Lately, the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce had been in a state of internal managerial turmoil, with other forces eyeing it covetously. As a member of the Chamber, Susan was run ragged. Her skin had also grown rough from neglect, and her spirits were even lower.
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When she pushed open the wooden door of the tavern's private room, a rich aroma of alcohol assailed her.
Lamplight flickered. A blond man sat alone at a wooden table, his hair like a flowing river of gold. Conni held a glass of dark red wine, his eyes closed, seemingly savoring its rich bouquet. A smile played at the corner of his mouth, mysterious and profound in Susan's eyes. The hustle and bustle outside seemed to have no connection to the man in the room, a man who always managed to stir one's heart.
Conni opened his eyes, stood, and bowed politely like a nobleman. "Beautiful lady," he said, "I'm honored to have you join me for dinner."
"Hmph!" Susan rolled her eyes. "I suspect you chose me because you couldn't find anyone else. But let's get one thing straight... I didn't bring any money today."
"Susan, you always think so little of me," Conni sighed. "You know very well I never play with a woman's feelings. Hmm... you look a little haggard. How about I give you a facial? I've specifically studied how to do them."
"No need." Susan removed the wide cloak she wore, hung it on a nearby coat rack, and replied, "I've just been busy lately. A little rest is all I need."
"Perhaps..." Conni said, hesitating, "putting your work aside for a while would be a better choice. There's no need to be under so much pressure."
"What are you trying to say?" Susan frowned. "Didn't you invite me for a drink?"
"A drink!" Conni laughed. "Come, let's finish this glass first."
They raised their glasses and drained them. As the wine went down, some of their unpleasant feelings seemed to dissipate like smoke.
"Remember when we went sailing together..."
As the alcohol warmed them, the two, both burdened with their own thoughts, snuggled together like friends, or perhaps lovers, each slowly savoring their wine.
Conni turned to her and said seriously, "I heard you were in danger some time ago. I regret I wasn't there. If something had happened to you, I truly don't know what I would have done."
"Heh..." Susan chuckled. "So now you're concerned about me?"
"You know I have a ship," Conni shrugged. "The time I can spend ashore each year is limited. Have you considered it? Sailing with me?"
"Sailing?" Susan shook her head. "Ten days or half a month is fine, but I can't stand drifting at sea all year round. Why don't you consider selling your ship and staying ashore like me?"
This was the fundamental conflict between them. He could never abandon his ship and crew; his entire life was dedicated to the Endless Sea Domain. Susan, on the other hand, clearly preferred life on land. They were both clear-headed. Even knowing their feelings for each other, they could see the chasm between their ideals and reality.
"I'm very worried about you," Conni said softly. "With Dragon King Zimorman no longer overseeing things, the Dragon King Chamber of Commerce... The demon serpent incidents are bound to happen again."
"Heh..." Susan's beautiful eyes glinted. "If you're really worried about me, why not join the Chamber of Commerce? With your strength, Miss Lula will reward you generously. I'll be safer too."
"I have a better suggestion." Conni reached out his hand. "Come out to sea with me. Leave all these troubles behind. The mysteries of the Endless Sea are more than we could explore in a lifetime."
The two fell silent once more.
They had discussed this many times, but unfortunately, neither could persuade the other.
"Heh..." Susan chuckled lightly. "I hear the Endless Sea hasn't been too peaceful lately either."
"The Endless Sea never lacks for storms." Conni shrugged, then a hint of confusion crossed his face. "However... it's true that more and more people have been having trouble at sea recently. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come ashore. How are things with your Chamber of Commerce?"
"The Chamber?" Susan said. "You're the captain of the *Breaking Wind*. With all your lovers, what news wouldn't you know?"
"My information isn't always accurate," Conni said. "But it seems your situation isn't good. The Dragon King Chamber of Commerce lacks a strong leader. Miss Lula and the two vice presidents don't defer to each other. The longer this stalemate continues, the worse things will get."
"Stalemate?" Susan smiled. "That's not necessarily true!"
"How so?" Conni asked. "Is there something I don't know?"
"The two vice presidents can't possibly cooperate," Susan said. "Each of them only has one Great Knight by their side. That means both factions have two Great Knights each! Miss Lula is different. She has Lady Emma and Crow—who is completely loyal to the Dragon King—and now Great Knight Carl has joined her. So we have three Great Knights and are firmly in the lead. What's more, Miss Lula inherited the President's supreme Dharma Seal, so her strength is no less than that of a Great Knight."
"..." Conni mused for a moment, then shook his head. "I never would have guessed that Carl the Pharmacist was actually a Great Knight. He really kept a low profile. However, from what I know, both of your Chamber's vice presidents have other factions supporting them. The balance of power isn't what you think!"
"Is that so?" Susan's eyes flickered. "Conni, how long are you planning to stay ashore this time?"
"Well..." Conni said, "it should be about a month. Of course, if you ask me to, Susan, I could stay a few extra days."