The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 733: Volume 21: The Dark Road - 14: The Capsize of Salted Fish_2

Chapter 733: Volume 21: The Dark Road - 14: The Capsize of Salted Fish_2

Waving his hand to stop Kusri, who was about to go on talking, Hayreddin simply said, "Kusri, bring up your gin. I too would like to catch up with my brothers."

Bowing respectfully and stepping back, Kusri nodded in understanding, "Then I won’t disturb Mr. Hayreddin and Mr. Drake’s reunion. When Mr. Hayreddin is free, I would also like to have a chat with you."

"Haha, Kusri, it seems you’re living quite comfortably now, hmm, I will find you after I arrange things with my brothers, and you know, I do have some matters that I’d like to discuss with you."

After a glance at the other man, the depth in Hayreddin’s eyes seemed to enlighten Kusri, who nodded repeatedly but kept quiet, the gleam in his eyes as he retreated made Hayreddin realize he had chosen the right person.

Once the crowd around had discretely dispersed, Drake could finally take a good look at his Boss, whose transformation from the magnanimous figure of the past was significant. The concealed aura, if observed carefully, was in no way inferior to the old days, and his confident gaze indicated he was in high spirits. What circumstance had transformed the once fallen leader, who had been forced to flee the Southern Mediterranean, into a triumphant man?

"Hayreddin, when did you come back? We..." With a multitude of thoughts rushing to his head, Drake didn’t know how to start, resorting to the simplest of questions to break the ice.

"Drake, no need for words, seeing that the brothers are all well puts my mind at ease," Hayreddin stopped Drake, who wanted to ask further, gazing at several companions with eager eyes. "You guessed right, I am now working for Viscount Komer of Caucasus. You might have heard that a large-scale construction of docks is underway on Xifnos Island. That’s a territory bought from Tilo City-State by Viscount Komer, and I’m currently in charge of the construction project there."

"Ah? Boss, so those rumors are true? Xifnos Island is indeed undergoing massive construction, and people are recruiting Dwarf Craftsmen to work there. What exactly does Viscount Komer intend to do in the Southern Mediterranean?" a man with untidy hair and wolfish triangular eyes excitedly drained a large cup of Wedga brought by the bartender, licking his lips after.

Taking a light breath, Hayreddin shook the glass of Wedga in his hand, the strong alcohol burning his throat. Although there were hardly any people around, he still pondered cautiously before saying, "The trade between Caucasus and Leon and the Southern Mediterranean Region has become very close now, not to mention the increasingly frequent dealings with the southern colonies of the Continent. Mr. Komer intends to turn Xifnos Island into a trade hub between Caucasus and Leon and the Southern Mediterranean and the Continent."

Drake’s gaze wandered across Hayreddin’s face, discerning the underlying message in his words. The place was too public and distracting for sensitive discussions; some matters would be better discussed in private. His fellow shipmates might be skilled at navigating the seas, but they weren’t as sharp-witted when it came to delicate matters like this. How could they talk freely about such secrets here?

"A trade hub? Boss, have you switched to being a foreman?" asked another burly man with a red, scarred face and silver hair, pressing Hayreddin hastily.

"Haha, how could I switch professions? I’ve obtained my Navigator’s license; do you think I could do anything else?"

When it came to this topic, Hayreddin became quite talkative. In addition to finding his old buddies in Tilo City-State, he was also planning to recruit some suitable hands to lay the foundation for building a merchant fleet. This trip to Tilo City-State was definitely not in vain. The increasing decline of Tilo City-State caused many sailors, who for many years had ventured across the seas, to lose their livelihoods. Under the pressure from Corinth and Piraeus, coupled with the raids by the Demisheme Pirate Group, Tilo had long lost its past glory. Otherwise, the Tilo City-State council would not have sold such a large island, Xifnos, to Mr. Komer at such a low price.

Looking at the bunches of drunken men huddled in the corner of the tavern, the majority of them sailors without a means to make a living, too ashamed to face their wives and children at home, and only able to drown their sorrows with low-quality beer in this broken tavern. These were sailors who had weathered many years in the Mediterranean, who with just a bit of training could become valuable members of his new fleet. With this thought, Hayreddin felt extremely elated.

Facing the strong sea breeze, his disheveled hair flying in the wind, Hayreddin casually strolled along the long dock with Drake, while the brothers followed behind with bulky wineskins, drinking merrily along the way.

"Boss, does Mr. Komer only intend to establish a merchant fleet?" Drake couldn’t help asking, feeling there was more behind his Boss’s story.

"What do you think?" Hayreddin turned his head and countered with a question, still wearing a trace of calm confidence on his face.

"From what you’ve said, I think this Mr. Komer isn’t a simple character. To effortlessly subdue hundreds of thousands of Half-Beastmen, making them bow humbly at his feet, I don’t underestimate the South, but among the City-States and kingdoms of the Southern Mediterranean, it’s hard to find someone capable of such a feat, not even Cyrus had this kind of boldness," Drake said gravely. "I can tell from your words, Boss, that you genuinely admire Mr. Komer. It really makes me itch to meet this hidden master."