After Nicolas finished paying directly, he hugged the bald falcon with a wristband and walked towards the market outside.
At this time, it was relatively quiet for black market transactions, as it was broad daylight. Even though black market business was common in the pirate world, many respectable people preferred not to reveal their true identities during the day.
Nightfall was when a city showed its darkest side.
Upon returning to his residence, Nicolas first went to the kitchen, grabbed some cooked food from the refrigerator, and then went to the living room through the corridor. He gnawed on a falcon leg while casually tossing the gnawed bones to the bald falcon trailing behind him.
However, the little guy only stuck out its head, opened its mouth to swallow, and almost choked on the bones.
After spitting out the bones and giving them a sniff, it turned its head away and pushed the bones aside with its wings, clearly traumatized.
"What's wrong, so picky with your mouth? You even dislike bones?"
Seeing the bald falcon's reaction behind him, Nicolas was stunned for a moment, then stared at it in astonishment. "It can't be; with such a big size at birth, do you not eat bones? Do birds drink milk?"
Forget it; let's try again.
Turning back to the kitchen, Nicolas had the chef fetch a bottle of milk and head outside. However, the bald falcon behind him kept staring at the kitchen counter, continuously flapping its featherless wings and hopping around with its legs, apparently trying to leap onto the kitchen counter.
"Mr. Nicolas, it seems like your pet wants to eat raw meat," the head chef cautiously reminded. Before coming here, Levanoth had specifically offered him a fivefold increase in salary, with the only requirement being to prioritize the guests' requests and never to anger them.
The chef, having dealt with upper-class individuals, naturally understood Levanoth's intentions. Coupled with the terrifying appetites displayed by these guests, the head chef was particularly respectful.
"Alright, bring it over."
Nicolas decided after a moment, and under the chef's preparation, three pounds of beef strips, three pounds of pork strips, and three pounds of lamb strips were directly cut and placed on a large plate. The waiter carried it over to Nicolas and took it to the estate's open space.
After the waiter placed the plate on the table, the bald falcon seemed unusually excited, continuously flapping its featherless wings around the table.
Occasionally, it nudged Nicolas's legs with its head and looked up at him.
Seeing this, Nicolas grabbed a piece of beef and threw it towards the bald falcon. However, before Nicolas could react, the falcon pecked at it, missed, and the meat splattered onto its intelligent eyes.
After shaking the meat off onto the ground, it eagerly buried its head and started pecking.
As for the bottle of fresh milk, it naturally ended up in Nicolas's mouth.
"It's indeed a bird of prey, only eating raw meat. But what's with that intelligent gaze?"
Watching the falcon miss again, Nicolas felt a pang of regret.
But pets, as long as they're interesting.
Nicolas consoled himself, somewhat helplessly shaking his head, then grabbed another raw meat strip and tossed it at the bald falcon's face.
The little guy took twenty minutes to finish its first meal of life.
Looking at the bald falcon sitting on the ground, resembling more of a fat falcon, Nicolas wondered if it would overeat and kill itself.
However, seeing that it seemed fine, Nicolas stretched lazily and began exercising on the estate, more like practicing moves. His opponents were simulated enemies created by his lightning powers.
The fastest way to become stronger at sea was through real combat, where one's talents and ability to survive were truly tested.
Of course, regular training was also necessary. Only through constant accumulation could one make rapid progress in real combat and translate it into strength.
In the afternoon, with a gust of wind, Nicolas kicked the thunder shadows in front of him.
"Clap clap clap clap~"
Applause sounded, and Levanoth's voice came over.
"Well done, Mr. Nicolas."
Nicolas didn't say much, but sat on the nearby stool, took the towel handed to him by Stussy, and wiped the sweat off his face.
After all, his body hadn't fully developed yet. These years were the best time to explore his potential and increase his strength. Once this period of rapid progress was missed, how could he confront those unruly fellows on the sea in the future?
"Mr. Levanoth, what brings you here?" After returning the towel to Stussy, Nicolas turned to Levanoth.
"Mr. Nicolas, according to our intelligence, it seems that the World Government has begun to take action against you. So, I wanted to ask, When do you plan to leave?"
Seeing Nicolas's understanding, Levanoth quickly explained, "Mr. Nicolas, I don't mean to rush you, but our relationship with the World Government in Seven Waters is delicate. If they come, I'm afraid it might affect your shipbuilding plans."
Nicolas understood that he couldn't afford to offend the World Government. While Seven Waters might not face significant trouble if they did, it would be different for those like Levanoth. They had to be cautious.
"I see. I'll leave as soon as possible. Of course, I hope that when we meet again, my ship will be ready."
Nicolas said, understanding the world government's nature. Once they discovered his cooperation with Seven Waters, while they couldn't directly deal with him, they could target people like Levanoth, their key allies.
"Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Nicolas. We'll do our best to ensure your ship is ready. Please rest assured."
As Levanoth solemnly promised, the clever falcon bounced around, pecking around Levanoth's feet, annoying him, but knowing it was Nicolas's pet made Levanoth somewhat headachey.
As Levanoth was about to leave after bidding farewell, the falcon secretly approached his feet and left a pile of bird droppings on his custom-made, handcrafted leather shoes.
Not satisfied, it eyed the other shoe and left another pile of droppings.
After leaving Nicolas's residence and looking at the two "artworks" on his luxurious custom-made leather shoes, Levanoth's facial muscles couldn't help but twitch involuntarily.