Chapter 165: Armor Upgrade and the Haimai Incident

The Chousand Sun was named by Viktor Corleone, with the meaning: "To be like the sun, calmly and joyfully traversing the cruel, boundless ocean."

The designer was Vigi Todaroq, who selected the priceless treasure-pine wood of the highest strength found in the Skellige Isles. Built through the joint efforts of Vigi supervising and the shipwrights of Clan Drummond working at a feverish pace.

Its main features are the lion-shaped figurehead and the exceptionally spacious and comfortable captain's cabin, both of which were configurations Viktor insisted remained unaltered.

On the afternoon of the second day after leaving Harviken, the first mate knocked and entered the cabin to report to the captain and second mate regarding the explanation of the "unidentified phenomenon."

"…Absolute nonsense!" After listening to the explanation and putting down the letter in his hand, Viktor retorted with annoyance, "So the sailors suddenly hold me in such high regard because I flew into a rage, drew my sword, and cut down over a hundred pirates!?"

Vigi nodded. "Yes, that's pretty much how it goes."

"Damn it! How did it get twisted into such a story… Clearly, you and Angouleme did all the killing. I only seriously wounded a dozen or so, and even those few were ultimately finished off as payback by the freed captives. From start to finish, I was just passing by, yet in the end, it turns out I single-handedly cut down over a hundred?"

Angouleme covered her mouth with a chuckle. "Hee hee, Vic, you're so amazing. Who knows, one day you might even be able to face a thousand or ten thousand foes single-handedly… Heh heh."

"…Bastard! Do you know who started spreading this nonsense in the first place?" The youth's complexion did not look too good, especially since Dandelion had already left the islands.

Vigi replied with a very serious expression: "Word has it that it was an anonymous woman among the rescued captives…"

Having finished his rogueish remark and noticing the troupe leader's less-than-pleasant expression, Vigi believed he could understand the youth's feelings; if it were he, Vigi, who possessed such an unearned tale of martial valor, he wouldn't be happy either.

"Should I go out and tell the crew to stop spreading it?"

"Forget it… The original source of the rumor—those rescued people have already returned home and spread it far and wide; there's no catching up to it now." Rejecting the scoundrel's proposal, the youth lowered his head and continued reading the letters.

"I should still go out and keep the crew in line! It doesn't matter how it's passed around outside, but we mustn't let people think we spread it ourselves." With that, the first mate bowed and stepped out of the cabin, and the captain did not stop him.

Closing the book she had been reading and setting it on the table, Angouleme picked up the *Lonely World Guide to Undvik* and opened it. "Aside from the rumors, I'm actually much more concerned about Lys. Right now everything seems fine, but it won't be long before she realizes we've killed Hammond. Will she harbor resentment by then? You must remember, she's a pretty woman."

Gazing at Angouleme, Viktor's blue eyes were calm and unruffled: "Don't be like that. Just a Skellige woman; the Dragonborn can bear a risk of that scale. Who knows, maybe she'll let it go in the future, remarry, and become a good mother?

There must always be some things we hold onto. Not for her sake, but for our own.

I used to be a rational and gentle person, and I still am. I don't want to be changed by this cruel world too quickly; I hope to remain the same in the future.

Therefore, there are always certain bottom lines I refuse to cross.

When the scoundrel comes back, he might ask about this too. Help me translate it, put it into a language he can understand, and tell him. I don't want to speak such shameful words to another man…"

Blinking, Angouleme nodded with a smile.

The hearth fire was warm and the atmosphere harmonious. Viktor lowered his head, continuing to peruse the documents confiscated from the pirate lair. Most of them were letters exchanged with human traffickers from various regions, though there were a few exceptions, such as the one in his hand.

*A letter written on exquisite stationery*

Hammond:

I thought I made myself clear enough when we spoke face-to-face last time. I do not want to maintain contact with you, nor do I wish to do any business with you. I am sure the business you speak of is quite profitable. However, let me be blunt: do not drag me into this.

There are many other potential buyers in Novigrad, such as goldsmiths, jewelers, and merchants dealing in luxury goods. I do not wish to be associated with this.

Whatever you decide, I wish you all the best. Consider this letter our final farewell.

──Cal拉丁

…

Humans do not easily believe answers given to them by others, but they readily believe the answers they find themselves.

…

At night, having finished his patrol duties, the first mate returned to the captain's cabin to receive guidance and training from the first mate (translator's note: text implies Angouleme/Vigi roles, keeping context natural), while the captain, as usual, held a long rod and stirred the large cauldron.

Though it was merely an everyday alchemical scene, tonight both members of the troupe were somewhat absent-minded, because their armor had been placed beside the troupe leader, waiting for him to perform equipment enchanting.

As the saying goes, without comparison there is no pain. When the "Sword of Dawn" was compared with the "Sword for Combating the Catriona Plague," no matter how many times the youth emphasized the superiority of the latter, it could not alter the current reality where the scoundrel was triumphant and the maiden was full of grievances.

With the second round of the equipment competition underway, the comparison between the "Todaroq Family Armor" and the "Yuna Handcrafted Fine Leather Armor" and the differences their enchantments would yield were destined, to a certain extent, to affect Angouleme's prestige as the big sister-in-charge.

Observing Viktor continuously taking various animal tissues from his herb pouch and holding them in his palm—according to him, he was listening to the "voice of death," where the fresher the sound, the clearer it was, and the longer it had been dead, the fainter the sound, until the silence of corruption or boiling ensued.

Seeing no sign of him starting work anytime soon, the maiden finally couldn't help but speak up, "Vic, I want to ask about the trait you mentioned last time. If a piece of beef has... quality enhancement, then if it's chopped in half, can it be used twice?"

Holding a piece of pork in each hand and listening with his eyes closed, the youth shook his head. "The void trait is a metaphysical concept. In most cases, damage causes the trait to disappear; only in very rare circumstances does it remain unchanged. But such good fortune is extremely rare, so generally, to attach a certain trait, alchemists tend to keep the materials intact."

Angouleme asked, "Then are the types of traits universal? For example, can increased destructive power also be attached to weapons?"

"Um, no. Increased destructive power is restricted to 'offensive items.' Just like now, when I want to enchant armor or leather armor, I must find traits applicable to 'protective gear.'"

"Uh... Troupe Leader, then how many types are there in total?" Seeing the two chatting so intensely, Vigi mustered the courage to ask.

"Divided into five major categories: offensive items, restorative items, weapons, protective gear, and accessories. The number of universal entries is very small; most are exclusive traits."

Once this question was answered, the cabin suddenly grew quiet. Viktor continued to close his eyes and listen to the voice of death of the pork, while Angouleme and Vigi struggled to digest the information they had just heard.

A moment later, the maiden suddenly spoke up, "I suddenly thought of something: can traits be reused? For example, back in Trottheim, didn't you use two pieces of beef and attach them to ten bombs? So can we use this Devil's Puffball as a base, and transfer that... whatever trait, increased destructive power and quality enhancement, to other bombs?"

Hearing this, the troupe leader abruptly opened his eyes, turned his head to stare at the maiden, his blue eyes blazing with vitality, startling both troupe members.

He shook his head. "What a pity... to have this kind of comprehension, yet lack miraculous talent."

Then he continued to explain: "In the future, they can be reused, but not yet. I haven't grasped the voice of bombs or the voice of alchemy yet; I can't hear the confession of the bombs. Even knowing they possess a trait, I cannot transfer it.

So right now, the traits on hand are one-time use. Once used, they are temporarily gone, and I have to be sparing with them. That's also why I'm considering which ones to let you guys use first; the more precious ones I have to save for future 'upgrades'."

"Void traits can even be upgraded!?" The troupe members were shocked in unison.

The troupe leader revealed a mysterious smile. "Mm, that's right. To give the simplest example, 'Quality Enhancement' combined with 'Quality Enhancement+' can form 'Superior Results.' But those are still too far off; I'll boast about them to you when we encounter them later."

…

【Name: Todaroq Family Armor · Vigi】

【Type: Protective Gear】

【Quality: Fine】

【Defense Power: Stronger】

【Traits: Vitality Enhancement, Defense Enhancement】

【Remarks: Do not stand in front of a siege crossbow! Thank you】

…

【Name: Yuna Handcrafted Fine Leather Armor · Angouleme】

【Type: Protective Gear】

【Quality: Fine】

【Defense Power: Ordinary】

【Traits: Potential Enhancement, Offense-Defense Enhancement】

【Remarks: Although it is merely a leather armor, it does not feel inferior to iron armor in the slightest】

…

【Name: Yuna Handcrafted Fine Leather Armor · Viktor】

【Type: Protective Gear】

【Quality: Fine】

【Defense Power: Ordinary】

【Traits: Potential Enhancement, Defense Bonus】

【Remarks: Leather armor is just leather armor; it will not turn into iron armor】

…

In the blink of an eye, a few days passed. When the troupe leader finished the enchantments and let the members slip into their respective armors, they all felt a subtle difference.

However, Angouleme was still a bit uneasy. "Vic, is what you said true? Are those traits you mentioned really attached to it? Don't go fooling me with rat-repelling and flea-repelling stuff again."

"Damn it! How do you talk? If you don't know how to speak, you can keep your mouth shut. The troupe leader always gives you the best, and this time is no exception!" Viktor directly rebuked her indignantly.

Hearing the scolding, the maiden smiled brightly and didn't care at all; the youth making such a reaction meant he wasn't angry in the least.

And Vigi, listening from the side, likewise didn't mind. He believed the troupe leader wouldn't treat him unfairly, and besides, with the Sword of Dawn in hand, every time he saw it emit a glow, that sense of satisfaction would fill his chest.

The three of them stood on the deck conversing. As the ship drew closer, from this distance they could already faintly see the external port of Undvik, which was also the stronghold of "Clan Heymaey"──"Larvik."

Seeing that the port was near, Angouleme immediately began recounting the information she had obtained from the travel guide: "Undvik, the smallest of the Skellige Isles and also the cradle of islander culture.

There is a beautiful temple on the island dedicated to the goddess Freya. It is said that the Gem of Passion on the head of the statue is a large, pure diamond, which is extremely precious! There is also a pretty garden near the temple, but to visit it, one must have arrangements made by the priestesses."

"So after we dock, let's rest for a day, and then go to the temple to find the priestesses!" With high spirits, the maiden put forward her suggestion at the end.

The youth smiled in approval.

…

The villagers in Larvik were honest and in awe of the gods, traditional adherents of the faith of Freya.

Regarding this point, their reception at the tavern after docking proved that the rumors had a basis in fact: the roast pork was worth its price, the stew came in a full bowl, and the water mixed into the "Nilfgaardian lemon" was minimal, nearly choking Viktor—who was accustomed to the potency of Faroe—on his very first gulp.

Angouleme, on the other hand, exercised restraint and did not drink, because the troupe leader had instructed that this island tour was entirely planned by her, so as the vice-leader, she had to shoulder leadership responsibilities.

As for Vigi, who had settled the crew, he was holding a mug of beer and biting into roast chicken while playing dice with some men in the corner.

The tavern's hearth fire was warm, blocking the cold wind and snow outside. Angouleme was very satisfied with her choice; everything was going according to plan. No wonder the troupe leader always liked making plans—that feeling of things progressing step-by-step was indeed wonderful.

Just as she was thinking this, the tavern door opened, and a large group of guards wearing the livery of Clan Heymaey walked into the room, rapidly occupying various strategic locations.

Signaling Vigi with a look not to act rashly, the big sister-in-law furrowed her caterpillar-like brows. She didn't see any eye-catching figures in the small tavern. Then she suddenly thought of how Vic had spoken to the administrator at Eidberg Lighthouse: "Indeed, there is nothing here, but isn't there still the 'Dragonborn'?"

Clearly, the purpose of this batch of guards was most likely the Dovahkiin. Presumably, word had leaked from the crew of the Thousand Sun, though the three members of the Phantom Troupe hadn't publicized their identities upon entering, acting merely like ordinary travelers.

Having figured out the situation, the maiden set aside her worries. She believed the youth must also have a clear idea in mind; didn't he still remain unhurried, acting as though nothing had happened, chewing his honey-glazed roast pork and shoveling the stew into his mouth spoonful by spoonful?

The tavern door was pushed open once more, and two figures—one old and one young—passed through the layers of Clan Heymaey guards and walked straight to the table of Viktor and Angouleme.

The older of the two took the lead, pressing a hand to his chest and bowing slightly, followed simultaneously by the younger man. The grey-haired, blue-eyed elder spoke: "Donal an Hindar, leading Otkell an Hindar, have come to pay our respects to the Dovahkiin. We request your assistance."

Though she had a hunch, discovering that it was actually Donal an Hindar in person who had come, Angouleme was still so surprised that she quickly stood up. After all, lords generally had to maintain a sense of dignity and face; lowering oneself to personally come to a tavern meant the situation must be urgent beyond waiting.

This implication was understood not just by the maiden; everyone in the entire tavern fell into a breathless silence. Seeing the clan's lord walk into the room, their minds naturally turned to recent events, making them acutely aware of the severity of the situation.

Amidst all the gazes focused upon him, Viktor put down his stew spoon, stood up, pressed a hand to his chest, and returned the bow. "Viktor of Blandare. It is a great honor to meet the chieftain and heir of Clan Heymaey. Your personal visit grants me immense glory and a heavy burden. Please tell me, how may I be of service to you?"

Lord Donal opened his mouth to speak...

"Bang!" The tavern door was shoved open anew. This time, the person rushing in was a woman with fiery red hair, a sturdy build, and the attire of Clan an Craite.

Upon seeing her, Angouleme opened her mouth in astonishment, never expecting to run into her here—Cerys an Craite.