48 - Black Pearl

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The streets of London were unusually busy today. British Royal Guards could be seen everywhere, dressed in bright uniforms, marching in unison. Their muskets flashed coldly in the sun, adding a touch of tension to the city.

The citizens were confused by this sudden change. They curiously observed the hurriedly marching soldiers, whispering among themselves about this unusual scene.

"Finally here," Wes whispered to himself, gently setting down the newspaper in his hand.

Silently, he followed a squad of Royal Guards. His steps were light and cautious, hardly attracting any attention.

The soldiers, muskets in hand, stormed into the "Old Captain's Daughter Tavern" with great momentum.

Inside, the tavern was filled with the raucous voices of pirates boasting about their adventures and prostitutes laughing as they seduced passing men with their charming gazes.

However, the moment the Royal Guards broke in, chaos erupted. Panic spread like wildfire as pirates and prostitutes alike scrambled in fear. This place had always been their safe haven, a sanctuary where they could indulge themselves without worry. But now, the sudden intrusion shattered that illusion.

Some pirates instinctively reached for their weapons, but before they could react, gunshots echoed through the tavern. Several pirates fell to the ground, lifeless.

The sharp reports of musket fire rang out like a death knell.

The remaining patrons scattered in terror, desperately searching for an escape route.

Yet the Royal Guards moved with purpose. It was clear they had a specific target in mind as they charged toward the inner room of the tavern without hesitation.

Inside, Angelica and Jack Sparrow found themselves surrounded by Royal Guards.

Angelica reached for a hidden mechanism, hoping to activate an escape route, but to her horror, she couldn't move. It was as if an invisible force had bound her in place.

Not only her—the Royal Guards were frozen as well, their bodies rigid as if under a powerful spell.

"Baby, what's wrong?" Jack Sparrow asked, his tone laced with concern. Internally, however, his mind raced, seeking a way to slip away unnoticed.

"Captain Sparrow."

A calm yet authoritative voice cut through the tension as a figure stepped into the room.

Jack turned, his eyes narrowing. "Who are you?" He drew his sword warily. "Did you do this?"

"Don't be nervous." Wes pulled out a chair and sat down smoothly, his movements controlled and elegant, as though he had everything under control.

Jack attempted to move Angelica, but she remained motionless.

"Baby, now's not the time for jokes..."

Angelica could only cast urgent glances at Jack, silently pleading with him to run while he still could.

Realizing that Wes was responsible for their paralysis, Jack calmed himself. He adjusted his posture, adopting a relaxed air, masking his wariness beneath his usual nonchalance.

"Are you a wizard?" he asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Yes."

"And what does the mysterious wizard want with me?" Jack crossed his legs, feigning indifference.

"Captain Sparrow."

"Hmm." Jack smirked, pleased with the title. He had no ship at the moment, but in his heart, he knew he would reclaim the Black Pearl one day.

"I need you to take me somewhere," Wes said.

Jack's eyes glinted. "Let me guess... the Fountain of Youth."

"Correct."

Jack let out an exaggerated sigh. "Oh, what a day! First the soldiers, now a wizard. Everyone's suddenly obsessed with that blasted fountain. News travels faster than the plague."

Wes's expression remained confident, but a momentary flicker of hesitation betrayed him.

Jack caught it instantly. "If you're so all-knowing, why don't you know where it is?"

Wes coughed, trying to mask his slip-up.

Jack grinned, rolling his eyes. "Seems Mr. Wizard isn't omniscient after all."

He wasn't keen on dealing with Wes. Mysterious men always brought trouble, and trouble was something Jack preferred to avoid—unless it involved treasure.

"I can offer you something in return."

Wes opened a suitcase, and in an instant, gold bars spilled out, forming a dazzling pile as tall as a man. The dimly lit room was suddenly bathed in golden light.

Even paralyzed, everyone's gazes locked onto the treasure with unhidden greed.

Jack was no exception, though he quickly masked his desire. His expression turned indifferent once more.

"You've got the wrong man," he said, feigning disinterest. "I don't know where the Fountain of Youth is."

With that, he turned toward the door, planning to make a quick exit. He could rescue Angelica later—his own survival came first.

"Black Pearl."

Jack froze.

The name struck him like a thunderclap.

Slowly, he turned back, his body stiff. That name held a special place in his heart.

"I can help you reclaim the Black Pearl," Wes said.

Jack hesitated before sitting back down. His fingers interlocked tightly, his knuckles whitening. "The Black Pearl was destroyed by Blackbeard."

Wes shook his head. "No, it wasn't destroyed. Blackbeard trapped it...inside a bottle."

Jack's eyes narrowed. "What proof do you have?"

Instead of answering, Wes lifted the spell on Angelica. Instantly, she moved toward the hidden mechanism again.

"Don't try it, my lady," Wes warned.

Angelica hesitated, glaring at him. She knew she wasn't a match for him.

"This is between us," Jack said, stepping in front of Angelica protectively.

She lowered her sword slightly but remained tense.

"You want proof?" Wes smirked. "She is Blackbeard's daughter. Ask her"

Jack stiffened, his grip on Angelica's shoulder tightening.

"Ow! You're hurting me!" she yelped.

"Oh, sorry, love." Jack immediately let go. Then he turned to her, his expression serious. "Is he telling the truth?"

Angelica nodded reluctantly. "I don't know where he got his information, but yes... my father did take the Black Pearl."

Jack's breath hitched. "You mean... he locked it in a bottle?"

Angelica nodded again, explaining what she knew.

"Jack," she continued, "if you help me find the Fountain of Youth, I'll convince my father to return the Black Pearl."

Jack scoffed. "Oh, my dear, are you truly Blackbeard's daughter? That's the most naive thing I've ever heard."

"Jack!" Angelica snapped, her frustration evident.

Jack shrugged. "Blackbeard is the most ruthless pirate on the seas. I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him."

"Captain Sparrow is right," Wes interjected. "Which is why I made my offer first."

He stood up, his presence commanding. "Don't waste my time, Captain Sparrow. Give me your answer."

Jack weighed his options, his mind racing. If he refused, Wes would likely try to steal his magical compass instead.

He smirked. "Well then, Mr. Wizard... let's negotiate."