Chapter 14: The Reborn Fish

“Haiding! Is it really you?!” Amidst shrieks and cheers that nearly tore off the roof of the tavern, several men rushed forward in ecstasy, unable to believe their eyes—how dare he show up openly in a tavern of the city-state of Tylos?! After their initial joy, they were filled with concern. The warrant issued by the court of the Corinthian city-states was valid in all nations and city-states of the Southern Central Seas, and every city-state was required to obey its orders unconditionally. If anyone reported him, he would be trapped with no escape!

Seeing the worry in his companions’ eyes, Haiding felt even more moved. These were the comrades he had shared life and death with. Back then, he had left the Southern Central Seas to avoid dragging them down, so they could reunite freely today—and now that moment had finally arrived.

“Don’t worry. The court of the Corinthian city-states has revoked the warrant against me. I am now a legitimate citizen of Caucasus in the Kingdom of Nicossia in the North.” Haiding tried hard to control his emotions. This tavern in Tylos had always been his gathering place since leaving Sparta. His first stop upon returning was here, to see if his old comrades were still around. Seeing his brothers idly drinking at the bar, his blood boiled instantly.

The men surrounded Haiding and led him to the central bar. The bartender clearly recognized them too—the two bearded men who had frequented this place for years, the famous Haiding and Drake, were finally together again. Their followers were equally overjoyed, as if they had won the lottery.

“Mr. Haiding! Is it really you?! Our boss has missed you terribly. He’s asked many times about your whereabouts. He’s not here today, otherwise he would be moved to tears.” The bartender’s words were smooth as silk, his flattering expression making it hard to believe his earlier attitude toward Drake and his group. The heavy leather bag on the bar was filled with genuine gold shields—just weighing it showed there was enough gold to buy all the liquor in the tavern.

“Is that so, Pete? Is Cusley really that loyal? He’s probably after the money belt around my waist. Do you think this is the first time I’ve met Cusley? Tell him to come out and apologize to us brothers!”

As Haidelin approached the bar, he immediately put immense pressure on the bartender. The aura emanating from him was no longer just the ruggedness of someone who had spent years at sea. After years apart, the confidence visible in him made even this veteran bartender, who had worked at Tyro Port for over a decade, realize that this former Redbeard was completely different from before. His ruggedness hadn’t faded, but the calm confidence he displayed couldn’t be cultivated merely through a life at sea.

“Oh, who could it be? It’s Mr. Haidelin back! I’m so sorry—I was occupied with some matters just now. It’s been so long since I last saw you; I’ve been looking forward to this moment. Pete, what are you waiting for? Bring out my prized Bremen gin! I’ll treat today to celebrate Mr. Haidelin’s return.”

A thin man with genuine joy on his face suddenly rushed out from behind the bar, emerging from a shadowy doorway. He wore a fitted leather vest, and a silver-chain-adorned magic pocket watch peeked out from the vest, giving people a rather unpleasant impression of him right away.

“Cuthley, the term ‘chameleon’ really suits you well. What, do you think two bottles of gin will suffice to get rid of us brothers?” Haidelin said with a smirk, arms crossed as he stared at this clown-like man. Yet he knew this guy was far from as simple as he appeared. Although his base was here, his influence could be seen in the city-states and nations around Sakonis Bay and Sicacura Peninsula. Whether it was the Karr fleet or local officials, even the ruthless Demisheme pirates, he maintained close ties with them all.

“Hehe, Mr. Haidelin, please understand my predicament. It’s not that I don’t want to lend money to Mr. Drake and the others, but you know this is a business place. Thirty-six gold shields isn’t much, but I’m already going above and beyond. You should understand this is the limit. If everyone starts doing the same, my Nightingale Dance Tavern will have no choice but to close.” Unperturbed by Haidelin’s harsh words, the thin man remained sincere. “I once offered to lend some money to Mr. Drake and the others, but they refused. As for the rest, there’s nothing I can do.”

Glancing at Drake and the others, who seemed somewhat embarrassed, it appeared that his companions hadn’t fared well over the past two years. Though Cusley wasn’t a kind man, he had previously shown considerable respect for his group. Falling to such a state must surely be due to their own mistakes. As for borrowing money, Cusley was originally a usurer; borrowing from him meant, if there were no other options, serving him for life. Drake, at least, was clear-headed about this.

Waving his hand to stop Cusley from continuing to chatter, Haireddin didn’t go too far, merely saying lightly, “Cusley, bring over your gin. I’d also like to catch up with my brothers.”

Understanding the hint, Cusley bowed slightly and stepped back. Nodding in understanding, he said, “Then I won’t disturb Mr. Haireddin and Mr. Drake as you catch up. When Mr. Haireddin is free, I’d really like to talk to you as well.”

“Hehe, Cusley, it seems you’re living quite comfortably now. Well, I’ll come to you after taking care of my brothers. You know, I do have some things I’d like to discuss with you.”

Glancing at him, the depth in Haireddin’s eyes seemed to make Cusley realize something. He nodded repeatedly but said little. However, the glint in his eyes as he stepped back made Haireddin realize he had chosen the right person.

Once everyone around them wisely dispersed, Drake could finally take a close look at his boss, whom he hadn’t seen in years. The once bold and unrestrained leader had changed greatly. If observed carefully, his reserved presence was no less formidable than before, while his confident gaze showed that he was now filled with ambition. What circumstances had allowed this leader, who had once fallen so low that he had to flee the Southern Seas, to turn things around so suddenly?

“Haireddin, when did you return? We…” A thousand words rushed to Drake’s mind, but he didn’t know how to start, so he simply used this simplest phrase to begin the conversation.

“Drake, no need to say more. Seeing that my brothers are all fine puts my mind at ease,” Haireddin interrupted Drake, who wanted to ask more. Looking at his companions with eager eyes, he added, “You guessed right. I’m now working for Viscount Komer, the lord of the Caucasus. I’m sure you’ve heard that large-scale port construction is underway on Sifnos Island. That land was purchased by Viscount Komer from the city-state of Tyros, and I’m in charge of the construction there.”

“Huh? Boss, so those rumors are true? It’s said that construction is in full swing on Sifnos Island, and they’re even recruiting dwarf craftsmen to work there. What exactly does Viscount Komer plan to do in this region of the Southern Central Sea?” The man with triangular wolf-like eyes and messy hair downed the Oudega glass handed to him by the bartender in one gulp, then licked his lips excitedly.

Taking a deep breath, Haireddin shook the Oudega in his hand. The strong alcohol made his throat feel hot. Although there was no one around, he still pondered carefully before saying, “Currently, there is close trade between the Caucasus and Leon with the Southern Central Sea region. Plus, trade with the colonies south of the Vast Continent is also becoming more frequent. Mr. Komer intends to turn Sifnos Island into a trading hub between the Caucasus and Leon, the Southern Central Sea, and the Vast Continent.”

Drake glanced at Haireddin’s face. He could tell there was more to what the other man was saying. This place was crowded and not a good spot for conversation. It would be better to discuss certain matters later. But these companions, though skilled at sailing, weren’t as quick-witted. How could such confidential matters be discussed here?

“A trading hub? Boss, have you switched careers to become a supervisor?” Another burly man with red skin and silver hair, covered in bumps, asked anxiously beside Haireddin.

“Hehe, how could I switch careers? I already have my seafarer’s qualification. What else could I do?”

When it came to this topic, Haireddin became very talkative. His reason for coming to the city-state of Tyros this time, aside from reuniting with these old friends, was to recruit more suitable people to lay the foundation for building a merchant fleet. It seemed his trip to Tyros hadn’t been in vain. The declining state of Tyros had left many sailors without a means of livelihood. Under the pressure from Corinth and Piraeus, plus the raids by the Demischeme pirates, Tyros had long lost its former glory. Otherwise, the Tyrian council wouldn’t have sold an island as large as Sifnos to Mr. Komer at such a low price.

Looking at the groups of drunken men huddled in the corner of the tavern—most of them sailors without a job, too ashamed to face their families, hiding in this shabby tavern to get drunk on cheap beer—Haireddin felt extremely pleased. These were experienced sailors who had spent years at sea. With a little training, they could become valuable members of his new fleet.

Facing the strong sea breeze, with their messy long hair fluttering in the wind, Haireding walked hand in back with Drake along the pier embankment, while several of their companions followed behind, carrying heavy wine bags and drinking heartily.
“Boss, does Mr. Komer just want to build a merchant fleet?” Drake knew there must be more to his boss’s plans, but he couldn’t help asking for clarity.
“What do you think?” Haireding turned to ask him back, his face still carrying that calm confidence.
“From what you say, it seems Mr. Komer isn’t such an ordinary person. He was able to easily subdue hundreds of thousands of half-orcs and make them submit to him. I’m not dismissing the people of the Southern Central Seas—among all the city-states and kingdoms here, I doubt anyone else has such capabilities. Even Cyrus didn’t have that kind of boldness.” Drake said solemnly, “I can tell you truly admire Mr. Komer. It really makes me eager to meet this elusive master.”
“Hehe, there will be a chance. No one around Mr. Komer can figure out what he’s hiding. Just think—even the Inquisition of the Light Church, with all its resources, failed to succeed. You can imagine just how powerful he must be.”
Haireding also only learned vaguely about Komer’s true departure from the Caucasus after arriving in Athens. Though living in the Southern Central Seas, he was still aware of the Inquisition of the Light Church’s fame in the northern part of the continent. Once listed on their blacklist, it was almost like a death sentence. Yet this lord managed to come to the Southern Central Seas unharmed and rebuild an empire in such a short time, with an increasing number of magicians and knights surrounding him. Even Haireding didn’t understand what kind of relationship existed between these people and the lord.
“Boss, are you saying Mr. Komer is a magician?” Drake was shocked, his face showing disbelief. A noble lord being a magician seemed almost unimaginable.

“Hmph, not just a magician? I heard a few magicians around him talking about Mr. Komer—apparently he’s already reached the level of a grand magician, though he doesn’t like to show it.” Haiding changed the subject. “Drake, you’re right. Mr. Komer has great ambitions. The merchant fleet is just a preliminary exercise and a cover. He once told me he needs an invincible fleet that can navigate the Abyssal Sea, the Midland Ocean, and even the Stormy Ocean to control the seas around his territory. No matter what the cost, he’s determined to achieve this, and we are the sword that will help him achieve his goals. I’m happy to be that sword in his hands. To sail across the Midland Ocean is my lifelong wish, and if he can help me fulfill it, I’m willing to give everything for him!”
Drake swallowed hard, looking at Haiding, who stared resolutely at the rolling sea, suppressing his excitement. His clenched fists seemed ready to burst open as he said slowly, word by word, “Boss, have you really forgotten us old brothers? Have you forgotten our oath to share joys and sorrows?”
“Of course not. Otherwise, why would I be back?” Haiding replied solemnly. “But this is a long journey. We may have to give everything, even our lives. Standing in our way are not only the Demisheme pirates and the Gray Skulls but also the arrogant Kars fleet and the naval forces of various city-states. These will all be obstacles we can’t easily bypass. If we want to help Mr. Komer achieve his goals and realize our own lifelong dreams, we’ll have to shed blood or even pay with our lives. Drake, are you willing?”
A shrill howling sound echoed by the sea. Drake ripped open his tattered clothes on his chest, revealing his hairy torso. His gaze toward Haiding was equally fervent and determined. “Boss, as a man who grew up by the Midland Ocean, who could resist such desires and temptations? Drake has no other dream in life but to fight alongside you for our long-held aspirations, to sail across the seas. Brothers, can we really refuse?”
“No, we can’t!” A few men, emboldened by alcohol, couldn’t help but roar wildly, scaring the seagulls by the sea.