Caven, walking beside Mr. X, curiously studied a parade. The tall, blondish people held up banners that clearly read: "Oppose indiscriminate white whale hunting. We need sustainable development!"
Meanwhile, Mr. X continued answering Sifa's questions. Unless one knew the truth, it was difficult to connect him with Caven, much less believe that Mr. X was merely a Marionette rather than a living person.
"White whale hide can be made into clothing, its meat can become food, and its fat can be refined into oil. As far as I know, in Nars and even throughout the Gargas Islands, cooking white whale has developed into a distinctive culture. Many famous restaurants here have all kinds of preparations worth trying."
"That sounds good. I like fine food, but I hope people aren't hunting and killing them indiscriminately." Sifa glanced at the distant parade.
Then he asked, "Do you have any suggestions for this operation?"
Mr. X, wearing a mask, laughed. "I think information is important. It can help us make as few mistakes as possible."
Sifa nodded slightly. "That's what I wanted to say as well."
A freight carriage passed by them, giving off an intense fishy smell. The body of the carriage was visibly greasy as it headed toward a nearby factory belching black smoke. Such oil refineries were common throughout the Gargas Islands.
"They'll be refined into whale oil there, then bottled or barreled to become fuel and the lifeblood of certain industries." Caven was no longer controlling Mr. X and spoke in his own voice.
Sifa stopped to watch for a while before turning down a street. They left the harbor and entered the city, where there were even more parades. Bursts of noisy Feysac filled the streets and alleys.
"Whaling for survival, not pleasure!"
"Humans are no nobler than