Ayala's face was gloomy. As she charged forward, she took out a bottle of potion from her waist and swallowed it. Her speed suddenly increased.
Ethereal Potion! A witchcraft potion that could increase one's speed. It was expensive to produce, and she had always been reluctant to use it.
At that moment, a shout came from ahead. Leon, along with a few sturdy men, appeared at the end of the street, running towards her.
They also yelled loudly, "Who are you? How dare you chase down a pharmacist of the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce?"
Leon was no longer the frail youth he once was, but a peak Knight Attendant imbued with the Dharma Seal. The few men by his side were all former refugees of the Black City, many of whom had received Ayala's support. Seeing Ayala being chased, they couldn't help but surge with anger.
The pursuers, seeing that continuing was futile, decisively pulled back. However, their cold gazes made it clear that this matter was far from over.
Ayala panted heavily, waving her hand. "Let's go to Susan's shop first. Something seems off. These people weren't even afraid of the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce?"
"Right." Leon nodded hastily. "Let's find Susan first."
A group of people hurried to the shop at the core of the herb market, where many people had already gathered. Everyone looked anxious, whispering among themselves. Susan was surrounded by a crowd, constantly comforting the others, with no time to even notice them.
"Ayala," Leon said in a low voice, "it seems it wasn't only your place that was attacked; other places suffered too. It's a premeditated, organized attack."
The only ones in Freedom Port with the power to challenge the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce were two other factions.
The key question was, why?
The Dragon King Chamber of Commerce was not weak. Even if the other two forces joined hands, they wouldn't necessarily have an easy time taking it down. To force their hand would be a pyrrhic victory.
"There are internal problems within the Chamber!" Ayala's mind raced as she said, "It seems the rumors must be true: Dragon King Zimorman has died, Miss Lula is too young, and the two deputy chamber heads are at odds with each other..."
In an instant, the rumors at the market, the vague words from Carl's mouth, and his cautious advice all had an explanation.
A sudden loud noise came from outside the door.
"People of the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce, listen! Don't think just because you're numerous and powerful you can get away with not repaying your debts."
The shout was as loud as thunder. It was like muffled thunderclaps exploding right beside their ears; everyone inside turned pale, and some even collapsed to the ground.
"Two years ago, you owed me 200,000 Divine Grace Coins, and you've been dragging your feet. How long do you plan to continue avoiding payment?"
The massive roar shook the entire shop, causing dust to trickle down and stirring up the anger of the crowd.
"To make trouble in a Dragon King Chamber of Commerce shop!"
The crowd rushed out of the shop, and the outer layer of people had already started to fight with fists and weapons.
Accompanied by a series of muffled sounds, the space in front of the shop door suddenly cleared as one person after another who had charged forward was sent flying back. This even included two Knights.
Those hurled back suffered injuries ranging from flesh wounds to spitting blood upon landing, with an unknown number of broken bones.
Someone drew a sharp breath. "It's the Sea Demon Devitt. Who would have thought he'd come ashore and dare to provoke the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce?"
The man standing in front of the door was over two meters tall, with clearly defined muscles. His bare upper body was covered in scars, and his messy golden hair added a touch of unruliness and wildness. A peculiarly shaped knife was strapped to his back, resembling the fang of some wild beast. Despite being alone and faced with the encircling crowd, he showed no fear and even a hint of scorn.
The Sea Demon Devitt! A notorious pirate!
He lived by plundering merchant ships in the Endless Seas, and his pirate ship, the Giant Shuttle, was the nightmare of many fishermen. Countless had died at his hands.
Such a man should be everyone's target in Freedom Port, yet he dared to show his face and provoke the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce.
"Devitt!" Susan pushed through the crowd, her gaze icy cold. "I think you really are courting death, daring to trouble our Dragon King Chamber of Commerce!"
"One thing at a time," Devitt sneered. "Two years ago, the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce hired me to deal with a Sea God Society's cargo ship. I took action, but you reneged on the deal."
"This is about 200,000 Divine Grace Coins... Since you won't pay up, I might as well come and collect it myself."
The crowd was shocked. This was the herb market, crowded with people. Someone was challenging a Dragon King Chamber of Commerce shop, and many bystanders had already gathered, whispering among themselves at the news. The undercurrents of conflict between the three great forces were well known, but no one had dared to bring them to light.
Nobody thought Devitt was lying; given his reputation and the things he was known for, there was no need.
The Dragon King Chamber of Commerce hired a pirate to fight the Sea God Society?
"Nonsense!" Susan's complexion changed drastically as she retorted angrily, "There's absolutely no such thing!"
"No such thing?" Devitt's eyes flared. "200,000 Divine Grace Coins is not a small sum. After two years of unpaid debt, doubling it with interest is reasonable, right?"
"If your Chamber does not wish to pay, then this shop can compensate, including the people inside." ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ novel⁂fire.net
He pointed at Susan, a malicious grin on his face. "You... you've got a good figure. Stay and warm my bed."
Devitt had spent half his life roaming the seas. Despite the freedom, he was tired of that life. Who wouldn't want to eat well, live well, and play well? Now that he was offered the chance to settle down legitimately in Freedom Port, he had readily agreed.