Black Sail
Chapter 465: XCVI. Big Fish

Chapter 465: XCVI. Big Fish

Aran’s high-end venues typically do not hire Tiger-men as waiters, as thieves are more numerous than the air in a chip bag, given their reputation, with all its ups and downs.

But that was then, and this is now.

Nowadays, the very highest-end places definitely have Tiger-men waiters, representing a stance of the Royal Court; otherwise, when financiers from Aisnor Province come to play, there are insiders everywhere in the Royal Court. Any slight clue revealed would reach the Emperor’s ear immediately, and you can forget about doing business.

Even so, Cloud Palace’s Tiger-man waiters were few, just five or six to make a gesture.

The person who received Zahak and others was a human, and Swan had no choice but, when he left the private room, to deliver a neat punch.

Using a hand chop on the back of the neck could cause the blood vessels to temporarily collapse, leading to fainting from insufficient blood supply to the brain, and potentially life-threatening.

A punch, on the other hand, is quicker, an uppercut to the chin, just as effective.

Swan didn’t necessarily want to kill, but to eavesdrop on what Zahak and the others were discussing. Sky Inn wouldn’t land until 2 p.m. the following afternoon, giving plenty of time to act. He wouldn’t engage in open combat, preferring to strike fatally during deep sleep.

Pretending to support the "drunken" male waiter who received Zahak into the cloakroom, Swan stuffed him inside.

He changed into the waiter’s uniform. There was no time for a complete disguise, but after making some changes, though still a Tiger-man, he would not be recognized.

Everything was prepared, and Swan walked toward room 626, Zahak’s room.

Proceed by the rules.

Only after three rounds of drinks and five flavors of dishes could they talk about serious matters.

Nowadays, the Royal Court’s discipline was strict, and nobles seen in such places would be considered vulnerable to blackmail.

Although Sky Inn placed extreme value on privacy, the individuals involved held high positions and had no need to take such risks.

Thus, even though room 626 was a private box, it only featured a musician whose entrance fee was not high, including an old man with a face full of wrinkles. This was the professional team, purely musical, all old artists skilled in technique, playing soothing melodies.

While the group chatted, the waiter changed to a Tiger-man silently serving tea and water.

Zahak became somewhat vigilant.

"Where did the previous waiter go?"

Zahak questioned Swan.

"I am terribly sorry, he has a stomach ailment which flared up fiercely just now, so I have come to replace him."

Swan answered neither humbly nor arrogantly, tightening the white gloves he wore. The standard of this box was the same as Rein’s, where even pirate murderers now consumed on a General’s budget, which was certainly interesting.

Zahak and the others weren’t at all concerned about the waiter leaking any secrets; such a thing was entirely normal in Aran.

After mutually flattering and three rounds of drinks, it was time, buoyed by a slight buzz from the alcohol, to discuss the real business at hand.

"Liszt is a big fish; according to the relevant regulations, non-international violent groups with an armed size of over ten thousand and actual occupied land exceeding five million hectares will be rewarded according to the merits of a regional Lord. Since Liszt is based in the East Sea, the actual number of armed personnel and the maritime territory controlled, including coastal areas of various countries, an extra level is added. So, Liszt’s current status is roughly equivalent to a Feudal Official of an enemy state, and suppressing him could lead to a promotion to General. In the Aran Navy, aside from the Commander and three Commanders, it is the highest military rank, even entitled to an audience with the Emperor."

The Navy official began selling the product, which was in strict demand, and continued: "Lately, those seeking me out have worn a path to my door; everyone is happy to deal with some bandits and pirates."

Meaning, this deal had a high cost-performance ratio and worry-free after-sales service. Whoever was assigned to it would essentially handle it with ease, not least because Aran’s support for troop and supply quotas was extremely generous.

Doringger once received this treatment, but Doringger kept a low profile and had no conflicts with Aran, managing East Sea issues particularly well. Aside from offending the East Sea Pirates, he hadn’t upset anyone, and Aran had no interest in going to a far-off trouble, not worth the effort.

Liszt was different; aside from not offending the East Sea Pirates, he had offended everyone.

In the eyes of outsiders, he was definitely a mad dog, attacking anyone he spotted. The intelligence networks of various countries weren’t for show; they had noted the furious expansion in the East Sea, reaching out to the Western Continent and the Far East coastlines, and Liszt had gathered the rebel parties of Pedan and Mirror Sea Wetland, among others. Using his status as an Old Cannon of the Northern Realm, he wielded considerable influence in the underworld, colluding with forces like the Cangshan Tobacco Company, Recovery Association, and even the Seventh Amendment, forming an interest group bound by shared dividends.

Mulong Duchy’s matter was like a toad playing at skydiving, audaciously jumping right into a minefield.

Doringger only dared to operate through the East Shore, passing through the Giant Wall, transporting goods inland.

Liszt, adhering to the principle of proximity, opened up the Great Wetland, directly provoking confrontation, not to mention the train robbery that pressured everyone.

If not to deal with him, then whom?

Swan, with his professional excellence, listened with a pounding heart but showed nothing on the outside. Indeed, from the end of last year to this June, it was time to settle accounts.

In Liszt’s own words, he forced his breakthrough to the realm of Boss of the East Sea using elixirs, creating an unstable foundation and calling trouble upon himself.

"Of course, I am aware of this. My friend here is a disciple of the Sword King and has previously dealt with Black Sail’s crew. He has a better understanding of them than other colleagues unfamiliar with the business, which is an advantage."

Bartlan invoked the Sword King’s name, which could not be disregarded; all the official wanted was to strike a better deal, indifferent to whom the task was assigned.

"Well, naturally, I understand that. The Sword King’s fame is as resounding as thunder. However... the most crucial issue is that Liszt is wealthy. There is a lot of profit in this venture; all of Doringger’s real estate has been integrated by him, including investments from illegal organizations around the world. Iron Soul Island in the New Continent is particularly uproarious, and those seeking me include Generals willing to lower their stature to resolve this matter. I have the authority to assign this operation, but if the results are poor, I will also be punished and be held responsible."

The Navy official seemed troubled.

Bartlan knew the score; if Generals wanted to handle this, you wouldn’t have a good outcome, as they surely wouldn’t show their hand, and you couldn’t count on their help.

Now, it was time to show commitment. If he accepted, the deal was done; if not, the offer would be sweetened, but it was critical not to exceed expectations.

"This is a modest token of my regard."

Bartlan gestured for an attendant to bring out an item, handing over a wooden box to the official.

The official was not shy to open it on the spot, revealing a dazzling display of gold, though he had seen plenty before, he still counted it carefully.

Swan thought it was a good thing that Liszt had slipped away to deal with private matters; otherwise, being recognized here tonight meant he’d be done for.

After all that, he’s still looking for a mistress? The East Sea is about to be destroyed.

Of course, Swan could not act now; later into the night, he planned to assassinate the Navy official, buying some time.