The Elion slowly entered the waters of Rodricks Island at the command of the captain. The Rodricks Archipelago was a gathering of several small islands in narrow waters around Rodrick Island, and it wasn’t originally a place for pirates to gather. As the name suggested, Rodrick Island was ruled by the “Rodrick” family, and it was a sort of prison for criminals who had committed severe crimes on the mainland. However, about a decade ago, a large number of prisoners escaped and occupied the island in an unfortunate turn of events. Since then, pirates started gathering on the island as well, which ultimately turned it into a notorious island known to harbor criminals and pirates.

“So does the Rodrick family still exist?” Eugene asked.

Lanslo answered with a shrug. “I’m not too sure about that. Since then, no one has been paying much attention.” 

Galfredik stepped out while stroking his chin. “What about during that war—the crusade or whatever it was called? I heard that thousands of troops arrived at Brantia by crossing the sea. Wouldn’t they have passed the islands at that time? The pirates were left alone?”

Lanslo nodded. “Yes. Isn’t that obvious?” 

“Why?” Galfredik was confused.

“The aim of the continental church wasn’t to eradicate the pirates of the archipelago but to take over Brantia. And the pirates...