Chapter 74. Cream Oysters
"How about you let me take over for this period? You may have nothing to do, but I have plenty that I wanna do." Richard's voice suddenly rang in Charles' ears.
After a brief contemplation, Charles willingly relinquished control over his body. He was also curious about what his alter-ego would do under such circumstances.
In an instant, Charles' lost expression was replaced with one of exaggerated elation. With a swift kick against the ground, he leaped into mid-air and used a nearby laborer's shoulder as a stepping stone to further his jump and landed on the rooftop.
Jumping from one rooftop to another, Richard speedily crossed several streets before he arrived at a bar decorated with neon lights. It was called "Party Night," the largest watering hole in the entire harbor district.
Diving himself into the partying crowd, he navigated through the throng and arrived at the bar counter. He pulled out his Dark Blade and lightly tapped it against the metallic bar on the tabletop.
Ding!
The bell's chime echoed through the hall and attracted the attention of everyone present. The veterans of this place knew exactly what that sound signified.
"Everyone, all drinks are on me today!! Let's get this party started!!"
Richard's proclamation induced cheers so loud from the sailors that they almost tore the roof off.
Letting out a hearty laugh, Richard slung an arm over a scantily-clad waitress and downed the shots of alcohol on the tray she was holding.
Compared to the aloof Charles, the affable Richard seemed to have a knack for making friends. Even though he was a new face in the crowd, it didn't take long before he had grown familiar with everyone in the bar.
Richard's jokes had the patrons roaring in laughter. His coin magic tricks also won gasps of astonishment from those around him. In an attempt to show off, he even casually displayed his relics to others. His charisma further elevated the atmosphere in the bar, and it was an understatement to say that he was the center of attention.
Controlling his left eye, Charles calmly watched himself laughing through the reflection on the wine glass. The smile on his reflection was twisted and somehow looked like he was crying. For the first time, Charles felt a sense of empathy for Richard. After all, they were both Gao Zhiming yearning to return home, but with different responses to the same situation.
"Hahaha!!" Charles burst into an uproarious laugh as if he came to some amusing enlightenment. Slapping his thigh with abandon, Charles continued his hysterical laughter until tears streamed down his face.
The reflection of Charles on the wine glass was lifted, and the contents were emptied into a black void. One glass after another, Charles's consciousness slowly faded under the influence of alcohol before the world completely blacked out.
After an unknown period of time, Charles woke up with a splitting headache. His vision was still slightly blurry, but fortunately, it returned to normal after he tapped the left side of his head with the back of his fist.
Looking around, he realized he was hanging on a rope and beneath him were passed-out patrons and also toppled chairs and tables.
Using the rope as leverage, Charles landed on the ground. He unintentionally stepped on a few sailors as he made his way out of the bar.
Charles licked his parched lips and asked in his mind, "So? Do you find it useful?"
"Shut up! I'm tired! Let me sleep!"
That dude's method doesn't seem useful. Charles thought as the corners of his lips curled up into a smile. He stepped into the flow of the crowd as thoughts ran through his mind.
How did I rest when I was up there? Scrolling endlessly on my phone? Mobile games? Quarreling with my sister? Charles questioned himself as he reflected on his past.
When I first came here, I used to join the others at the bar and indulge in alcohol and socialize with them. Everything was so new and a novelty to me then. Since when did I become so edgy and impatient?
Charles lifted his gaze and stared at the overhanging black expanse above him.
It seems to be that time when I realized that I wasn't some chosen hero, that I could actually die here, and that my hopes of returning home were diminishing as time passed. That inner torment added to my anxiety.
But it's better now. I've found the way back. But... would the world out there still be the same as before?
Charles hurriedly shook his head to dismiss the thoughts from his mind. He was out to relax today. These self-contemplation questions could be left for another day.
When Charles looked around him once more, he realized that he had followed the crowd out of the harbor district and was on the bustling inner island.
At the sight of the bonfires lining the sides of the streets, Charles suddenly remembered that it was the Landing Festival of the Coral Archipelago. Each island would mark the day that they conquered their island as a major celebratory event, and for The Coral Archipelago, today was the day.
It was a joyous festival. The islanders were dressed in their finest as they came out and gathered in celebration. The cheery atmosphere was infectious, showering everyone with joy, as evident from their light and lively footsteps.
Musicians with their instruments lined the streets. There were those playing violins, while some blew trumpets and others beat the drums. For the onlookers who could dance, they started dancing, while those who couldn't watch those who could with enthusiasm and admiration.
Charles followed the crowd and moved forward, allowing himself to immerse in the festive atmosphere. Hearing the laughter and merry chatter, it seemed as though their infectious cheerfulness had begun to rub off on him.
The festival reminded him of Chinese New Year back home, albeit without the red and the firecrackers.
Rumble~~
Charles' stomach protested with a growl, interrupting Charles' train of thought. He had been drowning himself with alcohol last night and hadn't had a morsel of food. Now, he was feeling a little hungry.
He approached a street vendor and bought a spider crab leg for four Echo. Cracking open the shell, he savored the succulent, chewy meat. The grilled crab meat was extremely tender. The moment he bit down on the snow-white flesh, the rich, succulent taste of crab filled his mouth.
Though there wasn't much meat on a single crab leg, it was enough to whet Charles' appetite. His eyes scanned the surroundings in search of his next target.
Very soon, his nose picked up a milky aroma wafting through the air. Following the fragrance, Charles arrived at a small stall where a portly old man with a white beard was rapidly stirring fresh milk and oysters on an iron plate.
Recognizing the familiar face, Charles said, "I would like a serving, please."
"Aye! Comin' right up!" Old John made swift movements with his hands. A couple of seconds later, he suddenly realized the familiarity of that voice. He looked up, and an elated expression immediately appeared on his face.
"Ahoy, Captain! It's been a while!"
Charles looked at his previous First Mate and pointed at the small stall. "Didn't you say you were going to retire on land?"
Old John let out a sigh and replied, "Ye know how I am. Barely had me hands on me retirement money 'fore they ended up in gamblin' dens an' wenches' pockets. But don't ye be belittlin' this little stall o' mine. I've done me sums, I'm rakin' in more than I ever did on the high seas!"
Charles stole a brief glance at the patches on Old John's pants but decided not to bring it up. He nodded and replied, "That's great, then. At least you wouldn't need to risk your life."
Old John let out a hearty chuckle before he asked, "I heard ye really got yerself an exploration vessel. Any room for more hands? I ain't need the money, but the call o' the sea still sings sweeter. Life on this island is a real bore. The islanders all looked down on me when they learn I've been out to sea 'fore. Shiver me timbers, I were out as a sailor, not as some bilge rat pirate!"
Charles hesitated for a second before he shook his head, "I'm sorry, but we have a full crew already."
He didn't want Old John to risk his life at sea again. Perhaps he might be poorer if he stayed on land, but at least he could live out his days and die of old age.
A trace of disappointment flickered across Old John's face. But he soon masked it with a carefree smile as he said, "No worries, 'twas jus' a bit o' idle chatter. Hold yer horses. Yer cream oysters be almost ready for the feastin'."
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