novelhk Chapter 497 Pushing Towards
Chapter 497 Pushing Towards
Chapter 497 Pushing Towards
Leo was, after all, a captain.
He certainly recognized the nautical chart in front of him.
In the vast ocean, far from all the continents, there is an island so small that it would be impossible to find without a marker.
Lord John of St. City said it was "Fallen Feather Island".
It was explained that, according to legend, the world's last stone-skinned parrot rested there.
It is said that the stone-skinned parrot knows everything in the world, and that even the dumbest idiot can become a learned scholar if he comes into contact with this strange bird.
Clearly, John wanted Leo to go in his place to find Feathered Isle.
Since John told Leo such an important family secret, it means he didn't give Leo any room to refuse.
This behavior undoubtedly suggests that Leo either seeks an island or seeks death.
But: "Why choose me?"
"You've hit the nail on the head," John leaned back on the cushions. "The heirs of Sun City have never been mediocre, and we have inherited the excellent seafaring genes of our ancestors. Without being immodest, my seafaring skills are also quite good, at least, definitely better than yours."
And he didn't go himself: "You must stay and manage your own city?"
"You underestimate Sun City and the vast pool of talent under my command. Their loyalty to the Justinian family is beyond question. One of my ancestors, Brand II, once went on a war for twelve years, and when he returned, the city was even more prosperous."
These words puzzled Leo: "If that's the case, why did you choose me to do it?"
“If I wanted to, I would certainly be willing to go myself,” John said. “However, there are many families that are watching the Justinian family’s every move, such as that lowly Sinclair. If I were to go out on an operation, their family would surely find out, and then things might change. This is an operation that is to be kept secret by the Justinian family; my purpose must absolutely not be known to other major families.”
"And I'm an outsider too," Leo tried to persuade.
"This is the only way out. You are at least more trustworthy than those greedy nobles."
"And merchants are even more greedy."
"Merchants value profit, but that's not the same as greed," John smiled confidently. "Besides, you often don't believe in integrity, only in profit, don't you?"
Leo nodded.
“Then I’ll offer you something that will tempt you,” John said. “I know you want to build your own business empire based on spices. In fact, as far as I know, you’re already building it and making good progress, but you’re also facing setbacks in the Federation.”
Hearing this, Leo was startled.
Did John know all about what happened to him in the Federation?
"Don't be nervous. The Federation has sent a large force to arrest you and has written to me requesting my assistance in the capture, but aren't you sitting right in front of me negotiating right now?"
"So that's how it is," Leo frowned. "So this Holy City Lord already knew about me."
Leo remained silent, waiting for John to continue.
"Although Sun City is not large in territory, it occupies an important geographical advantage, and as the only remaining branch of the Justinian family, I believe that my influence is enough to make most of the world's powers give me some face. Your business plan may be grand, but without a solid shield, it can collapse in an instant."
Leo understood: "You want to be my protector?"
"Our relationship will be built on a foundation of cooperative friendship, and relationships bought with money are often fragile. I am undoubtedly the person you can trust the most."
It is said that Lieyang City possesses the only fleet of the Holy Envoy Duchy, but this fleet is enough to deter the navies of other countries from rashly invading the Duchy's territorial waters.
John himself also seems to have a glorious record.
With him backing him up, Leo might be able to unleash his business acumen more freely.
This is indeed an attractive offer.
But Leo didn't lose his mind. Even though he had no choice but to get to the bottom of things, he had to find out what really happened.
"But in this matter alone, there are better options than me. In fact, I have less than a year of sailing experience and have only sailed on known routes."
"Your seafaring skills are indeed not outstanding, at least for now, but what I value are your abilities in other areas," John said with a smirk.
"Other aspects?"
"I heard that you successfully escaped the Federation's encirclement and pursuit and reached the sea. While being relentlessly pursued from behind, you used your keen judgment to shake off the pursuing ships. The Federation was forced to write to me, which led to us sitting in the Uncrowned Castle to discuss matters in detail. Such adaptability is truly rare."
"Is this important?" Leo asked, puzzled.
"Of course it's important," John said, spreading his hands. "This mission is based on a prophecy from a thousand years ago. The variables and dangers involved are unpredictable. Without good survival and adaptability, it is impossible to complete the mission. Therefore, a simple navigator is definitely not the first choice for this mission."
"I'm just a businessman."
"You are also the most legendary businessman I have ever met. It is said that your footprints have spanned the world, from east to west. This has given you enough knowledge and at the same time, it has also honed your will. Don't underestimate yourself, Mr. Leo Gibson. You are a rare talent in the world."
Leo understood that he had no choice but to accept.
Of course, it doesn't really matter if you verbally agree and then ignore it afterwards.
After all, John in front of him did not possess Leo's power of contract.
However, at this moment, Leo also seemed to have become interested in this operation.
Does the all-knowing stone-skinned parrot also know all the business opportunities in the world?
Moreover, Leo does need a protective umbrella.
Leo can hire several teams for a lot of money, but they will be considered illegal armed groups wherever they go.
And John did indeed take Leo out of the arena.
Regardless of whether Leo's imprisonment was accidental, John did indeed help him.
Leo always repays kindness.
"Hmm—" Leo let out a deep breath. "I agree."
John immediately extended his hand: "I know, this is an essential courtesy for you merchants after a deal is made."
Seeing this, Leo grinned and shook hands, saying, "It's a pleasure doing business with you."
"I wish you all the best. Please feel free to ask for any assistance you may need."
"I'll think about it carefully. When do you need me to come?" Leo asked.
"Hurry up, but don't rush things. Your arrival in Sunfire City was purely coincidental, and our meeting at the arena was also accidental. Your visit to the Uncrowned Fortress was simply out of gratitude. Therefore, you just need to follow the normal procedure to leave Sunfire City, so as not to arouse suspicion from our ever-present eyes."
After saying that, John pushed the chart toward Leo.
But this led Leo to Fallen Feather Island.