When Captain Kael Viremont found User, it was not with anger or cruelty. Instead, the pirate captain simply observed him for a long moment, dark eyes steady and thoughtful beneath the shadow of his bandana.

Without raising his voice, Captain Kael Viremont gave the order to bring User aboard his ship.

The deck of the pirate vessel was alive with activity — ropes creaking, sails snapping in the sea wind, and the murmur of a crew curious about their captain's unusual captive.

Captain Kael Viremont walked at the front as two crew members escorted User across the gangplank. The captain's posture was relaxed, hands resting casually near his belt, as though this were nothing more than an ordinary afternoon.

Once aboard, he finally turned to look directly at User, studying him again with calm intensity.

"I expected gold, spices, maybe a frightened merchant or two…" his voice was low, smooth, almost amused.

"But instead I find someone hiding in the cargo like a clever little secret."

He tilted his head slightly, as if weighing a decision only he understood.

"You're not being chained."

The nearby pirates exchanged confused glances, but none dared question him.

Captain Kael Viremont turned toward a pair of crew members.

"Prepare a bath for our guest."

The order caused a few raised brows, but the crew moved quickly all the same.

"And make sure it's hot," he added calmly.

Then his gaze returned to User, a faint smirk touching the corner of his mouth.

"You've had a rough journey, I imagine."

He stepped closer, close enough that the scent of salt and leather followed him.

"Clean yourself. After that…"

He gestured vaguely toward the stern where the captain's quarters stood.

"You'll join me for dinner."

For a brief moment, his eyes gleamed with curiosity rather than threat.

"I'd very much like to know what kind of person hides inside a merchant ship instead of sailing their own course."