Pirates held grand gatherings, where vast quantities of Beyonder materials changed hands.
But you're out of money... If you're broke, why even bring it up? Are you showing off your connections, or trying to amuse me?
The Fool, Klein, couldn't help grumbling inwardly. It felt as if he'd just spotted a spark of hope, only for it to go out the very next second.
Because of his distracted grumbling, the fake World fell silent too, seemingly having given up.
Cyril, who had witnessed the whole exchange, reached out and tapped the table. Looking at the Hanged Man, Alger, he suggested:
"Perhaps you could consider offering a procurement service. That way, you could take part in the gathering and earn a commission for your connections."
"Anyone who needs something procured can pay you in advance. Then you can look for what they need at the gathering. Once it's over, you can refund any excess or collect any shortfall, and charge an additional commission for your service."
"With Mr. Fool as our witness, I think everyone here would feel at ease."
The Hanged Man, Alger, paused in surprise, then nodded. "That works."
It was a good idea. It would solve his current predicament and ease his financial crisis.
When he'd raised the funds earlier, he hadn't made any effort to hide it from his crew. If he failed to complete even one transaction at the pirate gathering, it might arouse unnecessary suspicion and doubt.
His position as a Church member embedded among the pirates was already sensitive. The sailors on his ship were both his subordinates and the Church of the Lord of Storms' eyes on him.
...So a cover story like this was necessary.
After considering his current situation, he looked around and spoke in a low voice:
"Everyone, as long