Pirate: Crew of Desire and Bonds

As for unlawful pirates, he hadn’t encountered any yet.

Not directly, at least.

That alone made him suspect they either stayed far from normal trade routes or deliberately avoided places where guild influence was strong.

They probably live in the shadows, constantly hunted, with limited access to proper supplies and information...

Becoming a lawful pirate, on the other hand, seemed increasingly practical.

It would mean access to legitimate work, safer docking rights, and the ability to grow stronger without constantly looking over his shoulder.

If his class truly required a Grade-A Ship and a proper crew, then operating under some form of recognition might be the smarter path forward... at least for now.

And more than that... his goal had never been to live as a hunted criminal.

Jake wanted to explore this world freely.

To travel its seas, visit distant cities, and grow stronger without constantly looking over his shoulder. Living as an unlawful pirate would mean endless caution, restricted ports, and the constant threat of being pursued.

That kind of life didn’t appeal to him at all.

If registering under a Merchant Guild and operating as a lawful pirate could give him the freedom to move openly while still pursuing strength and adventure... then it was clearly the better path.

Jake looked at Vivian and spoke calmly.

”...What’s the catch?”

Vivian raised an eyebrow slightly, but said nothing, waiting for him to continue.

”From what I understand, there isn’t only one Merchant Guild. Even if the adventurer system itself is shared across regions, affiliating with a specific guild has to mean something. There must be some kind of obligation... or restriction.” Jake said calmly.

Vivian studied him for a moment, then gave a small, approving nod.

”You’re not wrong.”

She leaned back slightly and began explaining in a clear tone.

”There are several major Merchant Guilds operating across different coastal territories. While the broader adventurer and commission systems are largely standardized, each guild maintains its own network, influence, and internal interests. Affiliating with one does not mean you become their subordinate... but it does create a formal relationship.”

She continued,

”In practical terms, it means priority access to that guild’s requests, information channels, and certain logistical support. In return, the guild expects a degree of reliability and preferential consideration when suitable work arises.”

”You are not forbidden from taking outside commissions, nor are you bound to exclusive service. However, repeatedly ignoring or undermining the guild’s interests would naturally... damage the relationship.”

Vivian’s gaze remained steady.

”Additionally, your name and record would become associated with the Vivian Merchant Guild. That can open doors... but it can also draw attention from rival organizations. In short, it is a partnership of mutual benefit, not ownership.”

”Does that clarify things for you?”

Jake summarized it inwardly.

’So it’s basically a partnership, not subordination. I’m still free to take outside jobs, but if I constantly ignore them or act against their interests, the relationship would sour.’

’And being associated with the Vivian Merchant Guild would raise my profile... which could be useful, but also attract attention from rivals.’

Overall, it wasn’t a bad deal.

Of course, he understood full well that there was no such thing as an entirely beneficial deal without any drawbacks.

Every partnership came with its own expectations and potential complications.

Still... Jake had taken a genuine liking to the people of the Vivian Caravan.

From the moment he and Grace had gotten involved with them, they had treated him fairly and with unexpected kindness.

That counted for something.

After a brief moment of thought, Jake nodded.

”I’ll consider it carefully. And... in your favor.”

Vivian nodded in satisfaction, already having a clear sense of the outcome.

After that, the atmosphere lightened somewhat.

They spoke casually for a while longer... about the upcoming arrival at Haunfen City, the general situation along the coastal routes, and a few minor matters regarding the caravan’s recent journey.

Nothing too heavy, just easy conversation that helped ease the earlier formality.

Eventually, Jake rose from his seat.

”We’ve taken enough of your time,” he said politely. ”We’ll excuse ourselves for now.”

Grace stood up as well and offered a respectful nod.

”Thank you for everything, Madam Vivian.”

Vivian gave them a small smile.

”Of course. Rest well. We’ll speak again once we reach the city.”

With that, Jake and Grace left the cabin.

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Jake and Grace walked side by side toward the railing.

The sea stretched endlessly before them, a deep and vivid blue under the clear sky as waves rolled gently beneath the ship

Jake rested his hands on the railing and let out a quiet murmur.

”...It’s beautiful.”

His eyes lingered on the endless blue.

The sea here felt completely different from the dead, lifeless stretch of water he had seen before in the Dead Sea Line... that gray, stagnant coastline where even the waves seemed drained of color and life.

But this one was alive.

Vast, clear, and full of motion.

Grace stood close beside him, her golden hair swaying lightly in the sea breeze.

She followed his gaze across the water, a soft smile forming on her lips.

”It really is... Looking at it like this... it almost makes everything else feel far away.”

Jake glanced at her from the side.

The wind brushed against her hair, and the sunlight caught in her eyes, making them shine even brighter than usual.

”You’re more beautiful than the sea, though,” he said casually.

Grace blinked, then her cheeks quickly turned a soft pink.

She looked away for a moment, trying to hide the shy smile that had appeared on her face.

”...You’re saying strange things again.”

Jake chuckled.

”I’m just telling the truth.”

Grace gave a small, embarrassed laugh and lightly nudged his arm with her shoulder.

The two of them stood there for a while longer, talking quietly, smiling, and letting the sea breeze wash over them.

For the first time in a long while, the future didn’t feel like a distant, uncertain path.

Soon, in the distance, the faint outline of land had begun to appear on the horizon.

Haunfen City.

Their next major journey.

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End of Volume 2: The Dead Sea Line