~ Thirty - Season IV ~

The atmosphere instantly shifted.

The pirates raised their heads and looked at me, confused. The nobles continued their mumblings. My family, especially James and Gonzalo, turned to me. Their heavy gaze drilled down on my back.

I did my best to maintain my composure. But my inner emotions were too tense, it was about to explode. And all I could do was to slowly grip onto my chair.

My page resumed, “As the future ruler of Western Wind, I was taught to listen to my people and their needs. And these pirates are no different. They only want to provide for their families. But their abilities - their knowledge - were limited to the sea. And with no one to assist them, they resorted to violence.

“Therefore, I changed my punishment from death to absolute exile. I hereby banish them to the northern borders of Western Wind. No one is to step in or out from the forgotten island but the ruling monarch. Signed, Robert Dex.”

The nobles stood up in uproar as my page stepped aside. The pirates looked