The First Meeting of the Redwater Gang’s New Masters

Saranya descended into the privateer’s hold.

Guided by an old sailor, she advanced along the dim corridor.

She pushed open a mildew-covered trapdoor.

Before her lay a narrow, gloomy cabin.

The room was irregularly shaped.

A whalebone chandelier hung suspended in its center.

Glass oil lamps, each burning with a faint green flame, were placed in its four corners.

“Welcome, new masters of the Redwater Gang.”

Saranya, holding Kaelan’s hand, took a seat at the long conference table.

As others had yet to arrive, the meeting did not commence immediately.

Including the two of them, five people were currently present in the room.

For a clandestine meeting involving multiple factions, this was already a considerable gathering.

It appeared this meeting had been planned long in advance.

The Bloodsail Alliance’s recent instigation of gang conflicts had merely drawn everyone’s attention, making this an opportune moment to proceed.

Therefore, choosing to act now rather than postpone, the gathering unfolded right here.

Since it was a meeting, an agenda was certainly implied.

Saranya surmised it likely concerned her Redwater Gang.

She and Kaelan, having just assumed their roles with the church’s and official recognition, were essentially attending an ice-breaking gathering for underworld organizations.

The importance placed on the Redwater Tavern was not difficult to comprehend.

To draw a comparison, the Redwater Tavern functioned as a trade market, a public platform.

Though its own power was limited, its status was unique.

The various factions within Vero City required such a buffer zone and a venue for exchanging interests.

Without it, the entire city would devolve into a chaotic jungle.

Everyone would simply destroy each other in endless conflict.

Human society had never operated in such a manner.

Therefore, by normal logic, no one would openly act against the Redwater Gang.

As a neutral party, the Redwater Gang ensured the orderly division of interests in Vero City.

Saranya possessed the confidence that holding the Redwater Gang’s reins would secure their stable footing in Vero.

Why, then, had the Bloodsail Alliance dared to target the Redwater Gang?

The Bloodsail Alliance, that band of reckless men, monopolized Vero’s crucial maritime industry.

Naturally, they would throw their weight around.

However, as long as they didn’t cause too much trouble, everyone usually turned a blind eye.

After all, the Bloodsail Alliance possessed the most professional sailors and large ships.

Without them, Vero would lose its lifeblood.

More broadly, the Bloodsail Alliance was merely a microcosm.

All the major and minor factions in Vero occupied their respective ecological niches.

Gang-affiliated industries had long since permeated every corner, integrating seamlessly with society as a whole.

Such was the current state of Vero.

People either respected the rules and joined this game of chess, or they became pawns in someone else’s hands.

“Excuse me, sirs.”

Sailors presented drinks to everyone.

It was a hauntingly blue rum, fragrant and sparkling beautifully.

Yet, no one present dared to drink it.

The color of the liquor seemed too dangerous.

Borok wasn’t in the room, so who knew if that fellow had doctored the drinks?

In contrast, Kaelan was remarkably bold.

She picked up a stemmed glass, slowly twirling it in her hand.

Finally, she brought it to her nose and sniffed.

Then, under the subtly expectant gazes of the others, Kaelan dipped her lips into the shimmering liquid and took a delicate sip.

“Siren’s Kiss. You’ve mimicked the sea elves’ brewing recipe… Thank you for the hospitality.”

Kaelan lowered her gaze slightly, set down the glass, and casually wiped away the lipstick print from the rim with her thumb.

‘She’s so elegant…’

Saranya stared, mesmerized.

Swallowing, she raised her own glass, intending to join her master in a toast.

“Hello~”

Saranya paused, turning towards the person who had spoken.

It was a young lady in a white habit, her face adorned with a gentle smile, inviting her to clink glasses.

“I am Cecilia of the Silver Hand Gospel Society. You must have met some of our people before?”

“Clink.”

The glasses chimed pleasantly.

“It’s a pleasure. I am Haia, and this is Lady Hillburg.”

Cecilia let out a clear laugh, and the two women drank.

The atmosphere now eased, the remaining individuals began to speak and exchange pleasantries.

“I’m Grondel, the blacksmith from the Iron Crown Guild. Pleased to meet you all.”

“Rogni of the Rust Chain Brotherhood.”

“Aivy of Weinshield.”

The door opened, and the first mate of the Bloodsail Alliance entered the room.

“Borok!”

Beneath the table, Kaelan instinctively grasped Saranya’s hand.

Saranya understood that the man who instilled fear in her master had also arrived.

“Nazareth of the Shadowscale Gang.”

With all chairs occupied, the round table conference promptly began.

All eyes turned to Aivy.

“Well then… I thank you all for attending. Although I initiated this meeting, I believe everyone understands who the main players here are.”

Noticing several pairs of eyes fixed upon her, Saranya cleared her throat and took the floor.

She intended to seize this opportunity to secure some benefits for the Redwater Gang.

“Lady Hillburg and I are people who understand the rules. The Redwater Gang will operate as usual, and we will not obstruct your businesses. However…”

Saranya decided to state her demands directly.

“We lack funds and are short-staffed, which will inevitably impact our operational efficiency…”

“Hmm.”

Directly opposite her, Grondel grunted in affirmation.

“That’s easily solved. We, the Iron Crown, can lend you some money and provide weapons and equipment for free. How about you buy some slaves from the Rust Chain Brotherhood’s arena to help out?”

No sooner had Grondel finished speaking than Rogni, beside him, immediately nodded in agreement, a look of eagerness on his face.

“Certainly, it’s a small matter.”

‘Asking me to borrow money… the interest probably won’t be low, will it?’

Saranya furrowed her brow.

‘Do they take me for a fool? These two aren’t even bothering to hide their act, ganging up to trick a newbie, are they?’

Moreover, she had no desire to force slaves to work for her.

The loyalty and quality of slaves were unreliable, and it would trouble her conscience.

“I also have a suggestion…”

Cecilia raised her hand towards Saranya, offering a sweet smile.

“Would the attic of your tavern be available for rent? I believe it’s a good location.”

“Eh?”

“I require a new personal infirmary. If you agree to rent the attic to me, I will pay you a regular rent and bring along several capable members of the Silver Hand Society.”

Saranya’s eyes lit up.

This was an excellent proposal.

It could indeed alleviate the Redwater Gang’s problems.

Furthermore, since the Silver Hand Gospel Society was a partner of the church, they were naturally a potential ally, relatively trustworthy.

She was quite willing to forge good relations with them.

Moreover, if Cecilia stayed at the tavern, she could be asked for help with daily affairs, which was akin to gaining a reliable companion, wasn’t it?

Such a beautiful Sister, she could at least help attract some customers to the tavern!

‘Oh, the more I think about it, the better the deal! Sister Cecilia it is!’

“I think that’s a wonderful idea, Cecilia. Let’s discuss the details downstairs!”

“Mhm~”

Seeing her come to an agreement with Cecilia, Grondel snorted coldly, his tone turning sour.

“Renting rooms to the Silver Hand? You’d best think carefully, Miss Haia.”

Saranya and Kaelan exchanged glances.

Seeing the witch silently nod to her, Saranya made her decision.

“That won’t require your concern, sir. I will consider it thoroughly myself.”

“Please don’t be offended, Mr. Grondel. I actually have a business proposition I’d like to discuss with you.”

Kaelan, finally overcoming some of her fear, intentionally avoided Nazareth’s gaze and spoke for the first time.

“I have plans to expand the tavern’s cellar. The construction area will be quite extensive. Would your blacksmiths be able to help forge some furniture and specialized equipment?”

‘Metal furniture, specialized equipment, coupled with a dark underground space…’

Saranya suddenly realized something, her eyes widening instantly.

‘My master isn’t planning some dungeon imprisonment play, is she?!’

‘Could it be… those things are specifically for me…?’

Saranya instantly envisioned a spiked collar, delicate chains, a small leather whip dripping with hot wax, and herself crawling around her master’s feet like a puppy…

‘Mmm~’

Feeling her cheeks burn, she quickly lowered her head.

‘No, no, that’s not right. My master said the expansion would be quite large, which means she genuinely intends to do something substantial. And my master isn’t the type to spend lavishly purely for indulgence.’

“Hmm, do you require ordinary items, or…?”

Grondel displayed a sly smile.

That old fox, he immediately guessed Kaelan’s intentions.

Kaelan merely blinked, a faint smile playing on her lips.

“Mr. Grondel, everyone, please don’t misunderstand. The tavern’s current business scope is too narrow, making it difficult to sustain. I merely wish to develop some ‘specialized services.’ I assure you, everyone will benefit when the time comes…”