Annalise and Sinbad stood beside Barbarossa. Rashid stood with his men. Barbarossa looks at Sinbad and Annalise with a smile on his face. Annalise wasn't sure what to think by the smile while Sinbad was staring with a little shock, a little worry, and a little hesitance.

"This is your chance... we can talk about everything you want to know." Barbarossa says, "I have nothing to hide."

"Um... What are we doing?" Sinbad asks as he and Annalise sat on horses. Annalise was currently trying to get her horse to go straight beside Sinbad when it wanted to wander.

"Horse riding, of course. Do you dislike horses?" Barbarossa asks.

"No, not really." Sinbad says.

'AHHH! WHAT ARE WE DOING IN A PLACE LIKE THIS?' Sinbad's thoughts say.

Sinbad and Annalise struggle with their horses while Barbarossa was having fun on his horse. They were in the outskirts of the capital city. They stare back at the city and Annalise's eyes widen.

"I enjoy coming here. There's no better feeling than riding a horse at full gallop." Barbarossa says.

"Is that so?" Sinbad asks.

"What? You're not satisfied?" Barbarossa asks.

"No, it's not that..." Sinbad says before he gulps, "Yes, I'm not satisfied. When I think of all the things we should discuss... to be frank, talking about horse riding seems... disappointing."

"I see. You're still fixated on that." Barbarossa says, "It's still bothering you that I used that magician to kill you and your friends, isn't it?" Sinbad and Annalise gasp in shock.

"That happened because we were enemies at the time. You were a felon who outwitted the imperial army and disgraced our princess. I was also given orders from the imperial army to punish my younger brother for his failure. That's why I instructed Falan to kill you all. I was only being faithful in the execution of my professional duties. It was nothing more or less than that. That's all there is to say about it." Barbarossa says.

"That's it?" Annalise asks.

"It sounds like you're saying that we're no longer enemies." Sinbad says.

"I am. Just as I said before, I'm no longer a soldier. There's no longer any reason for us to be rivals. That's all in the past." Barbarossa says. Annalise and Sinbad look at each other before looking at Barbarossa.

'This man... he really doesn't care either way. No, it's more like he isn't interested. He's not swayed by his emotions at all. It's good to be logical about things, but isn't this a little too much?' Sinbad's thoughts ask.

"That's enough of that talk, follow me." Barbarossa says and Annalise and Sinbad head after him, "What? You're an adventurer of the seven seas and you can't even ride a horse?" Sinbad ends up falling off the horse.

"What? You really can't right, can you Sinbad?" Barbarossa asks.

"Damn it..." Sinbad says.

"As a merchant, we only use horses to transport goods." Annalise says as she wrapped Sinbad's arm up.

"You seem to be a quick study. Adaptation is in your DNA after all." Barbarossa says, "If you didn't know how to ride a horse, you should have said so. But I'm glad you weren't badly injured."

"This is a bit much, isn't it?" Sinbad asks.

"Even if you think you're fine, I can't help by worry. Letting a guest like you get injured will hurt my credibility." Barbarossa says.

"Um, there's something I'd like to ask you." Sinbad says.

"You don't need my permission. Ask anything you'd like to ask." Barbarossa says.

'He's definitely confident...' Sinbad's thoughts say.

"You said earlier that us being enemies was all in the past. If that's true, then why are you so concerned about me now? In your current position, there's no reason for you to take an interest in me, is there? You could have just ignored me and let me pass by as nothing more than one of King Rashid's guards. But that's not what you did. And you've even taken all this time to bring be out here... I don't think you're the type of person who would do all this for no reason. Just what are you trying to accomplish?" Sinbad asks.

"Oh? So that's what's bothering you. That's simple. I'm interested in you." Barbarossa says.

"Huh?" Sinbad asks.

"It's natural isn't it? There's not a single person in this country who don't know who you two are. After all, you're an excellent example of Parthevians." Barbarossa says.

"Excellent Parthevians?" Sinbad asks.

"Sinbad, I believe that Parthevians are the most superior race in the world. When you look at the resources of Reim and Balbadd, Parthevia's land is barren in comparison, yet our people have developed a great empire on that land. That must be due to the fact that Parthevians are naturally a more superior race. You have Parthevian blood flowing through your veins. And your exceedingly superior. You're an ideal Parthevian. You're clever, wise, and overthrowing in strength. The outcome is just as you can se it. Your fame shows everyone just how exceptional of a person you are. Besides, haven't you felt it yourself? That you are someone special?" Barbarossa asks, "There's something strange about that. It's the truth. You are special. Isn't it natural for me to want to deepen my relationship with you? I want to more about you. So, Sinbad... won't you become friends with me?" Annalise's eyes widen as she stood beside Sinbad.

"You said both of us." Sinbad says.

"Well, isn't it obvious? Your wife is carrying your child." Barbarossa says and Sinbad and Annalise gasp, "It wasn't clear in the Balbadd outfit, but in this riding outfit that she's wearing, you can most definitely see it." Sinbad pulls Annalise into his arms protectively.

"Oh, you don't have to get all protective, I'm not going to hurt her or anything." Barbarossa says.

They continue moving about the area. Barbarossa gets hungry and demands fish. Sinbad teaches him how to fish and Barbarossa catches a few fish. Annalise watches Barbarossa closely and watches the area at the same time.

"Amazing, Sinbad. I did just as you said, and I caught one. Hey! Are you listening, Sinbad? We can't deepen our friendship if you act like this. Come one, teach me more about fishing." Barbarossa says.

'Come on, find the motive. It's got to be there.' Annalise's thoughts say.

'Why? Why this? This guy! First horses and now fishing?!' Sinbad's thoughts say.

"What? You weren't any good at horse riding, so I thought we'd try fishing. It doesn't look like you're having fun. You know, you're great at this. You really are skilled." Barbarossa says.

"That's because I was a fisherman, but..." Sinbad says.

"But what?" Barbarossa asks.

"It's not that I'm disappointed, but... this is a river, so it's just not the same as the ocean." Sinbad says.

"Whether it's in the ocean or in a river, fishing is just fishing, isn't it?" Barbarossa asks.

"Huh? They're not the same at all." Sinbad says, "River fish are mostly small. Unlike, the ocean, the water is relatively shallow. Those types of fish can't be caught just by dangling a hook in front of them. You have to read their movements."

"Oh?" Barbarossa asks.

"You have to read the waves and get out of in front of your opponent that's how you fish rom a boat. The sea is more impressive, because at times you can catch a school of thousands of fish at once. This doesn't begin to compare to the feeling of accomplishment you get when you beat such an opponent." Sinbad explains, "When we got a big catch, we often shared it with the other villagers, and... Ah, sorry. You're probably not interested in this at all."

"I don't mind. In fact, I'd like to hear more. I was born in the capital, so I don't know much about other places. I enjoy hearing about places I've never been. Besides, as I mentioned previously, I'm interested in you. It's natural for me to want to know more about my friend's hometown, isn't it?" Barbarossa says.

"My hometown was a small fishing village called Tison." Sinbad says.

So then, Sinbad told his story. About Tison village, about his family, about his father, how Annalise joined the family, and all about himself. Annalise wasn't sure if Sinbad should be telling Barbarossa all about that. They currently sat on a rock having a fire going. Annalise sat beside Sinbad while Barbarossa sat across from them.

"I see. So that's when you two set out for the dungeon..." Barbarossa says.

"Yes. Everything else is written in the stories of our adventures." Sinbad explains, "Although there may be some dramatization."

"Plenty of it you mean." Annalise says.

"Hey, at least I described you correctly. A beautiful fanalis who is now my beautiful wife." Sinbad says.

"There is much love between you two." Barbarossa says.

"Yeah, there is." Annalise says as Sinbad takes her hand.

"We have a goal. A goal to combat the injustice in this world. That's why we've traveled the world. I've gained allies and increased my strength. You said so yourself that you're no longer a soldier... so, you have no longer have an obligation to protect this country. Despite that, you founded a political party, and are working to change this country? Why?" Sinbad asks, "Because it's your native country? Or is there another reason? I don't understand your motives. If you really want to deepen our friendship, please tell me." Barbarossa nods as he stares at them.

"I have one motive. To make Parthevia and its people known throughout the world." Barbarossa says.

"Out of patriotism?" Sinbad asks.

"No. I told you before. The Parthevians are the most superior race in the world, and should no be treated unfairly, as we have been in the past. I must prove this to the world. I was trained to be a soldier from a young age and came to work in the royal palace. I've seen it with my own eyes. You know what I mean, don't you? The corruption of the nobles and bureaucrats, and all their follies... the bureaucrats and military authorities developed a collusive relationship and as a result, a large number of Parthevians because victims of their corruption. How foolish. Killing those of a proud race that surpasses all others. I couldn't just stand idly by and let that happen. In order to rectify that injustice, I changed our country's system. And we must work towards changing the way the world perceives us. You understand that, don't you? After all, you're fighting against the same injustice, desire change, and are a Parthevian, just like the rest of us." Barbarossa says.

"I appreciate your kind words, Lord Barbarossa, but that's not how I see things. I'm most certainly a Parthevian, and our child will know about it's ancestry, but I don't believe that Parthevians are a superior race. Currently, my company is full of diversity. Annalise is a Fanalis, and we have Imuchakk, Sasan, Reim, Balbadd as well... My allies from each country are excellent. I don't believe that any one race is better than others. The reason I've come this far is because of my own strength. It's not because I'm Parthevian. It's true that I wanted to save the citizens of Parthevia, but you and I are following different ideologies." Sinbad explains. Barbarossa stares at Sinbad with a slightly angry look before he nods.

"It's true. You were able to achieve all your success up to now because you're you. I can't deny that. No, rather, that's the answer, Sinbad. Wasn't the one who brought together people of all different races... you, a Parthevian?" Barbarossa asks and Sinbad's eyes widen before he gets a little angry, "That itself is proof. We are special. A race that should stand above others. We exist to lead the world. That is the role given to us as Parthevians." Sinbad stands in shock and Annalise looks at Sinbad as she wasn't sure what to say.

"You're saying that's our role? Do you really believe that?" Sinbad asks.

"Of course. You especially. You brought together such an unruly group of people in one company and have led them to success. You're the embodiment of the ideal every Parthevian should strive for. Superior people become leaders and rule the world. That's the goal I'm trying to achieve. You're already the personification of that ideal. The world has acknowledged your superiority. You're the symbol of our country... a leader." Barbarossa says, "I hold you in high esteem. Would you help me change the world?"

'This man is amazing. This must be how he's moved the hearts of the people. I'm special because I'm 'Parthevian'. It's a crazy idea, but if the people were taught to think that way, it would become a part of their national consciousness. People would develop total confidence and pride based solely on their bloodline. It would lead them to the delusion that they were specifically chosen to fulfill a superior role. Barbarossa... he uses his conversational skills to win over his opponent by appearing to their vanity. He's skilled. I can't deny that... but... he wants to use me... as the personification of his ideal. I won't let this go the way you've planned. No, this time... I'll use you...' Sinbad's thoughts say.

"I understand." He says aloud as he sits beside Annalise again, "Just as you said, I'm a Parthevian. A highly skilled race of people... and it's possible that I have unconsciously exhibited talents I have because I'm a Parthevian... but, I can't possibly be the personification of your ideal. I'm merely a merchant. As proof od that, even though I openly declared in my adventure stories that I would build my own country, Annalise and I are still nowhere close to being able to found one... all because I have no land. We even traveled to the dark continent in the far south, but all for nothing. As I am now, I don't even come close to the personification of your ideal." Annalise's eyes widen as she realizes what Sinbad was doing.

'He's turning the tides. He's backing Barbarossa into a trap.' Annalise's thoughts say, 'Just like Sinbad. I knew he'd do this.'

"What are you trying to say?" Barbarossa asks and Sinbad smiles before he places his hand against his chest.

"Please, let us build our own country. As a superior Parthevian, it would be strange if I failed... No, I must succeed. If you're going so far to call me the personification of your ideal, it would be unacceptable for my to be able to fulfill my declaration to build a country, wouldn't it?" Sinbad asks, "As a fellow Parthevian, I'd like to work together... but as I am now, I still lack the power I need so..." Sinbad speaks aloud as his thoughts were going wild. Barbarossa was busy listening to every word that Sinbad was saying. Annalise listens as well.

'That's right. You can't ignore me. Not if you want to use me as the personification of your ideal Parthevian, someone who should be superior and successful.' Sinbad's thoughts say.

"Please, give me the land I need to build a country." Sinbad says aloud. Everything goes quiet. Annalise listened to the sound of the water moving by as well as any nearby birds singing. Sinbad and Barbarossa say quiet as they stared at each other. Sinbad gulped before Barbarossa grins.

"Alright." Barbarossa says, "If you're willing to make that request of me, I certainly seem to have earned your approval. I accept."

'YES!' Annalise and Sinbad's thought say in unison.

"Thank you very much! I'm honored that you would accept." Sinbad says.

"But, how do you plan to build your country?" Barbarossa asks.

"How? What do you mean?" Sinbad asks.

"There are many forms a country can take. For example, are you setting up as your country as a territory of Parthevia, or are you planning to create a country completely independent from Parthevia? In order to make the best use of Sindria Trading Company, I think you should aim to set up an independent state known as a 'Commercial Zone'." Barbarossa explains.

"A commercial zone?" Annalise asks.

"Yes, for example, think of Ria Venus Island, the location of the Mariadel Company you seized control of. It remained a territory of Reim but was given autonomy and sovereignty to conduct its business free outside regulations. If you go that route, Parthevia would be there to assist in an emergency, but you'll need less land to get started. You'd just need to find a small city and make that into your country." Barbarossa explains.