Chapter 781

Chapter 781: White-Blue Harbor

The massive floating ship slowly descended from the sky, landing inside the bay. It swayed and shook, splashing water against the tall sides of the ship, wetting the dark gray wooden exterior. The ship then glided smoothly toward the harbor and finally docked at the shore.

On the towering floating ship, long ladders were lowered and secured onto the dock, and then the noble guests aboard began to descend slowly.

Lolan Hill and Aitexi walked down with the crowd, while Lacy and Erin were ahead of them. Overlooking Night Spirit’s white hair, Lolan Hill carefully observed the scenery of Longquan Bay.

Unlike Luo Capital, which favored vermilion and gold, most buildings here were white, with square towers resembling white trapezoids stacked layer upon layer. Only the eaves on the roofs were a light blue color.

The harbor was filled with stone-built pavilions, towers, and halls, all painted in white and blue. Although the shapes still had an Eastern style, elements from the Western Continent could be seen in the colors, materials, and details.

In ancient times, this place was the kingdom passed down by the white-feathered phoenix, the Chinese goose, with customs and habits very different from those of central China.

After descending the ladder, they entered the bustling harbor. The streets were paved with exquisite white stones, flanked by laurel trees that swayed in the breeze. Gentle winds blew from the sea, passing through the crowded streets.

“Look, there are many people from the Western Continent,” Lolan Hill said, shielding her eyes from the sun and observing the passersby. Most of them had blonde or chestnut hair, some were dock workers, others were merchants driving carts, and some were well-dressed wealthy individuals.

“Of course, little Lacy. This is where the East and West meet,” Aitexi said today wearing a strapless dress that was both cool and beautiful. Despite it being October, this seaside city remained warm.

Looking at Lolan Hill, Aitexi seemed to have an idea.

“We should buy some clothes first, especially for little Lacy. She needs to look her best.”

“Oh, why is that?” Lolan Hill didn’t quite understand, blinking her eyes.

“To match our identities. During our journey, we will say we are accompanying a young lady back home, which will avoid many troubles.”

“Don’t look at me like that. I am an elf, and leading a fleet might not be suitable. Customs procedures and diplomatic matters are better handled by humans, who blend in more easily.”

“Now we still need to proceed with caution. After all, Erin’s identity is special. Moreover, even at sea, we have to sail away from the westernmost Pearl Archipelago to truly leave the territory of the House of Plantagenet.”

“The faction Bibo Tianhai Pavilion on land has a maritime influence beyond your imagination. They have numerous warships patrolling the Longquan Bay and Pearl Archipelago year-round. They often engage in battles with large sea beasts, strike down any pirates that appear, and maintain order at sea for the dynasty.”

“Even powerful Sequence 7 sea creatures have been captured and defeated by these fleets during their patrols. Therefore, we shouldn’t confront them head-on. Once we leave the Pearl Archipelago and enter the deep sea, things will be better.”

As they walked and talked on the street, Lolan Hill finally understood why Aitexi wanted her to lead and take the front.

It seemed she would have to act like Lacy for some time. The young lady thought to herself, then looked up. Some familiar names on the shop signs caught her eye.

The Aronai Chamber of Commerce, Tathus Chamber of Commerce, Dais Chamber of Commerce—these were once the large chambers of commerce in the former metropolis of Vergha. It was surprising that they had branches here in the distant Eastern Region. But upon reflection, it made sense; after all, the routes between the East and West could bring huge profits, so there was no reason not to make money from it.

Unfortunately, although the Callites Chamber of Commerce is prosperous, it is still too young, relying only on the accumulation of this generation, and hasn’t extended its reach to this distant Eastern Region. If it had, it would have reduced many troubles.

Following Aitexi’s guidance, they walked down a long white stone street and arrived at a slightly secluded and quiet courtyard.

After knocking on the door, an elf wearing an interwoven dress of light green and white opened the door and peered out. Upon seeing Aitexi, her eyes lit up and she pulled open the door wide.

“Princess, you’re back!” She came out with a little bounce, embracing Aitexi, golden ponytails colliding with Aitexi’s hair.

“Phew, Afra, it’s been a long time.” The two hugged and exchanged a few words, then this elf lady invited Lolan Hill and the others to come in.

The courtyard was very quiet in the afternoon, with only a few elf maids standing nearby.

“This is a property of the Forest Elf Royal Family in the East, usually used to accommodate travelers,” Aitexi explained softly, then had them sit around a white round table in the middle of the grass.

A large and exquisite white sunshade blocked the glaring sunlight, and Afra brought out porcelain cups filled with black tea, pouring it for everyone.

“This time, more than 20 elves are returning with us. Most of them are quite strong, but they don’t know much about sailing at sea. They can serve as combat personnel on the ship,”

But it’s hard to serve as a sailor.

“I had a sea vessel custom-made that can accommodate 40-60 people. If there were more, the living space would decrease significantly, and the food supplies wouldn’t be enough either.”

“So we still need to recruit 20-30 sailors, and we also need to obtain the documents for sea passage. This will require some trouble for little Lacy.”

“I understand.”

Lolan Hill nodded, her thoughts drifting back to the large trading companies she knew in Vergha. Perhaps this time she could find some acquaintances.

“Mm, since we just arrived, should we rest first, or go buy clothes right away?” Aitexi seemed very enthusiastic about dressing up Lolan Hill.

“Let’s go buy clothes first~” Ye Ling raised her hand high. This little girl was full of energy. One could say, as expected of a dragon.

“Alright, then let’s go look around the street,” Lolan Hill also nodded.

After putting away their luggage, Lolan Hill changed her hair color back to its original golden hue before heading out with Aitexi, Ye Ling, and Afra.

Elf Afra was familiar with the area, so she naturally led the way. As for Erin, she said she was not suitable to appear in public and would stay in the courtyard to rest until they returned.

White-feathered seabirds with red beaks flew over the streets, their long calls echoing through the air. The faint scent of bay laurel also spread in the warm breeze.

“Huff, it feels great!” Ye Ling spread her arms, running down the street, occasionally lightly jumping to feel the wind brushing past her ears.

“There are quite a few shops selling clothing here,” Afra introduced to Aitexi and Lolan Hill.

“How about we check this one out?” Aitexi pointed at a shop selling noble gowns, her eyes filled with excitement.

“Alright, alright.”

Although Lolan Hill wasn’t interested in such luxurious Lolita-style dresses, she was still led in by Aitexi.

It seemed she would have to play the role of a doll again today. After entering the shop, seeing the intricate lace construction of the dresses, Lolan Hill prepared herself mentally. But this time, it wasn’t just her. She looked ahead at the cheerful Ye Ling and softly called out,

“Ye Ling, why don’t you try on some clothes too?”

“Huh?” Ye Ling turned her head, her eyes still a bit confused, but then she was embraced and caught by Lolan Hill.

“Wah~ I’m already grown-up, don’t dress me in children’s clothes.”

The little girl struggled, and amidst everyone’s laughter, she tried on various dresses. The quiet afternoon shop also gained a lively atmosphere.

(End of Chapter)