The Heir Who Wouldn’t Drown
Copyright© 2026 by CaffeinatedTales
Chapter 16: The Captain’s Main Course
Once Oswald released [Culinary Fortification], his core Rank 2 ability, the Gourmand looked considerably leaner than before. Muscles stood out as distinctly as those of a marble statue. Clearly, he was not inherently an obese man.
Yet Julian’s spirituality keenly sensed an indefinable weakness pervading him as he burned through his fat reserves. The gout deposits around his joints were especially pronounced, and his hands and feet looked more deformed than ever. Powerful supernatural practitioner though he was, he could not even walk without limping.
He tried hard to conceal it, but Julian could still see the effort he was making to keep the pain off his face. Taken together with the taboo concerning “staple food” Julian had inferred earlier, it suggested a deeper madness lurking beneath Oswald’s calm exterior.
As far as I know, gout usually comes in attacks. Even severe deposits don’t hurt all the time.
But whenever Redgaze Oswald drinks spirits to activate his ability, the purines in his body apparently skyrocket. And how could a Gourmand possibly restrain his appetite for the sake of dietary restrictions?
That contradiction could quite literally be the death of him.
Julian already had a few suspicions about [Secret: Captain Oswald’s Unspeakable Affliction].
Unless Oswald wanted to die in agony or abandon further advancement as a Gourmand, he had to find some way to untangle this knot and cure his illness.
And that cure very likely involved the taboo “staple food.”
His own kind!
Julian lowered his gaze, avoiding those blood-red eyes in which animal nature was gradually overtaking humanity.
Escaping Hastings and eluding the Severe had only delivered him from one predator’s den. A hungry wolf still stood here, ready to devour him alive at any moment.
More cautious than ever, he saluted Oswald first.
“Captain, sir.”
Julian had learned enough about the world in his previous life to know when to stand tall and when to bend. Even after teasing out the captain’s Secret, he remained as respectful as before.
“Hmm. You’ve done very well, Mr. Julian. Letting you join the Maneater Shark was the best decision I ever made.”
The loss of more than half his men cut Oswald to the heart. His sole consolation was acquiring a “talent” like Julian.
The breadth of knowledge the young man had displayed gave him pause. Perhaps he could choose ... not to eat this cook?
He might even take Julian into his confidence, make him a supernatural apprentice to the Gourmand profession, and study that thing together.
Then unbearable pain knifed through his joints and his lower back, around his kidneys, instantly banishing the thought.
No! Nothing matters more than my health and my supernatural path.
Ordinary crew members fed on that thing are only second-best, reserve rations. An excellent cook is the real main course!
If his knowledge is this broad, his skill in his primary occupation must be even greater!
Besides, the noble household steward’s abilities and growing prestige aboard the ship had begun to give Oswald the uneasy feeling that matters were slipping beyond his control.
This could not continue.
Enduring the pain throughout his body, Oswald gave Julian a somewhat stiff smile, then turned to address the pirates.
“Our navigator, Old Gilbert, was unfortunately killed in battle. As captain, I hereby announce his replacement. From this day forward, Mr. Julian, our cook and storekeeper, will also serve as ... acting navigator. In addition to his normal share of the plunder, he may choose any one item from my collection as a reward.”
He began applauding on his own.
Clap, clap, clap...
The pirates seemed a beat behind. After a moment of obvious bewilderment, scattered applause joined his, all of it from the captain’s confidants, foremost among them the first mate, Bram Marrowcrack.
Several more breaths passed before the others responded.
The appointment and reward did sound generous, especially for a newcomer who had been aboard less than a day.
But they fell far short of what Julian deserved for saving everyone on the ship.
A mere navigator, and even that came with “acting” attached?
With his abilities, he ought to have become deputy captain, otherwise known as first mate, second only to the captain himself.
To read the complete story you need to be logged in:
Log In or
Register for a Free account
(Why register?)
* Allows you 3 stories to read in 24 hours.