That precarious balance between madness and reason, caught between danger and deception, gave Mulan an intense thrill. His inward mockery was one sign of it, while outwardly, Vincent once again said something that shocked everyone around him.
"When I agreed to pledge allegiance to Captain Raskin, he had beaten me in a duel. Although he now orders me to serve you, and although I know I could never possibly be your match..."
True madness flickered in Mulan's eyes.
"But, Lord of the Ocean, Pirate King, I, Vincent, dare to ask for a glimpse of your great power!"
Was this Vincent actually challenging the Pirate King?
Raskin immediately spoke up.
"Vincent, do you have a death wish? How dare you challenge the great Pirate King! Among pirates, this is no laughing matter!"
The Pirate King looked at Vincent, his gaze turning cold.
"Do you think I'll spare you because I value talent?"
Mulan glanced at Raskin out of the corner of his eye, then focused on the Pirate King again.
"No. I'm only a lowly pirate. I've dreamed of the vast ocean and longed for great power. As a little ant before the King of the Ocean, who holds all authority, I merely wish to witness it with my own eyes. Nothing more!"
The Pirate King narrowed his eyes. He had caught Vincent's fleeting glance, then noticed the blood inside Raskin's lips. A thought suddenly occurred to him.
This pirate had sensed Raskin's humiliation and grown angry. His loyalty would not let him submit, and he was even using this method to defend his own dignity and his captain's, even if the price was death.
This was a pride only the truly strong deserved to possess!
In truth, for the first time that day, the Pirate King felt genuinely shaken, even