The once quiet Seagull Town gradually became lively.
Under the Lord's orders, the townspeople were bustling with activity.
Transporting timber, cleaning the coast, rebuilding the port, and attempting to repair the merchant's large sailboat.
Though Seagull Town is sparsely populated, it lacks not fishermen, sailors, and craftsmen, after all, generations here have lived in constant interaction with the sea.
Everyone was working with full force.
The new Lord is truly a great benevolent man!
Not only did he not forcibly collect the overdue land rent from the civilians, but he also summoned the great merchant to arrange unprecedented good jobs for the townspeople.
He promised that starting today, as long as you follow orders and work at the shore for a day, you can claim one hundred Copper Coins from the Lord's Mansion.
That's a whole hundred Copper Coins!
In the Lion Heart Kingdom, civilians hardly have any chance to earn money, even if an average person could generate a dozen Silver Coins worth of labor income annually, this money would be forcibly taken by aristocrats in the form of 'land rent.'
But the Lord is different from other nobles.
To the civilians struggling in the remote lands, Lord Roland's promise is undoubtedly a dawn piercing through the night, winter is coming, this money could save many lives.
As for the black monster that appeared by the sea?
It's already been solved by the wise Lord! It must be!
Under Old Will's command, the townspeople gathered by the sea, diligently working around the cargo ship like ants.
Fortunately, the structure of Charles's pilot ship wasn't significantly damaged, just some repairing needed.
In fact, the materials initially for two large cargo ships were insufficient, but the sudden celestial calamity resolved this issue.
Now only one cargo ship remains to be repaired...
Short on materials? Just dismantle the other half of the ship!
Charles looked out at the bustling crowd, his expression deep.
His heart was aching terribly.
The consequences of the calamity felt like a dull knife slicing through him, though he survived, the losses to the White Sail Fleet were hardly bearable.
Not to mention the losses in personnel, ships, and cargo, even the most crucial silver melting furnace was left in Seagull Town, cautiously guarded by the Lord...
Is there still a need for him to head to the Lion Heart Royal City?
Charles closed his eyes in pain, somewhat disheartened, when he heard footsteps approaching from behind.
"Mr. Charles, the Lord wishes to see you."
The familiar young attendant approached, face tense: "He said there's something important to discuss with you."
Important matter?
Ha... To me, nothing matters right now...
Despite his desolation, Charles nodded: "I'll go right away."
Moments later, the two returned to the Lord's mansion, Charles worriedly traversing the corridors to reach the living room.
Lord Roland maintained that calm demeanor inconsistent with his age, his head lowered, seemingly pondering something.
Charles noticed some items on the table in the living room, but they were all covered with cloth.
"Lord Roland." Charles sat across from Lin Lan.
The Lord lifted his head, smiling warmly: "Is the fleet's repair going smoothly?"
"Thanks to your help..." Charles paused, responding truthfully: "The cargo ship will soon be ready to set sail again."
"What are your plans next?" the Lord asked.
"I..." Charles's eyes showed a trace of gloom: "I decided to make a trip back to the Alliance, Lord Roland."
He smiled bitterly, adding: "I don't have any goods left to sell in the Royal City."
"Don't rush."
The Lord mysteriously smiled, picking up the delicate water jug, casually pouring a steaming beverage for the big merchant:
"Try this first, let's chat while drinking."
Charles was perplexed.
Is this the so-called important matter?
He picked up the cup, inspecting the strange dark brown drink, catching a whiff of its peculiar aroma.
Trying a sip, his eyes lit up.
The initial bitterness was soon overwhelmed by an intense aroma, rejuvenating his spirit, almost instantly falling in love with the taste.
"The taste is wonderful!"
He instinctively praised, eyes curious: "Lord Roland, this is the first time I've tasted such a marvelous drink, where did it come from?"
"The drink's origin isn't important, let's first discuss business."
Lin Lan stood, actively uncovering the cloth on the table, revealing several strange items before the merchant's eyes.
Charles was stunned, leaning in to carefully observe.
There was a translucent blue sapphire block, a peculiar golden toy car about the size of a palm, a fragment with spiral blades embedded, emitting an odd sheen...
Beautiful, exquisite, extraordinary material, possessing an alternative aesthetic that transcended the era...
This was the first impression they gave Charles.
He unconsciously picked up the sapphire-like blue crystal, examined it closely, then grabbed the golden toy car, trying to discern the material of the treasure.
As a seasoned merchant, Charles had honed his eyesight to an exceptionally high level, whether it was expensive paintings or rare jewels, he could effortlessly assess their value.
But now...
Charles's gaze grew increasingly perplexed, seconds later, breaking into a sweat, he started scratching his head in confusion.
Why couldn't he identify any of them?
Suddenly realizing something, Charles's mind froze.
"Lord Roland..."
He raised his head in disbelief, his throat bobbing: "Are these all..."
"As you suspected." Lin Lan glanced at the prop items he put out,
Discarded miniature nuclear battery, toy car model, latest graphics card...
All were white-grade junk items from the replica.
"They all hail from the sea's mysterious treasures."
The Lord's smile grew increasingly inscrutable.
Charles's eyes widened, hurriedly placing the fragment back on the table, taking out a handkerchief, carefully wiping where he touched.
His arms were trembling slightly.
Safe, harmless Deep Sea Treasures...
So many!!??
"I plan to sell them relying on your fleet, exchanging them for resources to develop the territory."
Lin Lan asked leisurely: "In your eyes, how much Gold Coins are they worth?"
To him, these replica items were everywhere in Ideal City and utterly useless.
Charles's breathing gradually grew heavy.
Gold Coins?
These common mundane items of the land didn't even deserve to carry the shoes of Deep Sea Treasures!! Every noble would go crazy upon sight!