Chapter 327

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The pattern on this flag, due to its resemblance to the Celestial Dragons' "Nine Heavens Dragon's Hoofprints," caught Abel's attention. A large circle encompassing a smaller solid black one, with four black arrowheads, one pointing outwards in each cardinal direction. This is the emblem of the Kingdom of Briss. The vessel also had a unique design, with a snakehead sculpture at the front, boasting sharp teeth, an opened mouth, and sculpted scale patterns on its neck. It somewhat resembled a snake's head, yet in some aspects, it felt ambiguous, making it unclear what it precisely represented.

Abel's primary goal for coming here was to gather information and find a stable sales channel for the smuggled arms, so he didn't think much of it and entered the city. The local culture here indeed differed from other seas. For example, he noticed that the locals all applied a tar-like substance to their teeth—it was easy to tell from just a smile. The purpose remained unclear. Upon inquiring, he learned that it was a custom unique to certain parts of the South Sea, a tradition lasting hundreds of years, not solely practiced by residents of the Kingdom of Briss but by many nations.

After wandering around for a while, Abel rented a small manor to serve as a base for himself and his companions. They waited for the rest to gather and organize the intelligence collected. Due to the limited time, valuable information was sparse. Abel quickly reviewed what they had and targeted one individual.

Briss Ponce, the 18-year-old beloved youngest son of the reigning king and the most lawless scion of the entire nation. Relying on his favoritism, he had developed an arrogant and tyrannical personality, greedy for wealth and lustful. His outings always caused the people immense suffering—minor incidents led to loss of wealth, while serious ones resulted in the destruction of property and loss of lives. Despite appeals, who would dare to cross Prince Ponce, when the entire island and nation bore the Briss family name, just for the sake of a few lowly citizens? Furthermore, rumors reaching Prince Ponce's ears only incited him to become more relentless. Over time, the people became numb to it, as life had to go on.

Abel's hand rested on this name; perhaps he could leverage this man for his cause.

The next day, Abel used wealth to forge a path, successfully bribed his way layer by layer, and put a chest of valuable treasure in front of Prince Ponce. It was evident that those who could get close to him were all birds of a feather—all greedy and adept at flattery. However, this was convenient for Abel's purposes.

"This chest has some fine items. Tell me, who did you rob this time to have me clean up your mess?" asked Prince Ponce with a playful look on his face.

The sycophantic official with sharp features quickly put on a subservient smile and said, "You misunderstand, sire. This chest is a modest gift entrusted by someone to be presented to Your Highness."

"I bet you took a good share for yourself."

"Heh, just a little, only by the virtue of Your Highness's name."

"Enough, tell me what this is really about."

"The man is from outside, he wishes to open a trading company here, selling some cheap local specialties, little trinkets."

"Do you take me for a fool? These trinkets and local products aren't worth much, yet they justify you coming all the way here and bringing these treasures?"

Prince Ponce looked mockingly at his most trusted lackey.

"Hehe, nothing can escape the discerning eyes of the prince. Indeed, the visitors brought local specialty products, but they are the kind that can kill people," he said, making a gesture with his hand.

Prince Ponce looked surprised and asked, "What's their background?"

"The North Sea."

"Interesting, arrange a meeting for me. Oh, and the woman in the bed—she's yours as a reward."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

...

That night, Abel went to the palace alone for the appointment.

Knowing that the other party was greedy and lustful, he decided not to bring Baby-5 to avoid unnecessary complications.

If he couldn't control himself and killed Prince Ponce, that would be problematic.

"Remember, Prince Ponce detests being called weak."

"Whether or not you can persuade His Highness afterwards is entirely up to you. This is all I have to say, and there will be no refunds afterward," said Number One, his minion, in a low voice before pushing open the room's door.

Inside was a very effeminate guy being fed by several maids. With just a glance, someone would assist him with whatever he wanted to eat, making people wonder if he had lost the ability to care for himself.

No wonder he loathed being called weak.

He was the epitome of frailty!

Surely he couldn't even lift a fork?

"Who are you, and why do you not bow before me?" said Prince Ponce, trying to intimidate Abel upon meeting him.

Abel remained composed, though he'd already sentenced the prince to death in his heart—not yet, though.

"Your Highness, according to the customs of our homeland, guests who bring gifts need not adhere to some of the tedious formalities," Abel replied, throwing down the gauntlet and opening his black leather case to reveal bundles of cash inside, amounting to at least ten million Berries.

Prince Ponce couldn't take his eyes off the money after just a glance.

He'd already been bribed once; now again?

"Good, I like the gifts you bring. Let's dispense with the unnecessary formalities," the prince said. "Please sit; I'm very interested in the business you have in mind."

Abel casually placed the case aside and sat opposite him.

"This matter concerns business secrets; why rush, Your Highness?"

Prince Ponce, arrogant though he was, wasn't foolish. He caught the implication in Abel's words immediately and made a gesture for all the maids and guards in the room to leave.

In the palace, he wasn't worried about Abel doing anything to him.

"Now we can talk," said the prince.

"On my way here, I observed that the weapons used by your soldiers are outdated by several years and poorly maintained. Do you not want to make achievements to impress your father and silence your critics?" Abel inquired.

Prince Ponce's eyes gleamed for a moment. "Explain in detail."

Abel smiled then.

Indeed, the more debauched princes actually yearned to prove their worth, especially to those who looked down on them.

"I've brought the latest models of some 'toys' for His Highness, enough to help your country to upgrade. And the price is just 90% of the normal rate, including delivery to your doorstep."

"As for those 'junk' weapons that will be decommissioned, I'm willing to buy them back at a certain rate, considering it's you, Your Highness."

"How do you think the king will reward you then?"