Chapter 791

A cool sea breeze drifted slowly in from the harbor. Beneath the blue sky and white clouds, Franklin Harbor was as prosperous as ever.

The city unfolded like a vibrant, energetic painting. Sunlight glittered across the rippling sea, while countless ships slowly sailed into the harbor like giant beasts, their sails crisscrossing and their masts rising like a forest.

The docks were packed with noise and activity. Workers busily loaded and unloaded cargo, while rare treasures from all over the world piled up like mountains. Spices, silk, porcelain, gold, and silver glittered enticingly in the sunlight.

Inside a tavern in the harbor district, languages from all over the world intertwined and converged. Merchants loudly haggled over prices, sailors told stories of distant lands, and the air was filled with the scent of salty sea wind and alcohol.

Behind the counter, the tavern owner Clement cradled a mug of beer in both hands, lazily rocking in a wicker chair. His large belly had grown even bigger than it had been a few years ago, and several more wrinkles had appeared on his forehead. In truth, he had no need to stay there. The staff could handle the guests, but Clement simply enjoyed the bustling, noisy atmosphere of the main hall. Drinking beer and listening to travelers from all directions brag a little was his greatest pleasure after lunch.

When he had drunk enough to feel tipsy, Clement suddenly recalled an afternoon from ten years ago.

Back then, he had also run a tavern—or rather, an entertainment establishment that combined a tavern with what was commonly called a brothel. But he had another identity in secret: he was the pirate chief "Loach's" informant in Franklin Harbor, using the convenience of his special trade to gather intelligence for the pirates.

Later, somehow, one