The Rich Cultivator
Chapter 136. Wings of Refuge

Chapter 136: 136. Wings of Refuge

Astrid sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the rippling waves outside the cabin window. The ship’s gentle sway was a stark contrast to the chaos that had led her here.

She didn’t touch the tea. Instead, she asked for milk. Darla soon returned with a glass of creamy milk. Astrid took it, added some sugar, and drank it slowly, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. Tyler and Lily exchanged glances, surprised by her sweet tooth.

Lily leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "You seem to have a preference for sweet things," she remarked with a smile.

Astrid nodded, her eyes twinkling. "I suppose I do. It’s a bit of a comfort for me, especially after... everything that’s happened."

Tyler’s expression turned serious. "What happened? You can talk to us."

Taking a deep breath, Astrid began, "I was targeted by a pirate group. They wanted to kidnap me and sell me as a slave. I managed to escape, but it was close."

Tyler frowned, his eyes narrowing. "That’s terrible."

Astrid hesitated before continuing, "I think it’s because of what I am. Being half-angel... it makes me a valuable target for certain people."

Lily listened intently, her expression softening. "That’s a heavy burden to bear," she said gently. "But you’re safe here. We won’t let anyone harm you."

Tyler nodded in agreement. "You’re under our protection now. We’ll make sure you reach Rich Berg Island safely."

Astrid looked relieved, her gratitude evident. "Thank you, Captain Tyler. I don’t know what I would have done without your help."

Tyler smiled reassuringly. "It’s the least we can do. We’re glad to have you aboard."

After Astrid left the room, Tyler turned to Lily. "What do you think?" he asked, his tone thoughtful.

Lily shrugged slightly. "She’s telling the truth, but I feel like it’s only half the story."

Tyler nodded in agreement. "Well, everyone has their own secrets," he replied. "Just make sure she doesn’t show her face outside. After reaching Rich Berg Island, we’ll drop her off and continue with our own course."

"Hmm..." Suddenly, Lily frowned.

"What happened?" Tyler asked, noticing her expression.

"I forgot to ask her if she has wings," Lily said seriously.

Tyler didn’t even know what to say. The idea of asking a half-angel about her wings seemed absurd, yet somehow fitting with the strange events that had unfolded.

Mana popped out of thin air, her spectral form flickering as she spoke. "If she really had wings, we should ask her for some angel feathers," she suggested with a mischievous grin.

Tyler sighed, rubbing his temples. "Let’s just focus on getting her to Rich Berg Island safely. No plucking feathers."

The ship sailed smoothly toward the next island, the crew bustling about as Tyler ordered them to load up new stocks. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden hue over the bustling port. Tyler also hired some people from the Island to work.

As the men worked, a sudden cry broke the rhythm of their labour. One of the men had cut his hand on a crate, the blood seeping through his fingers. Astrid, seeing the commotion, hurried over. She knelt beside the injured crewman, her palms glowing with a soft, ethereal light. Within moments, the wound had healed, leaving the man and onlookers in awe.

Tyler watched from a distance, his brow furrowing in concern. He approached Astrid, his voice low and serious. "Astrid, it’s best not to show your healing abilities in public. Pirates could be watching, and they’ll sniff us out."

Astrid nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I’ll be more careful," she promised, her voice tinged with regret.

As the day progressed, Lily and Mathilda returned from a stroll around the island, their faces a mix of amusement and intrigue.

"Oh, guess what I found," Lily said, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

"What?" Tyler’s curiosity was piqued.

Lily leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I got some information. It seems several pirate groups are on the lookout for a half-angel girl. They’re hoping to curry favour with the Silver Eye Pirates."

Tyler raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of concern and amusement. "So, we’re sailing with a prize on our ship, and every two-bit pirate wants to cash in?"

Mathilda chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Looks like we’ve got a celebrity on board."

Lily nodded. "The thing is, these pirates are more bark than bite. They think they can score points with Captain Silver Eye, but they’re more likely to trip over their own boots."

Tyler sighed, a weary smile on his face. "As long as they don’t trip over their boots on my ship. I’d rather not spend my day fishing pirates out of the water."

"Any other news?" Tyler asked.

"I heard about some political situations in the Rosefall Kingdom. Probably that kingdom is as powerful as our sect." Lily Mentioned. She then began to share all the information she collected.

"Oh Also there is a bank in Rich berg Island." Lily said.

Tyler’s eyes lit up. As long as he can open a bank account. He can open up his restaurants and auction hall in all the Islands he visits.

Astrid approached Lily Gomes as the ship rocked gently in the waters. She seemed thoughtful, almost hesitant, but her curiosity had gotten the better of her.

"Lily," she began, "about the thing you inquired earlier..."

Lily turned to face her, an encouraging smile on her face. "Yes, Astrid? What do you want to know?"

"The Rosefall Kingdom. You mentioned something about the political situation there."

Lily nodded and quickly replied, "The Rosefall Kingdom is currently managed by their Prime Minister, Rover. The king has been ill for quite some time. It’s said that the Crown Prince left for an adventure and hasn’t returned yet. In his absence, the other princes are seeing this as an opportunity to gather public and official support, hoping to secure their claim to the throne."

Astrid’s expression grew wistful. "Are you from Rosefall Kingdom?" Lily asked, curiosity evident in her voice.

"Yes," Astrid confirmed. "My aunt was the former hero of that country. She died saving the Crown Prince. I believe that as long as I can return to my country, everything will be fine."

"Hero of Rosefall, Knight Evergreen," Lily said, recognizing the name. She also heard about some people talking about her.

"Yes," Astrid affirmed, a mix of pride and sorrow in her voice.

Tyler, who had been listening to their conversation, chimed in. "Sadly, we will part ways at Rich Berg Island. We’ll send you off on a cruise, and you’ll reach the Rosefall Kingdom."

Astrid understood that Tyler couldn’t offer more help. She was still grateful for all they had done for her and didn’t want to trouble them further.

Two days later, a man waited on a small boat. He watched as a huge ship with a Jolly Roger featuring a silver eye came into view. The Silver Eye Pirates had arrived. He rowed his boat toward the ship, suppressing his fear as he looked up at the imposing vessel looming above him through the mist.

As he climbed aboard, a giant man, towering at seven feet, approached him. "Where is the information?" the giant man asked.

"They left the island the day before yesterday. Two days ago, I was loading up stocks on their ship and got hurt. A beautiful girl with golden hair healed me with light magic," the man reported. It was the same man Astrid had healed.

"Where are they now?" the giant demanded.

"They went in that direction," the man said, pointing shakily. He is looking forward to the reward.

"Good," the giant replied.

"Huh... My reward?" the man asked, scratching his head nervously.

"Let’s see if what you said is true. After that, you’ll get your reward." The giant man lifted the informant effortlessly and threw him into a small cell on the ship.

The man landed with a thud, looking around in horror as he spotted a skeleton in the same cell.

"This is not what you promised." He cried out, pleading to be let out, but the giant ignored him and walked away. As he did, he shrank into a small dwarf-like figure.

"Huh... How tiring. Who told you to trust a pirate?" the small man grumbled as he made his way to the captain’s quarters.

"Captain, we found a clue," the dwarf said, addressing the dark room.

The Captain opened his eyes, revealing two silver pupils that shone in the dim light. "Good. Set course. We should capture her before she reaches the kingdom," the Silver Eyed Captain ordered.

"Aye, Captain," the dwarf saluted and walked away.

"Make sure you find her faster," a voice suddenly said from the darkness.

Captain Silver Eye turned toward the pitch-black area of the room and nodded. From the shadows, a figure in a black hood emerged, stepping onto a flying sword and soaring away into the night.

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