The port town, located on the eastern edge of the Sekas Empire, was renowned for its proximity to the vast and treacherous Misty Sea. Thanks to the rare subsiding of the Eye of Death vortex, brought about by the influence of Monday, countless merchant ships laden with spices and ores had made their way directly to the port, ready to transport their valuable cargo to Vickniel, the capital of the Sekas Empire.
This was the busiest time of year for the port.
However, this year was different. The Nordland territory was on high alert, with rumors of devilish cultists causing havoc. As a result, a new checkpoint had been established at the entrance of the port town. Long lines of merchant convoys grumbled as they underwent thorough inspections, adding to the tension.
"Everything should be fine, right?" Lynn muttered to himself, disguised and somewhat anxious as he adjusted his voice to match the struggling and shouting he had overheard during the rescue the previous night.
It wasn't an exceedingly difficult task for him.
The essence of sound is merely the propagation of wave sources through mediums such as air, causing vibrations in the eardrum. Lynn's AI companion, 071, had already recorded Lotte's vocal characteristics, allowing Lynn to mimic them effortlessly.
Next, he needed to remain calm...
With a carefully composed expression and a natural demeanor, Lynn walked confidently past the lined-up merchant convoys. When he reached the checkpoint, he didn't pause but simply nodded to the guards before stepping into the port town.
A few of the stationed soldiers hesitated but did not dare to stop him.
"Who was that who just passed?" Priest Yaden, stationed at the checkpoint, noticed Lynn's departing figure and asked with a frown.
"That was Sir Lotte, son of Baron Pedrell," a guard replied honestly.
Yaden pondered for a moment, recalling that Baron Pedrell had made substantial donations to the church in recent years, hoping to secure Lotte's success in the knightly examination. He had a vague memory of the young man.
...
On the other side, Lynn, who had successfully entered the port town, was drenched in cold sweat. As he passed the checkpoint, he had even been prepared to take drastic action if necessary, but fortunately, everything had gone as planned.
With the identity of a legitimate hereditary baron's son, which might seem insignificant in the vast Nordland territory, Lynn had considerable advantages in this small port town.
Having overcome the most challenging obstacle, Lynn's anxiety eased somewhat. However, the unfamiliarity of the port town soon caused him further headaches. He spent a significant amount of time wandering the port, mentally noting every location while pretending to be thoroughly familiar with the area.
It wasn't until noon that Lynn cautiously entered a shop marked with a circular emblem.
If he wasn't mistaken, this was the emblem of the "Ship Guild," an organization led by Lame Laud.
The shopkeeper, an elderly halfling, was busy hauling a large bucket of heavy yellow-black ore to the other side of the room as Lynn entered. Due to his short stature, the heavy iron bucket was pressed closely against his face, swaying with each step and causing the fine ore on top to tumble down.
Seeing this, Lynn stepped forward to help, and together they moved the large bucket of ore to the corner.
"Thank you so much... dear guest!" The elderly halfling, with a heavy nasal voice, wiped his dusty hands on his trousers before turning to Lynn.
"Well, let's get down to business. Welcome to Bill's little shop... I mean... What can I do for you, Sir Lotte?"
Upon recognizing Lynn, the halfling Bill's previously casual demeanor immediately shifted to one of obsequiousness. He practically leapt to the counter, retrieving several beautifully decorated boxes filled with red and blue gemstones.
"Feel free to look at these; they are the finest of this year's offerings... and we also have a whole shipload of premium spices, rare treasures not found elsewhere..." Bill began enthusiastically.
But Lynn waved his hand dismissively, interrupting Bill's sales pitch. "I'm not here to purchase anything. On the contrary, I have a batch of precious cargo that I need to transport across the Misty Sea to Vickniel."
"I understand you have the capability to arrange a ship for a long voyage and ensure the safety of the cargo, correct?" Lynn inquired tentatively.
"Of course! Everyone in the port town knows the reputation of the 'Ship Guild'. Even those foul pirates wouldn't dare to intercept our ships!" Bill puffed out his disheveled beard and thumped his chest in assurance.
"However, renting an entire ship for cargo transport requires many hands and security personnel..." Bill cautiously gauged Lynn's reaction, intending to adjust the price based on his expression. This was a lucrative opportunity, after all.
"Money is not an issue!" Lynn confidently assured him. But seeing Bill's ecstatic expression, he added, "However, this cargo is extremely important. I need to meet with Laud in person. It would be best to discuss this face to face!"
Bill's expression immediately turned hesitant.
"What? Do you think I'm not worthy of meeting Lame Laud?" Lynn frowned, his tone growing more severe.
"No, no!" Bill shook his head frantically, terrified to say otherwise.
After a moment's hesitation, Bill glanced around cautiously and said, "In fact, very few people in the 'Ship Guild' know this, but Mr. Laud is not currently in the port town."
"What a coincidence," Lynn muttered, eyeing the halfling with suspicion, wondering if he was being deceived. He pressed on, "Do you know where he went?"
Bill smacked his lips, expressing helplessness. "I'm not certain. Usually, around Monday, Mr. Laud would be in the port, but this year is indeed an exception..."
Lynn scrutinized the halfling for a long moment before suddenly saying, "Forget it. Since Mr. Laud isn't here, I'll seek assistance elsewhere."
The elderly halfling became agitated. "Sir Lotte, perhaps you should reconsider. Although Mr. Laud is not in the port town, I can help you contact Label, his most capable subordinate, who can oversee all matters of the Ship Guild..."
"I should have mentioned, this cargo is highly valuable. I need to discuss it personally with Laud. Have him notify me upon his return." Lynn ignored Bill's continued pleas and walked out of the shop without delay.
Outside, dozens of large sailboats were docked at the well-maintained quay. Gray-clad dockworkers busily transferred crates filled with goods from the deck to the wooden planks by the dock, amidst the continuous din of the crowd and the shouts of overseers.
Lynn surveyed the bustling scene of the port town, filled with doubt.
This was the peak period of activity at the port. According to Joni's description, the route to the land of witches would briefly open, providing the only chance in the year to transport goods there.
If something went awry, decades of accumulation would be for nothing. At such a critical juncture, it was inconceivable that Laud would be absent...