Bang—

The meeting room's door swung open, Aiven led Gary out with large strides.

The secret transaction was accomplished!

However, looking at the old Duke's face, whom they sent to the door, with almost undisguised pain, it was clear he suffered a massive financial loss, akin to real flesh being cut.

It's not that Aiven lacks gratitude, but as the Captain, he couldn't neglect giving an account to the subordinates who risk their lives executing tasks. Plus, are those who can ask others for help lacking money?

What they lack is a network!

If it were others, even if they came waving large gold tickets, I wouldn't necessarily indulge in such troublesome matters involving local authority disputes.

After weighing things, it's unlikely that the possible mastermind behind this incident—the Viscount's political rival—would personally show up. Pursuing pirates is just doing one's duty, afterwards, it's hardly possible that some local noble would trouble me, a Navy Captain? His reach isn't that long.

Most importantly, the Viscount's sincerity was apparent, even offering such good stuff! Tsk tsk tsk... Aiven was very satisfied with the deal!

"By the way... almost forgot about it." Suddenly thinking of something, Aiven turned to the Viscount.

"What do you want? My family possessions have already been drained by you!" The elderly man cautiously raised his head, crossed his arms instinctively defensive, with a dark face gruffly said.

"Hahaha, looking like this, next time I won't dare come. Official is official and private is private, I came to visit the Viscount prepared with gifts." Saying so, Aiven handed the old man a walnut box inlaid with gold.

"This is...?"

The Viscount was a bit surprised that Aiven actually prepared a gift?

With his status and age, jewels, riches, fine horses, and beauties hardly catch his eye anymore, but Aiven's gesture made him feel quite comfortable.

"Open it and take a look, you'll like it."

The elder originally wasn't interested in the contents, intending to let the butler put it away, but Aiven seemed confident in his "gift," piquing his curiosity.

For a moment, he even temporarily forgot the "pain" of being financially drained.

Click—

The gold-inlaid box was exquisite although one didn't know if it was just for show. He reached out to lift the lid, and inside the box, a layer of blue velvet padding lay beneath a red potion as beautiful as a brilliant twilight.

The first impression was of beauty! Truly too beautiful!

Both the old man and his butler showed obsession, seeing it was akin to witnessing the world's most precious treasure; just based on appearance, even expensive rubies couldn't compare.

Snap—

Suddenly, a bright light flashed in the elder's eyes; he quickly closed the lid, and shoved the box into his chest.

Carefully, he looked around, confirming no one else was at the door, and then exhaled in relief.

"Aiven... Your Excellency! Is this potion what I think it is?"

By this point, the old Duke's tone towards Aiven had subtly changed, and there was a hint of flattery as his words rushed out.

"Indeed, it's what you're thinking. But it's my spoils, only one bottle, use it yourself and don't tell anyone, otherwise, there will be trouble for both of us!"

"I understand, I understand." Although learning there was only one bottle made him slightly disappointed, he knew one shouldn't be too greedy; having the fortune to enjoy even one bottle was a tremendous blessing, dare not ask for more.

It's no wonder the elder behaved so; inside the box was a bottle of "Immaculate Holy Blood" from the Blood Hand Gang's site, which he had unexpectedly acquired. Uncertain what to do with it before, he decided now was the perfect moment to reciprocate by gifting it to the Viscount.

Initially disguised as "Zorro" to sweep through the Blood Hand Gang when the "Killing Ghost" incident interrupted the action, this bottle of "Immaculate Holy Blood" is the only one in his possession.

It possesses miraculous effects for restoring human bodily functions, extending lifespan indirectly. Although its use is limited, only effective on older ordinary people and low-level Extraordinaries, and the extent isn't considerable.

But for the Viscount, already an elder, it's an invaluable treasure! The pain of "the money not spent while one's alive" is unimaginable for those who haven't experienced it...

If it weren't for the item the Viscount offered being exactly what he desired, he might be unwilling to part with such a valuable thing.

Sending away Aiven, the old Duke fondled the box in his arms passionately; the mood, initially quite terrible due to the "smuggling ship" being hijacked and the subsequent heavy expense, was now completely swept away.

"Get Lord Nabri here, urgently."

"Yes, Master!" The butler left as commanded.

A moment later, the same meeting room as before.

Governor Viscount Andrea and City Guard officer Lord Nabri sat opposite each other, but in between stood a somewhat bewildered young man.

The two stared at Glem for a good while, and finally, the Viscount spoke:

"I recall the captain position of City Guard's third squad is temporarily vacant, Glem, you'll serve as interim squad captain from now on. Sir Nabri, what do you think?"

"Governor, I find this appointment quite reasonable. Additionally, I think the injury medicine from 'White Stone Potion Shop' is of good quality, the City Guard can increase procurement and maintain a long-term cooperative relationship."

"Hmm, then let's proceed like this." The Viscount waved his hand decisively to finalize it.

"Ah?"

Leaving the Viscount's meeting room, the bewildered Glem hadn't said a word but was promoted from a regular soldier to a City Guard squad captain.

...

When Aiven and Gary returned to the "Conch," a carriage heavily guarded by ten armored noble private soldiers was parked there.

Seeing Aiven, distinguished by his School Officer uniform, the head steward hurried over swiftly.

"Honorable Captain! I've been ordered to deliver this item to you; would you need our help to carry it onto the ship?"

Aiven wasn't surprised at their arrival; it was part of the deal with the old Duke. So, he nodded, "Thank you for your trouble."

Soon, "Conch's" gangway was lowered. Under the directions of the arrived First Mate Borg, several noble private soldiers worked together to carry aboard the ship a two-meter-tall tightly-covered heavy "cargo" from the carriage.

Then, without much ado, after saluting, they hastily took their leave.

"First Mate, go gather our boys back quickly, we have a new task!"

"Yes, Captain!" Borg saluted and arranged for the stationed sailors to go ashore and gather the resting seamen back, as it's a brief stop, no one dared to wander far.

"Gary, come with me to install this 'treasure' on our 'Conch'."

Saying so, Aiven unveiled the "cargo," revealing underneath a wooden statue, or more precisely, a ship's figurehead!

It depicted a woman whose face was somewhat slightly blurred, her clothes flowing as if made of wind or gauzy fabric, beautifully.

In this era, "ship's figureheads" are commonly seen on merchant ships, warships, and even pirate ships as sailors' spiritual symbols and ship decorations. Generally modeled after animals, totems, or deities, seeking divine and oceanic protection, symbolizing the crew's collective spirit of striving together.

Yet, most "ship's figureheads" merely serve as decorations; their psychological comfort far exceeds their practical effect. Originally, the "Conch's" ship's figurehead was the same, just an ordinary wooden sculpture.

However, the one just dispatched by the Viscount was different! A centuries-hidden noble treasure naturally bears unique features!

Ship's Figurehead: Seasonal Wind Goddess (Witchcraft Creatures): Grants ships constant passive effects, maximum speed boosts with tailwinds can reach up to 30%, headwinds can increase speed by up to 20% with time, windless boosts reset to zero.

Effects simple and direct, yet exceptionally practical.

No consumption required, as long as placed at the bow, it passively activates, precondition being based on wind instead of oars or waves...