You Believe It Now, Don't You?

The morning sea breeze swept over the fishing village. An old wooden boat lay upside down on the beach by the village entrance as a fisherman scraped off the seashells clinging to it. Fishing nets hung to dry on a rack nearby, while a woman mended them with palm-fiber rope.

The tide jostled the crescent-shaped white shells, but a shimmering mass of shrimp suddenly surged out from between the rocks, drawing a group of boys who hurried to catch them with wicker baskets.

The girls scooped up seawater by the shore and poured it into earthenware basins. A thick layer of salt had already formed at the bottom of each one.

Suddenly, everyone stopped what they were doing and looked westward across the sea in unison. A colossal vessel was heading toward the village.

While Frederick was vacationing on a small island, the Flying Cornflower arrived in Kamara's hometown.

The Double-Headed Eagle Banner snapped in the wind at the bow. Standing beneath it, Kamara watched Lion Mountain draw ever closer, his heartbeat quickening.

He had waited many years for this day and made countless preparations.

Lilu had recruited a group of experienced captains from the Lowlands. They had gathered around her and become the backbone of the "Lowlands faction."

Big John, in particular, had earned their trust through his sailing skills and loyalty, and had been appointed captain of the Flying Cornflower.

Big John walked over to Kamara and asked, "How do you need us to help?"

"Please take me near the harbor," Kamara said. "I'll challenge them to a duel. Once I win, I'll be the ruler here."

Just then, Bobo came over. Frederick had sent them to make a show of force.

"Do you need our help?" he asked Kamara.

Kamara shook his head. "No, I can handle