Baterilla Island.
This name is barely a speck on the nautical charts of the South Sea.
It has no azure waters, no dazzling coral, merely a resting place for the solitary travelers of the sea.
The island isn't large; so much so that with the coming of the tide, one can almost hear the whispers of the waves colliding with the island.
That is the most authentic sound of nature, unadorned and simple.
The people on the island face the sea, enjoying the warmth of spring and the blossoming of flowers.
Their lives are simple and repetitive, going out early and returning late, generally making a living by fishing.
Due to the island's poverty and remoteness, even greedy pirates turn a blind eye to it.
On this neglected land, the final chapter of Pirate King Roger's life quietly unfolds.
At the southernmost tip of the island, there is a precipice outlined by white reefs. Atop the precipice stands a seemingly ordinary house all by itself.
It is not conspicuous, but it possesses a tranquility far from the hustle and bustle of the world.
The owner of this house is a young woman.
She moved here about half a year ago, living a low-key and secretive life.
She rarely interacts with the island's residents, as if there is an invisible barrier separating her from the world.
But on this ordinary day, the residents of the island, rarely, saw a smile on that woman's face.
She carried a vegetable basket, as light as a breeze, lingering in the market.
Although she maintained a certain distance from the crowd, her presence was like a quiet flower, blooming amidst the hurried footsteps of the people.
And as usual, after buying vegetables, Rouge did not stay for long, but once again quietly disappeared on the way home.
At the door of the house, Roger was waiting quietly.
For someone with his special identity, this island was his temporary refuge, and also the small world he shared with his wife.
He couldn't show his face on the island, but that didn't stop him from waiting for his beloved to return at the door.
"Rouge, you've worked so hard."
Roger walked to Rouge's side and helped her carry the vegetable basket.
"Cooking for my husband is a happy thing."
Rouge looked at Roger, her eyes sparkling, the smile on her lips even more blissful.
Roger was infected by his wife's smile and laughed heartily.
Then he patted his head and said somewhat embarrassedly, touching his beard:
"We need to make more food today, a friend will be coming to our house later."
Such days, for them, were simple and precious.
At the same time.
Jin An stood at the edge, looking at the island he had heard of countless times but never set foot on.
"It's indeed a nice place."
Jin An muttered softly, his voice gently swallowed by the waves.
He squinted his eyes, letting the breeze caress his cheeks, feeling the different scenery.
"No wonder that guy Roger would choose this place as his final stop."
His tone not only held a sense of understanding the reason, but also a faint lament for the ending of the Pirate King's story.
He knew Roger's thirst for freedom and his love for adventure.
And this island, chosen by Roger, was also understandable.
As the sun set.
The golden light dyed Baterilla Island into a warm orange-red.
Jin An's footsteps were light and cautious, so as not to attract any unnecessary attention.
Life on the island was very simple and peaceful. The islanders always wore kind smiles on their faces, and their interactions were full of warmth and kindness.
However, for an outsider, this harmonious life also meant that any abnormality would be noticed immediately.
Jin An understood that the appearance of him, an uninvited guest, even the slightest ripple, could cause ripples in this closed environment.
Jin An quietly advanced along the edge of the island, avoiding the main roads and markets.
He chose these more secluded paths, just wanting not to disturb the peaceful life on this island, not wanting to bring any trouble to Roger's final life.
Roger's voice, drifted in with the island's evening breeze.
His gaze was sharp and penetrating, and he could easily recognize the person even in the dim night.
When he recognized Jin An's figure, the unique smile curled up at the corner of his mouth:
"Yo, Jin An, you came pretty fast."
Jin An couldn't help but smile when he heard this voice.
Following the guidance of Roger's voice, a figure entered his sight.
Although he tried to hide his tracks in order not to attract attention, it was clear that nothing could escape Roger's perception.
"What did you call me here for?"
Jin An asked, the solemn tone couldn't hide the curiosity deep in his heart.
He understood why Roger, who had become the 'Pirate King,' would give up the boundless ocean and the world-shaking fame to settle down on this remote and quiet island.
But to ask him to come all the way here, it couldn't be to celebrate the other party's glorious retirement, right?
Roger didn't answer immediately, but took a few steps forward and hugged Jin An.
He was very grateful that Jin An could come.
"Actually, this is the life I wanted to live."
His tone revealed a sense of indifference and relief, as if he had unveiled the truth of all the past vanities, and only this peaceful life was his ultimate destination.
"Don't just stand outside,"
Roger patted Jin An's back, old friends hadn't seen each other for a long time and exchanged greetings,
"The food is ready, just waiting for you."
Jin An followed Roger into the house, his heart filled with emotion.
Roger's back, overlapped with the image of the Pirate King who crazily pursued freedom.
And now, on this peaceful island.
They abandoned their respective identities.
Now, they are just members of the myriad living beings in this vast world.
Just stepping into the house, a rich and tempting aroma of food wafted over.
Following the aroma, a gentle and kind voice came from the depths of the house:
"Jin An is here."
"Welcome, welcome!"
"The food is all ready."
The enthusiasm contained in the voice made Jin An, who was meeting the other party for the first time, feel a sense of goodwill.
"I've always heard Roger talk about you."
The voice continued, with a bit of curiosity and joy,
"Seeing you today, you are indeed a talented person."
Jin An touched his nose when he heard this, he felt a little embarrassed to praise people like this at the first meeting.
"You flatter me."
Jin An followed Roger behind and sat down at the dining table and continued:
"I've always been curious before,"
"Who is it that can hook away the soul of the Pirate King."
"Now that I see you, all the questions are gone."
Jin An patted Roger on the shoulder,
"Marrying such a gentle and virtuous wife, no wonder you're not the Pirate King anymore."
...
