The Wizarding World's Forbidden Book Administrator

Chapter 71 Two Gold Coins

Henry looked at the approaching ship and signaled to everyone to prepare for battle.

When it got close enough, Henry could see that the flag flying on the ship was that of the Golden Plains.

Henry's tension subsided somewhat, but he remained worried, as he didn't know what the ship's true purpose was.

Why did it help the Black Goat? And why did it track it all the way here?

The ship suddenly stopped in the middle of the sea, seemingly not intending to land on the island.

Then, a small boat was lowered from the warship, and a man boarded it alone and rowed toward the island.

A small boat ran aground on the island's shore, and a soldier stepped off.

Despite the alert pirates raising their bows, crossbows, swords, and axes, the soldier remained unperturbed and calmly walked through the crowd.

He stood in the crowd and looked around.

It was only then that Henry realized that she was a female soldier.

Even in light armor, it was hard to hide her stunning figure; unfortunately, the helmet covered her face, making it impossible to see her features.

The pirates noticed this too, and lewd smiles immediately appeared on their faces as they whistled at the female soldiers.

Yes, in terms of figure alone, Henry even felt that this female soldier in front of him was only slightly inferior to Lady Aurélie.

Suddenly, the female soldier stopped and faced Henry.

She raised her hand, pointed at Henry, and then gestured for him to follow.

Then, we followed the loop road deeper into the island.

Hmm? Henry wondered, how did she know I was an octopus?

Henry was dressed plainly and wore no items that would signify his status as a pirate captain.

But since the other party could see his identity and dared to go to the island alone, this person must have the strength to deal with any unexpected situation.

Moreover, the reason for taking Henry somewhere must be to discuss some important matters privately.

In any case, the ship had helped the Black Goat and had also anchored the warship at a distance, which showed enough sincerity.

Henry felt that it was time to respond in terms of attitude.

So he gave the order to the shrimps:

"No one is allowed to follow. Send a small team to keep an eye on that warship."

But Henry instinctively touched the axe at his waist, showing his unease.

The female soldier led Henry forward until they reached the other side of the island.

Henry shouted:

"Alright, there's nowhere else to go on the island. If you have something to say, just say it here."

After speaking, the female soldier stopped and turned to face Henry.

"Regardless of who you are, what your purpose is in contacting me, or whether you are the commander of that ship, please allow me to express my gratitude first, thanking your ships for their assistance to us at sea."

After Henry finished speaking, he gave the soldiers a standard curtsy.

"Hehehe..."

Henry heard laughter.

The sound became less clear through the helmet.

He didn't understand the meaning of the laughter and frowned, saying:

"What are you laughing at?"

"You're still so rigid and serious."

The female soldier's tone was somewhat playful.

"Henry..."

Henry shuddered at the sound of his own name.

Does she know me? Henry immediately began to search his memory for someone similar.

Just then, the other person took off their helmet.

She appeared to be only in her teens.

She has a small face, and her nose and lips are very delicate.

Only her eyes, large and bright, revealed her lively soul.

Perhaps due to prolonged sun exposure, her skin tone wasn't very fair, but her cheeks had a healthy pinkish hue.

She tossed her head, letting her short, chin-length black hair fall naturally, but the jagged edges of her hair made her look unkempt.

Hmm? Henry found it strange. Do I know a girl like that?

Seemingly sensing the confusion in Henry's eyes, the girl pouted, stormed forward, and kicked Henry hard in the shin with her steel-like toenails:

"You don't even recognize me!"

"what!"

Henry screamed and instinctively started jumping up and down, clutching his calves.

That's a pretty ruthless personality...

Henry looked at the other person's hair and saw that at the roots, it seemed to be... orange-yellow!

He was stunned.

Pain? Worry? Alertness?

He had completely forgotten about all of that...

He took a step forward:

"Na...Natalie?!"

The girl smiled brightly:

"Long time no see, Henry!"

God!

God bless!

May the sea god protect you!

May the stars protect you!

"You...you're really Natalie?"

"What, you want to get kicked again?"

Natalie!

She really is Natalie, but...

"Natalie! Natalie! Are you... alright? Are you hurt anywhere? Are you sick?"

"I……"

"I saw the wanted poster for you. You stole something, and Mrs. Auley will definitely scold you. Besides, how did you get involved in a murder case!"

"..."

"Why is there a man with you? Who is he? Did he kidnap you? Did he hurt you? Damn it, why am I not here with you? I'm sorry, Natalie."

"Henry..."

"Natalie, do you know, I followed you to the Port of Spikes, but when I got to the Port of Marrow, I realized I was going the wrong way. I should have gone straight back... but in my confusion, I chose to run away. I'm sorry, Natalie, you can kick me if you want. I chose to settle a pointless grudge instead of going to find you right away."

"Henry..."

"I'm sorry, Natalie. I did go to find you after all, but something unexpected happened. I was surrounded by the fleet and forced to flee here. So that's how it is. You're the one who saved me... I'm sorry, Natalie. I'm such a useless man. In the end, I was even saved by you. I'm so sorry, so sorry..."

"Henry!"

Natalie suddenly shouted, causing Henry to freeze in place, staring blankly at Natalie.

She took a deep breath, and then a smile appeared on her face:

"I know, Henry."

"What?"

"When I heard that you had become a pirate, I immediately realized that you left the library to find me, and that's why you became a pirate. What you just said confirms that I guessed correctly."

Huh?

"So, Henry, you don't need to apologize. I was the one who left without saying goodbye, and I should be the one saying sorry. But what I want to say now is... Henry, thank you."

it's wired!

it's wired!

Did Natalie learn some kind of magic during this year or so, or did she secretly learn the curator's curse?

She didn't touch me, she only said a few words... Henry thought... Why do my eyes feel like they've been punched, sore and swollen?

Then, he felt several warm sensations flowing across his face.

"I'm a man," Henry gritted his teeth, "I can't make a sound."

But Natalie was truly despicable; she actually reached out with her venomous heart and gently stroked Henry's head with the hand covered by the metal plate.

Henry could no longer contain himself, so he raised his head and let out a long howl.

He felt Natalie gently pull him, and he knelt down on the ground.

Then, he felt the coldness of Natalie's abdominal armor plates.

It was cold, yet somewhat hot.

Damn it! Damn it! Be a man! Stop making that affected sound!

But... Natalie gently held his head, preventing him from pulling away.

He didn't want to withdraw either.

The experiences of the past year and a half flashed through my mind.

Only he himself knows how many dangers and hardships he encountered along the way.

Only he himself knew how worried he was about Natalie.

But it was all worth it, Henry thought. I found Natalie again, and she was still safe and sound. I did not let the curator down.

He allowed himself to be vulnerable in front of the person he wanted to protect, let his pathetic cries echo across the roaring sea, and let snot and tears remain on Natalie's armor.

Right now, all he wants to do is cry his heart out.

Once his heart had finally calmed down, he said reluctantly:

"Natalie, let me go."

Natalie loosened her grip on Henry's head.

Henry pulled backward and stood up straight instantly.

At the same time, he tried to wipe his face as quickly and stylishly as possible, attempting to erase the marks on his face and the embarrassment he had just experienced.

The two found a large rock and sat down on it.

What should he say? Henry racked his brains and began to think.

Natalie spoke first: "I didn't expect you to have such a coquettish side."

Henry's neck and above instantly turned bright red.

He turned his head away and immediately changed the subject:

"Natalie, you've dyed your hair! I didn't recognize you at first."

"It's because my hair color is so eye-catching, but..." Natalie's tone turned dissatisfied, "You only remember my hair?"

"No..." Henry looked at Natalie again, "You've changed a lot. You're very different from the last time I saw you. You've grown so much taller..."

"That's right!" Natalie pouted.

"and……"

Henry's gaze shifted downwards, landing on that glaring spot.

But when he looked at Natalie's face again, he found that Natalie was glaring at him.

It's like saying, "Want to get kicked?!"

Henry quickly turned his head and pretended nothing had happened, facing the sea.

After that, the two talked for a long time.

Henry recounted his experiences over the past year, and Natalie also shared hers.

Therefore, Henry knew why those arrest warrants had been issued.

He also joked, "That's exactly the kind of thing you'd do."

Of course, this came at a price; he clutched his calf and imitated a monkey's call for over a minute.

"Then why are you here?"

"Bourne dragged the loyal dog to Marrow Island. I found the loyal dog's staff sword, and with it, I learned a lot about the loyal dog's battle plans."

Henry was puzzled: "They didn't suspect you?"

"I guess I was lucky. The crew on the ship I was on were all temporarily assembled and didn't know each other well. They also wore armor all the time, so they didn't even recognize each other's faces."

"But I heard from the men on my ship that the ship belonged to a great lord."

"Yes," Natalie nodded, "Only in the Lorraine Plains is conscription open to both men and women, and even many female warriors from various families volunteered to participate in this bandit suppression campaign in order to prove themselves and bring glory to their masters."

So that's why the crew members didn't know each other... Henry wondered.

"However, Natalie, this is very dangerous. If your actions are discovered, your life will be in grave danger!"

"yes……"

As she spoke, Natalie's body trembled slightly; she was clearly afraid.

"They have questioned my orders more than once, but fortunately, the most distinguished person on the ship is just a knight, and she dares not disobey the authority of the 'staff officer,' so the others have no choice but to obey."

"They even attacked the loyal dog?"

"To be precise, it should be the loyal dog's ship; the loyal dog should have been left on the island."

Indeed, if it were the loyal dog himself, he would not be so reckless as to ambush Henry with only one boat.

But this was not what Henry was wary of:

"Is that Bourne... very strong?"

"Very strong!" Natalie nodded affirmatively.

"yes……"

Henry paused for a moment, then immediately perked up.

"No matter what, Natalie, you can't go back to that ship. It's dangerous there."

Natalie frowned. "You mean? You want me to stay with you?"

Henry nodded: "At least I can protect your safety."

"But you can't even guarantee your own safety right now."

The truth came like a sharp knife, and Natalie's words left Henry speechless.

Natalie shook her head:

"But nowhere is absolutely safe... So, if I go with you, then what?"

"I'm taking you back to the library," Henry said. "That's why I've set out."

“But this is not my wish, Henry,” Natalie stared at Henry. “You have your mission, but have you ever understood my expectations?”

Henry remained silent for a long time before finally managing to say something:

"In order to...find Lady Aurée."

"That's right," Natalie nodded.

"But this is dangerous!"

"I've encountered quite a few."

Henry opened his mouth, but could not say anything.

Natalie tilted her head: "Huh?"

"Um?"

"Aren't you going to say something more?"

"I wanted to say, but..." Henry lowered his eyes, "I have no right to ask you to do anything."

Upon hearing this, Natalie smiled:

"Heh heh, I knew it! You haven't changed at all, Henry."

"Um?"

"You're different; you never force me to do anything."

"no the same?"

"It's nothing," Natalie shook her head. "Bourne helped me a lot this time, and I can't just abandon him like this. I have to go back to him, and then we'll go find Mother together. That's my plan. So, Henry, what are you going to do from now on?"

"I will follow you and protect you," Henry said.

"You don't need to do that."

“I’m not restricting your freedom,” Henry said seriously, “and I have my freedom too.”

Natalie remained silent for a long time, then sighed and asked:

Why are you so persistent?

"I promised the curator I would take you back."

Natalie chuckled: "Dumb cow!"

Hmm? Is this a scolding?

Natalie continued, "How about this, after I finish what I want to do, I'll go back to the library myself, so you won't be bound by your promise."

After hearing this, Henry opened his mouth but couldn't speak for a long time.

Only when Natalie reached out and waved her hand in front of his eyes did he come back to his senses:

"Then... what should I do from now on?"

"You're asking me?"

You have robbed me of my goal.

"The curator is right, you really do lack your own opinions," Natalie shook her head. "Hmm... Hey, Henry, you're a pirate now, aren't you?"

"Um……"

Are you happy?

"I wouldn't say I was happy... but I felt at ease on the deck."

"Then you can continue being a pirate."

"But pirates are all bad guys."

"Then let's be righteous pirates," Natalie said without hesitation.

"A righteous pirate?" Henry looked utterly bewildered. "How could pirates be righteous!"

"You'll need to explore this question yourself."

With that, Natalie jumped off the rock.

"Henry, you said I took away your goal, but I've given you one back. I don't owe you anything anymore."

A righteous pirate... what exactly is he...?

Henry looked up at Natalie.

Natalie was gazing out to sea, and Henry glanced back at her.

The setting sun cast its rays upon the sea surface in the ravines, shimmering with light.

He blurted out:

"What a nice view……"

Do you like sunsets?

"Um."

"So you prefer the sunset to the sunrise?"

I like them both.

Why?

"Because the sunset and sunrise, when they shine on the sea, are both orange-yellow, which is my favorite color, just like your hair..."

However, upon reflection, Henry realized that he had lived at sea since childhood, so why hadn't he discovered his love for these things before?

Huh? Wait a minute? Henry suddenly realized that he might have said something strange.

He turned to Natalie and saw that she was facing away from the setting sun, looking at Henry.

Henry couldn't see her expression.

Her hands were behind her back, and her short hair flew to one side.

"Henry?"

"Huh?" She's planning to kick me?

"Let's do it."

Henry was stunned; he thought he had misheard.

But then he heard the sound of armor hitting the ground.

Natalie pulled him off the rock.

"No...no!" Henry backed away repeatedly.

"I won't let you suffer."

"No, you're too young."

Henry tripped over a stone and lay down on the warm, fine sand.

"I'm already an adult, in two months, maybe even fifteen."

"No, I'm a pirate."

Natalie pressed down on her; she was so gentle.

"I've done a lot of bad things too."

"No, that's not why I came to see you."

Her face was so close; her eyes were so bright, more captivating than the stars.

Me too.

"This way I'll never forget it, mmm..." So sweet.

"Then don't forget..."

The sunset glow, without warning, vanished without a trace.

Starlight reflected on the sea, surging with the waves.

Waves crashed against the beach in waves, receding only to return again.

On the other side of the island, the Black Goat was anchored on the shore.

And the high plateau is the natural habitat of goats.

When the orange-yellow morning sun shone on Henry's face, he finally woke up.

He couldn't find Natalie beside him.

But they found two things that Natalie had left behind.

It was a letter, and...

Two gold coins.