After seeing the Gatt off from the dock.
Xia Nuo and his group of four people and one dog headed toward the Giant Whale Shipbuilding Company.
The address was nearby, not far from the dock.
Following the conspicuous neon sign, they arrived after only a few minutes on foot.
Xia Nuo had called ahead, so more than a dozen sharply dressed executives were already lined up waiting in the lobby of the Giant Whale Company's headquarters.
At the front stood a vigorous old man with a white beard and a monocle. A gilded badge bearing the words "Chief Shipbuilder" was pinned to his chest.
When Xia Nuo's figure appeared behind the glass revolving doors, the old man immediately led everyone into a synchronized ninety-degree bow.
"Greetings, Lord Xia Nuo! I am Gandoforte. On behalf of every employee of the Giant Whale Shipyard, I welcome you to our company!"
"There's no need to be so formal, Mr. Gandoforte." Xia Nuo hurried forward to shake his hand.
After a brief exchange, the old shipbuilder solemnly handed over a parchment scroll. Once unfurled, it was more than two meters long.
In the middle was a cutaway diagram of the ship, while the surrounding space was densely covered in annotations.
"This is the acceptance checklist prepared according to your requirements. Please allow me to personally show you around. The new ship is in Dock One. Please follow me!"
Gandoforte bent at the waist and gestured invitingly. He did not straighten up until Xia Nuo began walking, then led the way.
The other executives once again bowed in perfect unison at ninety degrees toward the backs of the departing group.
"Hey, Kuina."
Nojiko watched with envy and quietly leaned close to the young swordswoman's ear. "Do you think that one day, even without Big Brother