The Heir Who Wouldn’t Drown
Copyright© 2026 by CaffeinatedTales
Chapter 17: A Taste of Forbidden Knowledge
By the time darkness had fully fallen, the force-seven wind at sea showed no sign of easing.
The Maneater Shark was bound for the pirate port of Iron Anchor Bay for repairs and replenishment, but continuing through the night would mean risking a capsize. Instead, the seasoned Captain Oswald guided her to a remote island well away from the usual shipping routes. Using the spare anchor from the hold, they successfully anchored in a sheltered harbor.
Redgaze gave Julian no further chance to distinguish himself. He personally demonstrated his considerable seamanship before the crew, reminding them that besides being a formidable fighter, he was also an excellent pirate captain.
Julian had the good sense not to steal his limelight.
As an outstanding graduate of the Royal Naval Academy and a core member of the Kingdom of Hastings’s royal house, Julian carried the kingdom’s most valuable nautical charts in his head. He knew of hidden supply points, ocean routes, pirate havens, rare mineral deposits...
That information put him at least ten years ahead of lowly adventurers and ordinary private explorers.
This knowledge was the only wealth he had left. As he grew stronger, he would turn those assets into something tangible, one by one.
His appointment as acting navigator had at least granted him access to the captain’s cabin, permission to consult the nautical charts, and the use of the compass, marine chronometer, and sextant.
Of course, if the ship had possessed a [Navigator] or [Pilot] of the Lighthouse Sequence, none of those instruments would have been necessary. Such practitioners were living navigation systems of unparalleled power. They would never lose their way at sea.
“Heave! One, two! One, two!...”
From several small boats, a group of pirates hauled an enormous fishing net out of the water. They cleaned the wriggling fish and the shellfish gathered on the island, then sent everything to the Maneater Shark’s galley.
Bubble, bubble...
Thick, milky-white fish soup simmered in a large pot. Freshly caught fish and carefully chosen spices had transformed otherwise unremarkable ingredients.
Already settled into his role, Julian wore a cook’s hat. He tasted the savory soup and nodded in satisfaction.
“Not bad. The spices in the two worlds are different, but with the [Logbook] uncovering their secrets, I’ve managed at least a ninety-percent match. This pot of ... concentrated purines passes muster! Later, I can find some bamboo and make a few steamers. They’re much more heat-efficient than ovens or boiling pots. You can cook the most food with the least fuel, which makes them ideal for sailing ships. Steaming also preserves the finest flavors of good ingredients. Even the pickiest gourmand wouldn’t be able to stop eating.”
Spiritual awakening had dramatically sharpened Julian’s senses and his control over his body. His practical skills seemed to have gone straight to their peak.
Drawing on all the dishes he had seen or eaten and the recipes he remembered, passing himself off as a star chef was child’s play.
Even a casual demonstration would sweep aside the competition in this culinary wasteland.
Before long, he had prepared three dishes and a soup from the pirates’ catches around the island and the ship’s stores. He served the best portions on silver plates, set them on a large wooden tray, and prepared to deliver them personally to his “most beloved” captain.
The two pirates helping in the galley carried out the remaining food.
Its distinctive, enticing aroma drew cheers from the ravenous pirates. At this point, they would have eaten damp, maggot-infested hardtack with relish, never mind a carefully prepared meal.
Julian went to the captain’s cabin on the top level of the sterncastle and knocked.
“Come in!”
The voice held an unmistakable note of impatience.
Lest any of his wicked intentions leak out through the corners of his mouth, Julian wiped every expression from his face. He opened the door and entered with all the precision of a meticulous noble household steward.
High in the sterncastle, well away from the damp and salt spray, the cabin offered far better accommodations than the compartments belowdecks. Bright windows had red velvet curtains. Brass and silver objects gleamed beside locked treasure chests, while racks held an assortment of fine firearms and cold steel.
The air carried the mingled sweetness of honey, maple sugar, and cane sugar. Evidently, the captain was also a passionate lover of sweets.
Redgaze Oswald sat at his desk, freshly changed and once again the picture of a gentleman.
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