraveling the captain's secrets, he remained as respectful as ever.
"Hmm. Mr. Byron, you've done a very good job. Allowing you to join the Man-Eating Shark was the best decision I've made."
The loss of more than half his crew deeply pained Salman. His only solace was obtaining Byron, such a 'talent'. The array of knowledge Byron exhibited made Salman hesitant. Perhaps he could choose... not to eat this chef? Salman even actively considered taking him in as a confidant, perhaps even as a Transcendent apprentice of the Gourmet profession, to study that 'thing' together.
But the knife-like, unbearable pain from his joints and lower back made him instantly dismiss the idea.
No! Nothing is more important than my body and the path of a Transcendent. Ordinary crew members nourished by that 'thing' are just a secondary reserve food source; an excellent chef is the true main course! If his knowledge is so extensive, then his primary skill in cooking must be even stronger!
Moreover, the abilities displayed by the former noble steward, along with the prestige he had acquired on the ship, gave Salman a growing sense of losing control. This couldn't go on.
Salman, enduring the pain coursing through his body, forced a somewhat stiff smile at Byron. He then turned and announced to all the pirates,
"Our ship's former sailing master, James, unfortunately fell in battle. Now, by the authority of the captain, I hereby announce a new appointment: starting today, Mr. Byron, our chef and storeroom manager, will serve as... acting sailing master. Furthermore, he may choose any one item from my personal collection as a reward, in addition to his normal share of the spoils."
Having said that, he began to clap on his own.
CLAP. CLAP. CLAP...
But the rest of the pirates hesitated, clearly stunned for a moment before a smattering of applause followed. It was the captain's confidants, led by First Mate "Bone Crusher" Miles, who began to clap. A few breaths later, the remaining pirates caught on.
After all, the appointment and reward sounded generous, especially for a newcomer who had been aboard for less than a day. But the reward was nowhere near commensurate with his merit of having saved the lives of everyone on board.
Merely a sailing master, and with the prefix 'acting' at that? With his capabilities, he deserved the position of first mate, second only to the captain.
Unfortunately, when Rule Two—"Everyone is treated fairly; the capable rise, the mediocre fall"—conflicted with Rule One—"Everyone has equal voting rights, but the captain's orders must be strictly followed"—the first rule took precedence.
On this ship, the captain was the true ruler!
Astute pirates could discern that the great Captain Bloody Eye Salman's attitude seemed somewhat ambivalent. He did not regard the former noble steward, despite his outstanding ability, with the esteem he feigned on the surface. Technicians like Old Hans and Little Hans, who were not of pirate origin, along with a faction of principled pirates, felt indignant on Byron's behalf, but no one dared to speak up. Many more subconsciously chose to keep their distance from Byron, lest they anger the captain.
Salman was very pleased with his authority on the ship and unconcerned about any potential future problems this unfairness might cause.
He gestured to Byron.
"My acting sailing master, what spoils of war would you like? You may make your choice now."
The division of spoils after a successful plunder was the pirates' happiest moment. They would search enemy ships for loot—food, jewelry, salt, liquor, weapons, and more—then gather it all to divide among themselves. During a fight, the more people involved, the better. But when it came to dividing loot, the fewer, the better—some even wished they could hoard it all. Outsiders often assume pirates are most dangerous during combat, but in truth, the division of spoils is the most perilous time. Pirates do not receive salaries; the loot divided after combat is their entire compensation. When raw personal interests are at stake, disputes over the division of spoils can easily lead to brawls and even brutal internecine fighting!
To maintain fairness and justice, pirates often divide spoils according to a set ratio based on position. In this respect, pirates performed far better than merchant ships or naval vessels.
Rule Ten: No plunder shall be concealed. The captain takes 15%; pirate officers, assault teams, carpenters, doctors, and cooks take 25%; ordinary sailors receive 40%; and the remaining 20% goes to the ship repair fund and public savings.
Hearing this, Byron shook his head nonchalantly. He waved the ammunition belt he had taken from the Navy lieutenant, which held four flintlock pistols.
"Captain, for my share of the normal spoils, I'll take this," he said.
Pirates allowed the brave soul who first boarded an enemy ship in battle the privilege of choosing their spoils first. More often than not, their choice wasn't gold coins but a short flintlock pistol. This showed the importance of flintlock pistols in a sailor's eyes, as well as their practicality in naval battles.
Due to Rule Ten, even though he had obtained this plunder himself, it would have to be redistributed according to the Pirate's Ten Commandments.
But in Byron's eyes, these weren't just four pistols; they were a sword! They could be used to perform a formidable quick-draw sword technique. Far more useful than something like cayenne pepper in a sword duel.
However, he hesitated when it came to selecting something from the captain's personal collection. Of course, he wanted the Storm Sigil Ring that Bloody Eye wore on his hand to cover the Gout Stones. This ring represented the royal lineage of the Lancaster Family, a world-class Power Ring, and also symbolized the authority of the Grand Master of the Storm Knight Order. It was a ceremonial medium required to become a Law Mage or a Storm Knight. With it, becoming a First Rank Attendant would present no further obstacles.
But Byron always remembered Little Hans's warning. He knew very well that if he dared to stare at the captain's deformed fingers for even a moment longer, Salman might fly into an immediate frenzy. So he suggested visiting the captain's cabin later to view the collection before making his choice.
Salman naturally had no objections.
He waved at the crew:
"Change course! Destination: Iron Anchor Bay—the largest pirate harbor in the North Sea Region and the entire Old Continent! We need to repair the ship and recruit more hands. And..."
Turning his head toward Byron, he spoke in a friendly tone,
"Mr. Byron, would you please showcase your skills and prepare dinner for everyone tonight?"
Hearing the word 'dinner,' a gleam suddenly flashed in Byron's sea-deep eyes, and he bowed meticulously,
"I would be honored to serve you! Rest assured, the 'specialty dish' I prepare will certainly satisfy you!"