Chapter 41 · Playing Dumb
After finally shooing away the ever-persistent Chief Marin, Eiger returned to enjoying the feast. Beside him, Nicole cast an exasperated glance at the chief—who had immediately waddled over to fawn on the Navy's Chief Instructor—and then looked back at Eiger, who was happily devouring his food.
"Dear… are you sure this is okay?"
"It's fine, really. No big deal."
Eiger raised his head with a carefree grin. "The Chief Instructor of the Navy Headquarters isn't that petty."
Besides, if we're being honest… didn't Zephyr come all the way to the Sibia River Islands just to drink?
And truth be told, the old man definitely already saw through Nicole's true identity. Yet for some reason, he still hadn't left.
Either way, Eiger had no intention of going to Navy Headquarters. That much was certain.
He didn't know why the famous Chief Instructor remained here, but his presence did come with a major benefit—
With the Navy's Chief Instructor himself staying in the village, the World Government would never suspect that the Demon Child was hiding here too.
They wouldn't seriously think the Demon Child and the Navy's Chief Instructor were secretly in cahoots… right?
That would be absurd no matter how you looked at it.
"Don't worry. Just pretend he's really here for recovery."
"…Mm~"
Hearing his words—simple as they were—the phrase "Don't worry" settled deep into Nicole's heart.
As long as he was here, she felt safe.
Resting her chin on one hand, Nicole leaned sideways, smiling at Eiger. Without meaning to, her thoughts drifted back to that night—
Facing the Navy's Chief Instructor, Eiger held her hand without a hint of fear and introduced her as his wife.
To be honest, she had been so terrified she could hardly move.
She didn't know whether Eiger truly knew her real identity.
Maybe he knew, maybe he didn't.
But that didn't matter.
It was enough.
"Eiger~"
"Hm?" Eiger lifted his head, puzzled by the sudden change in how she addressed him. He was about to ask what was wrong when—
Nicole, still leaning on her hand, tilted her face toward him. Her beautiful features softened into a delicate, seductive smile—one filled with charm and warmth.
And she asked softly:
"Do you… want a child?"
"!!!"
---
Morning came. Another beautiful day.
Zephyr, already awake, opened the door of his lodging and stepped outside. He inhaled deeply, his entire body relaxing.
He had to admit—the Sibia River Islands were truly a pleasant place. The climate was gentle, and the people were warm and welcoming.
For example, that so-called "Acting Chief" Marin—Zephyr's dear little brother—had been coming by every single day to invite him out drinking.
And every time they drank, he would repeat the same question over and over:
"How's the wine? Does it taste good?"
Ïq
Even though Zephyr answered him each time, the next day Marin would still ask the exact same thing.
But Zephyr didn't mind. He wasn't annoyed, nor did he get angry.
He understood perfectly—this brewery was funded by Eiger, and for the Sibia River Islands, something like this was incredibly hard to achieve. So for Chief Marin—who was both village leader and project manager—to be nervous was only natural.
After all, if the green grape wine failed to sell, even if Eiger himself didn't care about the money, to the villagers who had worked on the brewery from day one, it would feel like dropping into despair.
"Retiring just to go home and develop a rural village? What a bold and rare kid!"
Zephyr chuckled and shook his head. The thought reminded him of something from a few years ago.
He'd heard of another Navy soldier from the East Blue who retired and returned home to build up his impoverished village.
He wondered how that man was doing now. He had only heard of it in passing, after all.
As he stood there, Zephyr pondered whether he should look into that man once he returned, maybe even invite him to Navy Headquarters—
"Brother Zephyr!"
A familiar voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He looked up to see Chief Marin happily waving as he walked over. Zephyr raised an eyebrow and grinned.
"Marin, little brother. Coming to drag me out for drinks again today?"
"Hahahaha! Not today. Someone's coming to the port to buy our wine, so I came to check on you instead."
Marin sighed wistfully. "Just don't know whether our wine will actually sell…"
"It'll sell. This stuff is top-notch!"
Zephyr let out a booming laugh, then paused thoughtfully.
"Someone's coming today? Mind if I come along to take a look?"
"This…"
Marin froze for a moment, joy flickering across his face before he burst into a grin.
"Of course! Come, come—it's about time anyway! Let's head over!"
Finally took the bait, huh?
---
"Beautiful weather today!"
Elsewhere, Eiger stretched lazily as the sunlight washed over him, sweeping away the last traces of sleep. He grabbed the one-handed axe by the door and prepared to head out again.
Though recently… he'd been waking up a bit late.
It was already nearly noon.
This won't do!
He scolded himself internally, then cheerfully marched toward the back mountain.
But before he even reached the village gate—
"You little brat, you actually dared to use me in your schemes!"
A furious voice roared from behind.
Eiger turned around—and saw two figures approaching. One was Zephyr, Chief Instructor of Navy Headquarters, stomping over with an angry glare. The other…
Was none other than Ginny, the boss of the Taimé Mafia—being carried like a scolded child, dangling helplessly as Zephyr gripped him by the back of his collar.
Just one look and Eiger instantly understood what had happened.
He couldn't help mentally complaining about Chief Marin.
Seriously? This is how you handle things? How did you even get caught??
Still, Eiger remained completely calm.
"So you've got guts, huh? Even dared to use me in your ploys?"
Zephyr stopped in front of him, and the look on the boy's face confirmed it—this brat was behind it.
Zephyr's lips curled into a meaningful smile.
"Little punk, aren't you going to explain yourself?"
"Explain?"
Eiger blinked innocently.
"What explanation?"
"You used my reputation as advertisement, and you still have the nerve to ask what explanation? Do you even know who I am?!"
"I used your name to advertise? When? Impossible."
"Oh, still pretending in front of me?"
Zephyr narrowed his eyes, then snorted.
"I've already investigated everything, kid."