The Viking's father warmly welcomed Shiller, who, like everyone else, was fascinated by the profession of a university professor. On their way back, Shiller learned about the father's feats from the Viking.
The Viking's father was the longest-serving keeper of the Brudehaven Lighthouse. He has witnessed countless returning boats. He claims to recognize every captain that has docked at Brudehaven and remembers every story shared by the captains.
When the steaming fish soup was served, the white mist rose until it touched the ceiling lamp. The soup, placed in the center of the table, warmed up the entire room. The deep blue night sky outside the wooden window seemed not so cold anymore.
Just like the Viking said, his father's fish soup was really good. This mixed fish soup was especially tasty, with the pepper adding an extra touch of warmth as one drank it.
Having taken a sip, Shiller, sweating profusely from his forehead, remarked that the Viking had drained his large bowl of fish soup in just a few gulps. Setting his bowl on the table, the Viking said, "It was this bowl of fish soup that helped my dad establish himself in this city. All the fishermen here give him some respect, as they all look forward to having a taste of Old Curie's mouth-watering fish soup after returning from their fishing expeditions."
The man referred to as Old Curie smiled gently, saying, "That's quite an exaggeration. However, I did woo your mother with my cooking."
"If your last name is Curry, what's your first name?" Shiller asked, looking at the Viking. Shrugging, the Viking replied, "My name is Arthur, Arthur Curry. You can simply call me Little Curie, or Arthur."
Shiller nodded, took another sip of the soup, and asked, "So, this is Port of Mercy?"
"It's been a long time since I've heard that name." Old Curie remarked, "The Europeans came up with that name, meaning 'God forgives all'."
"But, since we were discovered quite late, and another harbor shares the same name, this name hasn't been used in recent decades. Only old folk like me remember the name."
"I also read about it in a document, I think it was about the fishing industry here, and it was written by an elderly author." Shiller replied.
The truth is, Shiller had come across Port of Mercy in a comic book. It was the hometown of Aquaman from DC's Justice League, also known as Arthur Curry, who was sitting in front of him.
"That makes sense." Old Curie leaned back in his chair, letting out a relaxed sigh, adding, "You truly are a scholar. When this place was still called Port of Mercy, the fishing industry was quite developed. We had many more boats then than now."
"I wonder – Gotham is so close, why hasn't the fishing industry there developed? Isn't the population larger?" Shiller asked.
Old Curie, an experienced fisherman, explained, "It wouldn't work. The gloomy weather in Gotham is too damaging. Not only does it affect people, but it also affects fish. Nearshore fishing is simply impossible and fish farming doesn't work either."
"Old fishermen all know that shallow-sea seaweed needs sunlight. The amount of sunlight in Gotham is barely enough to sustain plant growth, let alone seaweed. Besides, the city's chemical pollution might contaminate the waters nearby..." Old Curie shook his head, evidently considering it impossible for Gotham to have a prosperous fishing industry.
Shiller nodded, thinking it made sense. The greening he saw in Gotham wasn't very good. Even trees and shrubs weren't growing well. But after arriving in Brudehaven, he found the whole world brighter to the point of almost being dazzling.
However, that's where normal people should reside – Gotham, with its skies as dark at 10 a.m. as at midnight, isn't fit for people or plants.
While Shiller and Old Curie were discussing the fishing industry, Arthur suddenly put down his bowl. Standing up, he said, "I had almost forgotten. Wait a second, I'll be right back!"
Then, Arthur hurriedly ran off. Old Curie frowned, appearing a bit upset, but he didn't call after Arthur. Instead, he said to Shiller, "I'm sorry for that. He's been doing this for some months, running out in the middle of the night and only coming back hours later."
Shiller laughed, saying, "He's probably dating someone? Some of my students are like that too — they love to stay out late, usually to see their girlfriends."
"Who knows?" Old Curie sighed deeply with a worried expression, saying, "Arthur is too wild and flamboyant, which doesn't appeal to girls much. The girls in town prefer learned, refined, and polite men like you. I'm still worried about his future marriage."
"They'll all find their loved ones eventually." Turning to look out the window, Shiller saw Arthur heading towards the sea. He continued, "Kids at this age are impulsive, confused, and lost. But give them a few years, they mature overnight."
"Sometimes, I don't want him to grow up." Old Curie looked out at Arthur, his voice filled with a certain emotion. The meaning in his words was layered.
After a while, the fish soup on the table had gone cold and no white mist came out of it anymore. The fireplace was lit, but the warmth had faded.
Arthur hadn't yet returned, so Shiller grabbed an umbrella, intending to step out. Old Curie stopped him, saying, "Professor, you shouldn't go out this late. Arthur will be back in a bit."
"Don't worry, you forgot where I come from, didn't you?"
"My God, you're from Gotham. In that case, I shouldn't worry. But still, do come back quickly. It's a bit chilly outside, don't catch a cold."
Shiller put on his coat, opened the door, and stepped into the night of Brudehaven.
Indeed, this place was much quieter than Gotham. There were no gang fights, no gunshots, no murderers disposing of bodies, and no terrorists planting bombs — everything was serene and harmonious.
Following Arthur's footprints, Shiller arrived at a beach not far from the house. There, he saw Arthur sitting on a rock, talking to the air.
Perhaps it wasn't just the air — Shiller looked at the sea lit up by moonlight. Amongst the twinkling waves, a group of fish circled around Arthur's feet. Shiller heard Arthur say to them:
"How was he today? Really? It's a shame you can't talk, otherwise I'd ask you to tell him to hang on. I'll be coming to rescue him soon."
"What? You mean he was hurt by someone?!" Arthur's voice suddenly rose. Standing up anxiously, he said, "No, I have to set sail now. I have to help him!"
Under the moonlight, a voice rang out:
"Who is it that you want to help?"