Chapter 392: Coming Home
The chilling sea breeze caressed Charles' face, swiftly extinguishing the restlessness and anxiety in his heart. He really hoped the Pope had been speaking the truth. However, despite the old man's assurances, the seascape had never bestowed him the slightest sliver of hope. Truth be told, he had become paranoid and fearful.
He hated uncertainty and the feeling of powerlessness. He wanted to do something to change his circumstances but found himself utterly unable to do anything. He detested this vulnerability, this inability to steer his own fate.
Swoosh!
Clad in his pristine white robes, the Pope flew over to the Narwhale's deck and stood next to Charles. Together, they both stared into the inky dark expanse ahead.
"The expedition to the surface's exit is as significant as a Holy War. Every Divine Light Order disciple will be participating in this cause," the Pope said, breaking the silence.
"Skywater Island has sufficient fuel and fresh water, but we are woefully inadequate when it comes to food supply.
"We'd like to request for Hope Island to supply us with food. Rest assured, our Order is prepared to pay a premium for your assistance."
"Understood," Charles answered, "I'll pass down the instructions for the ministries to work with you."
Charles acknowledged the mutual benefit of this collaboration, so there was no way he would turn down the Pope's request. Moreover, Hope Island's economy relied heavily on agricultural exports. The only difference was just a different business partner.
"Are you truly confident that you can breach that door? I can't help but feel that there's more to this than meets the eye."
An unwavering confidence painted the Pope's countenance as he replied, "Rest assured. There won't be any problems. We have been making our preparations for this moment for centuries."
As they spoke, a dim light slowly broke across the horizon; they were reaching Hope Island.
A sudden thought entered Charles' mind. He excused himself from the Pope's company and made his way to the First Mate's Quarters.
Pushing the door open, Charles entered the room to find Bandages holding a novel in his hands and engrossed in its contents.
"Have you decided? We are reaching soon," Charles asked.
"I'm still undecidedBut I don't want Mother to be heartbroken."
Charles was slightly taken aback by Bandages' term of address, but he soon composed himself and nodded in understanding, "Understood. Leave it to me; I'll handle it."
The docks of Hope Island bustled with activities and were teeming with a huge crowd. The majority of them were disciples of the Divine Light Order. After all, their esteemed and revered leader, the Pope, was part of the expedition team this time.
Descending from the giant ship, the Pope, clad in his immaculate white robes, flashed a peaceful smile upon the throng of bald followers.
The Pope's voice resonated loud and clear as he announced, "My fellow brothers and sisters! We've successfully located the exit to the Land of Light! The era of the Holy Light God's return is upon us!"
The proclamation ignited the dock with fervor as cheers erupted from the crowd. Some were so overwhelmed by the news to the point of swooning.
Apart from the religious zealots, the island's administration made up the second-largest group on the dock. Their presence wasn't about Charles' personal interest; rather, it was their obligation to demonstrate their stance and fulfill their official duties.
The smallest group was the sailors' families.
Standing at the furthest corner, Elena nervously clutched at her garment, her heart racing as she watched the steamship slowly approach the dock.
The chaos and buzz around her failed to catch her attention. Her mind was fully consumed with concern for her son, and her worries were evident on her weathered face.
As sailors began to disembark from the Governor's ship, Elena pushed through the crowd to get closer. Her eyes scanned each face with a mix of hope and anxiety. Many sailors passed by her, but none of them had the same familiar features as her son.
"Excuse me, sir, have you seen my son? His name is Weister, and he's a sailor on this ship." Elena timidly approached a man with a bed of green hair.
"Oh, Weister! Yes, of course," Feuerbach answered. "You're his mother, aren't you? That kid got into a bit of a minor accident, but don't you worry. He'll be back home soon."
"What? An accident? Please tell me w-what happened to my son?" Elena pressed for an answer, her voice laced with anxiety.
Feuerbach's responses remained evasive, and he offered anything but the truth.
Observing from a distance, Bandage sat silently in a car alongside Charles and witnessed the exchange.
The car started moving and took a different route. Instead of heading straight for the Governor's Mansion, it drove and stopped in front of Hope Island's most renowned cosmetic shop.
Seated in the passenger seat, Linda stepped out first and led the two men, Charles and Bandages, into the shop.
Inside, Bandages' disguise began. Linda swiftly removed the bandages on him and scraped off the fresh moss covering his face. She then skillfully applied foundation to mask the distinctive black tattoos marring his face.
Next, they visited the barber shop. Following the portrait Charles had drawn, the barber skillfully trimmed Bandages' wild hair. Gradually, his hairstyle was shaped to mirror Weister's hairstyle.
The final step was clothes, and when the makeover was complete, a brand new Weister stood in front of them.
"What do you think?" Charles asked Linda as they both stared at the transformed Bandages before them.
"Visually, they're almost identical. But, Captain, even though they're the same person, their mannerisms and characters are worlds apart." Linda pointed out.
Charles scratched his head and led the newly minted Bandages out of the shop. "Can't worry much about that now. We'll just say that he's suffering from the aftermath of a head injury."
The car sped along the straight street until it reached its destination: Weister's basement home.
Charles was about to push the car door open when Bandages grabbed his hand. "Wait I seemed to have forgotten something"
Bandages sat frozen in thought within the car for what seemed like an eternity before he opened the door. "I remember now where it's hidden"
Approaching the door of the basement unit, Charles was about to knock when Bandages interrupted him again.
With a swift motion, Bandages brandished a dagger and sliced the skin at the back of his waist. A small, black pouch fell out of the skin. Bandages opened it to find a rusty key.
Click.
The rusty key managed to open the door of the basement unit.
Stepping into the room, Charles spotted Elena, Weister's mother, with tears streaming down her face. She was prostrated on the ground as her pleas to a terrifying-looking statue echoed through the dimly lit room.
"Please, I'm begging you. Just bring my son back to me; you can take anything from me. I just want my son back!" she exclaimed while sobbing, and her voice was laced with desperation.
This poignant moment felt all too familiar to Charles, and a pang of emotions washed over him.
"Mother" Bandages' voice broke Elena's sobbing pleas.
A tremble coursed through Elena, and her ears perked up at the familiar voice. Visibly shaken, she slowly turned around and saw "Weister" standing between Linda and Charles.
Afraid that Elena might see through Bandages' disguise, Charles hurriedly stepped forward and explained, "Madam, during the voyage this time, Weister was unfortunately hit in the head by a gigantic tuna fish, and because of that"
Before Charles could spin his tale any further, however, Elena rushed forward and pulled Bandages into a tight embrace. Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she muttered, "As long as you're alive as long as you're back"
With apparent awkwardness, Bandages raised his arms slowly and wrapped them around his mother, taking into account the height difference between them.
"Mother I'm home"
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