After a brief introduction and greeting, Elizabeth joined the conversation.
For the most part, she sat quietly, listening to Ethan and her father discuss how to better develop a port city. Occasionally, she would ask a few questions of her own.
Despite the short interaction, Ethan left Elizabeth with the impression of being young, knowledgeable, and articulate.
As for his appearance, Ethan could only be described as average, not unattractive, but far from handsome enough to make a woman fall for him at first sight.
However, years of magical training, extensive knowledge, and countless adventures had given him a unique presence. It was this quality that kept Elizabeth engaged, listening to a discussion she would have otherwise found dull.
During dinner, Ethan's table manners were impeccable, further reinforcing Governor Swann's assumption. Ethan had Tony Stark to thank for this, he had learned proper etiquette from him.
Overall, the dinner was pleasant for both the guest and the host. After the meal, Swann had his servants escort Ethan to the residence that had been prepared for him. As for the inn where Ethan had originally stayed, the governor had already taken care of it.
This wasn't a last-minute decision. Governor Swann had prepared multiple accommodations for Ethan, choosing the most suitable one based on his impression.
Of course, none of them were within the governor's mansion, Swann wasn't so trusting as to let an unknown young man stay in his home.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Governor."
"It's nothing, really. This is my duty." Whether Ethan was a noble's descendant or an official sent on a secret mission, Swann wanted to leave a good impression. "By the way, tomorrow is Colonel James Norrington's promotion ceremony to brigadier general. If you're interested, Ethan, you're welcome to attend."
That was the most valuable piece of information Ethan had received today. Norrington's official promotion meant the plot was about to begin, and his target—Jack Sparrow—would finally make an appearance.
Now, he could get a good night's sleep.
Following the governor's attendants, Ethan arrived at his new residence. It was neither too close nor too far from the governor's mansion, but its location and quality were among the best in Port Royal.
It was clear that Swann had put a lot of thought into this arrangement. Even the belongings Ethan had left at the inn had been brought over.
There was no need to check, Ethan knew his luggage had been searched. Fortunately, his storage ring allowed him to keep anything truly valuable or secret secured, leaving only ordinary belongings in his backpack.
The only questionable items were his modern clothes. He wondered how the person who searched his belongings would explain that to the governor.
Unbeknownst to him, the servant who had inspected his things hadn't dared to examine them too closely. After confirming that most of the contents were clothing, he could only report that the fabrics were rare and expensive, clearly beyond the reach of commoners. With that judgment made, he had carefully restored everything to its original state.
Ethan didn't know this, and even if he did, he wouldn't care. What mattered was that Swann now fully believed he was a British noble. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been invited to Norrington's promotion ceremony.
After a quick wash, Ethan slept soundly. When he opened his eyes the next morning, he knew—Jack Sparrow would be arriving in Port Royal today.
He had already considered several approaches.
The first option was to wait at the docks and introduce himself the moment Jack disembarked.
But Ethan dismissed this plan immediately. Jack was a cunning and suspicious pirate. He wouldn't trust a stranger approaching him out of nowhere.
Moreover, everyone in Port Royal from the governor to the common folk believed Ethan to be a noble. His refined habits and attire set him apart from Jack entirely. Meeting Jack at the docks would likely put the pirate on guard.
The second option was to wait for Jack to get captured by the navy, then help break him out of prison. That would be an easy way to gain Jack's trust.
This seemed like the most reasonable approach. Unless something unexpected happened, Ethan planned to go with this.
The third and final option was the most extreme, taking action when Barbossa attacked Port Royal. Ethan could rescue Jack, defeat Barbossa and his cursed crew, and seize the Black Pearl himself. He could then use the ship as leverage to make Jack help him find Blackbeard.
However, this plan would offend multiple factions.
Both Barbossa and Jack would immediately turn against him. Barbossa would outright try to kill him, while Jack—though in need of the Black Pearl—wouldn't easily trust someone who had just taken it from him.
Furthermore, if he sided with the pirates, Port Royal wouldn't recognize his role in saving the town. In the future, every time he returned to this world, he'd have to avoid capture from the British navy, just like any other outlaw.
Considering that his search for Blackbeard and the Fountain of Youth would take time, and even with Jack's guidance, it wouldn't be completed in a year, making enemies everywhere was not a good idea.
This plan would only work if he had no time limit and never intended to return to this world. It was the most efficient method but unfortunately, the current situation didn't allow for it.
After freshening up, Ethan stepped outside, where an attendant sent by Swann was already waiting. He was escorted to the barracks in Port Royal, where the ceremony would be held.
Norrington's promotion to brigadier general wasn't a public event. Due to the military location, ordinary people wouldn't even be able to watch from afar. Port Royal's barracks were also its main defensive stronghold.
Upon entering, Ethan immediately became the center of attention.
Although his clothing was era-appropriate, there were still notable differences.
More importantly, the formal attire of this time period didn't align with Ethan's personal aesthetic, so he hadn't prepared anything that matched the occasion.
Swann approached him with a bright smile but quickly took notice of his outfit.
"I was careless. I completely forgot about proper attire," Swann remarked.
"If this is too disrespectful, I can leave," Ethan replied casually.
"No, no, how could I let a specially invited guest leave ?"
Swann glanced at Ethan's clothing again. The fabric was of high quality, and the craftsmanship was meticulous. While it stood out as different, it wasn't inappropriate enough to be considered offensive.
Since he had to preside over the ceremony, he couldn't continue chatting with Ethan. After a few more words, he added, "After the ceremony, there will be a small celebratory reception. We'll talk more then… Oh, and I'll introduce you to a few friends."
Ethan nodded in acknowledgment before quietly moving to a corner to watch the rather dull promotion ceremony.
It wasn't until the reception began that he noticed Elizabeth standing beside him.
"You don't look very well."
Elizabeth was shifting uncomfortably, her face pale, her breathing irregular. When Ethan spoke, she seemed dazed, failing to respond as she fanned herself weakly.
"I suggest you find a place to loosen your corset a little."
This time, Ethan didn't speak aloud but transmitted his words directly into her mind using his spiritual power.
"I… but… I really want to…"
Elizabeth struggled to reply, her voice faint.
Seeing her worsening state, Ethan subtly moved his left hand, casting Mage Hand, a simple spell he had long since mastered.
Though his magic power was limited, he could still use it to manipulate small objects. Unlocking a clasp or two was no problem.
Elizabeth had no idea what had happened. She only felt a sudden rush of relief as she could finally breathe freely. Taking several deep breaths, her dizziness faded, and her body relaxed.
As she exhaled in relief, Brigadier General Norrington—the man of the hour—approached.
Elizabeth immediately straightened her posture, regaining her composure. She didn't know exactly what Ethan had done, but she wasn't foolish, he had definitely helped her.
"Elizabeth, may I speak with you alone?"
Though Norrington didn't know who Ethan was, he remained perfectly composed, greeting him politely before extending an invitation to Elizabeth.
Now, Ethan thought, Norrington was likely about to propose marriage, capitalizing on his promotion and newly elevated status.
However, Elizabeth's corset had almost made this grand moment unintentionally comical.
Watching them walk toward the fort, Ethan suddenly realized that his interference had created a ripple effect.
If Elizabeth hadn't fainted and fallen into the sea, Jack Sparrow wouldn't have had the chance to save her and thus wouldn't have been exposed as a pirate and captured.
The bigger issue was that, without Elizabeth falling into the water, the gold coin she wore around her neck wouldn't have touched the sea. If that hadn't happened, Barbossa and his cursed crew, who had been searching for the final piece of Aztec gold wouldn't have been alerted to its location.
Without Barbossa's arrival, Elizabeth wouldn't be kidnapped. Will Turner wouldn't be driven to rescue her. And the rest of the story wouldn't unfold as it should.
Ethan's original plan was now on the verge of collapse.
"Why do I always have to meddle?"
Junkdog's Note: Sorry about that guys, I was about to eat hence the mistake hahaha
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