Section Six: Tales from Maritime History (Part Two)

This was a garden-style eatery, with a walled enclosure surrounding a plot of land. At its center stood a three-story main building: the ground floor served ordinary guests, the second floor began offering lodging services, and as for the third floor, it was said to be reserved only for those of exceptional status.

This model of operation had been invented some fifty years ago by a chef whose culinary skills were legendary. He not only created delicacies such as McDonald’s chicken wings, pizza, and macaroni, but also pioneered this garden-style restaurant and the chain business model, which brought him immense wealth. Tragically, he was arrested by the Church on charges of blasphemy and had all his assets confiscated.

Halfway through their drinks, Wei Wuji noticed the young man had disappeared. He went out to look for him and found Amang in the garden, his expression awkward as he conversed with a handsome knight.

Approaching, Wei Wuji realized Amang was apologizing. It turned out that, as they passed each other, a gust of wind had prompted Amang to vomit. Although the knight’s agility saved him from a direct hit, the stench still made him pinch his nose.

When the knight saw Wei Wuji come over, he reluctantly accepted the apology. Perhaps unwilling to make a fuss with a group of sailors, he crossed the garden and headed upstairs.

Amang shrugged and made a face at Wei Wuji. Ever since he’d come to terms with accepting Wei Wuji’s help, he’d seemed much more at ease.

Wei Wuji watched the knight’s retreating figure with a furrowed brow. The young man noticed his expression and couldn’t help asking, “What’s wrong?”

Wei Wuji gave a peculiar smile. “She’s a woman.”

Amang’s eyes widened. “You mean that knight just now?”

“Yes,” Wei Wuji said thoughtfully. There was more he hadn’t mentioned: not only was this knight a woman in disguise, but she was also stunningly beautiful. Should she don a dress instead of men’s attire, she would certainly be a peerless beauty. Yet, even more curious was that through his golden-eye technique, Wei Wuji had seen wings on her back, hidden from ordinary sight.

Up on the third floor, the knight had returned to a private room, where a table was laden with dishes, but only two people were present: the knight herself, and another—a prominent city merchant named Anthony.

“Sir Knight Smai, are you satisfied with the food?” The fat merchant wore a sycophantic smile, eager to please his guest.

The knight, still recovering from nearly being overwhelmed by Amang’s mishap, sipped rose-petal water and nodded with reserved poise.

“Then, there’s no issue with my firm trading with your country—no, with your family, is there?” Anthony could barely conceal his eagerness. Perhaps fearing he’d come on too strong, he quickly added, “If there’s anything you need me to do, please say the word. I’m truly eager to build a deep friendship with your family.”

Knight Smai wiped her mouth and hands with a white napkin and tossed it onto the table. “Thank you for your hospitality. But after almost being covered in vomit, I’ve lost my appetite. As for your request, I will consider it—after I return from the Gaul Plains.”

“Ah, I see.” Anthony’s expression faltered, but he quickly recovered his smile. “No problem at all. I’ll arrange for someone to escort you to Gaul. But I do hope you’ll return soon to make your decision. You know, time is money. Honestly, my enthusiasm for opening a trade route from the south to your family’s continent isn’t just about profit. I’ve always believed that trade is not only the exchange of goods and wealth, but also the transmission of culture and ideals. Though, so far, no safe route has been found between the two continents, I feel it’s my responsibility to help both peoples better understand each other. I’m willing to be the first to take on this duty, to serve as an ambassador for culture and belief.”

“You put it beautifully. That’s exactly why I decided to travel more,” Knight Smai replied with a gentle smile.

Anthony smiled and nodded, rising to his feet. “Then, please wait here a while longer. I’ll make arrangements for your journey to Gaul tomorrow.”

The fat merchant exited the private room, softly closing the door behind him. At the corridor, he beckoned, and his personal servant hurried over. “Congratulations, sir, on sealing the deal,” the servant said.

Anthony kicked him irritably. “Deal, my foot. This woman dressed as a man is really tough to handle. Are you sure she’s from that continent?”

“Absolutely, sir. I saw her disembark from the ship myself and confirmed with the crew. That vessel braved storms to sail over from the Wildlands.”

Anthony stroked his double chin, pondering. “Then she likely hasn’t lied to me. But what’s happened to her family, sending a woman out in disguise? If she really is nobility from that continent, once I establish ties with her family, it’ll be like striking gold. Just think: a stable trade route! Everyone in the south and east is scrambling for Far East trade. The profits are high, but the competition is fierce. The Wildlands have only been open for about ten years; while Orleans Port can’t yet compete with Herdasyn, I have a few years to make a killing. Those fools are obsessed with finding sea routes, but what good is a route without protection? You need reliable partners over there. That’s the foundation of real business.”

“Sir, you’re brilliant,” the servant flattered.

“Enough. Go into the city and see if there’s a caravan heading near the Gaul Plains tomorrow. If there is, buy a seat—no, two. The girl wants to look around there; when she returns, the route will be in my hands. For the next ten years, barring surprises, this will be my most profitable venture.” Anthony clenched his fist in excitement. “Once I secure this line, I’ll compete for the position of Herdasyn’s councilor. Then, let’s see who in this city dares cross me.”

“Yes, sir. But why is she going there?”

Anthony snapped impatiently, “Idiot, it’s just an excuse—surely she wants to scout around, see if there’s a better partner than me. I’d better be cautious. Buy two seats and go with her yourself. Say I assigned you as a guide. Lead her to the remote areas, keep her away from the prosperous parts, and make sure to exaggerate how barren the land is—mention the nearby orc territories, scare her a little.”

“Yes, sir. You’re truly remarkable.”