XXII. Examination Work

"Master Aran came to the Duchy to discuss the railway project with the King, hoping to break a gap in the huge wall in the western part of the Duchy to let the railway come through, facilitating trade between the two nations. Before the matter could be discussed, the King's envoy had us stay in a different residence for the night, planning to wait until the next day. Unexpectedly, Master Aran had a heart attack that very night. Alas..."

Claude became more and more distressed the more he thought about it, wondering why he had to stumble upon such an incident.

Fen, too, felt that this man was extremely unlucky. It could be somewhat understood if it was due to inadequate protection, but dying in the Beima Royal Mansion was a matter of life and death. It was indefensible, especially since the issue at hand was no trifle. This mess was too complicated to have any excuse, and even if he survived upon returning home, he would be ruined, his life effectively over.

"Could it have been poisoning?"

Fen sensed something fishy about the situation.

"That day was indeed chaotic; too many people, too many vague details, and now it's too late to say anything—the catastrophe has already occurred."

Claude actually harbored such suspicions too but didn't dare to face reality, instead bearing the blame upon himself.

Liszt's attention, however, was focused elsewhere. Although the group was intelligent, without the benefit of precedent, lessons summarized in history books from his old home suggested that something major was about to unfold.

"Damn it, you Aran people are planning to gobble up the entire eastern region, it's likely going to be war again."

Liszt lit a cigarette and speculated that, in the end, the son of the high official was merely a minor scout in the Emperor's eyes, sent to test the waters first. He had long said that the current King of Beima was a bit brain-dead, and he was truly on the verge of collapse.

"It's just the death of an envoy. Even if he was of a noble status, why would that start a war?"

Archer was also quite drunk, utterly oblivious to the mood. Claude's complexion turned sour, but Archer kept insisting the death of an envoy was nothing but a trifle.

"You should rest."

Fen felt like hitting someone; it was truly unbearable, even worse than being drunk.

Liszt continued, "War isn't about who kills more, but rather, who can quickly consolidate the captured territories and transform them into immediately usable resources. And once the railway is constructed, it will be far superior to canals, with seamless logistics and fast supplies. The wealth of resources under the exploitation of sweatshops could promptly be mobilized to the front lines, like sewing machines outperforming hand sewers. The Beima Duchy is already a nation of fugitives and thieves; if the railway is completed, let's say, it would take just ten days to march from the giant wall to Londen City, almost twenty times faster than the old King's half-year defeat and suicide. It would directly connect to the several ice-free ports on the East Shore, bypassing any middlemen making a profit."

In truth, Claude hadn't grasped the purpose behind constructing the railway; he had actually thought it was just to facilitate trade with the Far East Islands. If they really wanted convenience, it would be easier to simply capture it by force. This rationale made perfect sense to him, and he dared not return home—how was he to report this mess?

"The people on your ship are quite remarkable to have such foresight, especially now that the first railway has just opened."

Claude said to Fen, mistaking him for the Captain.

Liszt was close to spitting blood.

"Er... this is the Captain, Liszt, a man from the Far East Islands."

Fen made the introduction.

Liszt joked that his homeland was in the Far East of the Far East Islands, distant beyond belief.

Claude laughed awkwardly and punished himself with a drink to apologize, mainly because Fen seemed quite distinguished, whether in dress or in actions and words. Liszt, on the other hand, originally being a Cosmic Person, was comfortable to the point of explosion in his gaming chair, without any formality whether standing or sitting, unkempt, behaving like a "pirate" in any way he fancied, much less "modern" compared to Fen.

"Truly a captain, possessing such foresight."

Claude had gained a new level of respect for this band of pirates. The intelligence dealer had introduced him to other people before, but while they would not dare take him in, he didn't think much of that rabble.

"If you're willing to take us brothers in, as long as we don't kill civilians or the righteous, then killing is just that—killing. I'm not boasting, but with my men, those pirates at the port can be wiped out in the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee. We don't ask for ranks, just a living. Once the heat dies down and we've made enough money, we'll buy back our titles."

Claude spoke earnestly. Whether it was Fen or Liszt's conversation just now, he felt this group had much more potential than the last, a difference as vast as the heavens and the earth.

As for the drunkard they brought with them, at the end of the day, he was still a pirate; it's not like a bunch of poets earning money by exchanging verses.

Fen gave a signal to Liszt—it was time to leave. Securing such information made the trip worthwhile; indeed, there seemed to be a big shake-up coming. If the Emperor really made his move, Heaven Port could be in danger, and the pirates like himself left without a livelihood. Initially, he had reservations about seeking refuge with Mr. Chai, an old acquaintance from Londen City, but now it seemed that was the only way out.

"I follow three principles in everything I do. The third one is 'whoever can make money, makes money.' There's no place for bullying the weak in what I do. Not to hide anything from you, but two months ago, the whole family of the Lord of Blue Bay Port, all cultists, engaged in blood sacrifices with children, over twenty people, I chopped all of them."

Liszt took a puff of his smoke and spoke with growing enthusiasm.

Fen was speechless; it was time to go. Was he seriously considering taking on these braggarts?

Though that was said, Claude and his men could feel the distinct style of the East Shore pirates; unlike the petty hooligans inland, these were all hardcore desperados.

Liszt, however, had other plans and decided to make use of this group of men.

"If you want to come aboard, it's not impossible, but you need to present an Oath of Loyalty. If you trust me, take these ten Golden Dragons. Rest well in the city after your journey, preferably staying at the Dream Blue Hotel. In ten days or half a month, I might need your help with something. We'll meet at the Dream Blue Hotel, and if it works out, we'll set sail together, commanding respect across the seas."

Liszt opened his money bag, revealing shining Gold Coins engraved with the Time Dragon, took out ten, the dragon's emblem being far more popular than the old Dragon himself.

"We haven't done any work yet, how can we accept money?" Claude thought the favor might be a big one. Ten Gold Dragons was a significant sum, and he hesitated, "What do you need help with? Just tell me."

Liszt was at a loss for words. Who should he ask if not the Lord himself who had yet to speak? But he had to manage a response for now.

"What kind of help could it be? Obviously settling some business disputes," he answered calmly.

Ten minutes later.

The three men left the alley.

"Captain, are you really being foolish? Give me ten Gold Coins and I'll slice anyone up for you, but give it to a stranger and they might just take the money and run."

Archer looked disgusted.

"What do you know? Many times, it's not about spending money on blades, but rather showing you have the means to do so. Who would respect you otherwise? Where could those guys run to? Among those mixed up in Londen City right now, I hate to admit, but I'm the best there is."

Liszt played with his flintlock gun, boasting confidently.

Fen, on the other hand, seemed to have guessed Liszt's thoughts. In truth, Liszt was also quite uncertain about the big job ahead, and although it wasn't very noble, if the job did come, those men could be sent to scout things out first.