Extraordinary Voyage
Chapter 245 - 245 Casino
Back in the day, the ancestor of the Galliot family, limited by his own knowledge, was bewildered by the price he paid for exchanging the "Golden Compass".
However!
With Aiven's current understanding combined with nearly two centuries of family history, it's not hard to guess that the so-called "fear of comfort" must be directly related to the inexplicable adventurous spirit in their family's blood!
After all, for a normal person.
Who, after gaining status and wealth, would not think of living a comfortable life, but instead risk their life, spending their days amidst the dangers of the sea?
If only one or two people have such an adventurous preference, it can be said to be a coincidence or a product of their nature.
But the fact that all eight generations of barons and almost all male members of the Galliot family are like this clearly shows something strange is happening here!
As a Wizard who deals with the Mysterious Side daily, Aiven knows all too well that for highly mysterious entities, the "items" used for transactions are far beyond just tangible objects!
"A transaction that can affect a family for eight generations over nearly two centuries.
Perhaps, this is a mysterious figure I absolutely cannot avoid on my future Extraordinary Path!
... from across the sea?"
Aiven hasn't forgotten that, as a descendant of the Galliot family, the "Adventurer's Blood" also flows through his veins!
As for that mysterious figure with a strange background, Aiven's attitude is somewhat unclear.
Without this "Golden Compass" he sent, the Galliot family would most likely still be just an ordinary civilian household.
Keep in mind, in this era, even without natural disasters or man-made calamities, a civilian family that can pass down for eight generations spanning nearly two centuries without disruption is rare, not to mention various resources and Extraordinary Inheritance gained due to their noble status.
Strictly speaking, as the last descendant of the Galliot family, he himself is also largely a beneficiary of the "Golden Compass".
However, from another perspective.
Because of the restless "Adventurer's Blood", over the years, too many members of the Galliot family have died unnatural deaths.
Even his father in this life—the last Baron Galliot, Ferman Garrott, died early due to adventures he undertook in his youth leaving lingering effects.
So, if one day in the future he encounters this possibly still living "mysterious figure", he really doesn't know whether to see him as a foe or a friend...
Knock.. knock.. knock..
"Aiven, are you ready?"
After collecting the "Navy New Star" reward from the Military Department, Aiven returned to the "Storm Horn".
Aside from organizing his rewards here, he also considered the fact that since helping Angie transform her Meditation Method these days, Milan was forced to stay on the "Storm Horn" all the time.
As a half-local of New Inn Port, he wanted to invite him out and fulfill his duty as a host.
"Alright, I'm ready!" Aiven swiftly used his "Magic Pocket" to pocket all his rewards and changed into a simple casual outfit.
Since they're going to an entertainment venue, wearing the military uniform would be too eye-catching.
Today, Gary was observing routine duties while carrying out swordsmanship training with the crew as usual.
"Teaching and learning" applies to both Aiven and Gary, and now Gary has a bit of the understanding Aiven had when he was a Swordsmanship Instructor and enjoys it.
Thus, only Aiven in his casual clothes and Milan walked shoulder to shoulder off the "Storm Horn".
However, even without wearing a military uniform, the sharp aura Aiven cultivated over his long tenure as a Navy Captain couldn't be concealed by ordinary clothes.
On the other hand, Milan, who changed into a different set of clothes, instantly reverted to the charming noble young man, much more captivating to the women in the city compared to Aiven.
What surprised Aiven even more was.
Walking on the street, Milan seemed even more familiar with New Inn Port than himself.
"Has the Goliath Hotel been rebuilt? It wasn't like this when I came two years ago. Also, Central Park, Rose Avenue seems to have changed quite a bit compared to the past."
"Yes, although they say it's restored based on the original, the buildings look newer. Some sculptures and decorations can't be restored immediately; when the finances are better, they might gradually add them back.
Many of the aged flowers and trees were burnt before and won't return to their original state in three to five years."
On the night Opera God Persel descended more than six months ago, the "Rampager" awakened by Wack Wells' Concentric Infection caused significant damage to the city, destroying many iconic buildings and public facilities.
Fortunately, the Kingdom's official response was quite effective.
Especially with Her Highness Liweina using her personal funds and overseeing the restoration, after such a long time, the city's restoration work is actually nearing completion.
At least for someone who has never been to this city before, it's already hard to see the traces left by that tumult in the city.
"Oh, is that so?" Milan, aware of the hidden implications involved, wisely halted the conversation. No one understands better than a "Prophet" how terrifying the consequences of recklessly probing the "Mysterious" can be.
The two strolled leisurely on the streets, chatting as they walked.
With several months of tense assignments behind them, it was rare to have idle time, except... two grown men shopping together seemed a bit odd.
However, what surprised Aiven was that Milan, this wealthy guy, actually owned a house in "New Inn Port," more accurately, a property procured by the Snite Clan!
It was a beautiful garden villa in a high-end residential area, with the name "Snite" engraved on the polished brass nameplate, yet although they passed by here, neither intended to go inside.
Because under Milan's constant urging, they had another destination.
"Is this... Ophira Casino?"
Not far from this upscale residential area, naturally, there were only high-end places, as evident from the doormen standing at the entrance.
Dressed in white shirts, black ties, black trousers, and shiny leather shoes, the two young and handsome doormen were meticulously groomed.
Just those dazzling patent leather shoes on their feet were expensive luxurious items that many small-time merchants couldn't even fathom.
In this era, "patent leather," a high-class and fashionable material, was a relatively recent invention.
It's made by applying a glossy varnish mixed with linseed oil on leather, a high-end creation with complex crafting and long production cycles, though beautiful and waterproof, it is indeed quite costly.
"Why are we going to the casino?
Let's head to New Inn Port's largest 'Rose Crown' hotel; the Chardonnay wine should be good this season.
Don't worry, I've gained quite a bit from this operation, it's my treat!"
Aiven has never been interested in gambling, a sailor's essential entertainment, but he is quite knowledgeable about the "food and drink" that every Extraordinary Knight excels in.
"Hehe, haven't you always wanted to know what power I gained after slaying Basem?
Let's go; after all my research these days, I'll show you today!"
Milan smiled mysteriously, giving Aiven an irresistible reason.
Truth be told, ever since they jointly took down Basem, Aiven had been curious about what benefits Milan received, but he always deflected by saying he hadn't figured it out yet.
Today his curiosity would finally be satisfied; even visiting a casino wasn't a big deal.
"Welcome, esteemed gentlemen, to Ophira! Would you like me to give you an introduction?"
As a doorman, his sharp eyesight was top-notch; seeing the two approaching together, one young man promptly greeted them enthusiastically.
Without even noting their obviously fine clothing, he could instantly discern that these two young gentlemen were exactly the kind of guests the casino sought.
Their outstanding aura couldn't be hidden! Of course, also matching their aura was their bulging wallets...
"Thank you, please show us around then." Aiven, never having been to such a place before, relied completely on Milan.
The young man led them into the front hall adorned with masterpieces, opened an intricately carved wooden door worth a fortune for them, and entered the rather quiet main hall of the casino.
The spacious interior of the casino was decorated like a high-society salon for socializing, featuring magnificent chandeliers, fiery red carpets, opulent furnishings, and lacking neither drinks nor delicacies.
Additionally...
The essential beautiful ladies in normal upscale socializing had transformed into young girls with excellent looks and figures, adding significantly to the already high-class ambiance.
The girls wore similar yet distinct light-colored long dresses, making it clear at a glance that they were casino staff.
The dresses' intricate details hinted at thoughtfulness, highlighting each girl's unique beauty and aura.
Just this alone reflected the casino operator's intent and the... level of expenditure here.
Whistle——
Seeing such a scene, Milan, whose original intention of becoming a "Prophet" was to attract more girls, immediately revealed his true colors and softly whistled.
Having spent several months on a ship with a bunch of rough men, he was almost feeling abnormal.
However, at the moment he saw these adorable girls, he felt he had instantly come alive again.
"Hehe, this place is nice, I like it!"
Milan handed the waiter a gold ticket worth fifty Golden Lions, asking him to exchange it for chips.
Ignoring Aiven's disdainful gaze, he headed straight toward a gambling table surrounded by many people and... the beautiful female dealer beside it, wearing a sleeveless dress with snow-white skin charmingly exposed, exuding enchanting allure.