"Twin Dragon Island hasn't been this lively for a long time."
Standing at the top of the bridge tower of the "Snow Wind", Thunder sighed with emotion as he looked down at the bustling pier.
Thousands of people were gathered here, moving boxes after boxes of supplies onto the ships. From a bird's eye view, they looked like ants lined up in a column. Shouts, horns, and the rustling of the waves on the beach were mixed together, forming the main melody before setting sail.
On the other side of the pier, there were all kinds of sailing ships with their freeboard against each other. The tall masts rose and fell one after another, resembling an endless chain of mountain peaks.
The flags fluttering on the peaks indicated which fleets belonged to: Crescent Moon Bay, Sunset Island, Shallow Water City... These important chambers of commerce in the Fjords were now gathered here, waiting for the moment to set sail.
The last time he saw such a grand occasion was when he was 22 years old, when he gathered his team and set sail for the Shadow Waters.
"Not only Twin Dragon Island," Margaery said with a smile, "I should say that the whole Fjords has been stirred up by the news you brought back. A seemingly worthless route has now become the focus of attention. It's safe, stable, and has the opportunity to become a real explorer. The new generation is born in a good era. "
Thunder also raised the corner of his mouth.
He knew that Margaery was talking about the Festive Harbor route.
"As long as you find a novel relic in the Endless Cape, you can exchange it for a reward from the King of Graycastle." When the news was brought back to the Fjords, it immediately caused a great commotion.
The title of adventurer was very attractive to the Fjords people. It not only represented fame, but also represented wealth. However, it was not easy to find a new route, island, or major secret. It required a lot of investment, and there was a possibility of losing everything or even losing one's life.
However, the recruitment notice from the King of Graycastle changed everything. The route from the Fjords to the Endless Cape was a very mature one, and the new port city of Festive meant a business opportunity. Even if they could not find anything there, at least they could sell some goods, and they would not suffer a loss.
If he really found something good, it would naturally be killing two birds with one stone.
Furthermore, the information clearly stated that these ancient relics might be related to a huge secret about the Three Gods. As long as one could contribute to unraveling the secret, one would have the chance to receive the title of Lifetime Honorary Explorer conferred by Graycastle. Although Graycastle, as a land kingdom, was different from the Fjord Islands, it was an indisputable standard no matter where it was. In other words, the Fjord Islands valued it more.
After all, it was related to the three gods that they believed in.
Because the news brought back by Thunder was so attractive, there were also a small number of people who raised doubts, but these doubts did not affect the enthusiasm of the merchants to go south. The reputation of the King of Graycastle had spread as early as when Chaos Drinks and perfume swept the entire Fjords market. As more and more goods came from the other side of the channel and steam paddle steamers became more and more common, the name Roland Wimbledon was often mentioned and the idea that Neverwinter was incomparably rich was deeply rooted in people's hearts.
The establishment of the Allied Chamber of Commerce further strengthened people's confidence.
Since the big employer was the king of a country, and a very powerful one at that, what was wrong with asking for a higher price?
After the news spread, almost all the idle people in the Fjords began to take action, so that the islands were divided into two groups — the experienced and courageous group tried every means to board Thunder's fleet, while the stable group, which hoped to be lucky, set sail to the Endless Cape and strive for a good position in the Festive Harbor.
If he had not seen it with his own eyes, Thunder would not have imagined that a country across the sea could have such a great impact on the Fjords.
After all, such a change had only occurred in the past one or two years.
"All thanks to you." He looked at the distant sea-line that looked like silver wires. "Without you to manage the Chamber of Commerce for me, I wouldn't have been able to devote myself to one adventure after another. To be honest, except for exploring, I don't have any strong points. I'm not even a qualified father. I've left all the chores to you over the years. I really owe you too much... "
"You should know that I'm doing all of this out of my own free will." Margaret pressed her hand on the back of his. "Wouldn't it be too much of a letdown to someone who doesn't ask for anything in return be a little too much? Besides, we're going on a long voyage, so it's better not to say such things. "
"Margaery..." Thunder shifted his gaze and looked into her eyes.
"Of course, it's not right to say that I'm not asking for any reward at all. I … actually have something that I want," Margaret blinked her eyes. "So, just take it that I have something else in mind. Don't feel like you owe me anything."
Thunder naturally knew what she wanted.
Back in Neverwinter, when he saw Lightning getting along well with her, he did not think there was anything wrong with it.
Now that he thought about it, he had long been accustomed to her existence.
The strange thing was that he never hesitated in the slightest when he was on an adventure, whether it was a hurricane or a big wave. But in this regard, he found it particularly difficult to ask.
Just as Thunder hesitated whether to turn over his hand and hold her palm, the first mate's voice interrupted their time alone.
"Boss!" The latter stood on the deck of the bridge and shouted, "The caravan is basically ready. We're just waiting for your order!"
Thunder coughed twice and said, "Got it! I'll be right there! "
"Okay!"
He took a deep breath and looked at Margaery. "It's time to set off."
"Go ahead." Margaery nodded with a smile. "Do what you're best at, just like His Majesty said —"
"Well," Thunder said, "to the new world."
...
He walked down the tower, passed through the bridge, and walked along the deck to the bow of the ship, facing the people on the dock.
There was a burst of enthusiastic cheers from below.
Thunder waved his hand and said, "I think everyone already knows the route we're going to take this time. So far, the farthest the Fjords have been to is the Shadow Waters. But for the Swirling Sea, it's just like stepping out of home. This time, we'll cross the Shadow Waters, cross the incredible Sealine, and head to a place further east — the empty land that no one has ever set foot on! "
"I once saw an extremely vast land in the Shadow Ruins, which is not inferior to the territory of the Four Kingdoms. Where is it? Will it be east of the Sealine? These are all exciting questions, and this time, we're going to find the answer. If it really exists, then the Fjords people will completely say goodbye to the narrow and scarce land and no longer have to worry about living space! At the same time, it may bring us more wealth than all the routes so far combined. This is also the reason why I welcome anyone with ability to join us. With such a great return, even if there are more people to share it, it will be enough! "
He paused for a moment, waiting for the cheers of the crowd to subside, and then continued, "But apart from gold royals and fame, what I want is something else — that is, the Fjords will be remembered in history! There are few records of us in the history books of the Four Kingdoms. The Fjords have neither a century-old family nor a supreme king. It is far away from the mainland, like an isolated island, and almost no influence except for the caravan. "
"But this situation will not last forever. When we open up a new fertile land for all mankind and bring a broad vision that subverts common sense, history will forever record us, and every explorer who embarks on a fearless journey! I hope you can understand that the significance of this expedition is not only for the present, but also for the future! "
"Raise the sails, guys!" Thunder raised his arms high. "Set sail to the new world!"
Below, countless hands also rose up, and everyone's voices resounded through the sky.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.