Amity: The Peaceful

Chapter 21

Ade scratched his ears irritably after hearing the loud ruckus outside, he sat on the bed and sighed after turning his head on the newly awake kid beside him, "Oh, you're awake." he mumbled and reached for the kid's arms when Finn extended his small arms towards the irritable emperor.

He carried Finn in his arms and the kid rested his chin on the man's shoulder, when Adeodatus realized that they wouldn't be going back to sleep anytime soon because of the loud noises outside he decided to just go out to see what's happening out at the captain's cabin.

After opening the wooden door and stepping out he instantly closed his eyes when he was blinded by the bright rays of the sunlight. He adjusted his eyesight and was mesmerized by the scenery he saw.

Numerous ships are docking near the mountains, a lot of people are carrying chests, fish tubs and barrels while walking towards the wooden bridge. He was engrossed especially when he settled his eyes on the biggest ship among all others, the Ship of the Line. He's heard a lot about the ship already, but this is the first time that he sees one, these kinds of ships are unusual since they're hard to maneuver because of their enormous size but the amount of loads that the ship can hold are godly.

A quick calculation was made in his mind and suspected that, maybe, his men were jailed in that ship.

Ade was brought back to his thoughts after he felt a warm touch on his waist, if he wasn't carrying Finn his reflexes would function and hit the person instantly.

"You own all of this?" he asked even though he had a clue already.

Since Horatius owns the Amity, it isn't impossible for him to own all the ships that are tied at the dock. Remembering the ships that are together with the Amity that time... he is the head captain, after all.

"Yes." the man answered using a low tone without hesitation.

"Are they being mandated by your workers?"

"By my trusted comrades." Horace corrected and that made him raise his brow.

"Oh, so you have friends. Even though you were keeping your face hidden. I am amazed, do they even trust a friend who doesn't show his own face to them?"

Horace sighed after hearing another nonsense from the imperial majesty, he shook his head afterwards.

"We've known each other for years; they saw my face already. How about you, do you have friends, your imperial majesty?" Horatius rebutted.

Ade fell silent, he was caught off guard but not really offended. He just... doesn't like Horatius' tone. He hates being bullied.

"I don't have any, so what?" he said in a serious tone.

He admitted. He was homeschooled, there were high profile tutors his parents hired when he was still young for his safety, though some nobility together with their children arrived in their home before, but he never got along with them. Because surely all of them are just after his wealth and power, so he never bothers to befriend them. And as for Thelonius... he isn't a friend, the man acted like an older brother, mentor, and a guard before, well, up until today, sometimes. They only shared formal conversations when they were young about his training and duties. But their relationship developed and now they are lovers. But still... Tarian isn't a friend. He's aiming for someone that can be branded as a friend, alone.

"They're irrelevant in my life, who needs them anyway?" he mumbled before walking away.

Horatius watched how the chained emperor walked across the plank of the ship connecting to the wooden bridge before commanding his men, "Let's unload the goods and head to the main camp first before going back to the region."

Adeodatus' eyebrow twitch after hearing Horace's announcement, Region? Must be nice to have a family waiting for your comeback at home...