Not long after Lex sat down, the light in front of him dimmed. He looked up and saw a young man who was quite sunny and energetic. His hair was light yellow, his eyes were dark blue, and his skin was a healthy wheat color. He was wearing a dark blue jacket with many pockets, revealing a very friendly smile and extending his hand.
"Hello, are you also here to apply for a job on Yedgar Island?"
Apply for a job?
Lex shook his head blankly: "It's not what you think. I'm just a Traveler who likes to go everywhere. I heard that the scenery on Yedgar Island is beautiful, and there are many birds there that cannot be seen elsewhere, so I want to go there and look around."
"Oh, so you are a Traveler. I thought you were like us, here to apply for a job. By the way, my name is Gabriel, and yours?"
Lex casually gave a name and then chatted with the very talkative Gabriel. Through indirect questioning, Lex finally learned that Yedgar was recruiting people.
He didn't know what that dictator intended to do. Of course, Lex didn't care; he only focused on the mission of this trip.
When the time came to 11:45, the cargo ship docked at Yedgar Island's private port. Lex followed Gabriel and the others down the gangplank, seeing many dark-skinned laborers on the dock, busy moving goods.
This place was very different from Bayam. On the private port's dock, every few meters, there were two to three Soldiers wearing white headscarves.
They were Yedgar's private army, of all races, but predominantly South Continent people. They all wore white headscarves, paired with grey uniforms, carrying rifles, and each of them looked fierce.
As Edwina said, this island had no fondness for Loen people. As soon as Lex, dressed in formal attire, got off the ship, he felt seven or eight unfriendly gazes sweep over him.
Lex took off his top hat, carrying his briefcase, and followed Gabriel and the others, led by the cargo ship's captain, to the port's registration office. All outsiders needed to register here before being allowed onto the island, and Lex was no exception.
While walking through the dock, Lex did not forget to observe. This private port was located in the inner bay of the Sea Island. Both sides of the port had beaches paved with fine white sand, and not far away were rows of coconut trees.
Between the bay and the inner island, Yedgar had built a defensive line. Behind a wall several meters high, there was a turret every so often, capable of effectively concentrating firepower to cover the sea near the port.
Upon arriving at the registration office, several Soldiers carrying rifles barbarically snatched briefcases and other items from the outsiders' hands. Only after confirming there were no prohibited items inside were they allowed to proceed to registration.
After Lex's briefcase was rummaged through, a Soldier rudely pushed him and then spoke in the local language to his companions, saying something unknown. Several Soldiers laughed while staring at Lex.
Lex carried his briefcase to the registration office, where a dark, thin old man asked him several questions before tossing him a temporary pass.
The cargo ship's captain instructed everyone to hang their passes on their chests before leaving.
Coming out of the registration office, there was a market with many stalls selling local specialty products of the island. As soon as Lex and the other new faces appeared, a group of children rushed over, extending their hands to beg for food or money from these outsiders.
Lex reached into his pocket, intending to give them some copper pennies, but the Adventurer Gabriel stopped him: "Don't do that, sir. If you give them money, they will soon bring adults, and then rob you in some alley."
"If you're lucky, you'll only lose some valuables. If you're unlucky, your corpse might be floating near the port dock tomorrow."
Lex was stunned for a moment, then sincerely said: "Thank you, Mr. Gabriel."
The sunny and cheerful man laughed heartily, spreading his hands and saying: "Well then, I wish you good luck."
"I wish you success too." Lex pressed his top hat in return.
Just then, a Soldier walked out of the registration office, fired a shot into the sky, then cursed a few times, chasing away the children.
Lex also took the opportunity to leave, first finding a nearby hotel to check into, and then asking the owner where there was a pub nearby.
Since he wanted to cause trouble, a pub was a very ideal place. However, to Lex's surprise, there was only one pub on Yedgar!
That was the 'Black Bullet' pub, not far from the hotel. Outside the pub stood several local women who were provocatively dressed, had good figures, but looked quite ordinary. They overly enthusiastically pulled at patrons entering and exiting, trying to drag them towards a staircase outside the bar.
That staircase led to the second floor of the pub, where multiple rooms were set up for patrons to enjoy themselves.
Lex clutched his top hat, and with the Aura of charging through a hail of bullets, he escaped from the 'clutches' of the women and entered the pub. When he arrived in the dimly lit pub, he finally let out a sigh of relief.
After slightly tidying his collar, he walked towards the bar. Lex pulled over a chair and sat down, then said to the Bartender, who had his back to him: "Give me your best beer."
"Just a moment."
When the Bartender turned around, and his gaze met Lex's, Lex almost jumped up.
The blond, blue-eyed Bartender with a warm smile in front of him was actually Edward Shaun, the Poet and painter from the Wavebreaker!
"Calm down."
Edward smiled and whispered a reminder, then skillfully took out a wooden beer mug and began to pour Lex a drink.
Lex quickly controlled his emotions and expression, sitting sideways with one hand on the bar, pretending to observe other parts of the pub, but he lowered his voice and said: "How are you here?"
Edward placed a glass of beer on the bar, pushing it towards Lex as he said: "After you disembarked, we have always kept an eye on you. Your performance even surprised the Captain. You actually became a somewhat famous Hunter near the Rorsted Archipelago in such a short time. Even the Captain said that perhaps you have a more promising future as a Hunter."
"But your sudden move to Bayam puzzled the Captain. The Boatswain guessed that the Blood Admiral's plan might have been advanced, and sure enough, not long after, the Golden Dream appeared near Bayam."
Edward started wiping glasses again: "Through an analysis of the sea lanes in the nearby waters, the Captain believes that the Golden Dream will most likely resupply at Yedgar, so I arrived the day before and became the Bartender here."
"You see, my glass-wiping skills are pretty good."
Lex picked up his glass, took a sip, and said: "I guess the Captain didn't send you to the island just to practice playing a Bartender, did he?"
Edward chuckled, turned to get something, but continued: "The Captain sent me to try my luck and see if I could meet you here. It seems my luck is pretty good. Since I've already met you, I can now convey the Captain's message to you."
Lex knew that Ken Angus, through Edward, would issue new instructions to him, so he involuntarily sat up a little straighter and concentrated on listening.
"The Captain hopes that on the Golden Dream, you can"
---
"The Captain hopes that while you are on the Golden Dream, you can pay attention to the forces behind Iceberg Admiral. According to internal Black Sail information, Iceberg Admiral seems to come from Lenburg. She relies on a certain force or organization, possesses many channels, and is well-informed. This is her basis for adventuring and treasure hunting on the Sea."
Edward whispered, "The Captain hopes you can figure out exactly what force is behind Iceberg Admiral, and what their attitude and stance are towards the Loen Kingdom."
"If we want to grow strong on the Sea, allies are indispensable. If the force behind Iceberg Admiral has no hostility towards Loen, we, or more accurately, 'Black Sail,' might consider initiating a certain level of cooperation with the force behind her by contacting Iceberg Admiral."
"At that time, you will be the key person; you will be an important bridge to facilitate cooperation."
Lex, feigning a drink, subtly nodded, "I understand. I'll handle it, but this isn't a short-term task. I might have to stay on Iceberg Admiral's ship for a while."
"Of course, the Captain understands this. He told me to tell you that everything you do will be clearly recorded in your file, becoming the cornerstone for your ascent to the peak."
Edward was then called away by a guest. A moment later, he returned and continued, "Also, the Captain wants to know what Treasure Trove Iceberg Admiral is currently searching for, if she is indeed searching for one."
Lex put down his glass and smiled, "Another one."
"Alright."
Edward took the glass and then heard Lex lower his voice, saying, "Recently, Iceberg Admiral has been searching for 'death's treasure.' Blood Admiral also knows this, which is why he launched the operation against the 'Golden Dream.' "
"Currently, the 'Golden Dream' has temporarily escaped Blood Admiral, and Iceberg Admiral is already close to finding 'death god's treasure.' "
Edward filled the glass with beer and pushed it towards Lex, "Where is the Treasure Trove?"
"I don't know yet. She doesn't trust me enough. I need a little more time to figure it out." Lex lied without batting an eye.
If 'Black Sail' knew that 'death god's treasure' was near Sonia Island, then the 'Wavebreaker' would certainly come to get involved. Even if it wasn't the 'Wavebreaker,' it might be another ship.
As someone with 'first choice,' Lex didn't want to do all that work only for 'Black Sail' to benefit in the end.
Anyway, 'Black Sail's' main task for him was to figure out the force behind Iceberg Admiral, so Lex kept some information regarding the Treasure Trove to himself.
It wouldn't be too late to report the matter after he had actually found the Treasure Trove and received his share.
Edward nodded and said, "If you have any news, when you dock at a private port, you can put the report in a message in a bottle and throw it into the Sea."
Then, he spread his hands and said with a smile, "Two beers, 1 soli total, thank you."
Lex said in surprise, "They accept Loen currency here too?"
"Yes, they have business dealings with the colonies, so Loen currency circulates here," Edward explained softly.
Lex took out 1 soli from his pocket and placed it in Edward's hand. The latter, using the act of taking the money, quickly slipped a thick envelope to Lex.
"This is?" Lex opened the envelope, and a scent of ink wafted out.
Edward winked, "Your bounty. Yes, they've been issued."
This way, I have another 1800 pounds! This bounty, plus the pounds from the spirit world treasure chest, gives me 9600 pounds. This wonderful number filled Lex with a sense of happiness.
But soon, his happiness was shattered by the sudden shouts, curses, and the sound of overturning tables and chairs. Lex's vision blurred; someone fell not far in front of him. It was a man in his thirties.
His face was somewhat pale, his eye sockets deep, and his nose large. He clutched his head, and then several feet landed on his head and body. He endured a severe beating amidst wails and pleas for mercy, then was picked up by a man with a skull tattoo on his arm and thrown onto a chair next to Lex.
After they exchanged a few words in the local language, the assailants left. The man, bruised and battered, then said to Edward, "Give me a beer."
Lex watched the man. He recognized him; he had seen a portrait of this person in Iceberg Admiral's collection room.
He knew that this fellow was one of the jailers guarding Spence. Seeing this guy, Lex suddenly had an inspiration, a more audacious but more efficient idea than Iceberg Admiral's plan.
The jailer left after drinking a beer, without even paying.
"He owes those assailants 3 pounds. He was told to repay the money within three days, otherwise, his creditors would take his life or throw him into the island's prison," Edward said while wiping the bar.
Lex looked at him in surprise, "You understand what they're saying?"
"When I was bored on the ship, I learned several of the native languages around here. Are you interested? I can teach you; it's actually not very hard to learn."
"Forget it, I don't have time."
Lex jumped down and left the tavern.
He quickly found the jailer, who was walking slowly, looking disheartened, as if he had lost all hope and was in distress.
Lex took two steps forward and cleared his throat, "Sir, would you like to earn some extra money?"
The jailer turned his head to look at Lex, then turned into an alley with little interest. However, at that moment, he heard Lex say, "As long as you help me with a favor, you can earn 1 pound."
The jailer immediately stopped. Although 1 pound wasn't enough to clear his debt, it could at least give him a breather.
Turning around, he looked at Lex and said, "What can I help you with?"
"I heard you work at the island's prison. I'm actually a journalist, and I'm currently writing a report about prisons in various places."
"If you can get me into the prison, I'll pay you 1 pound. What do you think?"
The jailer thought for a moment, then shook his head, "No, that's too dangerous. If I'm discovered, losing my job would be a small matter; I might even end up in prison myself."
"Two pounds, at least two pounds, and I'll be willing to take the risk."
Lex feigned difficulty, then said, "Alright, I agree."
The jailer held out his palm, "Give me the money, and I'll take you in tomorrow."
Lex, like an inexperienced rookie, smiled and took out two pounds. Before he could hand them to the jailer, he saw the man snatch them and run away.
"What should I say? The local customs here are truly simple." Lex sighed with a smile, unhurriedly following him.
So when the jailer returned to his dwelling, panting heavily and closing the door, before he even had time to turn on the light, he heard someone say in the dark room, "So you live here."
Then, a ball of fire lit up, with flames rising above his palm. Lex smiled, "Well then, let's talk about getting into the prison tomorrow."
---
On Saturday morning, Lex changed into a set of coarse linen worker's clothes, which had the strong characteristics of Yedgar Island.
They were off-white and came with a sweat towel that could be tied around the head or neck.
The clothes were given by the jailer named Magian last night.
Jailers who could guard single cells belonged to a higher Rank in the prison, so Magian had some privileges.
For example, designating cleaners for prison cells.
The prison cells were cleaned three times a week, and since the cleaning fees were relatively high, some workers would give benefits to jailers like Magian in order to secure work opportunities for themselves.
Of course, the so-called benefits were nothing more than a few loaves of bread, some fruit, and the like.
After all, even if the salary was higher, it was limited.
Today, Magian had originally arranged a cleaner, but now, that spot belonged to Lex.
After Lex changed into his clothes, he slightly disguised himself to appear less clean.
In addition, he had to endure the peculiar smell emanating from these clothes, which was a mixture of body odor, sweat, alcohol, and other scents.
Although Lex had washed it last night and hung it outside to air dry, he couldn't get rid of the smell.
Lex checked the items he was carrying.
After confirming that nothing was missing, he picked up the cleaning tools and left the hotel.
When he arrived at the jailer's residence, he happened to see him coming out of his house.
Magian looked Lex up and down, nodded, and said, "Follow me."
They walked to the prison, which gave Lex an opportunity to see Yedgar.
The houses on Yedgar Island were basically wooden cabins, no more than three stories high.
Seeing Lex observing the houses on the street, Magian began to introduce them.
"We often have earthquakes here year-round, but the tremors aren't strong.
However, for safety's sake, buildings are still made of wood.
This way, even if a house collapses, it's easier to clear and rescue."
They then passed a square where a bronze statue stood.
It was the statue of Yedgar, the island's owner.
Two Soldiers guarded the statue, and everyone who passed by had to place a hand over their chest and bow slightly to the statue.
Fortunately, Lex and Magian only passed by from a distance; otherwise, Lex would also have to bow to that man who looked like a nouveau riche.
After leaving the square, the houses gradually decreased, and farmlands began to appear.
In the distance were large private plantations.
The air here was fresh, but occasionally carriages would pass by, so horse manure could be seen on the roadside from time to time.
After a moment, Magian stopped and said in a low voice, "We're here."
"Once inside, you can observe, but do not ask questions.
Remember to stay with me at all times.
If there are any problems, I'll handle them."
Lex nodded and pulled up the sweat towel tied around his neck, slightly obscuring his distinctly Loen appearance.
They did not enter through the prison's black iron gate.
Magian led Lex to a smaller wooden door not far from the main gate.
He knocked on the wooden door, and it opened.
A Soldier peeked out, looked at them, and without saying anything, let Lex and Magian enter.
Inside the door seemed to be a guardroom, where three or four Soldiers were yawning, eating, or fiddling with rifles.
Magian greeted each of them, then led Lex away.
When they came out again, it was a square, but this square had a passage separated by barbed wire.
Lex and Magian walked along this passage, while the other side of the square was clearly for prisoners to get some air.
It wasn't time for recreation yet, and the square was very quiet, with only a few Soldiers walking by.
After walking a while, the sound of a large iron gate opening suddenly came from behind, followed by a clamor of human voices.
Magian stopped and whispered, "You can watch for a bit."
Lex looked at him: "What's happening?"
"Nothing, just a batch of prisoners brought in from outside."
Magian leaned against the wall, expressionless, as if he was used to such things.
Lex looked towards the gate and saw a line of people walking in from outside.
They were all prisoners with shackles on their hands and feet, being roughly driven by Soldiers.
When they entered the gate, they all had to undergo inspection.
All personal belongings were confiscated, and it seemed they would never get them back.
"These guys will be locked up for a few months.
In fact, it won't take that long; some weak-willed ones will beg to leave within a month.
At that time, they will need to sign a labor agreement, and after working on the island for five years, they can leave."
"But usually, they don't live that long."
Magian glanced at Lex and said, "They are free labor.
They only need to be given very little food each day, and they will continuously create wealth for Lord Yedgar."
Lex understood.
Those so-called prisoners likely hadn't committed any crimes at all, but Yedgar threw them into prison for various reasons.
They suffered torment in prison, either dying there or becoming laborers on the island.
Most people would choose the latter; this was where Yedgar's wealth secret lay.
A place like this was simply a breeding ground for the descent of evil gods.
Could Yedgar have been bewitched by an evil organization?
For example, the Rose School of Thought.
"Let's go."
Magian cleared his throat and whispered.
Due to the arrival of a batch of prisoners, the number of Soldiers in the passage had visibly increased.
Although these Soldiers were there for the prisoners, Magian was also worried that they might discover Lex's identity and implicate himself.
Lex pulled up his sweat towel again, took two steps forward, lowered his head, and said in a voice only Magian could hear, "Before coming here, I heard that Spender Clarence was 'visiting' this prison.
Can you arrange for me to clean his room?"
Magian stopped and said nervously, "This isn't what we agreed upon."
"What's the difference?
I just want to interview this famous Poet, writer, and Traveler."
"No way, Lord Yedgar comes to inspect from time to time.
If he finds out, I'm dead!"
Magian's face turned quite ugly.
Lex chuckled lightly: "Five minutes.
I'll only go in for five minutes.
Your Lord Yedgar won't find out."
"Also, I'll pay you another 10 pounds.
If you're scared, you can simply take this money and leave Yedgar."
Magian's breathing became heavy: "10 pounds?
Are you serious?"
Lex took 5 pounds from his pocket and stuffed it into Magian's pocket: "I'll give you another 5 pounds when I come out."
"Damn it!"
Magian gritted his teeth, "Five minutes.
You can only go in for five minutes."
"Of course."
"Follow me."
A moment later, Lex stood in front of a cell door.
Magian took out a string of keys to open the door.
He vigilantly observed his surroundings and whispered, "After you go in, I'll lock the door.
In five minutes, I'll come back to open the door, and then you must leave immediately."
"I'll do as you say."
Lex nodded.
With a clang, the door opened, and Magian gestured: "Go in."
Lex then carried his tools into the cell, and after the cell door closed behind him, he looked around.
This private cell was quite spacious, with a high window that allowed wind and sunlight to enter.
The cell had an independent washroom, a bed, a desk, and even an oil painting hanging on the wall.
However, it was a self-portrait of Yedgar.
In the corner by the bed, a man was huddled there, clutching his head and trembling.