Sifa was like a bystander, as if he were watching a documentary. He watched Abrio ride toward the villa where he had delivered goods last time, using the speed and force of his galloping horse to cut down several pirates blocking the road.
He watched "himself" charge into the villa and saw the young girl Abrio called "Wince" being carried toward the entrance on a pirate's shoulder. The pirate had a gold front tooth, a wooden right leg, and a flintlock pistol tucked into his belt.
"Put Wince down!"
Abrio shouted and charged forward bravely. After a clumsy yet tense battle, he pierced the pirate's heart and rescued the girl.
"Abrio!" The girl rushed over, tears glistening at the corners of her eyes as she hugged Abrio tightly.
This is so melodramatic. And why am I being forced to watch them flaunt their affection? Sifa lamented in the dream.
Then, pirates began shouting outside, "Run! The navy's here! The navy's here!"
Before long, a squad of naval soldiers rushed in. Their leader was an officer under thirty. Sifa saw him look toward "himself," and when his gaze fell upon Miss Wince in particular, fury flared in his eyes.
"You filthy pirate, take your hands off my fiancée!" the officer roared.
At that moment, Sifa did not forget to glance at the officer's hat, confirming it was the color he had suspected.
In his vision, Miss Wince bravely turned around, spread her arms, and shouted, "Abrio isn't a pirate! And Mr. Connor, I'm not your fiancée!"
The officer froze for a moment before coughing dryly. "Miss Wince, your father, the esteemed Mr. Occam, has already agreed. Once you come of age, he'll marry you to me."
"I didn't know about this. I... I don't agree!" the girl cried anxiously.
"Whether you