Jason and the others hadn’t expected it. They had only learned a few days ago that people from the outside world might arrive after so ti. They hadn’t anticipated it happening today. Moreover, their first encounter was with such a large vessel—essentially the largest they had ever seen.
The ship’s hull was a mix of black and gray. The center of its white sail, painted a pale gray, bore the image of a hand holding a Gold Coin. It was uncertain whether this emblem belonged to this rchant ship’s fleet or represented an even larger power.
Jason observed only one row of cannon ports on each side, indicating a single cannon deck. This hardly seed to match the ship’s size. But considering it was a rchant ship, such firepower seed sowhat excessive. After all, even a single row of cannons on such a large vessel was quite impressive. The ship’s combat capability couldn’t be low either.
However, the cannon ports were closed, so Jason couldn’t ascertain the specifics of the cannons within. He was very curious about the naval guns of the Endless Sea; from what he could imagine, they seed superior in every aspect to those of the Holand Sea.
As Jason watched, a tall, slender, and sowhat frail-looking man descended from a small boat. Judging by his attire, he was likely the ship’s captain. His crew mbers followed behind him. The town mayor went right up to him, and they embraced with a smile. They seed to know each other well. However, they were too far away for Jason to hear their conversation.
The tall, slender captain suddenly pointed to the nearby Sound of Dawn, seemingly asking sothing. The mayor also smiled and offered an explanation. Afterward, people from both sides began transporting goods. The captain and the mayor, surrounded by their respective guards, then entered the small town.
"Lucilia, what do you think of that captain’s strength?" Jason asked, watching the two as they walked away.
Lucilia, standing on a nearby barrel, shook her head. "I’m just a puppet now; I can’t tell. You should ask Chadite or Julia. If not them, Alka might know."
Ling and Yi also nodded in agreent.
Watching the three of them, Jason sighed. So, they had co together to gather intelligence, but apparently, only he was actually doing it. Lucilia was just the translator. Ling and Yi were rely accessories. Never mind, I’ll just continue gathering intelligence myself.
He imdiately scanned the nearby crowd and found an old Hunter he’d seen drinking in the tavern the previous night—one who could speak the common tongue of the Holand Sea. He approached with a smile and said, "Hi, Steel Rock! My friend, I didn’t expect to see you here. Are you up for a drink tonight?"
The old Hunter’s nose was slightly red, and he still seed a bit groggy; clearly, he was a heavy drinker. Hearing soone call his na, he turned to look. The man in front of him looked familiar, but he couldn’t quite place him.
Seeing Jason’s enthusiasm, he smiled and replied, "Your treat?"
"Haha, of course, my treat!"
"My friend, I’m glad you asked, but I don’t think I can make it tonight." The old Hunter, seeming to recall Jason, shook his head regretfully.
Jason nodded with understanding and didn’t press further. Instead, he glanced at the ti of day and said, "Then... how about now?"
"...Now? That might not be such a good idea," the Hunter said, his tone hesitant.
"Haha, co on! Good wine shouldn’t be missed."
And just like that, Jason laughed and entered the tavern with the old Hunter he had only t the previous night.
Lucilia watched silently as Jason headed off for a drink with the Hunter, just like they were old friends. "Honestly, I’m starting to admire him a little," Lucilia murmured. How did he manage to get so friendly with a stranger in just a few hours, in a single evening? Their communication wasn’t even that smooth. It’s baffling. Truly, everyone has their own strengths.
Lucilia sighed softly. Then, the three puppets—herself, Ling, and Yi—slipped into the shadows beneath a wine barrel and vanished. As soone who could understand their language, Lucilia didn’t necessarily need direct conversation to gather intelligence; eavesdropping was an excellent thod too. This was a rare opportunity, and Lucilia, who was developing her skills as an assassin and thief, certainly wouldn’t let it pass.
When the white birds on the island took flight and returned to their nests once more, Alka’s group also began their return journey. This ti, however, they didn’t return empty-handed; they carried various kinds of prey with them. They hadn’t specifically hunted these creatures; rather, the creatures had the misfortune of blundering into them. It would be a sha to waste them. Since these creatures dared to attack them, it was only natural they’d leave sothing behind.
When Alka’s group dragged a large pile of prey into the town, it attracted the attention of the surrounding islanders. But that was the extent of it; the islanders seed accustod to such sights. Outsiders who stayed on the island for any length of ti always seed to return with a load of prey. Given the island’s environnt, this was inevitable.
anwhile, Jason, drinking in a nearby tavern, watched this unfold. Seizing every chance, he began asking questions of the drinkers around him.
「Until night fell once more.」
Alka and his companions dismbered the carcasses beside the small house they had rented. They piled the various materials and hides together, planning to transfer them to the ship’s hold at dawn.
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