598 Windfall (1/2)
In a corner of the Amyris Leaf Bar.
Elland found a man wearing a coffee-colored jacket, patted him on the shoulder, and laughed.
”Why aren't you drinking Lanti Proof?”
The man was in his thirties, having a rather common face. It was obvious that he had Loen blood running through his veins.
He had brown hair and eyes, with a somewhat high nose bridge. His tipsy appearance instantly vanished as his eyes turned sharp.
He swept a glance at Elland and Klein before his eyes turned turbid again. He said, sounding completely intoxicated, ”I've already drunk. I'm drinking Zarhar to lessen the effects of the alcohol.”
Zarhar was a locally-produced malt beer. It was cheap and tasted quite good.
Elland chuckled and pointed at Klein.
”Gehrman Sparrow.”
Then, he introduced the man to Klein, ”Oz Kent You can call him Kent.
”Chat amongst yourselves. I'll have to return to make preparations. I'll be setting off early, tomorrow morning.”
He waved his hand and left without any hesitation.
Klein pulled over a nearby chair and sat down. He didn't get any alcohol as he expressionlessly looked at Oz Kent
The staring made Kent feel extremely uncomfortable as he downed a mouthful of Zarhar and said, ”Find me if there's anything in the future. You'll be paid as long as you provide any intel of value, or if you help us do certain things.”
He wasn't worried that the drunkards around them would hear their conversation, as many gangs and pirate crews would say the same thing. The words used to rope in informants were usually the same.
”Alright.” Klein had the strong urge to ask if he could be reimbursed for dressing up as Helene to assassinate Vice Admiral Ailment despite it being paid by Danitz.
However, it was just a thought.
Oz Kent chuckled while appearing completely drunk.
”I heard Elland mention some things about you, but I have to remind you that one shouldn't be too crazy out at sea. You need to take note and try your best not to provoke the pirates. What I mean is to not fight them head-on. Privately providing us information would be fine. We will keep it a secret for you.”
This time, he had clearly suppressed his voice.
Seeing no response from Gehrman Sparrow, he added, ”Pirates wouldn't bother with any chivalrous code, nor will they abide by the kingdom's laws and rules. Burp. If you have a family at different port cities or some island colony, they'd definitely be capable of attacking your family.”
Family... Klein fell silent for a second before calmly saying, ”I do not have a family.”
Oz Kent was nearly at a loss for words. All he could do was say, ”They will also attack your friends.”
Then, he heard Gehrman Sparrow reply in an unperturbed tone, ”I do not have friends.”
Oz Kent instantly choked up. He subconsciously drank a mouthful of Zarhar beer to calm himself.
After coughing twice, he said in a deep voice, ”They will also ambush you. They will also bribe people to learn about your schedule and intercept your ship. At sea, a single person's strength is often so inconsequential.”
Klein said rather calmly, ”I wouldn't reject them from giving me money.
”That's basic courtesy.”
Giving money? Oz Kent was clearly taken aback as he found Gehrman Sparrow's words incomprehensible.
A few seconds later, he realized that the man was treating pirates as mobile bounties.
He drank mouthful after mouthful of beer, momentarily at a loss for words.
In the basement of the Amyris Leaf Bar.
”An unknown adventurer?” Wormtongue Mithor King's mind stirred as he sat straight up.
Strongman Ozil nodded.
”According to Blue Eyes Meath, that adventurer is new. He likely hasn't been to the archipelago for long, but Meath felt that he was considerably dangerous.”
Considerably dangerous? Could he be the person who killed Steel Maveti and company with Blazing Danitz? Could it be the person who disguised himself as Helene to attack Captain? Mithor immediately made certain connections as he asked with a deep voice, ”Do you have his photograph or a portrait?”
Ozil beckoned to a subordinate and received a piece of white paper.
”We used a ritual to get Blue Eyes Meath to draw the unknown adventurer's appearance. As you know, it's different having a firm footing in Bayam's underground world than being a successful pirate. I need supporting members. Sigh, to hire them, I spent quite a bit of money.”
Mithor could read between the lines as he chuckled.
”As long as you get to the bottom of this matter, Captain wouldn't be stingy with her reward.”
He took the portrait, spread it out, and discovered a cold-looking man with black hair and brown eyes. His face was slightly thin, and he had a cut face. He wore a black double-breasted frock coat and a half top hat.
Never seen him before. It's impossible to confirm if he's the person who disguised himself as Helene... Mithor raised his head and said, ”Find out his identity and whereabouts.”