"What the hell? Is your face made of gold, or are your breasts made of gold? Five hundred thousand gold coins?"

Phield was dumbfounded. It seemed that it wasn’t just the Sacred Griffin Empire that had rotted to the core. The people of the Stormsea Mercantile Nation were just as insane, openly putting themselves up for sale without the slightest shame.

"Holy Light, please redeem them and wash away their sins."

Disgust filled Tisiana’s eyes as she made the sign of prayer.

"This is ridiculous," Rosalia sighed from within the greatsword. "Even corrupted creatures are far more harmonious and friendly than this."

Marianne rolled her eyes speechlessly, the two tiny clam-shaped ornaments on her chest swaying as she looked at him with arrogant confidence.

"You brought it, didn’t you? We don’t appreciate being toyed with, so don’t waste our time."

"You don’t have much of a choice. The key is in my hands."

Phield unhooked the Silver Key from his belt and revealed part of its gleaming blade-like surface.

"I came here in good faith. What do you think?"

The moment Shelley laid eyes on the Silver Key, a masterpiece that looked like a work of art, the greed in her eyes became impossible to hide. She swallowed hard before stepping forward with a flattering smile.

"The men of the Sacred Griffin Empire are all mighty warriors."

"Our country’s girls just happen to be incredibly gentle."

Marianne also closed in, her slender fingers wandering over him mischievously.

"Baron Phield."

Damn it.

Heat surged through Phield’s body, but he knew perfectly well that they were only interested in the key.

"Enough of that. I’m here to cooperate."

"Do not come any closer to my lord."

Tisiana let out an irritated snort. Countless pure white feathers drifted through the air as a magnificent pair of wings unfolded behind her. An overwhelming pressure spread outward, sending ripples racing across the surrounding water.

"Don’t be so tense."

Neither of them intended to fight. They each took two steps back.

Marianne glanced at the greatsword strapped to Phield’s back and licked the corner of her lips curiously.

"Mr. Phield, what exactly are you hiding back there?"

The greatsword was wrapped tightly in bandages, making it impossible to see clearly, yet they could both sense an inexplicable feeling of terror, especially when they had approached him.

"A weapon."

Phield folded his arms across his chest, not bothering to explain.

"That’s not important. Where’s everyone else?"

"They’re already aboard the ship. The banquet is about to begin. Welcome aboard."

The group climbed the rope ladder onto the vessel. An ancient, imposing aura greeted them the moment they stepped onto the deck.

The ship was bustling with activity. Sailors carried Magic Cores to recharge the Magic Tower, while all kinds of strangely dressed people chatted loudly among themselves.

Phield even spotted a Necromancer dressed in black robes and a savage wearing nothing but animal hides.

"What kind of people are these? This tomb expedition is definitely going to be lively."

He silently complained to himself, becoming even more curious about what was hidden inside the royal mausoleum.

"Eat this and you’ll be able to communicate without any language barriers."

Shelley took three purple fruits out of her small satchel. They looked somewhat like sea urchins.

"Devil Fruit?"

After Tisiana examined them carefully and confirmed there was nothing wrong, Phield took a bite.

A choking sensation rushed straight into his head, making him sneeze violently.

After a brief ringing in his ears, the chaotic voices around him suddenly became perfectly understandable.

"Fifteen gold coins, please."

Shelley held out her hand.

"Five gold coins for each Communication Fruit."

"What? Wait, these aren’t provided for free?"

Phield froze.

"Of course not. They’re a specialty from a distant nation. We spent a great deal of time obtaining the seeds."

A man dressed in an elegant blue and white noble’s outfit stepped out from the command cabin with a smile on his face.

"Five gold coins each. Delicious and reasonably priced."

"This is my lord, Chairman of Sea Whale Commerce, Honorary Baron of the Stormsea Mercantile Nation, holder of a seat in the United Council, and Commander of the Thirty-Second Fleet, Lord Riemann."

Marianne happily threw herself against him, only for Riemann to smack her thigh, making her squirm in protest.

"Welcome aboard my flagship."

Riemann planted his hands on his hips, his face radiating absolute confidence, as though he were the greatest man alive.

"Phield, Legendary Sword Saint, Lion of the North, Devilman, Friend of Women, and ruling Baron of the Sacred Griffin Empire."

Phield calmly recited his own long list of titles.

"And welcome to my territory. Dawnfall Domain belongs to me."

Not yet, anyway.

The next time he left home, he planned to buy Dawnfall Domain from that great noble. It wasn’t worth much in the first place.

Riemann drew in a sharp breath.

Damn.

This guy was even better at showing off than I was. Looks like I’ve finally met my match.

Just as he was about to speak, his attention was completely captured by Tisiana and Firomina.

One possessed the graceful charm of a mature beauty, while the other carried an innocent yet icy elegance. Both were stunning beyond words.

Even more astonishing was how intimately they interacted with the man before them.

After all, Divine Chosen were usually completely devoted to their own lord. A man who had earned the affection of two Divine Chosen was certainly no ordinary noble.

Contily and the others had mentioned that the last time Phield came here, he had been escorted by three Divine Chosen.

This man is definitely someone important...

Although Riemann’s expression remained perfectly calm, he immediately changed his attitude. His voice became both gentlemanly and respectful.

"Greetings, the honorable Baron Phield. As you can see, my ship is filled with people who reek of greed and decay, all gathered here for one reason alone: glittering gold coins."

"So I may have come across as a little arrogant at first. My apologies."

Riemann patted Marianne on the shoulder.

"Go prepare our finest room for my guest. If Mr. Phield requires anything, you will personally attend to him."

Phield was utterly stunned.

His worldview had just been mercilessly shattered.

The Sacred Griffin Empire, which he had always considered hopelessly corrupt, now seemed like a shining model of morality compared to this place.

"No thanks."

A chill ran down Phield’s spine.

"Let’s talk about the mausoleum instead. And those strangely dressed people outside..."

"Certainly. I believe you’re not familiar with the situation, so let’s discuss everything in detail."

Riemann shrugged and led Phield into the meeting room inside the cabin.

"First, there’s something I must tell you honestly. It also has everything to do with those uncivilized tribesmen outside."

Riemann straightened his blue and white noble robe.

"Do you know why I not only refuse to drive those savages away, but actually welcome them aboard?"

"Why?"

Phield asked instinctively before immediately answering his own question.

"Could it be because the inside is extremely dangerous?"

Riemann hadn’t expected Phield to catch on so quickly. He pumped his fist excitedly.

"Exactly!"

"If I wanted to, Sea Whale Commerce could gather all the Golden Key fragments faster than anyone else. But the dangers within the mausoleum are so great that I’m willing to give up part of the profits."

Riemann explained,

"And that’s exactly why I’m more than happy to have you join us."