The port town of Haygan, renowned for its proximity to the expansive Misty Sea, lies to the east of the Sika Empire.
As a result of Monday's influence, the formidable vortex known as the "Eye of Death" temporarily calmed, enabling an abundance of vessels laden with spices and minerals to be transported directly from land to the Imperial Capital of Venicel in the Sika Empire via sea.
This is also the port's busiest hour.
However, the circumstances are somewhat different this year. To apprehend the devil worshippers who sneak into Nordland territory to cause pandemonium, an additional sentry post has been established at the entrance to Haygan Town, and merchant groups passing through must queue and undergo inspection amid a cacophony of complaints.
"There shouldn't be any issues, right?" Lynn, having donned a disguise, was somewhat anxious as he continually adjusted his voice to match the struggles and cries he heard the previous night.
This was not a particularly challenging task.
The essence of the voice was merely the vibration of the eardrum caused by waves traveling through air and other media, and 071 had already recorded Laut's vocal characteristics. All that was required of him was imitation.
The next step is a test of mental fortitude....
Lynn traversed the line of merchants with the most natural demeanor, and upon entering the sentry post, he did not pause, merely nodding at the guards before proceeding into Haygan Town.
Several guards on duty hesitated, but did not dare to intercept him.
"Who was the individual who just passed by?" Pastor Adrien, stationed at the gate, noticed Lynn's departing figure and inquired with furrowed brow.
"That was Sir Laut, son of Lord Pedroral...." The guard replied honestly.
Adrien pondered for a moment before recalling that, in recent years, Lord Pedroral had not hesitated to make generous donations to the church in order to aid Lotte in passing the knight assessment. He still retained a faint recollection of this.
...
On the other side, Lynn, having successfully entered Haigang Town, was already drenched in cold sweat. At the moment he passed through the sentry post, he had even prepared for a potential confrontation, but fortunately, everything unfolded as he had anticipated.
His current identity is that of a legitimate hereditary noble son, a status that may not hold much weight in the entirety of Nordland territory, yet still grants numerous conveniences within the small port town of Haygan.
Overcoming the toughest hurdle, Lynn's constantly tensed heart finally relaxed somewhat, but the unfamiliarity of Haygan Town soon gave him a headache again.
As he entered the town, Lynn's eyes were immediately drawn to the sights and sounds of the port town before him. The salty sea air filled his nostrils, and he could hear the cries of the seagulls overhead. The gate led into a bustling marketplace, where merchants and fishermen alike sold their wares.
Lynn wandered through the crowded streets, marveling at the variety of goods on display. There were stalls selling fresh seafood, stacks of brightly colored fabrics, and barrels of exotic spices. The aroma of grilled fish and fried dough filled the air, making Lynn's stomach growl with hunger.
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As he made his way through the market, Lynn couldn't help but be struck by the diverse group of people around him. There were sailors and traders from all corners of the globe, their skin bronzed by the sun and their clothing a patchwork of different styles. Lynn overheard snippets of conversation in a dozen different languages, and he felt a sense of curiousity at the thought of all the stories and adventures these people must have experienced.
As he walked further into the town, Lynn came upon the harbor. It was a chaotic scene, with ships of all shapes and sizes coming and going. The docks were alive with activity, as sailors hoisted heavy crates and barrels onto the ships, and traders haggled over the prices of their wares. Lynn watched in fascination as a grand sailing ship set sail, its white sails billowing in the breeze.
Although the sceneries seemed novel to him, he had to spend a considerable amount of time roaming around the port, silently memorizing every location while trying to appear familiar with everything.
It was not until noon that Lynn cautiously entered a shop with a circular emblem, which, if he was not mistaken, was the emblem of the [Einhorn Ship Guild] belonging to Old Lard.
The old halfling owner of the Haygan shop was busy carrying a heavy barrel of yellow and black minerals to the other side of the room when Lynn stepped through the door. However, due to his short stature, the heavy iron barrel was pressed tightly against the halfling's face, shaking constantly as he walked and causing the fine minerals on top to fall off.
Upon seeing this, Lynn went forward to lend a hand, and the two of them piled the barrel of minerals in the corner together.
"Thank you so much... customer!" The old halfling, with a thick nasal accent, wiped the dust off his trousers and turned to Lynn, saying: "Well, let's get down to business now. Welcome to Bill's small shop... no, I mean... do you need anything, Sir Laut?"
After casting his gaze upon Lynn's appearance, Halfing Bill's casual demeanor swiftly transformed into one of flattery.
He practically threw himself at the counter, producing several ornately adorned boxes from a drawer, which were filled with a plethora of radiant red and blue jewels.
"Peruse these at your leisure, they are the finest goods of the year... and I also have an entire vessel brimming with the choicest spices, all of which are rare delicacies that cannot be procured elsewhere..." The half-human Bill prattled on unceasingly.
Lynn, meanwhile, nonchalantly waved his hand, interrupting the other's words. "I didn't come here to purchase anything, rather, I have a consignment of precious cargo that I wish to have transported to Venicel through the Misty Sea."
"I've heard that your organization has the capability to arrange a ship for long voyages and ensure the safety of materials. Is that true?" Lynn inquired tentatively.
"Certainly, everyone in Haygan Town is aware of the reputation of [Einhorn Ship Guild], even the most odious pirates wouldn't dare to waylay our vessel!" Bill pompously raised his unkempt beard and patted his chest in assurance.
"However, renting an entire ship for the purpose of transporting goods requires a significant number of personnel and guards..." Bill warily watched Lynn's reaction, ready to adjust the price according to the other's countenance. This was a golden opportunity to reap a substantial profit.
"Money is not an issue!" Lynn unhesitatingly proffered a large sum, and then, upon observing Halfling Bill's elated countenance, he continued, "However, this consignment of goods is of the utmost importance and I must personally meet with Old Lard. It would be best if we could negotiate face-to-face!"
The old halfling Bill's expression immediately became somewhat uncertain.
"What? You don't think I'm worthy of an audience with Old Lard?" Lynn furrowed his brow and his tone couldn't help but become more severe.
"No, no, no," Bill frantically shook his head, he wouldn't dare to say such a thing.
After a moment of hesitation, Bill surreptitiously glanced around before cautiously saying, "In reality, very few people within [Einhorn Ship Guild] are aware that Old Lard is not currently in Harbor Town."
"How convenient" Lynn clearly hesitated before scrutinizing the old halfling before him with piercing eyes, suspecting that the other was attempting to hoodwink him, and asked again, "Do you know where he's gone?"
Bill smacked his lips and said helplessly, "That is unclear. In previous years, Old Lard would always remain in the harbor around this time of the week, but this year is an exception..."