Royal Capital, Port District.

11 p.m., deep into the night.

For the Port District, this is just the beginning of the day. Late at night is often when the Port District is at its liveliest, especially around the docks.

Sailors, having toiled all day, gather in the various taverns by the docks.

Even though the Prohibition does not appear to be lifting anytime soon, the taverns are never short on alcohol, which is quite normal. After all, this is the Royal Capital's dock, possibly the largest dock in the world. Ships from various regions and countries are constantly loading and unloading here. It's inevitable that some alcohol disguised as other cargo would slip in.

The dock taverns are the first to enjoy these goods. Outwardly, no tavern admits to selling alcohol; they all now call themselves grape water bars.

Ethan randomly chose a tavern to sit down in.

He didn't go to Shark Jensen's tavern. Shark Jensen had met him before and even knew about his business. It was hard to say whether this guy might leak the news.

The Kingdom Defense Bureau has the most extensive information network in the Royal Capital, so at times like this, no one can be fully trusted.

He ordered two glasses of special grape water. At the first sip, Ethan couldn't help but raise an eyebrow because he recognized the taste immediately. It was definitely his family's brew, a recipe that only Walter knew.

Now, the market coverage of his family's moonshine seemed to have reached an unforeseen extent.

After all, they could enjoy it in any random tavern in the Royal Capital.

This place was tens of thousands of miles away from Winstec.

"Wow, this flavor, classic North Coast flavor, I like it."

Johnny Blackbird also took a sip, then raised his eyebrows and nodded.

"Is this flavor common?"

"Of course, you can find it in many places in the Royal Capital. It's said to come from the northern coast. It's tasty and cheap, so everyone loves it."

Clearly, the influence of their family brew was greater than imagined.

Perhaps, it was time for a change in the name of this fine liquor.

But for now, Ethan didn't feel the need for change.

"So, what's our next move?"

After finishing a glass, Johnny Blackbird finally asked.

"How much do you know about the Sea God Church?"

Ethan raised his hand for two more drinks, then asked.

"The Sea God Church? A behemoth, why? Do you know them? Want them to help us set sail?"

Johnny Blackbird caught on quickly and couldn't help nodding as he spoke.

The Sea God Church holds an incredibly special position in the Kingdom, especially at sea, even the Kingdom's Navy shows them respect. If it were them, they indeed might help us with the sea voyage.

But why would they?

Yes, why would they.

Even though Ethan had Carlos as a connection, and Carlos did say to find the Sea God Church if there were trouble.

But for matters involving the royal family and political situation, would they really be willing to help?

Probably not.

So Ethan had to think of another approach.

"Do you know the Sea God Church's etiquette?"

"No, before coming to the Royal Capital, I barely left sea."

Johnny Blackbird shook his head quickly.

"Never mind, just remember what I'm about to say very carefully."

So, after another drink, Johnny Blackbird looked puzzled because he didn't understand why Ethan was telling him these things.

And while he was still puzzled, a bald man dressed in a dark blue robe with a swirling pattern like waves or chaotic hair on his chest, slightly swaying as if intoxicated, approached them.

"Excuse me, may I ask who is Mr. Depp?"

"I am."

Johnny Blackbird was even more shocked.

This wasn't an act because Ethan had just told him: "Hold on, in about two minutes, at ten o'clock direction, that bald guy will come over, remember what I told you."

"Could I ask if you are..."

The bald man seemed momentarily at a loss for words.

"Yes, I was guided here."

This phrase was completely cryptic, yet the bald man's eyes lit up with a bit of excitement.

"Really? It's not a hallucination! I actually… I… Oh, Mr. Depp, could you follow me, please?"

"Wait a minute, wait a minute, my friend. Are you a member of the Sea God Church?"

Ethan spoke at this point.

"Indeed, may I ask who you are?"

"My name is Ethan. I just found this gentleman. I think we…"

"You heard it too?"

"Yes."

The bald man fell silent for a moment, his drunkenness seemed to have faded significantly.

"I am Maurice, a priest of the Sea God Church. I would like to invite you both to the church if it's convenient for you."

"Certainly, I'm available. In fact, I came for this very reason."

Johnny Blackbird delivered his lines as scripted while glancing at Ethan discreetly.

The look said, What did you do?

"I am too. By the way, I'm actually good friends with Carlos."

"Carlos? First Mate Carlos? Oh, no wonder."

Maurice seemed to realize something, then took the lead, guiding both of them out of the tavern.

The tavern wasn't too far from the Sea God Church, which was one reason Ethan chose this location.

They walked for about ten minutes and reached the headquarters of the Sea God Church.

Though the Sea God Church is the only religion allowed to preach in the Kingdom, it is a relative allowance.

Outside the Royal Capital, their churches and members have strict regulations and limitations.

In the Royal Capital, their church is the largest, with the largest parish occupying nearly a fifth of the dock area.

Led by Maurice, they passed through the gatekeepers and entered the parish's interior. They didn't head to the largest cathedral but arrived at a relatively smaller building that appeared to be some reception and rest area.

"Please make yourselves comfortable here. I will be back shortly."

After setting Ethan and company in a lounge, Maurice hurried away.

"So, what exactly did you do to him?"

As soon as Maurice left, Johnny Blackbird quietly asked.

Ethan only shook his head, acting unfamiliar with him, then furrowed his brow, looking very serious.

About fifteen minutes later, Maurice returned, not by himself but accompanied by two others, both dressed in dark blue robes, almost black like the deep sea.

They looked stern, scrutinizing Ethan and Johnny Blackbird, especially Johnny Blackbird.

Behind them, outside the door, Ethan could sense a number of people, bearing not insignificant hostility.

Was this an inspection?

Ethan remained composed.

The show was about to begin.

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