Chapter 620 - 239: Sailboat Model

Wei’en sized up the small, three-story building before him. Other than its red bricks being painted black, its overall style was no different from the surrounding shops. A large flame was painted over the open doorway, and to the left stood a sign made of piled bones—Ghost Soul School Intelligence Division, Aleksey City State.

’The Ghost Soul School’s intelligence division?’

Ronan noticed his gaze and took the initiative to explain, "Aleksey Island is an important crossroads in the Cordo Sea Region. Besides trade and entertainment, it’s also a gathering place for intelligence from all continents. Information from the four major continents passes through here every day, where it’s made known to others."

"Not only does your Ghost Soul School have an outpost here, but there are also schools like Spiritual Secret and Shadow. However, the intelligence Wizards are interested in is said to be different from that of pirates, Extraordinary Clans, and the churches. It’s mostly related to ruins, Era Relics, and knowledge."

’Knowledge...’

Wei’en nodded. ’That does sound like the style of Wizards.’

’An intelligence division, though...’

He recalled that Director Amidich had previously sent a list of Shadow personnel, which included two Shadow members on Aleksey Island.

’I wonder if they’re stationed inside...’

"Let’s go. We’ll head to the repair yard first."

Wei’en thought for a moment and decided to first take care of the repairs for the Leonard, then come back here to take a look.

Ever since he killed that Liaison Officer in the Caster City State, he hadn’t seen any Wizards from the Ghost Soul School around. This could be an opportunity to learn about the things other Wizards were familiar with.

"Captain, follow me. It’s the white building up ahead with the sailboat sign."

Ronan didn’t ask any more questions and did as he was told, leading the way.

"The Himenez Clan is an Extraordinary Clan from the Inacio Federation on the northern coast of the Southern Continent. They possess an Extraordinary Bloodline called ’Demon Vine.’ It’s said that when they activate this trait, they can turn the ground into a forest."

"But ever since they rose to prominence, they’ve focused on the shipbuilding industry. They’ve made their way north from the Southern Continent and established family outposts on the four continents and some islands. They are extremely skilled at building and repairing sailing ships."

"Mm."

Wei’en listened quietly, but inwardly, he strongly approved of the Himenez Clan’s practice of using their Extraordinary Power to serve others.

’If only those nobles could be like them, then what happened with the Ernst Clan wouldn’t have occurred.’

"We’re here."

The three of them entered the white building and were led to a central courtyard by the guards at the entrance.

"Captain Wei’en. Fried Himenes, the manager here." A middle-aged man in a dark green formal suit recognized Wei’en with a single glance. He bowed slightly and smiled. "How may I help you?"

"Ship repair," Wei’en said flatly.

He wasn’t surprised that the man knew his identity, nor had he ever intended to hide it.

Since Aleksey Island was an intelligence hub in the Cordo Sea Region, it was natural that people who dealt with pirates and Extraordinary Clans were well-informed and knew more about the events happening at sea.

"This way, please."

Fried showed no fear, despite Wei’en being the Mutated Mage who had recently become infamous across the seas. His back was ramrod straight, his hands hung naturally at his sides, and he wore a polite smile. When he spoke, he angled his body slightly, a gesture that was neither arrogant nor without a certain noble air.

"You’ve come at a good time. We don’t have any large-scale sailboat construction or repair jobs at the moment. Otherwise, you would have had to wait for some time."

Wei’en didn’t speak, calmly leading Tina by the hand as he followed behind him.

"Ahem, even if there are others in line, we hope you can be as quick as possible," Ronan said, glancing at Fried. He cleared his throat and spoke in a rare tone of equal standing.

’When I’m with the Captain, I can’t bring shame to the Leonard.’

"Of course."

Fried subtly observed Wei’en’s expression from the corner of his eye and took a slight, sharp breath. ’As expected of the man who dared to strike at the Dawn Church and slaughter tens of thousands of Holy Professionals.’

"Later, when we sign the contract, we will agree on a completion time for the ship’s repairs."

After crossing the spacious courtyard, they entered a long corridor that resembled an exhibition hall. On both the left and right were several display cases holding model sailboats. At a glance, the sailboats of various sizes and shapes were mostly three-masted sailing ships and Steamships; there were only two models of Five-Masted Sailing Ships or larger vessels.

"Tina, boat." Little White Fur, carrying a clown and a teddy bear doll, stared intently at the model sailboats, her steps slowing slightly.

Wei’en noticed her reaction and, after a moment of thought, understood what she wanted to say. He couldn’t help but smile.

"You like these models?"

"Tina, models?"

"Yes, this." Wei’en pointed to a finely crafted model of a three-masted sailing ship and smiled. "Want it?"

"Tina, want." Tina nodded slightly, a hint of shyness in her expression. The grip on his hand tightened a little.

"Mr. Fried, would it be possible for me to buy one to take with me?"

"Of course you can," Fried’s expression changed slightly as he heard them. He looked at Wei’en and said, "However, the price may be a bit steep."

"Oh?"

"The material used to make these models is Kage metal from the Western Continent. It comes from a ruin and is extremely rare. Don’t let its size fool you. Though it’s only one-hundredth the size of a real ship, its price is nearly equal to that of a full-sized three-masted sailing ship. So..."

’Ruins...’

’It couldn’t be that much of a coincidence, could it?’

Wei’en glanced at Tina and saw her gaze was still fixed on the model of the three-masted sailing ship. After a few seconds of thought, he said, "How much? I’ll take it now."