Regret it? He wouldn't.
When Elizabeth fell into the sea in the movie, the situation was far more complicated than it seemed. A slightly stronger gust of wind or a different angle of descent, and she might have landed directly on the reef.
There was no need to dwell on what would happen then, Ethan wasn't even willing to imagine that scene.
Falling into the sea in the film could be chalked up to Elizabeth's sheer dumb luck, or simply the way the script was written. But this was the real world, and no one knew what might happen. It was one thing if he hadn't realized the danger before, but now that he did, how could he just stand by and watch Elizabeth take such a risk?
Ethan abandoned the idea of steering the plot back on track. Even if he wanted to, pushing Elizabeth into the sea was definitely not the way to do it.
With a glass of wine in hand, he savored the taste of pure Caribbean rum, quietly waiting for the reception to end.
The Governor had intended to introduce him to a few acquaintances, but he seemed preoccupied and unable to get away. He merely gave Ethan an apologetic glance, silently granting him the freedom to do as he pleased.
However, since the reception was being held in a military camp, there wasn't much room to wander. Outside of this designated area, movement was restricted.
Brigadier General Norrington was a meticulous soldier. While preparing for this ceremony, he had also arranged a flawless security detail. The placement of soldiers wasn't excessive, just enough to prevent any guests from getting too drunk and stumbling into restricted areas.
Ethan could only find ways to pass the time, but fortunately, Elizabeth soon appeared and approached him, finally giving him someone to talk to.
"Where's Norrington?"
Ethan glanced around and noticed that Elizabeth had come alone. Not only was Norrington absent, but he hadn't returned to the reception at all.
"He… had some personal matters to attend to."
Elizabeth's expression was unnatural, and she seemed reluctant to explain further. Seeing her reaction, Ethan immediately understood.
"Poor Norrington."
He didn't just think it, he said it outright, causing Elizabeth to glare at him.
"You know? How do you know?"
"It's simple." Ethan took another sip of rum. He rarely drank, and when he did, he took his time. He had been nursing this glass for half an hour and still hadn't finished it. "A young officer at the peak of his career suddenly has a private conversation with a young woman. What else could it be about? It's not as if he's discussing the next military deployment in Port Royal, is he?"
Elizabeth kept her eyes fixed on him. "I meant—how did you know I rejected him?"
That question wasn't particularly clever. Ethan simply pointed at her, then gestured around them.
Elizabeth glanced around and nodded. She still hadn't completely shaken off the awkwardness from earlier. But after a moment to collect herself, her sharp mind kicked back into gear.
If she had accepted, she wouldn't be here, standing alone and chatting with Ethan in a quiet corner. Instead, she'd be with Norrington, and this celebration might have turned into an engagement party.
The atmosphere grew a little awkward. Elizabeth couldn't think of a topic, while Ethan was considering his next move.
Following the plot was no longer an option. Jack Sparrow was unpredictable, if he wanted to make contact, it would be best to do so within the next few days while Jack was still in sight. Otherwise, finding him later would be a hassle.
"Looks like a mutually beneficial deal with Captain Jack is my best bet."
He had hoped to build a rapport first, but now it seemed that interests would be the key to convincing Jack to help.
He wasn't worried about Jack refusing. He was confident he could offer terms the infamous pirate couldn't turn down.
The Black Pearl… Barbossa… even Davy Jones…
Ethan weighed his bargaining chips while considering whether to leave early. Right now would be a good time to find Jack, who was likely entertaining himself by messing with two clueless soldiers at the docks.
Just as he was about to make a decision, Elizabeth's voice interrupted his thoughts.
"What are you thinking about?"
Turning his head, he saw the Governor's daughter staring at him with an unhappy expression.
She was clearly displeased. A high-status lady, a renowned beauty, standing right in front of him, yet Ethan hadn't spared her a proper glance. It was downright rude.
"Sorry, I was just wondering if I should leave."
"Leave?" Elizabeth looked around, then suddenly thought it was a great idea. This place was rather awkward for her. After all, this was Norrington's event, and she had just rejected his rather absurd proposal.
"I'll go with you."
"Huh?" Ethan raised an eyebrow at her. That could easily be misunderstood.
"This place is making me uncomfortable."
"Oh~ I see."
Ethan had no intention of escorting her home. If he wanted to leave, he needed someone to lead the way, this was a military camp, and coming and going wasn't so simple.
With Elizabeth being the governor's daughter, things became much more convenient. While few guests left early, there were still soldiers stationed at the exits. Of course, they didn't stop them, but the looks they gave Elizabeth and himself made Ethan uncomfortable.
"I think new rumors will start spreading soon."
"What?"
"Nothing."
At this point, Elizabeth was still a bit naïve and oblivious to what was happening around her.
To minimize any potential gossip, Ethan deliberately avoided riding with Elizabeth. Instead, he made a show of personally seeing her off to the carriage in front of the guards. He stood in place and waved her goodbye, making sure it was clear that they weren't leaving together.
"Aren't we going together? You live not far from my house. I don't mind giving you a ride."
Ethan waved a hand dismissively. "I still have things to do, I'm heading to the docks."
Hearing that, Elizabeth didn't press further. In fact, she had already realized the awkwardness of the situation as soon as she invited him. Fortunately, Ethan hadn't actually gotten into the carriage.
As Elizabeth firmly shut the door and her carriage rolled away, Ethan suddenly remembered something important, an item still in her possession.
"I almost forgot about that gold coin."
If Jack couldn't track down the Black Pearl with the compass, that gold coin could still be used to lure Barbossa out.
Glancing at the now-distant carriage, Ethan decided to meet with Captain Jack first and then figure out whether he needed to retrieve the gold coin from Elizabeth.
Things were getting complicated.
Ethan didn't like complications. He preferred simpler, more direct solutions.
Shaking his head, he made his way toward the docks. The fortress wasn't far from the pier, so he arrived quickly.
There, he spotted the absolute protagonist of the Caribbean world—Jack Sparrow, who was currently toying with two unsuspecting soldiers.
With his signature smudged eyeliner, exaggerated mannerisms, and that slurred, roundabout way of speaking, Jack felt exactly like his movie counterpart. Ethan had yet to involve himself in the plot, but Jack had already taken notice of him and was now shifting the focus of attention.
"You said civilians aren't allowed on this pier, so what about that man?"
The two dimwitted soldiers immediately turned toward Ethan, completely forgetting that Jack was still standing aboard the Royal Navy's fastest warship, the Interceptor.
Watching their reaction, Ethan had the sudden urge to cover his face.
"I heard at the reception that the Interceptor is the fastest ship in the Caribbean, so I came here to see it for myself."
"The reception?" One of the soldiers frowned. "What reception?"
"The one at the fortress."
Ethan pointed in the direction of the celebratory gathering. Naturally, the two soldiers knew about it—it was, after all, an event in honor of their commanding officer, Norrington, being promoted to brigadier general. By mentioning it, Ethan was essentially revealing his identity, making it clear that he wasn't just some random civilian sneaking around.
"You were at the reception? How do you prove it?"
Huh? Their intelligence suddenly seemed to be online.
Ethan had assumed they were just playing dumb earlier, but now he was starting to second-guess himself.
The problem was, he really had no way to prove it.
"Looks like I can't." Ethan spread his hands. "But I'm just here to look around, I won't get too close. Unlike that gentleman over there, who's already leaving the ship."
With that, the focus of attention shifted back to Jack Sparrow.
Jack had been hoping to steal the ship while the two soldiers were busy questioning Ethan, but his plan was exposed before he even got started.
Faced with the loaded muskets pointed at him, Jack stopped moving and flashed a charming smile.
"Actually, I just wanted to inspect every little detail of this fine vessel."
Then, with exaggerated care, he stepped off the ship.
Finally, he patted the Interceptor's hull. "It really is a fine ship."
Then he turned to the two soldiers, giving each a pat on the shoulder. "And you're fine soldiers. Excellent work."
The two idiots, pleased with the praise, let Jack go.
But Jack quickly realized something, Ethan was still following him.
At first, he wasn't sure, but after making several turns and still finding Ethan behind him, Jack became certain.
So, he stopped in a more secluded alley and turned to face him.
"Have we met?"
"No."
Jack squinted, trying to figure out Ethan's intentions. Was he an upstart noble looking to make a name for himself by capturing the infamous Jack Sparrow?
Judging by his appearance and demeanor, he probably was. Jack had seen far too many self-important young men who thought too highly of themselves.
"You know who I am?"
"Yes."
Ethan could guess what Jack was thinking. This guy was sharp and quick to act. If Ethan didn't stabilize the situation fast, Jack might disappear without a trace.
So he got straight to the point.
"Jack Sparrow—I want to do business with you."
***
Checkout my new books under Reading List on my Profile.
For every 100 PS = 1 extra chapter. Support me on patreon to read 30+ advanced chapters: patreon.com/Blownleaves