If You're Going to Sell Yourself, Sell It to Me - Chapter 48

Given his age, Rossmann, who was closer to being Lockwood’s grandfather, was not only calm but also someone who would double-check every decision multiple times. That’s why he still held his position as leader.

So when Kyle mentioned that Rossmann had issued an urgent order, Lockwood and Henry’s faces immediately tensed. Observing their expressions closely, Kyle, as if it were no big deal, casually revealed the mission.

“Before the ship reaches Northwest Port, we are to eliminate the target.”

“What? What kind of nonsense is that?” Henry’s eyes widened in shock.

“They must have judged that, as long as they can obtain this information, they stand a chance. Just like in any other battle, once the leader is lost, the rest are nothing more than puppets. So the order is to take out Senator Edmund first.”

“Did they really say to do that before the ship even docks? Do they realize how confined a ship is?” Henry shook his head in disbelief, refusing to accept it.

Lockwood had his doubts too. Was there really any need to stir up the hornet’s nest early?

Even if they managed to smuggle out the documents, it would take a while for anyone to trace the thief. But murder was different. Even if they somehow slipped through the ventilation ducts, the staff would likely notice someone moving around in the dead of night.

This order felt more like a suicide mission—taking Edmund down with him.

Could Commander Rossmann have really issued such an order?

Lockwood found it hard to believe.

“You can verify everything once we arrive. I’m merely passing along the orders. If you feel unfit to carry it out, I can do it myself,” Kyle added arrogantly, making Lockwood furrow his brow.

The schedule was tight, giving them little time to assess the situation. In just a week, they would arrive at Northwest Port, and within that time, they had to devise a plan and complete the mission.

For the first time, Lockwood began to doubt the mission itself.

He even considered letting Kyle take his place on the ship. Kyle would certainly mock him for it, but at least he might survive.

“What if we fail? Is there a backup plan?”

“We still don’t know exactly where Edmund will be staying. If we fail, we’ll target him again when he leaves the port. But that approach won’t be as easy as the first one. It’ll likely result in a large-scale gunfight, with significant casualties on both sides. Civilians will be heavily affected as well.”

Though Kyle’s plan was the worst-case scenario, it wasn’t inaccurate.

Even on this ship, there were plenty of people, and it was obvious that, in the chaos of battle, it would be impossible to avoid civilian casualties.

“The reason we didn’t target the port from the start is that they’ve probably already set up thorough security measures there. While the ship is also a confined space for you, the same goes for our opponents. I’m confident a man of your abilities can pull this off, Captain.”

“You’re only saying that because it’s not your job, aren’t you?”

Henry’s face turned red with anger, and he looked ready to grab Kyle by the collar.

“Henry, stop.”

“Captain, this is madness. Do you think Edmund’s bodyguards will just stand there and watch while we kill him? And even if we manage to kill him, where do we go afterward? Who’s supposed to carry out a mission without securing an escape route?”

“Are you challenging me, Lieutenant Henry Marker?”

“Call it whatever you want, but I’m telling you, the captain can’t do this. I’ll face a court-martial if I have to.”

The tension between the two was escalating, and Lockwood could no longer remain silent.

“What about the night before we arrive? By then, we’ll be closer to the port, so it might be more feasible to execute the plan. Could we have a ship ready nearby for a quick escape?”

“Captain! You can’t be serious!” Henry almost leaped in protest when Lockwood mentioned a specific date.

Kyle, however, paid no attention to Henry’s reaction and quickly replied, “Typically, people are more exhausted and let their guard down the night before docking. Personally, I’d carry out the plan the night before too. I’ll arrange for a boat to be ready nearby to evacuate you. I’m sure Commander Rossmann has made similar arrangements.”

Lockwood was about to make a request, thinking of Georgiana, but then shook his head.

Kyle wasn’t the right person to entrust with her safety, nor did he want to put her on a ship reeking of sardines.

Though he cut off the conversation abruptly, Kyle didn’t seem to find it odd.

“Well then, I’ll leave the rest of the mission to you. I’ll report back to the homeland that everything was relayed successfully and pass along any additional instructions.”

“Kyle, be careful on your way back.”

“Of course.”

Though the sun hadn’t set yet, Lockwood and Henry’s steps were heavy as they made their way back to the port.

The moment they left the meeting point, Henry grabbed Lockwood’s arm.

“Captain, please, let’s go back right now and tell them we can’t do it.”

“I volunteered for this mission from the start, Henry. I have to see it through.”

“Just report that you failed without doing anything. Isn’t that an option?”

“I can’t do that.”

Lockwood looked down at his lieutenant, who worried about him like family. If things went wrong, not only Georgiana but even Henry might not make it out alive.

He was more concerned about their safety than ever before. His own life no longer mattered.

As they passed by a shop filled with trinkets, Lockwood suddenly stopped in his tracks.

In the display case was a cat figurine that looked exactly like Georgiana. Its golden fur and light green eyes were so lifelike, despite being made of glass.

Beside it was a black cat, tied with a ribbon of the same color, making them look like a pair.

After entering the shop, Lockwood soon emerged with a neatly packaged box.

Handing the box to Henry, who had been waiting outside with a grumpy expression, Lockwood said, “Henry, I have a favor to ask.”

“Nope, not listening,” Henry said, plugging his ears and refusing to hear him out.

Lockwood grabbed Henry and forced the box into his hands.

“If something happens to me, give this to Georgiana.”

“I refuse. You’ll give it to her yourself, Captain.” Henry, pouting, turned his head away in defiance.

“This is the last time.”

“What is?”

At the word “last,” Henry slowly turned to face him.

“This will be my last dangerous mission. After this, I’m retiring. Just as you said, after this, there won’t be any major battles, so it won’t matter if I’m not around.”

“Then retire now! I’ll go back on that sardine boat and request that your resignation be processed immediately.”

Lockwood couldn’t help but laugh, even in the seriousness of the moment.

Henry, who despised the smell of fish, was willing to board a sardine boat? He would likely vomit to death before even making it back.

“I don’t care if I die, Captain, but if something happens to you, how am I supposed to face your late parents? They treated me so well. And what will I tell Raymond?”

“I don’t want to die either, Henry. I don’t plan on dying.”

“Then don’t. No one’s forcing you to do this.”

“No, like you, I need to be able to hold my head high. If I run away now, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life. Once time has passed, you can’t take it back.”

“……”

After a long silence, Henry finally spoke, “Whether by gun or knife, I’ll do the attacking. You just stay behind and provide cover, Captain.”

“Are you telling me to hide behind my subordinate now?”

Henry glared at him as he replied, “I’ve always been the one taking the hits. I’m just asking you to let me do it one last time.”

“I’m better at it than you are, that’s why.”

“What?”

“I’m better at it than you. Not because I outrank you, but because I’m better.”

“You’re only saying that because you’re a monster, Captain. But I’m still better than most!”

No one in their unit could match Lockwood’s skill with a gun. And as for swords, he had learned the hard way, getting beaten by his father.

“Henry, the best person for the job should do it. The same goes for shooting. And as I said, if you fail, we’ll end up in the same situation anyway. Just like always, stay behind me.”

“Hah… This is really the last time. Once you retire, you better keep your promise to help me open that restaurant.”

“What about your family’s business?”

“I’m not cut out for that complicated stuff. I just want to live a quiet life, peeling potatoes.”

Hearing Henry’s simple wish made Lockwood realize that maybe he, too, should start dreaming of a future. A future where he could live peacefully, perhaps on a sunny farm, taking care of Georgiana.

They decided to finalize the details of the mission once they returned to the ship, hurrying back to the cabin.

Georgiana should have been back by now.

She was probably in the cabin already, either reading or having tea.

She was always so quiet. Lockwood had never met anyone who spoke so little.

But…

The cabin was eerily silent when they arrived.

Georgiana wasn’t there.

It wasn’t until the evening, when Sarah returned with Anthony, that they realized Georgiana had disappeared.