Chapter 521: Chance encounter at the governor's doorway
Translator: Translation Nation Editor: Translation Nation
Sheyan understood the few tasks he had to accomplish upon arriving here.
Firstly, to sell off the smuggled goods from Tortuga. This would be a tremendously abundant transaction, minimally increasing the liquidity of this funds by 20,000 guineas.
Next was to survey the governor’s residence. Even though lady Elizabeth’s gold medallion wouldn’t be easily obtainable, it was still worth a try. A point to note – As the curse of the Aztec Gold adhered onto the original gold coins within the chest, only the individual who retrieved a coin from the chest would be inflicted with the curse. As such, since Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann didn’t personally retrieve the gold coin from the chest, but it was merely transferred into their hands, they weren’t affected by the curse.
If Jack Sparrow hadn’t arrived at Port Royal yet, Sheyan wouldn’t mind paying a visit to Will Turner, who was currently still an apprentice blacksmith. Besides, he would most likely become the future captain of the Flying Dutchman. It would be good to socialize with him first.
Finally, Sheyan’s objective of trying his utmost to amass wealth, was naturally to spend it. Actually, guineas were merely like currency to the contestants. Nevertheless, Sheyan had heard from his pirate crew about an accomplished alchemist master residing in Port Royal; one that wasn’t inferior to the dead Peigan. Moreover, Sheyan was aware of the inter relationship between guineas and the service provided by an alchemist master. Hence, the added commitment to amass his wealth.
Although the righteous Captain Norrington forbade smuggling, privileged classes who despised such laws were bound to be present anywhere. Don’t mention foreign countries or China, even the nations of the middle ages was like this. As long as exorbitant profits were to be made, there would definitely be smugglers.
For example; according to Philip’s report, the Sheffields Trading Company appeared to be in the wine business on the surface, but a definite news suggested its boss would accept any kind of goods. As for the overlord backing the boss, it was the father of the gorgeous lady Elizabeth Swann, Governor Swann of Port Royal. Though an old-fashioned and kindly father, he was also an avaricious and circumspect governor.
Needless to say for their negotiations, Jinkuang effortlessly summoned his two greatest artifacts – his ‘splitter splatting’ splashes of saliva, and the clamorous clinking of his abacus. Thus, he subdued the shop owner in an extremely ‘civilized’ manner.
Eventually, the gentlemanly and courteous shop owner, Mister McKinnery, escorted them out of his ship while wiping away cold perspiration. Sheyan’s accounts once again was fuelled by nearly 30,000 guineas.
Before both parties parted, Mister McKinnery revealed a sliver of shrewdness in his cloudy old eyes. After fishing up an extraordinarily delicate golden name card from his pocket, he coughed twice before urging Sheyan.
"My guests, since our cooperation has seen such favourable tidings, you are qualified as esteemed patrons of our company. There will be a grand auction tomorrow, and if my guests are interested, this name card will ensure participation. I must reemphasize on point – ever since Captain Norrington has assumed the defence of Port Royal, this is the first time an auction has been convened, while the next one would happen in the unforeseeable future. Therefore, there will surely be merchandise you require in the auction. Of course, purchasing them would depend on your wealth."
"Merchandise we require?" Brother Black released a dry laughter. His laughter contained no ill intent, but rather a mocking for himself while pondering the difficult issue of obtaining an Aztec Gold.
Instead, the old McKinnery treated the smirk of this ‘Black slave’ as a sign of contempt and ridicule. Everyone knew the refined and courteous air of the current british nobility was merely a cover for their arrogance. Hence, this old ship owner instantly sauntered forward, as he ruffled his wig and whispered with a gloomy countenance.
"If I were to mention that during this auction, the merchandise includes twenty brand new high-angled cannons shipped over from Hamburg, cannons ranging from 3-pounder ones to 7-pounder. Would this sir mind storing back that disdainful smirk of yours?"
Brother Black and Reef treated those words indifferently. Instead, Sheyan and Joshamee was startled upon hearing the words ‘high-angled cannons’.
In this current era, the effective range of common cannons were hundreds of metres; with the high-angled cannons installed on, the cannons effective range and accuracy would be enhanced. The effective range would be raised by several folds, while maintaining an accuracy equal to other cannons!
Such a peak artillery weapon was desired by many, but due to the forging skills of the current era, the probability of failing and being scrapped was extremely high. It wasn’t sufficient to cover the initial capital investment. Putting it bluntly, the amount of guineas required for a Third rate ship to equip on those high-angled cannons, would be adequate to construct five other similar Third rate ships.
For this auction to possess such items, it indicated that the corruption of Port Royal was already root deep. Those twenty new high-angled cannons were probably supposedly allocated to Captain Norrington’s artillery forces. At present, it was being auctioned while Norrington was out for war!
Sheyan’s expression turned solemn as he replied.
"I apologize on behalf of his ignorance, sir. It is my honor to receive this invitation, and you will punctually see me tomorrow."
Old McKinnery’s self-esteem was ultimately appeased, as he lifted his head before bowing slightly. Then, he carried a bearing of haughtiness and left without turning around.
After pondering briefly, Sheyan waved the invitation card in his hand and smiled.
"Phrasing it that way, he has really piqued my interest for this auction."
By now, Joshamee had naturally started to urge Sheyan to hastily locate his captain, Jack Sparrow. Instead, Sheyan was aware that according to the movie storyline, he still had to wait for another 2-3 days; where he would surface only after Captain Norrington had been promoted to Commodore.
For Norrington to be promoted to Commodore, he obviously had raked in utmost merits during the war against the pirate fleets of Captain Chevalle. Sheyan himself naturally wouldn’t expose his deduction to the beloved Joshamee Gibbs. However, in the perspective Joshamee who had been dispirited for years, he could sense that Sheyan was purposefully dragging. Nevertheless, there was no harm indulging himself in days of fine rum of taverns and sumptuous meat.
Without a doubt, the most luxurious building of the entire Port Royal, was the Governor’s Manor that sat on a hill at the end of the port. Only Norrington who had equal standings with the Governor, had the criteria in possessing such an extravagant Manor. However, he preferred to reside in the simpleness of his naval posts, as strict law abiding officer. Hence, it was effortless to locate where the Governor was at.
Probably due to the constant remarkable state of peacefulness in Port Royal, Sheyan and company didn’t encounter any exceedingly strict patrols. The only threat would be two marines, who were yawning widely at the gates of the Governor’s Manor; appearing rather lackadaisical.
Nevertheless, with the report from Sheyan’s probing, the marines under Norrington were trained properly and those two direct marine guards had attributes of around 30 points or so. Although that may seem rather mediocre, the two abilities that possessed were truly a thorny issue.
[ Ability 1: Solidarity lvl 4 (passive) – when aside a comrade, HP increases by 10,000 points. This ability can stack till 40,000 points. ]
[ Lvl 4 property: Additional 10,000 HP ]
[ Ability 2: Ambush lvl 1 (active) – this ability can only be activated behind an enemy’s back. Dealing damage to the enemy’s back with a musket musket or cutlass, inflicting blood loss state, and declining movement speed by 50%; duration: 15 seconds. This ability has a 10 seconds cooldown. ]
The first ability determined that they couldn’t be rapidly dispatched. The second ability signified their swift entanglement once their opponent tries to flee. Moreover, after a round of careful surveillance, Sheyan realized the nearest marine barrack was merely a straight mile away. Unless, it was the storyline Black Pearl crew that invaded, a gunshot resounding from the Governor’s Manor would trigger swarming bees from the marine barrack within five minutes.
At this moment, Sheyan suddenly noticed the iron gates of the Governor’s Manor opening. A young male strided out, and had a case sandwiched underneath his armpit. With every step, he would glance back at the manor with reluctance to part.
Following the trail of his gaze, it was directed to a second floor window of the governor’s manor; where a gorgeous blonde was watching his departure. When that youth turned his head back, Sheyan instantly realized a handsome male dressed in grey stockings, scottish red skirt and a tiny red necktie. Indeed, he was one of Sheyan’s objective – Will Turner.
Evidently, that maiden by the window would be the lady Elizabeth. With her pure and ravishing appearance, it was hard to imagine her incisiveness; the manner at which she could adeptly employ her charm as a weapon; so much so that Jack Sparrow was even toyed beneath her skirt.
After retracting his gaze from the second floor window, Sheyan noticed Will Turner adopting a sullen expression while trudging towards them.
"What are you lot sneakily loitering around here for?"
Sheyan stepped forward and answered.
"I hail from the east, hearing of the abundance and riches of britain. That is why I arrived here in search of something special, things that can be brought back to the east to sell."
Will Turner stared into Sheyan’s eyes with disbelief, naturally not trusting his words.
"Then you should be at the market, not the gate of the Governor’s Manor!"