https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-149-Pirates-Too-Have-Their-Saviours/12610946/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-151-How-Much-is-Carnival-City-Worth-/12610953/
Chapter 150: Slippery All Over!
Chapter 150: Slippery All Over!
The island where Carnival City was located had a pleasant and mild climate with clear skies and a gentle breeze—neither too hot nor too cold. However, in terms of produce and resources, it was rather lacking. Before the sea trains had established rail connections to this place, it was just an ordinary island.
It was only after the rails were laid that industries emerged, transforming it into a renowned entertainment hub.
As they sailed around half the island, a gigantic Ferris wheel came into Sag's view, standing out even in the daytime. One could already spot some of the larger amusement facilities in the city from a distance.
The entertainment industry here encompassed more than just adult entertainment. According to the detailed intelligence on Carnival City, it boasted a diverse range of industries, including children's entertainment, performing arts, singing and dancing, and recreational activities.
It was a bustling city with multiple ports, each bustling with numerous ships.
There were merchant ships transporting goods and tourist boats carrying passengers, all coming and going in batches.
Even a few naval vessels could be spotted docked at the ports.
"This is the place we should plunder the most."
Sag licked his lips and grinned, revealing his teeth. "I'll give you half a day to relax, gather information, and then we'll start raiding. Old Hawk..."
Hawkings drew a few tarot cards and pointed to a spot on the island. "We can stop there. The chances of being spotted are only 10%. It's a good place to hide."
The location he indicated was shielded by a forest, effectively blocking the view of the city.
As the Death Harbinger docked at the shore and the gangplank was lowered, Sag was the first to step off the ship. His black cloak with red trim billowed behind him as he moved, leaving only two hundred men to guard the ship while a thousand others followed him toward the city.
It took them only about twenty minutes to reach the stone-paved streets from the shore.
The surrounding shops were vibrant and diverse, and from time to time, they could see circus troupes performing stunts as they passed by, captivating the eyes of Reneetia and Lass.
One was ten years old, and the other was eight, so it was natural for them to be intrigued by the children's amusement options.
"Sag, I want to go there!"
Reneetia tugged on Sag's cloak, pointing at the massive Ferris wheel.
"Then take a group of people with you and go scout out what's worth looting there," Sag replied, waving his hand dismissively.
Reneetia cheered and left with Lass and a dozen or so Demon Clan members who were also intrigued by the amusement park.
The pirates also dispersed in small groups of twos and threes to seek their own entertainment.
They all had money to spend, so it was time to indulge.
Whether it was buying new clothes, finding a place to drink, or seeking other pleasures, they were free to do as they pleased.
While the city was known for its entertainment industry, its commerce was not to be underestimated. There were plenty of interesting items to be found here.
Lily, who loved perfumes, took the opportunity to gather information and scout for any unique fragrances that might catch her fancy.
Marika, aside from her interest in ingredients, also had a fondness for kitchen knives. She led a group of her men to purchase some.
As for Sag...
He sought not the best, but the most expensive!
"Hey, where are you going?"
Sag called out to Hawkings as he noticed him about to leave as well.
"I'm going to look for some decorative items and bath supplies," Hawkings replied nonchalantly.
Aside from his interest in decorative arts, Hawkings also had a peculiar fondness for bathing. The bathroom in his room was the most luxurious on the entire ship.
"You're quite an odd one among pirates, enjoying baths as a man," Sag commented with a chuckle.
"We can buy those things later," he continued. "Come on, let your captain show you how to have some real fun! The best baths are those where someone else washes you!"
At that moment, only a handful of men remained with him.
There was Hawkings, Arkin, Paul, Miot, and Bellamy.
Hawkings frowned. "I prefer bathing alone, and... it's still morning. Isn't it a bit early?"
He understood what Sag was suggesting, but he wasn't particularly interested in such activities. He preferred spending his free time quietly practicing divination.
"What's wrong with the morning?" Sag countered. "Who has time to wait until evening? Look over there."
He pointed to a row of tall buildings ahead, their lights shining with a colorful hue. "The lights outside are bright, and inside, it's a rainbow of neon colors. There's no distinction between day and night there. Let's go have some fun!"
Without waiting for a response, Sag strode forward, leaving Hawkings to follow with a slight pout.
Although their group was small, they exuded an intimidating aura. Bellamy wore a brazen expression, occasionally licking his lips in a distasteful manner.
Miot's towering three-meter-tall frame and somber expression made it difficult for others to meet his gaze.
Arkin's face was filled with malevolence, his eyes resembling those of a ghost and emitting a menacing aura that kept people at a distance.
Hawkings, with his brooding demeanor, had a hint of fierceness added to his appearance by the black vertical line of his eyebrows.
Leading the group, Sag exuded arrogance, his gaudy display of gold and silver jewelry making him look like a nouveau riche landowner from the countryside. His entourage of lackeys further emphasized his dominance as they walked, causing passersby to actively give way.
As for Paul, his goofy face needed no further description; he could blend in without attracting attention.
However, as the group made their way through the crowd, a small figure suddenly darted out from among the passersby, carrying a string of balloons.
"Buy a balloon!" exclaimed the child, a girl with her hair tied in a ponytail, no older than seven or eight years old. Her big eyes shone as she held out the string of balloons to Sag, who was about to pass by. "They're very pretty balloons. Buy one, sir!"
"Tsk."
Paul clicked his tongue and took a step forward, intending to shoo the girl away. But before he could do so, someone else moved faster than him, embracing the little girl and bowing to Sag.
"That's a middle-aged man. He rushed over from the nearby balloon stand, pulling the little girl back with him,"
The man reached out and grabbed the little girl's hand, attempting to lead her away. "Shut up and come with me!" he snapped, his grip clearly lacking strength.
This man was exceedingly thin, his face bearing the telltale sign of malnutrition—a hungry, yellowish hue. Even his grasp seemed devoid of force.
"Hold on."
Sag suddenly spoke up, causing the middle-aged man to startle. He pulled the little girl behind him, a hint of wariness in his eyes as he managed a smile. "Yes, customer? What can I do for you?"
This group of people looked rather intimidating, and he had no desire to cause trouble.
"Just buying a balloon."
Sag reached into his cloak and produced a gold coin, flicking it with his thumb so that it spun in the air before the man subconsciously caught it.
"That one there, the carp-shaped balloon. Bring it here."
He pointed to one of the balloons the little girl was holding, issuing his command.
The little girl's eyes lit up, and she dashed out from behind the man, holding a carp-shaped balloon. "Thank you, customer! Here's your balloon!"
Sag waved his hand dismissively, signaling Paru to take it from her. He glanced at the man, who was still stunned by the gold coin, and then at the little girl, a smile on his face as he said, "Not bad. Despite your young age, you're already helping your family with their business. You're a good girl."
"Of course!"
The little girl proudly raised her head. "My father takes care of the stall, and I help by selling balloons on the street. I've sold twenty balloons today, and my goal is to sell a hundred!"
"Oh? Why work so hard?" Sag asked, a smile playing on his lips.
"Of course, it's to repay our loan. My family still has thirty-two years left on our loan. My grandparents, parents, and I are all working hard to repay it."
The little girl's eyes shone with aspiration. "One day, we'll definitely repay the loan. Then I'll buy the stall, and we won't have to pay rent anymore."
"Hehehe, keep up the good work."
Sag ruffled the little girl's head affectionately before continuing on his way.
"Wait, customer! This gold coin is too valuable. I'll go change it for money right now!" The middle-aged man finally came to his senses and tried to catch up with them.
However, he had barely taken a step when Akin stopped him, declaring, "Consider it a gift."
Without another word to the man, Akin followed behind Sag.
"A simple act of kindness? Or gathering information?" Hawkins, walking beside Sag, inquired thoughtfully.
"Both,"
Sag chuckled. "It's normal for the rich to occasionally show some kindness, isn't it? And we did gather some useful information. It's a win-win situation. But did you notice?"
Hawkins nodded, his gaze shifting to the streets ahead.
Along the streets, in addition to the shops, there were also small vendors selling their goods. Compared to the tourists, these street vendors appeared frail and emaciated, much like the middle-aged man they had just encountered.
The performers, who tirelessly entertained tourists on the streets, wore almost frozen smiles that hinted at a sense of numbness.
Furthermore, the shop owners all bore expressions of exhaustion.
"Puppets," Hawkins stated concisely.
"Hahahaha, you've hit the nail."
Sag laughed heartily. "Something like that. The housing here isn't cheap, and it involves mortgages, rent, and all sorts of things. The people of Carnival City are all working for others. As for those who gain the wealth..."
His eyes glinted with greed. "They're even richer than I imagined!"
Every place had its share of struggles, and this was an unchanging truth. Of course, there were also nobles and wealthy merchants who controlled the vast majority of the wealth in any given place.
Sag's targets for plunder were precisely these individuals.
Who else was there to rob?
The balloon seller?
The single gold coin he gave could likely cover the man's balloon sales for several days.
What could such a destitute person possibly have worth stealing?
The group made their way through several streets and eventually arrived at the colorful high-rise building that Sag had pointed out earlier, which stood out even during the day. The entire street was adorned with colorful banners. Beneath these banners stood women dressed in various styles, some exuding charm while others embodied purity, as they beckoned customers from beneath the colorful signs.
"Customers, won't you come in for a drink or two?" A woman's eyes lit up as she spotted Sag and his group, her gaze immediately drawn to the jewelry he wore. She eagerly approached them, her voice filled with enticement. "Our tavern is fantastic, and we'll definitely leave you feeling slick and shiny all over!"
Such places were, of course, meant for drinking.
What else could it be? Subtlety, understand?
"Where's the slickness? There aren't any good women, liar!"
Even as the woman finished speaking, a portly man stormed out, his expression furious. "Charging twenty thousand belli for a bottle of Don Perignon is outrageous! Other places only charge ten thousand! You're nothing but a scam!"
The voice was very familiar...
Sag turned his head, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the speaker. But before Paul could take a step forward, someone else moved faster than him, embracing the little girl and bowing to Sag.
(End of Chapter)
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