On Hachinosu Island.
Inside an ancient, elegant hall, Ochoku gestured toward the chairs, inviting Buckingham and Weevil to sit.
The hall's architectural style was completely different from the other buildings on the island. A courtyard stood beside the hall, decorated with strange rocks and miniature landscapes. Anyone seated inside only needed to turn their head slightly to take in the courtyard's beauty.
It was not a dry landscape garden. Its design was unlike anything Buckingham had ever seen.
"I asked craftsmen from the Longarm Tribe to design and build this."
"How is it? Not bad, right?!"
Seeing Buckingham cautiously examining the hall's surroundings, Ochoku knew what she was worried about. To ease the atmosphere, he pretended not to notice and smilingly introduced the place to the mother and son.
At his words, Buckingham withdrew her gaze. She did not get down from Weevil's body, merely patting her son's shoulder lightly to signal him to sit before turning her eyes toward Ochoku's face.
Ochoku smiled at the sight and did not mind. He sat down in the chair opposite Weevil, casually placing his fishing rod and basket beside him.
"Tell me, Buckingham. What do you want to cooperate with me on?"
Ochoku was unsurprised by Buckingham's constant caution. He went straight to the point and asked.
Now that they were discussing business, Buckingham did not waste words. She took a newspaper from her clothes and placed it on the tea table before her.
"These two brats. I want you to help me kill these two brats!"
"As payment, my son and I will join Hachinosu Island, become your subordinates, and obey your commands!"
The newspaper Buckingham had brought was the one that had previously reported Zephyr's fleet being attacked and fighting back. The two photographs on the front page were of