The Book Eating Magician

Chapter 146

Unlike the other islands, the center of the Pirate Archipelago where the Sea God festival would take place wasn’t connected by bridges. So, people had to move to the center island by boat. It was natural that there weren’t enough boats compared to those who wanted to participate in the festival.

Fortunately, or unfortunately, Theodore and Randolph didn’t need to take part in the struggle for boats.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Theodore.”

“I’ve been waiting for you, Randolph.”

While people were struggling over boats, two people emerged from amongst them and approached Theodore and Randolph.

The hull was decorated with gold, and the flag depicted a dragon on a black background, the symbol of the Pirate Archipelago. It was a privilege which couldn’t be enjoyed by normal executives or people from the outside.

‘Don’t ride it… I can’t choose that option.’

Theodore raised his eyebrows before climbing onto the boat. He didn’t want to stay in a place where he had attracted attention, but he realized three days ago that it wasn’t good to oppose Aquilo. Randolph climbed onto the other one, and the boats started moving with the current. As soon as the boatmen moved their oars, the gold boat moved through the water.

Chwaaak! Chwaaak!

Their hands were very skillful. The boatmen moved the oars with several times more skill than those in the other boats around them.

‘No, to be accurate, it isn’t normal.’

However, Theodore could see that his boatman’s eyes were shining blue, meaning he was controlled by Aquilo’s ‘Dragon Fear.’ In addition to that, they had the divine blessing, so it was natural that they excelled. Additionally, the casual use of Theodore’s and Randolph’s real names was proof that they were under Aquilo’s control.

After a while, hundreds of boats gradually gathered at the central island. When the party’s boat arrived, Theodore and Randolph gulped as they saw the altar of sacrifice to the sea god.

“T-This…!”

“…Amazing.”

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say there was a mountain of gold piled up in front of the altar. There were gold coins, jewels, trinkets, weapons, and even food that could be eaten year round stacked up like dry leaves.

As the two people were impressed, the boatmen spoke at the same time.

““The Sea God Festival refers to the day once every year, when half the goods in the Pirate Archipelago are offered to the sea god. The greater the offerings, the better the blessing.””

“W-What?”

“…Once a year.”

Unlike the confused Randolph, Theodore reexamined the explanation and asked, “Then how many years has the Sea God Festival been held?”

““Including this year, 52 times.””

Disbelieving expressions appeared on their faces. If this had happened for 52 years, how much gold and treasures were piled up in Aquilo’s lair?

There was a reason why a dragon slayer quickly made a fortune. Some dragons liked to receive tributes like Aquilo, while others would plunder them. Most dragons enjoyed their lairs being decorated with rare pieces.

One million gold? 10 million gold? Maybe there was 100 million gold inside the lair. Theodore couldn’t help feeling breathless, despite having no greed for riches. The rumour that a kingdom used up most of their assets to hunt a dragon wasn’t so farfetched after all.