Chapter 139 - 115: Are Ark People Just Beggars?

As Old Dean set foot on the wooden dock, the sky had already tinged slightly yellow.

The world gradually dimmed, while the sea at the port became increasingly bright. The lanterns on the masts were dense like stars, and the shore grew more bustling.

Compared to the chaos on the outskirts, the situation on the shore was notably better.

Box after box of cargo was unloaded from the ships by the slaves as captains in varied attire stood on the dock, chatting animatedly. Many local young men ran back and forth from the cargo ships, diligently maintaining order on site.

"All cargo ships docking must complete registration and pay taxes here!"

A literate girl waved her paper and pen, shouting until her voice was hoarse: "Every cargo coming ashore needs a preliminary inspection!"

Someone attempted to slip some odd, strange currencies to the girl as a bribe but was rejected and began to jump and curse.

Young militiamen holding Ash Soil Long Spears kept a stern watch, constantly eyeing those ready to cause trouble at any moment.

At this moment, a local young man immediately recognized the plump merchant.

"You’re finally back, Lord Dean!"

He hurriedly squeezed through the crowd to catch up, grasping Old Dean’s hand: "Lord Charles has been waiting for you!"

"It’s you, Lumi."

Old Dean breathed a slight sigh of relief. He remembered this quick-witted local lad; Lumi was working at the port when he first arrived on Lion Heart Island.

"First, tell me where those tall buildings came from and what they’re for?"

Before the other could say much, Old Dean impatiently asked.

When he left not long ago, this place was merely a modest town without any notable landmarks...

Old Dean’s gaze remained fixated on the high-rise buildings in the center of the city-state.

The three tall, beautiful structures looked out of place amidst the surrounding brick houses, with each window shining with pure light, standing like lighthouses in the twilight, capturing every sailor’s attention.

Although sailors were somewhat accustomed to the Ancient Era ruins in the Gray Realm, even to retrieve a fist-sized piece of Deep Sea Treasures, they had to rack their brains to avoid the sea’s watchful eyes; trying to move a well-preserved relic building from the sea to the land was simply wishful thinking.

The novel and intact Ark landscape seemed like a vortex devouring curiosity.

If not for the militiamen maintaining order, people would have swarmed over long ago.

"You remember the ’Treasured High Mountain’ the Lord conjured up, right? Those three high-rises were also created by the Lord and Lady Eleanor using magical powers..." Lumi lowered his voice. "They’re respectively an academy where people acquire knowledge, a not-yet-complete hospital, and an office building for officials."

Mentioning Seagull City’s iconic buildings made Lumi’s eyes shine, and his back straightened significantly.

"The workers have already prepared the foundation according to the blueprints provided by those miraculous maids. In the future, such houses will become more numerous."

The young man struggled to contain the excitement in his voice: "Maybe one day, everyone will be able to live in such houses!"

Clearly, as a local, Lumi felt proud of Seagull City’s development.

So, they’re not even Lord Roland’s mansion...

Old Dean couldn’t help but feel a bit emotional, nodding without pressing for more details, as the port was indeed teeming with people.

At this moment, Old Dean noticed the dark circles under the young man’s eyes.

He expressed some concern: "Just how long have you all been busy?"

"I haven’t shut my eyes for a day and a night, Lord Dean."

Lumi chuckled bitterly: "At first, Lord Charles designated the area near the shore as a free trade zone, reducing most of the cargo tariffs. But for some reason, more and more ships approached the port each day."

"Even though Lord Charles imposed a high docking tax, many captains refused to leave; everyone wanted to see the Lord..."

He rubbed his bloodshot eyes: "We also didn’t dare let everyone in at once. Every house along the coastline is filled, and many Seagull City residents voluntarily rented out their homes..."

As a young man always working hard in the port area, Lumi quickly recounted everything happening on the shore.

"Since the Lord specifically instructed Lord Charles that any form of flesh trade is strictly prohibited in Ark Kingdom, and there’s a clear prohibition on alcohol in the city, there are many sailors causing trouble on the shore..."

"Many even started doing business between ships..."

Lumi sighed: "Officers with ranks above Decurion have followed the Lord to the front lines, and we simply can’t manage the sordid affairs at sea..."

"Welcome to the real Age of Exploration, young man."

Old Dean’s smile was meaningful: "It’s been a tiring time, hasn’t it?"

"Heh, not tiring at all; the pay for working at the port has always been very generous!"

At this moment, a sly gleam appeared in the young man’s eyes: "I’ve already saved up a big pile of Ark coins; many wish to come but can’t even get here."

"Keep working hard, learning well, and honing your skills."

Old Dean patted his shoulder in encouragement: "Lord Roland never overlooks talented people; perhaps you’ll be the future Port Director!"

The young man immediately burst into a silly grin.