Chapter 415 – Beautiful Legend
“Finally here!” Several people jumped up and down, stepping onto the soft sand.
This was the colorful island in the Southern Archipelago, located on the northern side of the Juemei Kingdom, close to the eastern region. It was famous for its colorful fruits.
Because the colorful fruits were brightly colored—red, yellow, and green—gathered together, they were very appealing. Therefore, tourists often came here to watch and vacation. Moreover, since this island was in the north of the Southern Archipelago, it could be considered a gateway, being relatively close to the mainland, attracting many visitors.
The ‘Great Eastern’ had stopped here for maintenance and resupply, then it would head further south among the islands, circle around, and go to New Vergha before slowly returning along the coastline to the Verdant Empire.
The climate on the island was much milder and more comfortable compared to the mainland. When they left Youbei, the weather had already become hot, but now it remained comfortable here.
“Thank you all for your wonderful performance. This is a gift from Lord Earl. Please accept it.” The butler in a burgundy dress bowed and asked his attendants to bring out several trays with black velvet boxes edged in gold.
Inside the boxes were pearl necklaces. These pearls were large and plump, white with a hint of rose pink, somewhat similar to the rose gold she had seen in her previous life.
Even if they didn’t understand jewelry, they knew these accessories were valuable. As the group hesitated, the butler continued, “Please accept them. This is just a small token of appreciation. The income from your performances alone far exceeds this.”
Under the butler’s repeated urging, the girls reluctantly accepted the gifts.
“This is a letter of recommendation sealed with Lord Earl’s seal. If any of you ever visit the Verdant Empire, you can use this to gain access easily. Most nobles will give each other face and not cause trouble.”
The butler had another attendant bring out a tray with a red velvet cushion holding a letter and a shield-shaped emblem.
“If your troupe ever has the opportunity to come to South Reef County, please contact me, and I will prepare the best stage and venue for you.”
“Then I wish you all a pleasant journey.”
Afterward, the butler and his attendants returned to the ship. After staying for half a day, the giant vessel would head to the next major city, which was the large port city of Biliu Bay in the central part of the Southern Archipelago.
That island was rugged with mountains and surrounded by water, a unique aquatic city.
Actually, towards the end of the journey, the butler had guessed that these “ladies” might not really be an opera troupe, but rather had just spontaneously decided to perform on the ship.
But what did it matter? Their appearances and abilities were extraordinary. Why delve too deeply into their motives? A seasoned butler who had been around the upper echelons understood these nobles well. Spoiled and pampered, they had all sorts of peculiarities, and this was relatively normal.
Nobles sometimes pretended to be painters or poets traveling around, which was an old tradition. Some even worked while traveling or even became slaves for new experiences.
Especially during the last performance, Vimya sat at the stern of the ship, singing under the moonlight, causing the winds and waves at sea to calm, and dolphins leaped out of the water to accompany her.
The grand and awe-inspiring scene could be said to be something even these noble families in the Verdant Empire rarely witnessed, pushing the atmosphere of the voyage to its climax, perfectly fulfilling the plan set by Count Blue Bull. Thus, the butler felt at ease, giving away those trinkets was nothing compared to the thousands of gold coins involved.
—
“Finally reached our destination, shall we find somewhere to stay?” Bumansa looked at the blue sky, white clouds, and sandy beach, happily suggesting.
“Mm-hm,” Ye Ling nodded vigorously and began inspecting the island.
On the other side, Alena, Lolan Hill, and Letis were conversing with Triton and others.
“What do you plan to do next?” Lolan asked, looking at the three people before her and the little girl hiding behind Triton.
“I think we’ll stay in the Southern Archipelago for a while. Perhaps it will be more peaceful here.” Thinking about the enemies of the Filula Chamber of Commerce back in Youbei, Triton decided not to return for now. There wasn’t anyone he cared about there anyway.
“I’m thinking about finding a job at a small opera house here or opening a little tavern,” Sulis said, wearing a purple-red dress and a sun hat.
“I reckon I’ll have to change careers. Looks like there’s no need for carriage drivers here, ha.” Arlen laughed heartily.
“How about becoming a sailor? I can recommend you to my father’s ship,” Alena said interestedly.
“Thank you, Miss Alena.” Arlen didn’t refuse and simply agreed. He was someone who adapted to circumstances, taking whatever work came his way.
“Where’s little Luna?” Lolan bent down to look at the little girl.
“I’m with Brother Triton.” She spoke softly. Ever since Triton rescued her from the fire that night, she had regarded him as her only reliance. Sometimes even Sulis felt a bit jealous of how close and trusting Luna was with Triton.
“Why don’t we go to Coconut Wind Island? It’s in the western part of the Juemei Kingdom, neither too bustling nor too desolate. It’s quite suitable for living, and there are some good schools,” Lolan recalled what the old butler Seres had mentioned in his letter.
Coconut Wind Island was large, home to nearly 600,000 people, and was one of the top ten largest islands in the Juemei Kingdom in terms of fame.
“Thank you for your suggestion, Miss Lolan. For now, I’ll familiarize myself with the surroundings and go later.”
Triton wasn’t in a hurry to leave. He wanted to help his two friends settle first. This adventure had been borne out of his idea, and they had taken unnecessary risks. Now that he realized this, he felt deeply remorseful.
“Then goodbye.”
As Alena, Lolan, and Triton concluded their conversation, Letis and Sulis finished theirs and waved goodbye.
The impromptu opera troupe disbanded here. Despite lasting only two weeks, thanks to the nobles who returned and spread the word, the ‘Dawn Flower’ opera troupe became a mysterious and beautiful legend for a long time.
Eventually, someone compiled their story into poetry, nine girls with different appearances and styles forming a legendary opera troupe. Some said they were princesses from a certain country, others believed they were guests from the East, still others thought they were mermaids from the depths of the sea, and yet others saw them as witches playing in the world.
Various legends circulated, with differing opinions. Later, some even doubted whether they truly existed. But thousands of people on the ship unanimously confirmed that such a mysterious opera troupe indeed existed, leaving people in awe and fueling endless imagination.
End of Chapter