Chapter 159

"So, what's in it for Malcolm if we fail on our first voyage?" asked the red-haired girl.

"Not everyone on this island supports the establishment of the black-market alliance, especially the weaker small pirate groups. However, because they are too weak, no one will pay attention to their voices. We are the only pirate group left on this island that has strength but hasn't joined the alliance. Many people are watching our every move, which is why the previous price negotiations were so difficult. In fact, the black-market alliance doesn't mind raising the price of a ship, but if they do so, it is equivalent to breaking their own rules and giving others a reason to fight for a higher price. If our first voyage doesn't turn out well, this problem will naturally disappear."

Anne was completely confused by the game. "Let's put it simply. Now that we are working with Karina, we should have nothing to do with the black-market alliance. So, from now on, there will be no such thing, right?" "I'm afraid not.

"I'm afraid that's not the case. The current situation is what the black-market alliance doesn't want to see the most. We returned with a full load of loot, but we chose to sell our loot through channels other than theirs. Now, they have to watch a batch of valuable goods flow out of the island, but they can't make any money from it. This is what makes them upset the most, especially when they have already offered a higher price to the island's veteran pirate groups. They need to make up for their losses from the new pirate groups. There's a high chance that they won't just sit back and watch us do nothing."

"Heh, so overbearing? We can do whatever we want with our loot. What does it have to do with them? Speaking of which, ever since the establishment of this damn alliance, the island has been in a foul mood. Why don't we just kill them all?! "said the red-haired girl in annoyance.

"That's not a good idea." A somewhat familiar voice came from behind them. "Several of the strongest pirate crews on the island are now on their side. You're at a disadvantage in terms of numbers. It's not wise to make a move at this time."

The three of them turned around and saw the old pirate who had just walked out of the bakery next door. Unlike before, he had changed into a new set of clothes and looked cheerful. He was still wearing the old gray hat on his head, and in his arms was a bag of freshly baked bread.

"Fraser, how dare you show your face in front of us?" Billy's expression immediately turned cold when he heard the voice.

The group of old sailors on the Sea Lion had almost lost their lives because of Fraser. As soon as they came ashore, they ran to the tavern that Fraser frequented. However, they found nothing there. They did not expect Fraser to show up in front of them again.

"Billy, you know this has nothing to do with personal grudges. Both of us have the same goal. We both want to liberate the Sea Lion's crew from the lies and cruelty of Orff and Teach. With all due, your little tricks are no match for Orff's eyes. So, I can only try to solve the problem my way.

The old pirate shrugged and admitted straightforwardly, "Yes, I did use you, so of course you have a reason to be angry. But if things go according to my plan, nothing will happen to you in the future. I know you don't believe me, but you should believe in Owen. That kid's performance on the ship is obvious to all. He does care about you, and it's not a pretense. When he becomes the captain, he will definitely clear your names."

If Zhang Heng and Orff didn't come to an agreement, all of us would be dead before we reach Charleston … I won't believe your bullsh * t anymore, Frazer. Not even a word. You only care about your own interests. To you, there's nothing you can't give up, right? "Billy sneered when he heard what Frazer said.

"Actually, I'm not as cold-blooded as you think I am. I know you guys are unhappy with me. So, consider this my effort to make up for the harm I've done to you." Fraser put his hand into his shirt pocket. When he saw Billy and Anne pulling out their weapons, he gestured for them to calm down with his hand that was holding a piece of bread. Finally, he took out an invitation and handed it to Zhang Heng.

"I admit that I made a mistake. I knew you were good, but I didn't expect you to be even better than I expected. If I could choose again, I would definitely try my best to win you over instead of using you as bait. Unfortunately, we can't change what has happened, can we?" The old pirate sighed. "You are no less talented than Teach. Now, you have a good ship and a group of excellent sailors. The only thing stopping you from becoming the strongest pirate group in the sea is time. I can help you fight for that time."

The old pirate paused. "After my persuasion, Malcolm has realized that he made a mistake in how he treated you guys. He is willing to apologize for what happened after that. At the same time, he wants to restart negotiations with you guys. Seven days later, there will be a dinner party at Terrance Manor. Malcolm hopes to meet you there. "

"So, you are the one behind the black-market alliance," Billy said coldly.

"You guys think too highly of me." The old pirate snorted. "Redmond, Malcolm, and the others have already begun to learn from the failure of the previous alliance and started to explore ways to establish a new one. To be more precise, the previous alliance was just an immature experimental product. They used it to practice and accumulate experience, and at the same time, observe and test the reactions of all parties on the island. That's why the alliance disintegrated so quickly. This time, they have been preparing for a full three years. By the time they released the news a few months ago, the main work was almost done."