Chapter 155

Chapter 155: The Conflict of Flying Sail

"A contract of servitude?"

At these words, the atmosphere in the hall instantly turned awkward and suggestive.

Paladin Dickson, who never cared for manners, whistled loudly while giving Wells a knowing look only men shared.

Initially, this towering bald man had been shocked by Wells’s delicate beauty surpassing even that of a half-Elf. Even after Midi’s earnest explanations, Dickson stubbornly believed Wells was some noblewoman disguised as a man.

Now, this beautiful young man admitted deploying an ironclad warship and two three-masted clippers just to force a woman into signing a servitude contract? Though dishonorable, the sheer extravagance of this act left them speechless.

Karina—the intended "prey"—and Sonia, who’d nearly been captured, glared at Wells with open disgust. Even Midi frowned.

He’d boarded the ship alone, taken Wells captive, and pushed for negotiations precisely because of Wells’s naval warfare skills and the ironclad’s advanced techniques. But if this pretty-faced man truly was a depraved wastrel forcing women into servitude, all those plans needed scrapping.

Talent meant nothing without character. Such a person would only bring ruin.

The hall’s atmosphere froze solid.

Seeing the shifting gazes and the dangerous glint in Midi’s eyes, Wells initially looked confused—until Dickson’s lewd smirk enlightened him.

Blushing crimson (whether from shame or rage unclear), the fair-skinned man snapped: "It’s a maritime affairs contract! Not what you’re imagining! These plain-faced women don’t interest me!"

"Maritime?" Karina and Sonia exchanged skeptical glances.

Wells snorted bitterly. "Think being the Flying Sail Family’s sixth heir is easy? Everyone struggles."

Outsiders saw prestige, but internally, he ranked below four brothers and a domineering sister. The Flying Sail Family dominated the West Coast—controlling merchant caravans, fleets, trade routes with foreign nations, and close ties with the Hamilton family. Internal competition proved ruthless.

Stuck in sixth place, Wells faced constant pressure. A mere Level 36 Mechanic in this era of Monster mutations and rapid leveling, his status came from a beautiful merchant-class mother who’d died eight years prior. Without her, he’d faded from the family head’s attention, lacking allies against higher-ranked siblings.

The inheritance order followed age, trapping him. Only death could free him from sixth place—a position threatening enough to draw "attention" from those above. Weak yet unable to escape, he’d floundered in power struggles for years.

Now, after bitter reflection, he’d gambled everything. Years of secret research birthed an ironclad warship powered by magic arrays, outperforming all Flying Sail vessels. Success meant options: bargain with the family head using this technology, or become an independent expert beholden to none.

Unfortunately, before the opportunity came, the family’s first heir Shalan Flying Sail – Wells’ most feared elder brother – had already gotten wind of things. Using the excuse that "an ironclad without trained sailors can’t display its true power", he tried to seize Wells’ research achievements.

At this point, Wells had no way out. Unless he built his own fleet, even the ship’s blueprint and technicians he’d trained would be taken by his brother. But as a powerless heir, where could Wells find experienced sailors?

In desperation, he borrowed ordinary crew members from his mother’s family and tried using the newly launched "Conqueror" to capture famous captains for his service. Though his strategy was sound and the ironclad powerful, Wells’ first battle happened to be against Midi. Hence the current situation.

The two female captains remained doubtful of Wells’ story, but Midi didn’t question it. With intelligence networks surpassing any individual’s, verifying with Belmar would confirm the Flying Sail Family’s recent affairs. Wells was smart enough not to lie pointlessly. If his claims held truth, Midi saw his chance.

Midi’s ultimate goal was finding Sky City first. This required quickly gaining influence over the West Coast. The approach? Two words: Maritime affairs and Arena. For maritime matters, Wells presented the perfect entry point to major maritime families.

Unexpectedly, this man prettier than women turned out to be a genius mechanic who designed the ironclad! Though not yet Master Norton’s equal, Midi’s estimation rose. In his past life, Wells’ obscurity likely meant he’d been eliminated in family strife. But encountering Midi, a tech-valuing commander, changed things. Even if Wells were commoner, such talent deserved support.

After Wells finished speaking, Midi reached a decision. "I grasp the situation," he said authoritatively, quieting the hall. "Forget servitude contracts. What about proper employment?"

"What?" Sonia and Karina exchanged confused glances. How had this mysterious Mr. Faye become Wells’ advocate?

Even quick-witted Wells was stunned. As attacker and loser, he’d expected punishment and costly redemption, maybe losing the ironclad. Yet Midi wanted to help recruit captains?

Karina sprang up, glaring at calm Wells before fixing Midi with dagger-like eyes. "I knew you conspired! Wreck my ship, fake a rescue – good cop, bad cop routine to force compliance! Think we’re fools?"

Midi ignored her flawed accusations, turning to the red-haired Star of the South captain. "The Albatross’ stance is clear. Yours?"

Sonia rose with a slight bow. "Mr. Faye, Karina lost crew family in battle – her anger is understandable. But for hiring with Flying Sail Family, we need better reasons. Mutual benefit. Otherwise, no decision."