Chapter 258. Journey to the Albion Isles
"It seems that you've misunderstood, Charles. They're suffering from fear, despair, and apathy. There is only one way for them to be free—accepting the Light God's grace. And I have never forced any of them to join us. They converted voluntarily.
"The Divine Light Order does not force its ideology on others, unlike those evil cults," the Pope said. Emerging from n0v@lbin☆, this material harbors clandestine details.
Charles unknowingly started tapping on his thigh with his prosthetic fingers as he stared at the statue of the Pope before him.
"I didn't visit you today to talk about that. I need the Albion Isles to help me build a submarine that can explore the seafloor. A recent island I explored has sunk, so I have to go underwater to find more clues," Charles said.
"No, no, no, you've misunderstood our relationship, Charles. Swann and I have a cooperative relationship, just like you and me; it's a mutually beneficial one rather than a commander-subordinate type of relationship.
"If you need something, you should talk to him. I'm just an old man in his twilight years, so I can't really help you that much," the Pope replied.
Charles cast a doubtful gaze upon the Pope. He didn't believe that the relationship between the Pope and Governor Swann was that shallow.
"Oh, right. My child, you still haven't told me the details of your recent voyage."
"As I said, the island has sunk, so I need equipment that will allow me to explore the depths of the sea."
"Oh, I see... Okay, go ahead and consult him. I wish you a nice journey," the Pope said. He sounded amiable and kind, and his voice would make anyone feel that he was just a kind old man next door. He sounded as though he didn't doubt Charles.
Charles had decided to visit the oppressively somber prayer hall to seek the Pope's assistance, as he believed the Pope was quite close to Governor Swann. It seemed Charles was correct; the Pope and Governor Swann's relationship ran deeper than what it seemed on the surface, but the Pope was unwilling to help him.
Charles felt repulsed by Governor Swann's recent actions, and he didn't want to interact with the latter if he could help it.
Governor Swann's successful conquest of eleven islands in a row, as well as his arrogant personality allowed Charles to easily deduce what the former would say upon hearing Charles' request.
Charles pondered deeply about it, and he decided to get in touch with Governor Swann anyway. Throughout the Subterranean Seascape, the Albion Isles was the only island with the potential of being able to build submarines.
Charles sent a telegram, and Governor Swann responded quicker than he thought.
"That makes sense. All right, if we encounter pirates on the way, let's make them fight them for some practice," Charles remarked.
"Mr. Charles, are we going on vacation?" Lily asked curiously as she stood on Charles' shoulder.
Charles turned to pinch her chubby cheeks and nodded. "We're going to go shopping. If everything goes swimmingly, then I can take you with me to have some fun."
Feuerbach nodded and said, "I think you still have to be careful, Captain. Things aren't so peaceful in Albion Isles at the moment. Governor Swann's Ronker is currently under maintenance, so I think the islands he has conquered will soon make their move."
"It's fine. I don't care even if they rebel. I just want my submarine," Charles responded. He understood his position well. He was more on the neutral side, but once Governor Swann's empire was teetering on the edge of collapse, he wouldn't mind giving him a push from behind.
***
Clad in a silk skirt, Anna walked down gracefully on her red high-heels toward the ship on the docks of the World's Crown. The dockworkers huddling together with masks couldn't take their eyes off Anna.
However, Anna was delighted despite their preying eyes; she really liked being the subject of such gazes, as it meant that she could pick any of them and take them away. It reminded her of a buffet.
Of course, Anna kept her thoughts to herself, as she wasn't evil enough to act on it.
"Mistress, the warships are ready," a maidservant said.
"We should get on the ship and depart, then," Anna replied. She stretched her hand toward the sea, and a tentacle emerged from the waters. It twisted and swayed as it wrapped itself around Anna's hand.
"Mistress, those Haikors in their turtleshell ships and skeletal ships have already departed. It seems they don't want to get involved," the maidservant said.
"Haha, it's absurd how they're so quick at running away. They only know how to tell others what to do, but when it's time for them to make a move, they're as timid as rabbits," Anna remarked.
Just then, the tentacle stretched taut, seemingly trying to drag Anna into the water.
"Sparkle, don't pull me, don't pull. Mommy doesn't like touching seawater," Anna muttered into thin air.
The tentacle loosened its grip on Anna's wrist as several tiny bubbles rose from the pitch-black seawater and popped as they reached the surface.
Anna grabbed the glowing tentacle and gave it a few affectionate pecks before turning it toward a nearby warship.
"What? You went over to find Daddy, but Daddy didn't want to play with you? Daddy's so mean. Don't worry, Sparkle. Mommy will scold Daddy for you."