They all call me Great Master

Could it be that someone really has their eye on the "Oriental"?

As this thought crossed his mind, Old John rolled over and sat up from the bed.

After all, he had just signed a contract with South Los' Spirit Medium—it stipulated that he must escort the Oriental for 20 voyages before he could regain his freedom!

So then...

What if the Oriental were to sink?

Those 20 voyages would become indefinitely postponed!

Because the contract specified that if the Oriental sunk due to forces beyond control, he would have to temporarily serve the Spirit Medium of South Los before a new Oriental was rebuilt. Only after the new ship launched could he continue with the original contents of the contract.

Simply put, if the Oriental sank and took a long time to rebuild, he would have to serve the Spirit Medium of South Los indefinitely.

'Hiss!'

Thinking of this, Old John drew in a breath of cold air, feeling incredibly relieved.

He then let out a cold laugh.

'Don't even think about playing games with me!

I will make sure the "Oriental" is looked after properly!'

With that in mind, the old pirate began to pack up his bedding roll.

"Lord John, you?"

Xavier, who had been woken up, looked puzzled.

"Going to the dock, to sleep on the 'Oriental'."

Old John briefly explained, then headed out the door.

"Wait for me, Lord John!"

Xavier immediately bundled up his bedding and followed.

This young man from Coconut Island almost instinctively followed John.

It was out of admiration for the strong.

And beyond that?

It was also because of an identification with status.

For this young man from Coconut Island, becoming a sailor on the Oriental seemed like a very decent job. If it had been before, it would have been virtually impossible for him to find such a respectable job in South Los—the citizens of the island had always been strictly treated due to the old Earl's cause.

Ordinary islanders simply couldn't find work in South Los.

Even if they did, they would have to pay higher taxes.

Of course, this was not the case with Arthur.

Because—

The crew of the Oriental were all locals from South Los.

On the first floor, Sapir sat behind the inn's counter, still pondering the scene he had just witnessed—

Strong!

Very strong!

That man who looked almost like a pirate was very strong!

After his awakening, Sapir's spirituality surged.

Especially towards existences stronger than himself, he could perceive them clearly.

So, the moment he saw Old John, the sturdy man with a fierce appearance felt the hairs on his back stand on end.

But not a hint of it showed on his face.

Because his leader, Grindelwald, was also present.

Especially when he discovered that this old man, who terrified him so much and seemed like a pirate, was exceedingly respectful towards his own leader, the inn's Night Watchman felt even more at ease.

Only...

'Becoming an official member of the Black Cat Faction is so hard!

And although it's easy for someone like me, who awakened by accident, to reach the Arcana Level, I don't know if my talent is sufficient to reach the Great Arcana Level?'

The Night Watchman began to trust some of the information inadvertently revealed by his leader even more.

At the same time, some information he obtained from his sister made him increasingly cautious and prudent. His pride, already battered once, was completely shattered.

The inn's Night Watchman was already considering how he should train to smoothly reach the Great Arcana Level and then get promoted to an official member of the Black Cat Faction.

And just at that moment, Old John and Xavier came down from the second floor.

Seeing the two of them with their bedding rolls, Sapir was puzzled.

And before Sapir could react, Old John had already tossed out a gold coin—

"For the bedding, and you might also need to help deliver food to the 'Oriental' these next few days."

With that, Old John pushed the door open and left.

"Trouble you, Your Excellency!"

Xavier then bowed to express his gratitude.

Sapir watched the two leave without an inkling of intention to stop them.

Beforehand, his leader had already told him that there was no need to stop their departure.

Moreover, they were heading for the 'Oriental'.

Of course, Sapir knew the 'Oriental' was the ship soon to be launched by their big boss.

"So that's it!

To protect the safety of the 'Oriental', they've sought out a powerful person, haven't they?

Worthy of the big boss indeed!"

Sapir murmured to himself.

What Sapir didn't notice was that a drop of water, upon hearing his words, directly seeped into the floor, passed through the pipes, and merged back into the body of Old John who was moving forward.

"Indeed, it is to have me protect the 'Oriental'!

If someone attacks, I defeat the attackers, which is beneficial for the South Los 'Spirit Medium'!

If the attackers destroy the 'Oriental', in the meantime, I still have to continue my service, which is even more advantageous for the South Los 'Spirit Medium'!

Win-win!

It is simply win-win!

Is this the South Los 'Spirit Medium'?"

The old pirate reflected heartily.

At the same time, the old pirate swore that from now on, from this moment, he would eat, drink, and live on the 'Oriental', and any ill-intentioned individual who came close to the 'Oriental' would be his sworn enemy, against whom he could share no common sky.

If one came, he would kill one.

If two came, he would kill a pair.

Not only did he intend to kill the attackers, but he also planned to eliminate those behind the attackers.

Being a pirate, he was very clear that if he did not eradicate those behind the scenes, he would always have moments of negligence.

With this thought, the old pirate's steps became even more resolute.

And in the night sky, a crow flew past without a sound.

"Heh, boarded my ship and still thinking of escaping?

It won't be that easy!

Just obediently work for me for a lifetime!"

Inside No. 2 Cork Street, Arthur, with the help of Wuni's vision, couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Arthur knew exactly what Old John was thinking.

And he indeed had entertained the same thought before.

But there was no need.

He did not need to act personally.

Just one pass through Inner Bay with the 'Oriental' would be enough.

Certain members of the Golden Lion Family would surely target this passenger ship to trouble him, and Arthur had been pondering on how to handle it.

Now there was no need to worry.

With Old John, an experienced and powerful individual on board, Arthur couldn't wait for those members of the Golden Lion Family to make their move.

He was eager to witness the old pirate's methods.

As for the 'Pirate King's Treasure'?

Of course, Arthur wanted it.

But it was necessary to be methodical, otherwise…

It could lead to mutual destruction.

If the 'Pirate King's Treasure' offered by the old pirate had no strings attached, then Arthur would throw Pendragon onto the wall.

Meow?

Seemingly sensing something amiss with his master, Pendragon became vigilant.

Arthur, however, looked at his cat with a face full of disdain, rolling his eyes—

"Unfilial creature!

Tomorrow, you will know how much blood, sweat, and tears your father has invested for you!"

Arthur said this.

However, things turned out a bit beyond Arthur's expectations.