February 2nd.

Heaven Port, a castle completely painted in white, solemn and majestic.

High-grade silk tablecloths, pure silver candlesticks, plain marble mosaic floor tiles, crystal clear fluorite chandeliers sparkling in every facet.

The news of disaster from four fishing islands was already known within the castle.

"We don't have the guts to suppress pirates, but under the guise of suppressing them, collecting wealth does take some daring—and we have plenty of that."

The envoy from Yisu Country, also a high-level general, Admiral of Sea Affairs, was sent to negotiate terms with Doringger.

Even Yisu Country.

Dared not to appoint Doringger as the East Sea Governor, as that would deteriorate international relations and the East Sea could not be brought under jurisdiction.

They could only designate Heaven Port as state-owned land, and then grant it to Doringger, making him the East Sea Sea Affairs Chief.

It was essentially the same as being the East Sea Governor.

In Doringger's view, distributing money to the weak and gathering a motley crowd was foolish; Doringger chose to use money and better targets to cooperate.

It was equivalent to Doringger becoming the tax collector for Yisu Country, legally taxing the entire East Sea and then giving it to the treasury of Yisu Country.

This was a considerable amount of money, and he was willing to share the treasures obtained from the New Continent; after personally investigating, there was indeed a great treasure there, only it was guarded by a dragon which wanted to negotiate.

With an official position in Yisu Country, he could mediate with other nations.

All of Doringger's actions—cutting off his arm to save his body, destroying his own foundation—weren't for some New Continent or some merely nominal titles; it was to counter the impact of the ironclad warship era, as the profession of being a pirate was soon to decline.

In a few years, ironclad warships would proliferate like dumplings being made, whether it was the North Sea, the East Sea, or even the Narrow Sea in the Golden Waters, marine raiders would gradually weaken.

What he desired now was a smooth landing.

Though the ships of the old era had already sunk, Doringger, the King of the East Sea, would never compromise to this seemingly irresistible torrent of fate.

He wanted to board the ship of the new era.

Even if he had to build it himself.

When the Yisu Admiral heard Doringger's request for them to deploy troops, it appeared to be a joke. Heaven Port was so far away, and though Doringger appeared spotless on the surface, anyone with clear eyes knew the thefts he was involved in.

Supporting you now would mean the national government openly collaborating with pirates, completely losing face.

Granting you a title is possible, but first, we must see your strength; now Liszt's reputation has surged too sharply, appearing in major newspapers around the world, who would dare to challenge him?

Full suppression by governmental agencies, of course, Liszt wasn't really a matter, but was it necessary? What was there to gain?

"Then it's just because you lack courage. I will pay less taxes in the future, quite simple; less investment, lesser returns. I'm not only dependent on Yisu Country; Beima Duchy is currently in chaos, though it's my second choice, but they too look forward to collaborating with me. Thirty percent..."

It seemed Doringger was seriously at odds with the 64 rate, initially planning to give Yisu Country forty percent of the taxes annually, but since they wouldn't help and merely wanted to profit from nothing, it would have to be less.

The Yisu Admiral pondered for a moment.

"Cutting it to thirty percent all at once, well, it doesn't matter, partnerships are negotiated slowly."

The Yisu Admiral remained noncommittal, waiting until Doringger enjoyed the position of Sea Affairs Chief, he would naturally not be able to depart from such high office embedded in the power centers of established nations. Utilizing the national system, he could reach further and capture more; increasing the total amount later, raising the tax rate a bit, wouldn't hurt much. By that time, as long as it wasn't too excessive, he would have to pay however much they asked for.

Doringger was merely setting a hard line now, leaving room for negotiation in the future, based on thirty percent, strictly not exceeding forty percent.

"If that's not a problem, tomorrow, February 3rd, I will hold a grand departure ceremony in the central square of the Inner City, and you, as an official of Yisu Country, it only makes sense for you to speak."

Doringger spoke disinterestedly, as if dealing with Liszt was merely a flick of his wrist.

"Speaking is naturally not a problem, but aren't all those Black Sail folks in the city? Does it mean... starting a fire right there and then?"

The Admiral of Sea Affairs was a bit confused; he had read some military tactics, and strategically speaking, this idea wasn't great. Before they even had a chance to toast, everyone on and around the stage would be slaughtered by Black Sail, which would be quite the joke.

Beside them, the former General Beima, Horace, also asked Doringger, "Should we take action after the farewell drinks?"

"I never do anything unless I'm certain of success. Since we've held a farewell ceremony and announced it publicly, Liszt must die within three days. I sent Kolon and Hanno last night; Liszt won't even make it back to Heaven Port—he will die in endless regret."

Doringger never engaged in anything less than ninety percent certain. He would not issue an unenforceable order, as he had everything firmly in his grasp. Upon returning, he heard some interesting rumors.

Principal instigator of the rebellion in the Northern Realm?

Despite their reputations, they were difficult to match up to reality—those who didn't live up to their names only courted disaster, like Hened who could now only rely on others.

The so-called morals worked on the mainland and along the coast, but the East Sea, far from civilization, had developed its own system. Here, only those who were strong had a say, and external aid... was useless. The mainland friends were merely symbolic support—who would dare take the risk and pay the price? Moreover, their opponent was himself... Doringger.

Even the former General Beima, Horace, was somewhat startled.

On the surface, Doringger seemed light and breezy, but in reality, he was serious, not underestimating Liszt at all.

Kolon, Hanno.

Both were monsters of the old era.

After the Emperor withdrew from Heaven Port, it transformed into a commercial port, and during the subsequent Gu Refining chaos, competitors who stood in the arena alongside Doringger.

All were terrifying individuals.

Over a decade ago, they were collectively known as the East Sea Three Heroes with Doringger, but he still rose to the highest summit.

But later, they were all subdued by Doringger, managing the forces of the East Sea that Doringger rallied to create the ultimate monster.

"Sea God."

Not the Sea God ship but the Sea God itself.

Because such a mobile fortress could no longer be described as a ship—it was a majestic entity that secured an area.

"No wonder he's called Lord Dor, everything is arranged crystal clear. Tomorrow, I will preside over the farewell ceremony, vindicating Lord Dor. Lord Dor is full of righteousness, funding the recruitment of village heroes, raising troops of benevolence to purify the East Sea of pirates, the Volunteer Corps suppressing the most fearsome criminals, pirate leaders, the instigators of turmoil, the villain Liszt. After the victory, his name will be known throughout the world, and the position of the East Sea Governor will naturally fall to him. You wouldn't believe it, but recently the Western Continent has invented something very odd called 'photographs.' Our upper echelons obtained some technology that uses a flash of light to form negatives on special gel paper—truly wondrous. Nowadays, it's all about propaganda. We need to give the Volunteer Corps a name and, once it hits the newspapers, we can lead the dissemination of the news, laying down the law."

The Admiral of Sea Affairs suggested.

"Photographs..." Doringger was somewhat puzzled, "Just decide on that yourself."

The times were indeed undergoing unprecedented changes, and Doringger increasingly believed his judgments were correct.

"How is Saleret's sister doing lately?"

Doringger inquired towards a butler next to the dinner table.

He appreciated the prowess of Ghost Eye Mad Blade and had him guard this worldly treasure, needing to have leverage in his hands.

Even with confidants, Doringger was not reassured; he needed to find a dog securely tied with a rope.

"Very well, her accommodation, food, and clothing are of quite high standards, and there is also a female teacher hired to ensure her studies do not fall behind."

The butler reported truthfully.

Doringger supported himself with his hand, feeling reassured as all arrangements were in place.

As for Black Sail and others, once Liszt was dead, the ragtag group would disintegrate without attack. With the criminal leader executed, the Navy of Yisu Country would naturally provide some support, completely dissolving the Remnant Party.

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