Black Sail
Chapter 386: XXI. Blood of the Overlord

Chapter 386: XXI. Blood of the Overlord

Every matter was settled.

Fen, Wolman, and Ox each had their businesses to attend to.

Apart from Claude, everyone else would accompany Liszt on the journey inland.

Time waits for no one. Liszt couldn’t wait for the carriages of the Atomic Heart Church to arrive; saving Sister Sharon was urgent. When Fen was also not on the island, Mo Yutong was elevated to full proxy manager.

Liszt trusted her abilities. Old Wei and Chiyoda were in the castle; there was no need to worry about Mo Yutong’s safety.

Not to mention, Garscek was in command.

Dreya, that mad woman, had used some means to retain control of the Dragon Car.

This trip inland couldn’t, of course, be made with a grandiose departure.

The Sea God, this mammoth vessel, could not be casually let out to sea; one might assume you were about to conduct a landing operation just by its approach to the dock.

Liszt was deeply attached to Fafna Keqing. Last time it was heavily damaged, but thanks to the intact Dragon Bone, it was repaired and seemed as good as new, still seaworthy.

But he was no longer confident enough to take it out again; instead, it served as a symbol, docked and well-maintained at Heaven Port.

"Alright, the ledger is with Mo Yutong. Anyone can review it at any time. Are there any other issues?"

Liszt had his plan ready.

Three days to prepare resources, and not just one ship would set sail. A total of five ships, with around a thousand people, would first head to Mulong Duchy’s Golden Palm Port to scout.

The manpower Black Sail could mobilize was incalculable. Taylor Plank and Qi Liwenkui, along with their men, could be mobilized; the fishery islands could also raise troops at a moment’s notice.

You couldn’t put every pirate on the payroll; the wages simply couldn’t be covered, and within a month, Black Sail would collapse.

Among the countless pirate gangs of the East Sea, only a small portion of captains were formally commissioned, and those chosen were from the stronger gangs.

There were a hundred and thirty-six commissioned captains.

Mobilizing a thousand people was easy.

Mulong Duchy was currently building a railroad; the puppet government, reactionary forces, and the Aran official army were all in chaos, so landing wouldn’t be difficult. It would be like the Red Tree Bay Shore of the Great Wetland, where a little silver coin could smooth over the maritime officials.

Furthermore...

According to the latest news, the Cross Alliance had very obediently withdrawn the warrants for all Black Sail members, much like the former Doringger.

Even the warrant for Fen, from the Emiriken Outer House, had been withdrawn.

At such a status, even if you didn’t pay to grease the wheels, others would voluntarily show you respect.

Though Liszt and the others were still pirates, their status had soared dramatically.

The Cross Alliance was also performance-driven, mindful of KPIs.

Only effective warrants would be issued. By the time your face is known as Boss of Heaven Port, the regional ruler, having you killed would be pointless. Hanging up your wanted poster every day might not embarrass the pirates, but the police commissioner still cares about face, so there’s no need to print ineffective warrants.

It’s not to say the crisis was entirely averted. The Cross Alliance had withdrawn their warrants, but just like on Earth, the Cross Alliance was only the United Nations, the County Government. As everyone knows, the International Police often do nothing substantial; it’s not just a matter of formality. They can assist in cross-national cases, providing support that small countries need, while the big countries hardly regard these operatives at all.

Not to mention the Old Wei of the Western Continent.

The true power lies with the Aran Imperial City of the Emiriken family; that’s where the real dealings occur. Their warrants have not been withdrawn, and they’ll still get you in trouble if you trespass.

Fen returning to Pedan, Archer going back to Ji Weng, or a group going to Aran, they would still be captured and killed.

But in Mulong Duchy.

That’s considered a legitimate merchant, and I can also do business, and I can be patriotic.

Liszt, all areas outside of Aran have been whitewashed.

As for why? The armed forces currently in Liszt’s hands are more than capable of stirring up some waves and becoming a potential partner for various countries.

Liszt also reminded Mo Yutong that the Beima Duchy is now in greater chaos, with Beima Xiaochaijin, who had a fleeting connection, causing trouble and trying to topple the puppet Emperor. Compared to other places, Heaven Port is the closest to the Beima East Coast.

Who knows, the Governor of Beima East Coast might even send a tribute of cigarettes my way in the next few months.

Of course, one can’t just egg him on; the main focus is on growth now—the more chaotic over there, the better.

When the Governor of the East Coast finally comes to ask for my help, if I don’t bite off a big chunk of meat, that would be unthinkable.

By then, I’ll be the one collecting protection fees in the East Sea; I’ll also get a slice of the trade between the two sides. It’s like Emperor Qin Shi Huang joining NASA—victorious even in the heavens.

There was a moment of silence in the navigation room.

"Since there are no objections, all business matters have been discussed. The board now has many members, but some things do not count towards the company’s assets but belong to... the twelve of us."

Liszt was clear on this point—the Stele, Fafna, Alicia, had nothing to do with Taylor Qi Li or that large group of allies.

"General Swan not only brought the Stele but also brought... two gemstones from the Overlord Crown. Since the rightful heir of Cyrus is also here, let’s see if there’s any interesting chemical reaction."

Liszt took out a small sack from his pocket and placed it on the table.

The core members’ eyes also glanced toward Alicia, who sat in the corner, wearing a high-slit dress, smoking with legs crossed, so addicted to cigarettes she’d go through two packs a day, appearing somewhat impatient.

"I said I’m not some Overlord Descendant."

Alicia truly despised the title, as it had brought her too much unnecessary trouble. She didn’t want to suffer in the High Tower anymore and wanted to just live a normal life, playing cards, gambling—a typical girl’s life.

"Little Ai, if I address you as Sister Ai, you reflect on this past month—have I treated you well? I’ve always considered you a... companion."

Liszt knew this woman was too savvy to be coaxed like Fafna. He couldn’t use Goria and Caroso like ropes to trap her.

He had to win her heart in other ways, fight side by side, make dumplings together for New Year’s.

"Tsck."

Alicia had nothing to say. Indeed, this bunch had been very compliant, catering to her needs with excellent food and drink. She couldn’t find fault with them, but it was all her own doing.

Eating someone’s food and taking their gifts makes it hard to refuse them. Liszt, this caveman, was even more terrifying than Doringger, liking to be the stress monster, gaining favor, controlling both body and heart. Who knows if he intended to brainwash her thoroughly, to use her as a Star Crossbow or not.

"Companions, my ass. You’re all just saying I’m of no use, indulging in your own delusions."

Alicia had no interest in so-called gemstones, but in some sense, weren’t these things... dug out from the graves of her ancestors?

Such an odd feeling.

"How can you say you’re of no use? If we auctioned you off, I reckon we couldn’t even put a price on it—the lowest form of conversion. If we presented you to the Emperor, wouldn’t that warrant being made a Duke?"

Morison said calmly.

Alicia broke out in a sweat. The Emperor’s mobilization was all about the Overlord Descendant; if she were presented to him, wouldn’t that be a death sentence?

"Do whatever you’re going to do, and do it quickly."

Alicia flicked her cigarette ash and resigned herself.

Liszt also untied the rope of the sack, taking out two priceless gemstones.