📜 Previously on Reincarnated Prince of Kaligarh:
Aryan reached the coastal city and inspected a new warship design inspired by his past life. While roaming the port, he saw a group of young fishermen who had captured a pirate vessel. Seeing their courage, he saw in them the seed of Kaligarh's first navy.
SCENE 1 – PORT HARBOR [DAY]
Waves crashed against the docks as Aryan stood with his arms crossed, the wind tugging at his royal cloak. Before him, the barefoot fishermen stood in a nervous line, eyes wide, still holding their crude nets and harpoons.
ARYAN
(raising his voice sharply)
Do you boys want to waste your lives chasing sardines—or do you want to become the first men of Kaligarh's navy?
The group straightened, stunned.
ARYAN (pointing to the sea)
You captured a pirate ship with nothing but guts and nets. That takes more than luck—that takes courage. I ask you now: serve your kingdom. Defend our coast. Sail under my banner!
FISHERMEN (in unison)
Yes, Rajan! We'll serve!
Aryan smiled faintly. Among them, the oldest—Noyon, a lanky man in his mid-20s—stood with a glimmer of something more in his eyes.
SCENE 2 – SEA-TAVERN "THE BROKEN WAVE" [EVENING]
A noisy tavern overlooking the waves. Lanterns swung in the sea breeze. Pirates, smugglers, and sailors laughed over spilled ale and half-finished fish platters.
Noyon pushed through the crowd and spotted a man in a red coat with a curved dagger at his side. He had wild black hair, a neatly kept beard, and a look of power in his dark eyes.
NOYON
(in disbelief)
Salak…?
The man turned, then laughed deeply and clapped Noyon on the back.
SALAK
Noyon! I thought you were shark bait years ago!
NOYON (grinning)
Close—but I just joined a navy.
SALAK (sitting upright)
A navy? From Kaligarh? That place barely had boats!
NOYON
Not anymore. The new prince… he's different. He's building something. We captured a pirate ship, and he made us soldiers on the spot.
SALAK (interested)
Hmm... Maybe it's time I dropped anchor too.
NOYON (surprised)
You? But you're... well... you! One of the most feared pirates alive!
SALAK
(chuckles)
Which is why I'll need a clean identity... if your prince wants my sword and my crew.
SCENE 3 – ROYAL GUEST HALL [NIGHT]
Noyon stood before Aryan in a modest hall lit with oil lamps. The prince sat at the head, calm and alert.
NOYON
Rajan... a friend of mine wants to join. He's a pirate, yes, but he's never harmed anyone from Kaligarh. He asks only one thing—new names, new lives for him and his crew.
ARYAN
(interested)
He came to you? Alone?
NOYON
Yes, my lord. He's waiting outside.
Aryan paused, then gestured.
ARYAN
Bring him.
SCENE 4 – ROYAL CHAMBER – MOMENTS LATER
Salak entered, alone but with pride in every step. His coat flared, his boots silent. The guards tensed, but Aryan raised a hand.
ARYAN
You walk into a king's court with no guards, no weapons drawn. Aren't you afraid I'll hang you as an outlaw?
SALAK
I came alone because I trust you. You're building something powerful, something I've never seen. I want in. And besides, I've never raided Kaligarh, never killed its people. You've no grudge against me.
Aryan stood and walked toward him.
ARYAN (smiling faintly)
You'll need more than words to earn my trust. But... your presence tells me you're smarter than most. Very well. You'll be captain of my new warship division.
Salak dropped to one knee, head bowed.
SALAK
Then I, Salak of the Red Dagger Fleet, pledge my sword, my ship, and my loyalty to Aryaveer—King of Kaligarh.
Aryan nodded.
ARYAN
Rise, Captain Salak. From this day forth, you are reborn.
End of Chapter 49