Those former marines under Sheyan were facing an equipment shortage. Moreover, all along they had belonged to an inferior unit of marines back in the navy. At present, Sheyan had managed to acquire a batch of first grade equipment for them, which were definitely superior to the substandard equipment of their previous third-rate navy s.h.i.+p.
Due to the secrecy of this auction, the invited guests were not permitted to leave even after they squandered all their wealth away. Everyone started together and would depart together.
Right now, Sheyan no longer held interest in this auction, but continued spectating to broaden his horizons. Ultimately, the climax of this auction actually served a plate of astonishment to Sheyan. Though he wasn’t particularly interested in the article, he understood its hidden implication. It was actually an object hailed as the proof of a conqueror*!
(TN: *The Proof of a conqueror comes from the Uncharted Waters 4 game. In the game, there are 7 artifacts required to become the sailor ruler of the seas)
In this caribbean world, the existence of the seven pirate lords were not casual proclamations by themselves!
One had to first completely dominate and rule a particular domain of the sea, before the brethren court would accord clues to one; instructing one to acquire a certain mysterious treasure in their naval territory, to serve as one’s proof of a conqueror.
Of course, that mission’s difficulty would be immensely challenging. But once one retrieves that proof, one would be officially acknowledged and hailed as one of the seven Pirate Lords.
For example, the proof of a conqueror for Ammand in the Black Sea, is a cannon hailed as the Caucasus’ s.h.i.+eld. Furthermore, it was rumored the reason Captain Jack Sparrow was so ‘romantically dissolute’, was because his proof of a conqueror was a human; requiring him to claim the virginity and affection of the daughter of a lofty n.o.bleman. Including those, other currently known proofs of the conqueror includes acquiring the exalted Frost Imperial Plate*, the sun patterned Saber* from the New World and some others.
(TN: To my understanding, all these are artifacts of the proof of the conqueror in Uncharted Waters 4. I can’t find the official translated names, so i translated those literally.)
In a flurry, a bitter struggle of merchants and pirates commenced over this very object, where hefty sumps of gold guineas pounded in ferociously one after another.
The one who got the last laugh was the spaniard, Fernandez. His long periods of patience had finally paid off as he acquired his heart’s desire.
After the auction concluded, to prevent any unnecessary disputes, the invited guests were escorted to their carriages and chauffeured to their respective areas. This was probably due to the frequent outburst of violence after other auctions had ended, where it would undoubtedly affect the reputation of the organizers. Hence, they executed it prudently.
After spending quite some time at this auction, when the trio departed from the place, the sky was already full of stars.
Before departing, Sheyan felt an unspeakable sensation welling up in his heart. When he turned, he noticed the gypsy representative casting a vilified glare towards him, but when he turned back, she had disappeared into the human crowd.
Sheyan’s eyes flickered before his lips curled into an unfathomable smirk, and proceeded to board his carriage.
After being escorted out of the region, 3-4 pirates came forward to report to the trio; exclaiming that the vikings were turning fretful and impatient, and although they hadn’t flown into a fit, they were repeatedly flinging stuffs at the pirates to hasten them.
The pirate lastly reported that those vikings could no longer endure, and had dispatched three of them to Port Royal in search of Sheyan; while emphasizing the urgency of their matters.
Sheyan wasn’t surprised at all when he heard that report.
For the vikings to seek him out behind Ammand’s back, indicated the urgency of their matter!
Hence, Sheyan purposefully left them dry in the air to observe their reaction. Evidently, he was attempting to probe out the immensity of their sincerity.
In Sheyan’s perspective, the vikings were already a pleasant surprise outside of his plans. Thus, he definitely wanted to reap the greatest benefits from this. Of course, this deliberate procrastination may result in the regrettable scenario of an opportunity slipping away. Nevertheless, Sheyan always treated his schemes like a statistical abacus, obviously, he could bear the consequence of the opportunity slipping away.
Sheyan became rather amused after hearing the report. The reaction of those vikings was rather contrary to his expectation.
After pondering with his head lowered briefly, he ordered.
"How about this. Ol’Seadog. Lease two large 10 seater carriages for me at once, give’em a full deposit and tell them I do not require a chauffeur. Our own men will navigate the carriage."
Ol’Seadog was rather efficient and speedy in his tasks, thus he immediately headed off. After a series of discussions, the trio proceeded to wait an area not far from the port.
Soon after, Ol’Seadog returned with the large carriages. Sheyan immediately commanded his pirate underlings to fetch the vikings, while he would carry on waiting here.
Not too long later, the three viking representatives arrived in a large carriage. The unique appearance and style of the vikings, seemingly depicted the word ‘pirate’ on their faces.
They didn’t dismount from the carriage but opted to wait inside. By now, Sheyan had long prepared a barrel of Golden Rum. He effortlessly hoisted up the barrel of rum, and sat inside their carriage.
Nightfall descended long ago. Without a doubt, this exorbitantly leased carriage was rather lavish; its interior was illuminated clearly by barn lanterns and candles.
The three vikings boasted of ma.s.sive scandinavian physiques, and grew unkempt beards beneath their bright eyes. Tormented by wind and snow since young, their muscular arms were laced with calluses from extended periods of holding oversized weapons.
After entering the carriage, Sheyan directly pulled off the lid of the barrel; allowing the alcoholic aroma to permeate the entire carriage. Then, he poured each viking a mug of rum.
"I had a certain important affair in Port Royal, primarily pertaining to Governor Swann’s auction. Accept my utmost apologies for delaying till now. As per my hometown customs, I shall toast three cups as punishment!"
Living in those frigid high lat.i.tude zones, the vikings definitely favoured strong alcoholic drinks. They could be described as empty barrels without wine. The exquisite rum Sheyan produced was something the three vikings hadn’t drank in a long time, causing their throats to squirm as they couldn’t resist the urge to hoist up their mugs.
Who knew that with one mouthful, their alcoholic craving instantly kicked in. Moreover, Ol’Seadog was an expert at marketing one to drink more. After downing two mugs, the three vikings felt their mugs were too small and hampered the satisfaction of their drinking.
Then, they even strapped off the cowhorn helmets from their heads to use as mugs for their drinking pleasure. Concurrently, they drummed their helmets and hummed folk tunes of viking heroism.
This was an atmosphere that Sheyan was naturally delighted to see. While the three vikings were heading towards intoxication, Sheyan finally sighed.
"As everyone had witnessed, the combat with Mr Harrod yesterday was suggested by himself. Moreover, you saw the entirety of the blood boat duel, I never made a single move that violated the duelling regulations. Earnestly speaking, Mr Harrod’s might is beyond mine, my victory was merely by a fluke. If you wish to avenge him, I will accept your intent."
The leading viking, Rollo, shook his head.
"Harrod has returned to the divine palace, Valhalla, through the conquest of a fair duel. There be no hatred amongst this. Despite that, Harrod is still one of the three inheritors of our Asgarda tribe. His remnant holds utmost importance to us, we must retrieve it."
Sheyan’s gaze flickered.
"Oh? What remnant?"
Rollo replied sincerely.
"Everything."
Sheyan chuckled in response.
"In accordance to the pirate’s code, plundering the defeated is common practice. The pirate’s code confers to us that right."
Rollo shook his head gently.
"That is because you aren’t aware of the monumental significance they are to our Asgarda tribe."
Sheyan laughed.
"Perhaps we could switch to another perspective? Produce an object of equivalent worth, and you warriors can take turns to duel me. As long as your triumph over me, you can gain your heart’s desire."
Rollo spoke in a pained tone.
"Harrod is already publicly known as our finest warrior. Sir, we’ve seen your strength personally. In truth, our hopes of winning isn’t great, and we aren’t living well either. I’m afraid the gold we have isn’t sufficient in worth."
Sheyan immediately smiled.
"Ho, I must’ve caused a slight misunderstanding somewhere. I am not lacking of gold. In reality, I am rather peculiar about the indomitable fighting capabilities of the mighty vikings. For example, those divine artifacts of your tribe, and your matchless strength in battles. These are things wealth is incomparable to, it isn’t even worth mentioning. Yet they are the things I thirst for."
Rollo offered a troubled look.
"However, we are equally lacking in what you desire."
Sheyan shrugged his shoulders.
"Then I have no solution for this. If you wish to s.n.a.t.c.h my plundered loot without offering remuneration, the only way is over my dead body!"
Listening to such decisiveness and resolution from Sheyan, the three vikings exchanged looks and found it hard to swallow the fine liquor swirling in their throat.
In reality, the vikings was a cla.s.s that loved resorting to fists and weapon; but when dealing with a stronger opponent, they could only find themselves helplessly entangled.
Observing the awkward situation, Sheyan smiled gently.
He did love to push his opponents into desperate ground during a discussion, before offering a sliver of hope in the end; undoubtedly, persuading them would then become much easier.
Thus, he finally allowed Jinkuang to enter the field. Knowing the capabilities of his s.l.u.t subordinate, Sheyan was rea.s.sured.
To his shock, probably due to them sensing the puny threat Jinkuang emanated, those vikings appeared additionally unconstrained and more at ease when facing him. However, the vikings didn’t know that in this world, the most dangerous individuals were the ones without the word ‘danger’ written on their faces.