Chapter 180 - Gift-giving (Part 1)

Speaking, Gerard had already walked over and quickly recognized Ismael. He immediately greeted him warmly, saying, "Brother, it's you! Long time no see, how's business going?"
Yismail quickly said, "Lord Gerard, I apologize for not following the rules and causing you trouble."
Gerard casually replied, "If it were someone else, they would definitely be inspected. But as for you, I'll let it go. Others may not know you, but do you think I don't? Oh, those alchemical pills you gave me last time, although the quantity was a bit less, my father really liked them. He even praised me a couple of times. I definitely want to return the favor. How's business been lately? Do you have any good merchandise? Get me a few! I guarantee the price won't be unfair to you!"
He waved his hand and the four water pirate assassins retreated to ten steps away.
Ismail sighed and said, "Sir, you also know that Weisheir strictly prohibits the buying and selling of alchemical items. Those of us who are in this business never have things go so smoothly. As for the goods, if there are any good ones, I will notify you as soon as possible, sir."
Jared smiled without answering and turned to look at the young man next to Ismail.
"So, my friend, won't you introduce me to this young man next to you?"
"Haha, he is our esteemed guest this time."
Looking at him, Jared said in surprise, "Aren't you his bodyguard, my brother?"
Ishmael shook his head and said, "No way! If it weren't for him, I wouldn't even have the qualifications to be here this time. He is Mr. Charles, quite famous in the Kingdom of Magiko and the Empire of Kelniru."
Xia Yan smiled faintly.
Gerard's eyes suddenly lit up.
"You must be Mr. Charles? I didn't expect you to be so young." Gerard shook Xia Yan's hands with a smile on his face. "I always thought you were an old man."
Xia Yan exclaimed excitedly, "Alchemy is all about the speed and quality of enchantments, as well as the quality of alchemical items. As long as one has the skill to deliver, they are certainly qualified to be called a master alchemist."
Ismail caught a glimpse of Xia Yan.
Xia Yan's tone was somewhat strange, as if he was certain that Gerard would know about his abilities, naturally elevating his own status.
Just like young people who have just started in society, most of them have this habit, especially those with a privileged background. It's as if everyone in the world should know their names.
Jared has seen a lot, but wasn't he like this himself back in the day? Therefore, he didn't really doubt it and instead thought that this alchemist named Charles was probably just someone with a reputation, as no one knew if the alchemical items he purchased were truly made by him.
As a result, Jared became even less cautious.
Smiling, Jared said, "Master Char, let's go this way!"
Ismail whispered, "Bro, I don't have a pass, so..."
Jared smiled disapprovingly and said, "It doesn't matter! Can't our Pentagon accommodate an unexpected visitor?"
Ismail nodded with a smile and left with Xia Yan.
As their figures disappeared, Jared waved his hand, beckoning a pirate to come close and listen to his orders.
Jared whispered, "Find out where did he make landfall?"
The message quickly came back. These two guests boarded the ship on the south shore of the Kingdom of Magico and then came up from the southern dock. Jallad nodded and did not inquire further about this matter.
This Ismael is a powerless merchant, and the young man named Charles by his side, even if he has great abilities, cannot cause any significant waves.
The territory of the Water Dragon's Spiral Island is not a place where anyone can enter. Even the Eastern Marshal wouldn't dare to do so here - not to mention, for the next two days, all the pirates of the Azure Lake will gather here, bringing their most elite soldiers. No one would dare to cause trouble here.
There are not many guests coming to congratulate, and the road appears very quiet. At the junctions, beautiful maidservants are there to guide the directions.
Perhaps sensing Xia Yan's astonishment, Ismail lowered his voice and said: "These are all orphans and abandoned children that these pirates have captured or adopted from the villages and settlements around Lake Rulan. Our three countries are constantly at war, and in such chaotic border areas, there is a considerable number of refugees. Once these children are raised, they become the most loyal supporters of the pirates."
“说白了还是管理不力。”夏彦摇了摇头，“不过这问题，也不是一时半会能解决的。”
沿着小路一直往前，前方顿时豁然开朗，在树林尽头的开阔地上，一座装饰精美的露台出现在了他们的面前。
There are more than thirty guards here, and as soon as they spot Xia Yan and the two figures, some guards immediately approach to inspect.
Xia Yan has become accustomed to this process, and quickly hands over the invitation card.
"An alchemist?" a guard looked at Xia Yan in surprise.
"This is my attendant," Xia Yan said calmly.
"Go ahead, the terrace ahead is where the eldest son is receiving gifts. Guests who come here better not come empty-handed," the guard muttered under his breath as he stepped aside.
"Rest assured, we know our limits," Ismail smiled as he took out a bulging envelope from his pocket.
Waiting for the two guards to walk away, Ismail glanced around and whispered, "This 'Prince' Jesse is an orphan adopted by Spailo, a formidable character who played a crucial role in Spailo's rise to power."
Xia Yanyang raised his eyebrows and looked towards the terrace.
There were several people chatting, and in the middle was a young man, around twenty-eight or twenty-nine years old, who was very handsome. His eyes were bright and spirited, and he spoke politely and with grace. The surrounding guests felt comfortable and would occasionally burst into light laughter. Translate the content above into English.
Based on his appearance, he hardly looks like a pirate, but rather resembles a teacher.
Suddenly, Jessie sensed something and turned around abruptly, but couldn't see anything, only witnessing Ismael approaching leisurely.
Ismail is also someone he recognized, so he went up to welcome him and said warmly and politely, "Ismail, you finally arrived early this time. I thought you wouldn't be able to arrive until tomorrow at the earliest! Are you here again to discuss a few business deals? Come, let's have a drink together."
As Jesse spoke, he turned around and brought a glass filled with fine wine from the stone table on the terrace.
Ismael bowed slightly, speaking with great politeness: "I am just a merchant, how could I have the virtue and ability to deserve such personal hospitality from you, sir."
Jesse waved his hand and also took a glass, drinking it all in one go: "Anyone who does good things for our Delta is a valued guest of mine, Jesse."
Xia Yan, on the side, observed coldly. This Jesse sure knows how to win people over.