Chapter 18

Chapter 18: "Running Adrian"

Since the conversation had reached this point, Goodman took the opportunity to explain to Adrian the circular structures commonly seen in the architecture of the Sabaody Archipelago. These structures are actually made of bubble-based materials.

All one needs to do is find a suitable-sized bubble, apply a layer of special material to its surface, and of course, follow some subsequent processing steps. Overall, it's quite easy to add a spherical floor to one's own building. On Lodge Street in No. 35 GR, many inns are constructed this way, saving time, effort, and money.

Adrian's expression was probably like this: OvO

It's not scientific, but it's very pirate-like.

As they continued talking, Goodman decided to take Adrian to negotiate the price with Bob. His reasoning was that the old shrewd merchant would definitely try to intimidate Adrian, seeing how young he was. Besides, the matter of the debt the old guy had piled onto Bayer for telling pirate stories still needed to be settled.

After dinner, as the tavern was nearing closing time, Adrian followed Goodman to the front of the tavern.

The tavern building had two stories when viewed from the outside. Instead of having a second spherical layer made of bubbles, the second floor was a regular pointed wooden structure. The first floor served as the tavern, while the second floor was for lodging. A small courtyard was fenced off behind the wooden building, and according to Goodman, there was an underground cellar used as a wine cellar.

Adrian actually wanted to ask whether it was even possible to dig a basement on the Sabaody Archipelago, which is essentially composed of the roots of the Yarukiman Mangrove trees. However, seeing that the island's surface was covered with flowers and even trees just like ordinary land, he concluded that if trees could grow on trees, then digging a hole on trees shouldn't be a problem. After all, the Yarukiman Mangrove's roots were so large that causing a bit of harm wouldn't be much of an issue... right?

[Bob's Tavern]

The signboard at the entrance was simple and straightforward, which seemed to be the naming style around here. Even the sign for Choppa's Bamboo Strike Bar was clearly displayed.

Adrian thought about whether he should name his future tavern "Adrian's Tavern," or perhaps "Grandpa's Tavern"?

"Goodman? Rare to see you here. Aren't you supposed to be a good man who comes to work and then goes home? Why would you spare time to come to my place?" Bob was bald with a thick stubble on his chin, the color of his beard slightly white, making him seem quite aged but still spirited.

The tavern's closing sign was already hanging outside. At this moment, Bob was wiping a wine glass with a piece of white cloth.

Without waiting for Goodman's response, he immediately turned his gaze to Adrian and said loudly, "I recognize this young man. 'Running Adrian,' right? I heard from little Bayer that you're currently living in his house?"

Because Adrian's running figure was spread throughout the streets and alleys of Island No. 59, almost everyone had seen him running. His nickname was given to him by drinking buddies, and some bored folks even started betting on whether he would pass by a certain location the next day.

Adrian, on the other hand, had a puzzled expression. What on earth was "Running Adrian"? Who came up with such a ridiculous nickname? He was just running normally; when did he start "running like crazy"?

Goodman impatiently interjected, "Alright, alright. Since you know him, stop the nonsense. To be honest, this young man, Adrian, is slightly interested in your tavern. In order to help out this poor old man who wants to retire, he's thinking of buying it. Give him a fair price."

Hearing this, Bob put down the wine glass, "Huh, young man, you've got good taste. This tavern of mine has been in business for 30 years. We have a lot of regular customers, and the monthly income is at least this much!"

Bob stretched out a hand with his five fingers spread wide. Adrian couldn't tell if he was indicating 50,000 or 500,000 Berries.

"Since you're recommended by Goodman, I'll give you some face. Just 12 million Berries, and I'll transfer the tavern to you immediately."

Goodman interrupted, "For a shabby building that's been around for thirty years, it's surprising you're asking for such a high price!"

"I say, Goodman, we've known each other for decades. Have you ever given me a discount of even a single Berry? Moreover, I didn't cut the price too drastically. You saw the condition of that place yourself five years ago when it was rebuilt. If you want to help bargain, you should come up with a proper reason, shouldn't you?"

Goodman slammed the table, "Fine, then let's talk about how you've influenced Bayer!"

Bob's face turned stern, "Things we tavern folks brag about—how can you blame me for that?"

Goodman acted stubborn, "I don't care. I trusted you when you brought Bayer here to play. And then you pull something like this!"

Bob conceded, "Alright, alright, I'm afraid of you now. Since you've brought it to this level, I'll give you a bottom line. Including the stocked liquor, as well as these furnishings, it'll cost at least 10 million Berries. Otherwise, I'll be at a loss."

Goodman felt the price was already slashed quite a bit. He patted Adrian's shoulder, "Now, young man, it's your turn to make a decision. To be honest, in my opinion, those wooden tables, chairs, and counters of his are roughly made and not worth much."

"Hey hey, Goodman, we've been friends for decades. Why do you always side with this kid and challenge me?"

Goodman didn't buy it, "Friends for decades? Have you ever given me a discount even once? And I haven't negotiated too harshly. If you'd just announced that price, the tavern would've been sold long ago. There's no need for it to drag on until today."

"Businessman, do you understand the concept of being a businessman? You can't mix business with sentimentality." Bob mumbled under his breath, then turned to Adrian, "This 'Running Adrian'..."

"Please drop the 'Running.' Thank you!"

"Alright then, Adrian, how much are you willing to offer?"

Adrian tentatively said, "6 million?"

Bob's eye twitched. He feared that this newcomer might give an absurd price. It would be better to negotiate with Goodman a bit more.

Goodman also felt that Adrian's offer was a bit too low. He stepped in to mediate.

Finally, they settled on a price of 9 million Berries, with 7 million paid upfront and the remaining 2 million to be paid within two years, with some interest added.

Adrian had about 1 million Berries left as working capital to buy drinks, food, or replace and add tables and chairs.

The next day, Bob accompanied Adrian to the organization on Island No. 63 to handle some paperwork. This organization was the branch of the World Government managing the Sabaody Archipelago. From now on, Adrian

would have to pay taxes as a legitimate citizen of the archipelago, or as they called it, contribute "Heavenly Gold."

Although Adrian found it a bit distasteful, he now enjoyed the protection of the Marines and the World Government. He could consider this tax as a protection fee.

After introducing Adrian to his supplier and providing perfect after-sales service, Bob efficiently moved out of the tavern. He had a house on Island No. 58 nearby, where he could go fishing, sunbathe, and play cards with old friends.

As for Adrian and Tom, on June 3rd in the year 1510 of the Sea Circle Calendar, in this unfamiliar world, they finally had a house of their own, or one might say, their "home."

Actually, I always thought the green areas on the Sabaody Archipelago were moss. Later on, I realized they were actually grass. Two years later, when I came back to the series, there's a scene where Zoro and Sanji are arguing in the background, and you can clearly see a small tree...