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Chapter 241: Golden Flute Island
🕑 Added 2024-09-25 07:30:19 +0000 UTCReit rolled up the map, secured it in a small loop on his chest, and prepared to step aside. However, as the sailors transporting goods passed by him, Reit noticed a familiar pattern on the boxes and paused momentarily.
The pattern was unmistakable; many of the Daoton Merchant Guild's products and packaging featured this design. Thus, the affiliation of these sailors' fleet was clear.
Recalling the simulation, Reit remembered that Daoton Merchant Guild's ships had been plundered by the Red Moon Pirates, likely resulting in significant casualties. Standing still, Reit pondered for a moment and, out of goodwill, called out, "Sailors of the Daoton Merchant Guild up ahead, please stop for a moment. I have something to discuss with you."
The sailors, who had been rushing ahead, were initially reluctant to pause their work. However, considering that Reit was accompanied by a magical beast, they surmised his identity must be significant.
In caution, though not very willingly, they slowly set their cargo down, one hand supporting the over-one-meter-high boxes and the other resting on their waist as they took a break.
"Sir, huff, what can I do for you?" asked a middle-aged sailor with dark skin and a shaved head, indicating years of life at sea.
"Thank you. I'd like to inquire about a few things. You are sailors of the Daoton Merchant Guild, correct?" Reit asked with a friendly smile.
"That's right. See that large ship over there? That's one of the Guild’s vessels. We need to deliver the goods promptly, or we'll have our wages deducted," the dark-skinned sailor replied, his tone somewhat resentful, clearly displeased with the delay but reluctant to express it directly.
Reit looked in the direction indicated by the sailor and saw a two-masted alchemical sailing ship with the Daoton Merchant Guild’s intricate emblem on its flag. Earlier, another ship at the dock had blocked his view, preventing him from seeing the Daoton Merchant Guild's vessel.
"I see. In that case, I have a small gift for you," Reit said, retrieving a small pouch of gold coins from his pocket and pulling out about twenty pieces.
The clinking sound of the coins from the pouch was music to the sailors’ ears, instantly alleviating their fatigue.
Their eyes brightened, and the dark-skinned sailor's earlier displeasure vanished, replaced with respectful tones as he said, "Oh, sir, your generosity is as boundless as the ocean. As a wanderer of the seas, I extend my highest gratitude!"
Reit placed the coins on a wooden crate and smiled slightly. "I have a few more questions I’d like to ask..."
"Of course, sir, please go ahead! I grew up on the East Blue coast and have been a sailor for over ten years, so I’m well-acquainted with the matters of the sea. Any questions, I’ll answer fully," the dark-skinned sailor said proudly.
Reit glanced at him and pondered before asking, "When does the Daoton Merchant Guild’s fleet plan to set sail?"
"Tomorrow. Today is the last day for resupplying, so we need to hurry up and get the cargo ready," the sailor explained.
"And where is the destination?" Reit inquired.
The sailor hesitated at the direct question and shook his head, saying, "I can answer other questions unrelated to the fleet’s operations. But I’m sorry, the question you asked is confidential, and I cannot disclose it. Also, I’d like to know why you’re inquiring about our fleet’s destination?"
Hearing this, the other sailors also became more cautious, their gazes now tinged with suspicion.
"Heart, what are you doing just standing there? Hurry up and move the cargo! Don’t you understand the importance of today’s task? Are you trying to have your wages docked?" A harsh voice came from a distance.
Reit glanced over and saw an elderly man dressed in luxurious clothes leaning on the edge of the deck, observing the scene.
The sailors, upon hearing the reprimand, quickly acknowledged Reit and hurriedly shouldered their boxes, not looking back as they rushed towards the merchant ship.
Reit stayed put for two minutes, reviewing the route he planned to take. In the simulation, he had successfully tamed the elf, demonstrating his commitment. He needed to be thoroughly prepared.
For instance, he still didn't know which areas had the most frequent appearances of the Quake Armored Turtles and needed to prepare accordingly.
He intended to ask a seasoned sailor for more information, believing it would not be difficult to gather this information in a major port.
Scanning the surroundings, he noticed a densely packed area with many people in sailor attire and headed towards it. However, as he walked a few steps, he looked back at the Daoton Merchant Guild's ship. The dark-skinned sailors, after speaking with the elderly man, who then cast a sharp glance at Reit, indicating Reit’s keen perception of targeted emotions.
Soon after, the elderly man descended the ship and walked towards Reit.
Seeing this, Reit decided to wait. He surmised the elderly man’s status was not low and that he likely knew more about the East Blue region than himself, providing a chance to inquire further.
"Sir, may I ask why you inquired about the movements of our merchant ship?" The elderly man approached Reit, sizing him up and noticing that Reit’s identity seemed significant, though he couldn't pinpoint it precisely. He spoke in a restrained manner.
Reit’s travel had been kept low-profile, so his attire did not feature any family insignia, making it normal for outsiders to be unsure of his exact identity.
Moreover, even if they saw the family insignia, a new family located in the southwestern border of the kingdom, thousands of miles away from the East Blue coast, might not be familiar with the local nobility.
"It’s nothing much, just curiosity. I have close ties with the Daoton Merchant Guild, and since this is my first time in the East Blue coast and I encountered your convoy, I couldn’t help but ask a few questions," Reit explained, understanding the man's wariness. He offered a plausible excuse. A large fleet would naturally be wary of anyone inquiring about its route.
Reit’s explanation, while clarifying his curiosity, also hinted at his close connection with the Daoton Merchant Guild. The elderly man paused, re-evaluated Reit, and asked uncertainly, "May I ask who you are then?"
"Reit Green," Reit replied with a slight smile.
Reit Green? That name sounds familiar!
The elderly man suddenly recalled, realizing that Reit Green was the author of the book "Panlong."
He had been reading this book daily, with two copies resting on the bedside in the ship’s lounge, ideal for relaxing after a long day.
Moreover, the Guild headquarters held Reit in high regard. Though not publicly advertised, his extensive connections within the Daoton Merchant Guild suggested that his background, while not deep, was well-known.
"Oh, you’re Count Reit Green! I can’t believe I’d meet you here! Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Dashiel DeFei, the head of this merchant ship and the vice president of the local branch," Dashiel said, excited and with bright eyes.
"Could I ask you for a favor?"
"What is it? Just ask."
Dashiel lowered his head slightly, seeming somewhat embarrassed despite his age, and said, "It’s not a significant matter. I’d like to get your autograph. I’m a big fan of yours. The part in the book where Derinkowat sacrificed himself, why did you have him die? I was heartbroken for an entire day..."
Ah, Grandpa Derink, I was also quite upset during the early reading... Reit thought, a hint of understanding in his eyes. He looked at Dashiel and said, "It’s a small matter. Where would you like me to sign?"
"Of course, on my book. It’s in the ship’s lounge. If you’re willing, you can come aboard with me to retrieve it. If you have any place you need to go, I can also take you along," Dashiel said cheerfully.
Reit shook his head. "It’s alright. I have other matters to attend to later and can’t come aboard. You can bring the book to me, and I’ll sign it for you."
"Alright," Dashiel said, disappointed but understanding. His desire for the autograph was not as strong as his wish to further socialize with the Count, though it seemed the Count was not interested.
"By the way, I’d also like to inquire about something. In the East Blue region, where are the Quake Armored Turtles most frequently found?" Reit asked casually.
Dashiel pondered for a moment before answering, "Well, Quake Armored Turtles are rarely seen in the nearshore areas, but they can appear in many places in the offshore regions, though not in large numbers. However, since it’s April now, some Quake Armored Turtles like to come ashore to lay eggs, so they are more likely to appear on soft sandy islands.
If you need to hunt Quake Armored Turtles, I recommend checking out Leid Island, Bosi Island, Golden Flute Island, Akabia Island... These islands are known to be favored by Quake Armored Turtles."
Dashiel paused and then leaned closer to Reit, saying, "This information is confidential to our Daoton coastal branch and is not typically shared. I hope Count Reit will keep it confidential..."
"I understand," Reit mentally noted the names Dashiel mentioned and smiled. "Thank you. I will visit the local branch when I have the chance to see what differences there
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