Chapter 783: White Sandalwood Sea Vessel
In the Burnt Tail Banquet last month, Hai Biqing had seen Lolan Hill. That night, the young lady wearing golden oriole crimson gauze dress left a deep impression on everyone present. At that time, Hai Biqing also sighed inwardly, such a young Golden Oriole witch was rare indeed. Later, he gradually learned about her background from the words of those around him.
According to many who were present at that time, it was no wonder that the Imperial Lord trusted her so much and entrusted her with important tasks. Furthermore, she should be a natural divine maiden, like the Five Virtues Phoenix, possessing innate heavenly talents.
After obtaining this information, Hai Biqing naturally would not treat this girl as an ordinary person.
“公子多礼了,” Lolan Hill responded with proper court etiquette, then slowly sat down.
“This visit is actually to ask the Zhenhai Office for a small favor,” the young lady mentioned her plan to go out to sea.
“For such a trivial matter, there is no need for the Witch Lady to come in person. You only need to write a letter, and my office will send it immediately,” the Zhenhai Office director, stroking his beard, hurriedly responded.
He had thought something major was happening when he saw the invitation card earlier, and had been worried all along. Now he finally relaxed.
Then, the director briefly inquired about matters related to the pass, and instructed the adjutant beside him to go and make one. The three people in the hall chatted idly while waiting.
“I wonder where the Witch Lady plans to go overseas? Nowadays, the endless sea is full of storms and whirlpools, and sea beasts run rampant. It is not as peaceful as it once was,” Hai Biqing asked.
“I intend to cross the Endless Sea and head for the Western Continent,” this matter was not a secret and did not need to be concealed.
“Indeed, but nowadays the dangers at sea are numerous. Does the Witch Lady have reliable guards accompanying you? If not, our Bibo Tianhai Pavilion can provide some manpower,” Hai Biqing continued to show goodwill.
Lolan Hill pondered for a few seconds, then nodded.
“Then I’ll trouble you, Young Master Hai.” She indeed needed some manpower. Rather than finding them herself, it would be better to let professionals handle it.
“That’s excellent,” the Zhenhai Office director also nodded.
“However, recently there has been a minor issue with the Pearl Archipelago. I wonder if the Witch Lady knows about it?”
“Is it because a Sequence 8 sea beast appeared?” The young lady had heard something about it on the street today.
“Exactly. There have been sea battles at sea,”
Compared to land, its territory is wider and has more food, hence there are also more fierce and powerful demonic beasts at sea.
Currently, on the Eastern Continent, demonic beasts reaching Sequence 8 are rare, and it’s estimated that one could count them on one hand. Even if there are hidden ones, they do not exceed ten. However, things are different at sea. Currently, two have appeared in the Pearl Archipelago waters, and there would only be more within the Endless Sea. This is also why the routes are not open.
“One of them is a demonic beast in the form of a red octopus, while the other is the White-Toothed Great Shark. Although the White-Toothed Great Shark is fierce, the octopus is more interested in passing ships.”
“If you wish to pass through the western part of the Pearl Archipelago, you will inevitably encounter this octopus, as it happens to block the ocean current route.”
The two people then introduced the habits and characteristics of that octopus to Lolan Hill. Finally, the head of the Zhenhai Office suggested that perhaps Lolan Hill’s sea vessel could sail alongside the fleet of Sky Ocean Pavilion for some time, which would be safer.
“Alright then.” The young lady nodded.
At this moment, a lieutenant entered through a side door and handed over detailed documents required by Lolan Hill, such as permits for passage.
The young lady briefly glanced through them and found that there were not just one but three sets of documents: one for the royal trade caravan, another for general sea vessel passage, and a special one for Longquan Bay.
“If High Priestess wishes to act quietly, naturally she can use the general one. If she encounters trouble overseas or needs to intimidate others, she can use the other two,” explained the lieutenant.
How considerate, Lolan Hill nodded slightly, feeling that officials in government offices were all very astute.
Seeing the young lady accept them, the young man from the Sea Pavilion also spoke up: “Our Sky Ocean Pavilion fleet will set sail five days later. At that time, High Priestess’s vessel can act together with us for mutual assistance.”
Lolan Hill acknowledged and then took her leave.
On the way back, one of the elf maidservants who was behind the young lady stepped forward. “How impressive, little Lolan. Those officials are so respectful to you.”
This maid servant was naturally played by Aitexi, who had been following Lolan Hill all along.
“I used to use the documents of the Verdant Empire and the identity of an elf princess to find officials of the Dynasty before. Although they were polite, they weren’t enthusiastic at all. Sometimes they delayed things for a long time, making me feel exhausted and frustrated.”
The elf princess whispered her complaints, expressing the subtle rejection of the House of Plantagenet towards the Verdant Empire.
Actually, the root cause…
It’s not hard to understand. After all, among the Five Phoenixes, the Yellow Feathered Phoenix, Yuan, died during the attack by the Cangcui Empire. The fact that the two countries haven’t gone to war already shows restraint; expecting any goodwill would be wishful thinking. Moreover, in terms of tariffs, the Cangcui Empire is much higher compared to the Chum Berry Kingdom and the Vergha Alliance.
This is precisely why Lolan Hill needed to step in for Aitexi. If she were to handle the paperwork for overseas travel at the Zhenhai Office herself, it would be far too difficult.
“Now it’s time to show me your precious sea vessel, right?”
After the two boarded the carriage, Lolan Hill finally asked about the ship Aitexi had prepared.
“No problem at all. I found a renowned shipbuilder who lives in seclusion.”
“Follow me.”
First, they rode the carriage into the southern corner of Longquan Bay, then walked through a forest path before arriving at a secluded beach.
There stood a tall white stone dock where people could be heard occasionally.
Before getting off the carriage, Lolan Hill changed her hair color to resemble Lacy’s, then followed Aitexi inside.
Craftsmen busily moved around in the dock, continuously inspecting and reinforcing parts. A beautiful white wooden sea vessel lay quietly in the dock.
[White Orchid Pomelo Wood Sea Vessel] (Exquisite Pearl Grade): A sea vessel made from White Orchid Pomelo Wood (Pearl Grade), approximately 72 meters long with a displacement of 1600 tons. It has ample compartments to store food and goods. Due to its use of extraordinary materials, the ship carries three enchantments: [Toughness Lv.4], [Lightness Lv.2], and [Wave Division Lv.4].
Aitexi, the elf princess, spread her fairy-like transparent butterfly wings and gracefully leaped onto the mast of the ship, scanning the area before descending.
“Master Fang Ying, is this ship basically completed?”
Before the elf maiden, the elder busy giving directions turned around. He had gray hair and beard.
“Your Highness Aitexi, the ship you commissioned me to build is now almost finished. We are currently working on some interior decorations. If you need it urgently, it can be launched immediately.”
“Thank you!” Aitexi then turned to wave at Lolan Hill.
Lolan Hill curiously stepped aboard the sea vessel made of white pomelo wood, looking at the shipbuilding master.
She vaguely remembered that the elderly man Angus once saved also had the surname Fang. Moreover, the two shared a striking resemblance in their brows.
(End of Chapter)
