Preparing to Collect Interest

Even though Lia|G had just witnessed some of Leviathan's marvels, she couldn't contain her emotions at this moment.

A sailing ship has a very large crew. Besides the captain, first mate, First Mate, third mate, master gunner, and sail master, there are also a large number of sailors, combat personnel, gunners, carpenters, cooks, and so on. A sixth-rate ship has a complement of about 180 people.

Ian grinned and gently patted the wall of the room, "Leviathan, come out and say hello."

Ian wouldn't hide the fact that Leviathan was a magical creature, nor would it be easy to do so. Exposing it would actually serve to deter ill intentions.

It was its spatial characteristics that he would try his best to keep secret.

A pair of eyes, the size of green beans, appeared on the wall's surface, and a majestic surge of Spirituality spread out, gently conveying a friendly message to Lia|G.

Although the quality of this Spirituality power didn't exceed Lia|G's by much, the sheer quantity was immense. Even though it was gentle, it still gave her a strong sense of pressure and suffocation.

This was also a characteristic of magical creatures: the larger the body, the greater the magnitude of Spirituality.

"It's called Leviathan, a magical creature in the form of a warship. We are inside it."

At this moment, Lia|G actually calmed down a bit. She looked into Wawa's eyes, "Hello, Leviathan."

The green bean-sized eyes blinked. After greeting them, Wawa "disappeared" again.

This was Ian's specific instruction: to minimize communication and maintain an aloof and mysterious demeanor in front of any creature other than himself.

Ian said softly, "Lia|G, our destination this time is Storm Cape, and we expect to arrive in five to six days. You've just boarded, so settle in and rest. I'll have Milta notify you for lunch."

Ian felt that Lia|G needed a quiet environment more right now. After speaking, he put down a key and left the room.

"Milta--" Ian waved to Milta at the bow of the ship.

Milta quickly jumped down from the Forecastle and ran across the deck. Despite the slight rocking of the ship, his steps were steady. "Captain."

"Milta, from now on, you are the ship's master gunner. All firearms, cannons, gunpowder, and ammunition will be under your command. You will also directly manage any gunners who join later."

Milta's extraordinary profession was a musketeer. He was average in close combat but proficient in ranged attacks, making him perfect for the role of master gunner.

Milta's face was full of excitement. Since embarking on the path of the extraordinary, he had become noticeably more confident. His mouth was practically splitting from ear to ear. "Understood, Captain."

Milta didn't make any vows to do a good job like the other crew members.

But Ian knew that Milta would give his all. He was like someone who had struggled free from an endless abyss and finally found himself in the light, having discovered his life's purpose, brimming with vitality and passion every day.

Ian patted his arm, "If you don't understand anything, you can ask me or Lia|G. Go on, get busy."

Ignoring Milta's scurrying around the ship, Ian looked out. Paradise Island was gradually receding, and there were only a few sailing ships visible in the northern sea.

One reason was that Ian's chosen route deliberately veered northwest. Another was that the major kingdoms were fully engaged in vying for the New World, having already siphoned off a large number of merchant ships, warships, and supplies. It would take some time for this route to become busy again.

Ian looked up. The sun was high in the sky, and the reflection on the sea cast shimmering light all over the ship.

The weather was excellent today, at least from Ian's perspective. For other sailing warships, without wind, the ship couldn't move fast.

Ian began preparing lunch: roast meat, white bread, honey, vegetable sandwiches, vegetable and mushroom soup, fresh fruit, wine, coffee, and tea.

Fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat wouldn't last long, so they had to be eaten first. Later, they would have to rely on dried meat and dried fish.

As for why he didn't prepare grilled fish, after eating seafood for a month straight, even the utensils carried a fishy smell, and Ian was truly tired of it.

While preparing lunch, Ian deliberately called Milta over. He taught him how to roast meat, make sandwiches and vegetable soup, and how to brew tea.

Having never eaten anything good since childhood, Milta was naturally clueless about cooking. He couldn't be relied upon in the short term, so he had to learn first. At least when Ian was busy, he could manage on his own.

Ian laid out the lunch on the large table in the crew's mess hall and asked Milta to call Lia|G.

With this buffer period, Lia|G had clearly relaxed considerably.

Ian smiled, "Try my cooking. Although this is also the first time I've cooked in my life." He thought to himself, Not counting my past life.

Lia|G looked at this magical man who constantly surprised her and couldn't help but think, A moment of impulse might be the most significant change of her life.

Lia|G had initially been willing to help him for a while out of gratitude. But this series of surprises had continuously strengthened her sense of security and her expectations for the future. Now, her mindset had completely changed.

Ian sat at the head of the long table, Lia|G sat smiling to his left, and Milta sat to his right.

Ian raised his wine glass. He felt he needed to say a few words at this moment to express some emotion:

"Today is a day to remember. Today is the first voyage for Leviathan, and also the first time all the members of Leviathan are sitting together. This will undoubtedly be the beginning of a legendary journey. I wish Leviathan, and all of us, success in our endeavors and smooth sailing! Cheers--"

"Cheers--" "Cheers--"

The lines were a bit awkward, but the listeners were very attentive. Milta and Lia|G's eyes shone, and their hearts were stirred.

"Let's eat," Ian began with his cutlery.

"Mmm... it tastes good," Lia|G was slightly surprised. Could he achieve this level on his first try?

She had intended to take over the cooking duties temporarily, but now, she felt it was best not to embarrass herself with her own limited skills.

Milta, on the other hand, kept eating and nodding in agreement.

"If it's not enough, tell me, and I'll increase the portions later. There's fresh fruit and drinks in the kitchen, so you can help yourselves anytime."

The kitchen and dining room were connected. The kitchen led to a separate pantry where some ingredients were stored.

"..."

As they ate, the group chatted casually, and the atmosphere became natural and relaxed.

"Is everything settled with the Whaling Group?"

Lia's movements paused slightly. "Everything's handled. The Breath of the Ocean and the surplus ships have been sold. The Navy's price was fair enough..."

Though Lia called the price fair, her tone carried a hint of anger.

Ian's heart stirred. "Does Abigail have any thoughts about just leaving like this?"

Lia sighed, not hiding anything from Ian.

"The Commander took quite a blow this time. Forced by circumstances, she can only lie low for now. But leaving also means she's no longer threatened by the Navy. The ocean is vast, anything can happen, right? No one can stay prosperous forever..."

Ian poured himself a cup of tea. He wasn't used to coffee.

"I have some unfinished business with the Navy too. We might encounter conflict when we go to Storm Cape, so be prepared."

There were still many things they needed help with, so he couldn't keep it a secret. Ian continued.

"I'm from Storm Cape. A month ago, Blackbeard pirates attacked Storm Cape, and I was fortunate to escape. This attack was also a scheme concocted by the Poderia nobles in league with Blackbeard."

Ian downed his tea in one gulp and looked at the two people listening intently.

"Our primary objective this time is to bring my family back. If the opportunity arises, we'll collect some interest!"