naaapseattle Chapter 1461 738: Why Are You Still Here?
Chapter 1461 738: Why Are You Still Here?
"Another one caught!"
Amidst the roaring applause, the person standing behind the angler on the massive warship clapped and exclaimed, "Colonel Penarosa indeed has profound fishing skills, such mastery!"
"You're flattering me, it's just a matter of practice."
The slightly aged middle-aged man flicked the fishing rod, tossing the flounder he caught into a bucket, and gave a slight smile.
As if he had lost interest in the fishing game, he put down the rod afterward, took the wet towel handed over by the attendant beside him, wiped his hands, and turned to walk toward the recliner placed in the center of the deck.
Under the twilight of the setting sun, the warship sailed with the wind and waves, one by one, the warships followed closely behind, moving grandly across the Endless Sea like an expedition.
"Almost there, we should be arriving soon, right?"
After Penarosa sat down, a sommelier immediately brought up the decanted red wine, diligently attending.
He glanced up without speaking, and the person who had been by his side waved considerately, "Take it away, the Colonel doesn't drink on duty."
So, the sommelier withdrew, and immediately someone else brought two glasses of ice water. The luxurious spring water airlifted from the Empire refracted sparkling light between the clear ice cubes.
"Much appreciated."
Penarosa nodded, not exposing the long-prepared performative routine.
"Just small hospitality, nothing noteworthy." Hamming smiled, flattering: "During this Harmful Wind period, the safety of the Seven Cities will depend on your strength.
After this great victorious return, we'll open a bottle of Uncle's collection to celebrate for you."
"What the family does has always been icing on the cake, success or failure ultimately depends on Dan City."
Penarosa reminded, "The threat of Harmful Wind has our help, but the family only invests, never interferes in local affairs."
He paused, giving a meaningful reminder, "The real trouble, you have to solve yourself."
"Understood, understood."
Hamming nodded repeatedly, as if it was self-evident, responding: "Dan City won't let the Holy Tree be shamed."
On the surface smiling, but what he cursed in his heart, only he knew.
Not interfering in local affairs?
Old thing, you really have the nerve to say that…
Haven't you interfered enough!
It's nothing but feeling the hard persimmon can't be squeezed and thinking Dan City's price is too low, unwilling to waste effort!
This time, the stance of the Holy Tree Family is obvious—support you to be the Alliance Hierarch of the Seven Cities, okay, but to support you to take on Ji Jue... forget it!
Isn't living well enough?
No way, Ji Jue is too tough.
Whether his ability is high or low is one thing, the background is just too absurd, with Sea Tide Military Industry and Hai Province Security Bureau, he is clearly one of the faces pushed out by the Hai Province faction.
Even without any overt identity, no one could question it. On the contrary, it's because he doesn't have an identity, it's easier to do as he pleases.
Moreover, he's so good at stirring up things…
The position of the Seven Cities is only an investment of the Holy Tree; as long as there is no loss, the Holy Tree would never risk having customs in Hai Province scrutinizing import and export with a magnifying glass to engage in life-or-death with Ji Jue.
The family has assets in the Federation too, it's not worth picking up the sesame only to lose the watermelon.
Thus, when the Dan City Alliance was previously considering taking a gamble, the Holy Tree Family had issued a warning…
Friendship first, competition second!
Want to play well, okay, but if you want to take lives, then it might not necessarily be whose life it is!
Listening and being obedient will let you have enduring success. If you don't understand human words and are hell-bent on courting death, don't blame the family for wielding the ancestral skill—[Divine Cutting].
"Doing big things, one must be steady, don't always go for life or death."
Penarosa said calmly, "The family has its difficulties too, you have to be understanding, understand?"
"Understood, understood." Hamming stood up abruptly, responding solemnly.
"Then you may go now."
Penarosa waved his hand, telling him, "You can leave the wine."
"..."
Without a second thought, Hamming nodded, bowing even lower: "If the Colonel is interested, I can immediately arrange for someone to deliver more."
"No need, hosting guests is about the attitude, I'm sure that person wouldn't care about such things."
Penarosa's casual expression slightly tensed, indicating seriousness.
He stood up from the recliner, lowered his head to adjust his sleeves, checked his cuffs, and adjusted his collar before turning to look at a stunned Hamming beside him.
As if asking if there was anything overlooked.
Hamming was startled for a moment, nodding repeatedly, praising, "The Colonel's demeanor is exceptional, truly an exemplar of imperial elegance."
Thus, Penarosa modestly nodded, finally revealing a smile.
But it wasn't directed at him.
Watching made Hamming feel a pang of bitterness.
Just like suddenly realizing that the goddess who usually pays no heed to you, without a single kind exchange, suddenly on Valentine's Day puts on black silk high heels, dresses exquisitely, changes into matching underwear, and then dresses up to go out... not even sending you a Goodnight message!
Amidst the soreness, an uneasy premonition suddenly hit him.
Please, no boyfriends!
He won't lick as well as I do!
"Co, Colonel, are you entertaining a guest?" Hamming hesitated, stammering as he asked, "You don't know when the guest is arriving? I... can instruct the kitchen for a grand reception..."
Are you hungry?
I can help order takeout, what would you like to eat?
"Already here."
Without looking back, Penarosa stepped forward, moving ahead.
Solemnly awaiting.
In that instant, the silence hit unexpectedly.
In the distance, the dusk-colored sun sank into the sea's edge. And right at that dark end, a majestic silhouette suddenly emerged, manifesting, swallowing the last glow.
It was as if a giant was dragging the pitch-black night sky, advancing step by step towards them.
As a result, even the wind rushing against them felt heavy and suffocating.
No waves could be seen, no echoes could be heard, and even the radar showed no signs; only the silhouette rapidly enlarged, then enlarged more.
By the time they realized it, it had already stopped in front of them, almost within arm's reach!
"Craftsman Ji Jue, invited here."
In the shadows at the bow of the ship, a somewhat thin figure appeared, casting a half-smiling glance, "Pardon me, am I late?"
"Mr. Ji, you're right on time; we just arrived ourselves."
Penarosa laughed heartily and waved warmly: "Please come aboard, I've been looking forward to this for so long."
"Then I shall intrude."
The flowing silver light formed into a staircase, and the sudden visitor smiled as he stepped onto the deck. Before he could place his last step, Penarosa had already reached out to support him.
Once Ji Jue stood firm, the two naturally clasped his hands in a firm handshake.
A burst of sincere warmth.
"I have long resided in the Empire, and have admired Mr. Ji for so long. Regrettably, we've never met until now."
Penarosa gazed at Ji Jue, speaking in the Federation language with admiration: "Meeting you today, you're truly exceptional. Sadly, in these remote wilds, I couldn't prepare much; I hope you won't find my hospitality lacking."
"That is not the case at all."
Ji Jue patted Penarosa's hand, his gaze sweeping over the family crest on Penarosa's chest and becoming equally enthusiastic: "The Holy Tree Family is a pillar of the Empire. To have Mr. Pesarona extend such an invitation is my honor."
"Ha-ha, please sit, please sit."
Pesarona laughed, signaling with a gesture.
The two chatted cheerfully, as if old friends reunited after many years. To an outsider, they may appear as long-lost brothers.
But when Penarosa turned his head, his gaze fell on Hamming, standing obsequiously on the side, exuding unmistakable confusion.
Why are you still here?
Do the people from Seven Cities have no sense of discernment at all?
"And this is?" Ji Jue greeted with a smile, momentarily throwing Penarosa off as he couldn't recall the name... Ha...
Hashi or Ham?
"Hamming."
Not daring to wait for an answer, Hamming hastily swallowed his tears of bitterness, squeezed out a smile, and introduced himself: "I am the assistant to President Galisto, and a Guard Officer of Dan City!"
Ah, a relative of Bug Two.
"Pleasure to meet you, pleasure to meet you."
Ji Jue nodded and then retracted his gaze, resuming his conversation with Pesarona.
The two continued their banter, filled with joy and enthusiasm.
As if they regretted not meeting earlier.
When it comes to social interactions, whether or not it's the maneater tree, the most important thing is to have mutual interest, which will lead to a harmonious connection.
As long as one has the heart, even fabricating topics, one can maintain the conversation. Exhibiting enthusiasm will prevent awkward silence.
Moreover, with Penarosa thoughtfully finding topics of conversation, you praise me as an elite Ember and future master, while I extol the Holy Tree's ever-lasting influence and rich history.
Soon enough, they started discussing the scenery of Central Earth and specialties of Tower City.
When the talk became exciting, they would raise their glasses. In such moments, the standing Hamming would quickly pick up the decanter and pour wine for the guests.
Don't let the atmosphere cool, ruining Mr. Ji's mood.
Thus, Dan City's treasures entered Ji Jue's mouth but settled heavily in Hamming's worried heart, about to cause pain in Galisto's mind.
After much effort to set the stage to showcase some influence, flaunting a few lackeys and weapons for gain and prestige, what happened in the end?
The backing is about to become sworn brothers with the very person across!
Look at this pair of co-conspirators, in such harmonious agreement they're almost inseparable!
President, say something! President!
Why aren't you making a call to move the car...
Unfortunately, no one cared where the president was.
Between Ji Jue and Penarosa, what mattered was the attitude of the Holy Tree and Ji Jue's stance. What Dan City thought was not important. Whether they lamented with tears of heartache or clung to enmity, nobody paid any heed.
No intimidation, no Killing Stick.
The banquet was fine, the people were good.
Nobody dared to jump out and disrupt or speak odd words at such a time, not even Hamming. The entire banquet was full of diligent hospitality, making one feel at home.
If it weren't for the imminent threat of the mermaid, Ji Jue would have thought he was on vacation.
In fact, he nearly forgot about the situation.
Only Hamming didn't forget.
During the banquet, he dared not rush, even though anxious, several times suppressing the urge to look at the clock in the corner without uttering a word, even using eye contact to deter subordinates from reporting.
He maintained a smile throughout, diligently fulfilling his promising task as a background fixture.
Until Penarosa put down the wine glass.
"Mr. Ji, please wait a moment."
The Legion's Transcend from the Empire, after a long wait, received an axe and spear from a subordinate waiting on the side.
"Once we deal with this pack of beasts, we shall drink to our fill and not leave sober!"
Amidst the faint sound of waves in the distance, there came the frenzied shrieks of beasts.
On the deathly still sea, enormous waves surged out of nowhere, crashing and roaring thunderously.
Under the dim moonlight, amidst scattered silver glints, innumerable eerie scales appeared, and beneath the sea, a torrent-like raging tide.
Rising and falling roars sounded like sharp wailing, a baby's wretched cries echoing in all directions, responding to each other. The hungry mermaids had already caught the scent of food.
Hastening on their way!