1

People usually think pirates are not familiar with books. They are right in most cases. Brant was one of few exceptions. Despite his narrow choice while reading, he surely knew their charms.

He never cared about what order speaks and teaches about. The books of the church were always out of interest since he got expelled from his hometown.

He loved the stories and the myths wandering around Rinascita, especially the ones about the legendary Captain Drake.

Everyone who aims to be the best pirate is destined to follow him. Mostly they want to find his treasures buried under the sea. Some others want to find his enchanted sword for power. Brant, however, cherished the man’s ideals and actions.

Captain Drake loved romance and freedom. He helped the weak resist against the noble. Brant admired the tale since the time he was a child – and the time he had a different name. 

Brant was walking around the shopping district of Ragunna on a sunny day of Summer. He was seeking for the first edition of The Captain Drake Chronicles for a long time, and he finally heard the news about it. Someone decided to sell it on the gondola market for the day. This is not a common chance; he couldn’t miss it.

He didn’t have to be careful to enter Rinascita after the Carnevale. People knew and cared about the Troupe of Fools as heroes who stopped the Fractsidus with the Laureate. They welcomed not only Brant, but also Roccia and Pero. (They couldn’t beat the popularity of Pero when it comes to children.)

Last year, things like that were only possible in dreams. The nation was changing after the Rover came. 

“You came, captain! Just as I thought. Seeking for the Chronicle , I assume?”

The clerk smiled toward him. They knew each other for a long time. 

“Of course. I hope to avoid the disaster of losing the precious opportunity, but that would not be my decision. I will let the goddess of luck decide my fate. Is the book still available?”

“It seems she made a smile upon you! You can have it with no problem.”

“That’s a delight! Let me see the book.”

“We have two in stock. One is the first edition, and the other is a reprinted one. You want the first edition, right?”

The assistant echo brought a rack with two books. One had a cover with faded colors, and the other with an impressive scarlet cover. The former was the first edition he was looking for. He chose that without hesitation.

“Yeah… obviously.”

There was a reason The Chronicle needs to be republished. The Order demanded it since they didn’t like a single episode about Captain Drake’s encounter with Imperator. It could only be seen in the first edition.

There was a small piece of paper in the book, between the cover and the first page. Being curious, Brant tried to get an explanation from the clerk. She pretended she knew nothing about the memo. Brant couldn’t believe it – she must have known it, and approved someone doing it. 

Paper had a memo with some sentences. They were written with a familiar font. He had no question about it; It was Cantarella’s writing. 

It’s almost time to act. I want to meet you this midnight. Come alone, but sister is an exception. 

It was a simple but indigenable request. He knew there were people who were trying to stop Rinascita from changing. He saw those people were desperate. He even confronted one of them. Sadly one was not enough; they had power and influence. 

The corrupted bishops should be removed from their place for the sake of Rinascita. He could understand why Cantarella needed to use such a method like this. 

She must be worried about Roccia – no wonder she allowed him to bring her their private meeting. Cantarella considers, and describes herself as a cold, merciless woman just like a typical head of the Fisalia family. In fact, she was unable to hide her own part of being a careful, thoughtful and kind woman. 

He tried to remember the moment he first met Roccia. Brant is not his real name. He was not called that when he was a child in Ragunna. He awarded the name to himself not because of seeking glory or treasure, but because of survival. He had nothing when he was expelled from his hometown. 

The boat wandered around the sea for more than a month with no food or maps. He had to make his own hope if he wanted to fight. He needed an image who would not give up under any circumstances. Thus, Captain Brant was born. 

His dream is not for him alone anymore. His crews shared the same dream. Roccia, his adorable sister, supported it too. Although she was a treasure of all crew members, they all agreed that Brant cherishes her most. 

“My trust is not just for Captain Brant. It is for his belief, which will lead our troupe to the biggest freedom in this appalling world as well.”

Recently Roccia said that. After all, his sister learned how to decorate her speeches with some elegance. 

It was pure joy to see his sister growing up. Hard to imagine at the moment, however he was sure Roccia would become as much beautiful as, maybe more than , Cantarella or Carlotta. He had to ensure her safety by eradicating those fanatics quickly. 

I will see you at midnight. 

Brant wrote like that in the memo, and put it back under the book cover. The action renewed his determination. The clerk was still pretending she knew nothing about it. 

Rinascita suffered a lot. People did as well. Even though they make the order powerless, the pain around the nation and the people would remain still. It required time. Probably a lot of time. However, it needed to be done as soon as possible. It was better to heal late than not heal at all. 

 

2

A little far from the Porto-Veno Castle, there was a house called the Home of Signatures . According to a lore, the founders of Rinascita made an agreement and constitution of the country when they gathered at the house more than a hundred years ago. There was no solid evidence of it, but almost every Ragunessi believed it. 

Cantarella was there, waiting for Brant. Roccia wanted to stay at the ship with the crew, since she was the current captain. He respected her decision and left alone. The Ship was never could be separated from its captain. 

“It seems to be the first time we meet each other at midnight.”

“Well, actually I think it is the first time we meet each other outside of the prison.”

Cantarella smiled quietly. He had a point; she usually visited him when he was imprisoned, or in the process of being imprisoned. They didn’t have to see each other like this – outside and in private. 

“Despite all that, I don’t see you displeased, Captain.”

“I won’t deny the fact that I’m much closer to the Montellis than the Fisalias. However, there is quite a lot of joy in the conversation with you.”

While the Fisalias were infamous and flagrant all around Rinascita, Cantarella felt a bit different from that image. The deeper he got to know her, the more clearly he saw the difference. There were various possible explanations, but Brant could say two words to summarize – “Altruistic Selfishness”.

Even Carlotta didn’t consider her evil. They just can’t be close because of the difference of goals and ideas. They thought each other excellent and Brant was certain about it. 

“It’s good to hear you are delighted about this small event. I feel the same too.”

They talked about their sisters. Cantarella asked Brant if she could have a tea time with Roccia. Brant figured out the answer why Rosemary looked so similar to Cantarella. They shared opinions about the peace treaty between the families. They had no trouble talking to each other. It was a fun and interesting moment and time flew fast. 

As the moon began to go down to the horizon, Cantarella discovered her cup had no more tea. She put it down to the table. The sound was clear but heavy, just like it implied something hidden. She remained silent for a while, but eventually asked a new question.

“Have you thought about Rinascita free from the Order’s intervention? Where people have freedom to express feelings on their own?”

He did, of course. He did countless times. He dreamed about the liberation of Rinascita for more than five years. The order of the deep had no authorities to rule how to feel and think. They should be gone for all – for himself with a new identity, for his sister sharing no blood but full heart, for people who support the dream of the troupe… and for everyone living in Rinascita, regardless if he knows the name or face. 

Brant nodded to Cantarella with determination. Rinascita changed a lot during the last few months. Now was the chance to make those changes irreversible. 

“I always do. What I want to do first is…”

He couldn’t finish his words. Somebody broke the door with a weapon and armor. He was not alone. 

“Surrender now, you heretics!”

They didn’t even try to hide who they really are. They seemed so desperate, and finally out of their minds. 

They were the fanatics Brant and Cantarella were talking about. They looked into each others’ eyes and smiled at the exact same moment. Although the attack was not anticipated, they were not the ones who were nervous. 

Brant could come up with only one thought about their action -- How foolish.