"Why not serve as a Guest Elder for our Chamber of Commerce for a while?" Susan proposed. "With your help, Miss Lula can more swiftly quell the dissent among certain individuals and reorganize the Chamber of Commerce."

"Me?" Conni laughed. "You flatter me!"

"No!" At that moment, a somewhat hoarse voice declared from the doorway, just as it was pushed open from the outside and several figures entered. "The Stormbreaker is a legend of the Endless Sea Domain. As its captain, Conni, your ability to rally people far exceeds that of others."

Lula then stepped fully into the room, her expression solemn. "In my capacity as Vice President of the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce, I sincerely invite you to join us."

A Great Knight wandering the Endless Sea Domain—he was certainly worthy of her personal invitation.

"Conni," Susan stood up, a hint of apology on her face. "I was the one who told Miss Lula you were here. Please don't mind; I truly believe this is an opportunity."

"Joining the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce..." Conni trailed off.

"You wouldn't lose your freedom because of it," Lula assured him.

"Susan!" Conni sighed. "I thought this was a private get-together for just the two of us. But never mind that. I'm delighted to meet you, Miss Lula."

His face impassive, Conni gave a slight bow, then looked at the rather plain-looking man beside Lula. "Mr. Karl, we meet again!"

"Captain Conni," Karl returned the greeting. "A pleasure to see you again."

"Audis," Lula gestured to the guard behind her. "Stand guard outside. Don't let anyone disturb us. We need to have a proper talk with Captain Conni."

"Yes, Miss." The guard named Audis bowed and slowly exited the room, closing the door behind him.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both." Conni then gestured. "Please, sit!"

"I've brought some fine wine from a special place in the Endless Sea Domain, a vintage rarely tasted in Freedom Port," Conni announced.

"Oh?" Lula sat down. "Could it be from Tortuga Island?"

Karl's eyes flickered.

Tortuga Island, also known as Pirate Island, served as a base for many pirates in the Endless Sea Domain. Its location was a secret. Rumor had it that the island was hidden in the center of a Storm Vortex, accessible only to invited pirates.

There were many tales about the island. Some said Tortuga Island could fulfill any desire, be it fine food, exquisite wine, or beautiful women. Others claimed the island used human flesh for mortar, human bones for houses, and human skulls for bowls—an island of slaughter.

But regardless, those who managed to set foot on the island were not to be trifled with. They represented a power distinct from that of Freedom Port.

"I'm surprised Miss Lula knows about pirates as well." Conni raised his glass, neither confirming nor denying. "Please, try it!"

"Thank you." Lula drained her glass in one gulp. Nodding in appreciation, she said, "Excellent. The liquor is strong, with a unique flavor that I quite like."

"I'm glad you like it," Conni said. "Next time I come ashore, I'll bring more for you, Miss Lula. Oh, and for Mr. Karl too."

"Thank you." A smile touched Lula's lips. "Please forgive my intrusion! I know today was supposed to be your rendezvous with Captain Conni, Susan, but the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce truly needs his help."

"Miss Lula," Conni said softly. "I appreciate your high regard. However, I've declined invitations from the Poseidon Assembly and defied the Pirate King's threats. Joining any faction is not what I truly desire."

"You are Susan's friends, so you are my friends. Let's just enjoy our drinks and conversation today. Please, let's not bring up the invitation again," Conni concluded.

"This..." Lula hesitated, her expression turning sour.

His refusal was blunt. Though polite on the surface, he clearly intended to keep them at arm's length.

"Captain Conni," Karl said, not looking at either of them but up at the ceiling, "did you invite anyone else today?"

"Others?" Conni faltered. "No..."

"Hmm?"

Before he could finish, his expression changed abruptly. He instinctively looked up towards the tavern roof.

BANG!

At that very moment, two pitch-black chains violently pierced the thick roof. The ends of these child's-arm-thick chains were fastened with two grappling hooks.

The hooks latched onto the damaged rooftop and yanked upwards.

CRASH!

BOOM...

With a tremendous roar, the entire tavern rooftop was ripped away and sent flying, exposing the second-floor private room to the night sky.

A chilling wind howled through, cold and menacing.

RATTLING!

Against the dark sky, the two chains writhed like a pair of venomous snakes poised to strike. Their cold, serpentine gaze fixed on the people below, sending shivers down their spines.

On a nearby rooftop, a figure stood ramrod straight. Two chains emerged from his back, and a vast tide of life force surged forth from him, wave after wave.

A Great Knight! Only a Great Knight could possess such an overwhelming aura, one that made it difficult to breathe.

"Grappling Hook Bartley!" Susan shot to her feet, her voice low and stern. "A Great Knight from the Poseidon Assembly!"

There were only a few Great Knights in Freedom Port, each of them renowned. And this man's signature weapon was exceptionally distinctive. Forged from deep-sea meteoric iron, these special grappling hooks were agile and sharp—a weapon that struck terror into the hearts of many.

"Miss Lula," Grappling Hook Bartley said with a smile, nodding towards the group. "Long time no see!"

"Pharmacist Carl, I've been hearing your name quite a bit lately. It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

"Bartley!" Lula's face turned grim as she stepped forward. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Nothing much." Bartley shrugged. "I was just accepting an invitation from a friend to visit. And while I'm here, I thought I'd invite Miss Lula to stop by the Poseidon Assembly for a chat."

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