In a street-side café in Loguetown, afternoon sunlight streamed through the glass windows, casting warm patches of light across the solid wood tables. The rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans mingled with the faint scent of cream from the desserts.
Boer leaned back in his chair, relaxed, his fingertips brushing the warm surface of his coffee cup. A hint of guiding curiosity touched his azure eyes as he looked at Tashigi, who still seemed nervous but could hardly hide her excitement.
"Speaking of which, Miss Tashigi, are you interested in Poneglyphs and ancient legends?" Boer took a sip of coffee, his tone as natural as casual conversation. "I heard there's an interesting story in the first half of the Grand Line about 'Liar' Brando and the Golden Land..."
"Ah! Do you mean the story of Mont Blanc Noland?" Tashigi's interest was piqued, just as he had expected. She adjusted her glasses, her clear eyes lighting up. Her concentration when faced with knowledge temporarily outweighed her wariness of the man's identity.
"That legend is very widespread in the North Blue! Although he's considered a 'liar,' I've seen passing references in some Marine records that suggest... there really are some unexplained clues. Especially around Jaya, with its 'half-skull' terrain and the ancient songs passed down there..."
Speaking a little faster, eager to share her knowledge, she recounted what she knew about Jaya, its skull-shaped cliffs, and the seemingly absurd clues that vaguely pointed toward the sky.
She did not realize that her frank, sincere account was laying out everything she knew about Jaya clearly before Boer.
Boer listened quietly, occasionally nodding and asking a question or two at just the right moments to guide the conversation deeper. When Tashigi mentioned Jaya's unusual geographical location and certain ancient customs pointing "up above,"