Free Web NovelChapter 145: Chapter 145: Landing on Isle 1004 Again
The difference was immediately apparent upon arriving at the dock of Isle 1004. The place was no longer a dilapidated ruin. A single glance revealed that it had been in use for a while, but it was new, functional, and clearly saw regular traffic.
However, a vessel like hers docking was still a rare sight, and it drew a crowd of curious village children.
Eamon had actually emerged from the cultivation room some time ago, but he immediately lost interest upon seeing such an unremarkable dock. "I’m not going ashore, Faye. This place is no different from the little villages with docks we’ve seen before. I doubt there’s anything good up there."
"Alright, then you and Willow can stay here and watch the raft."
As she spoke, Faye Yardley leaped onto the dock, then turned and waved to the two on the raft.
[You have landed on the island. An Ordinary Island Entry Order allows for an 8-hour stay. The countdown will now begin. Friendly reminder: Those who fail to return to their raft and depart before the time limit expires will be automatically and randomly ejected from the island. The sea is very dangerous. Without a raft, you will be lost at sea.]
’That "friendly reminder" really is friendly.’
Seeing this prompt again, Faye Yardley smiled. ’The system’s process hasn’t changed, but this island sure has!’
The dock was alive not only with the sounds of children running and playing, but also with fishermen bustling about their business and women mending fishing nets in a nearby clearing.
A braver little boy, about seven or eight years old and covered in mud, ran over. "Miss, what are you doing here?"
"Hello there. My boat was drifting at sea, so whenever I find a place to dock, I like to stop for a bit to restock on water and food. I also like to buy some local specialties. Do you sell anything here?"
As she spoke, Faye Yardley took a small skewer from her backpack and handed it to him.
The little boy let out a small "Oh!", glanced behind him, then quickly took the skewer and gave Faye Yardley a bow. "Thank you, Miss. I don’t think we have anything... but I’m not sure. You could ask the Village Chief."
"Alright, thank you."
When the other children saw there was food, the bolder ones ran over, calling out "Miss, Miss!" and asking for some.
There were only a few children in total. Faye Yardley gave a skewer to each one and even beckoned to the shyer kids, giving them some as well.
One little girl took a skewer and thanked her in a quiet voice, but she didn’t eat it. She said she was going to take it home for her mother.
Faye Yardley smiled, praising her for being a good girl, but she didn’t give her a second skewer.
’Giving her another one wouldn’t be a problem on its own, but what if the other children started doing the same? Should I give them more then, or not?’
The women who saw what was happening just laughingly chided their children a bit, but didn’t seem to think much of it.
"Do you know where the Village Chief is?"
"We know, we know! Come with us, Miss. The Village Chief hurt her foot when she fell on the mountain two days ago. She’s at home now."
"Then I’ll have to ask you to lead the way."
The village was also very different from her last visit. The houses weren’t exactly numerous or new, but they were definitely livable, and the whole village was filled with a lively atmosphere.
Following behind the children, Faye Yardley was greeted by villagers along the way. They’d ask the kids who she was and whose house she was being taken to.
The Village Chief’s house was in the best spot in the middle of the village, and it was the best-built house. It turned out to be the home of that sensible little girl.
After bringing her there and getting a "thank you" from Faye Yardley, the other children scattered.
"Miss, come in. Grandma’s foot still hasn’t healed much."
Stepping through the gate of a waist-high courtyard wall, she saw an old woman under the eaves, weaving a fishing net. Her hair was gray, yet combed meticulously.
"Grandma, the lady visiting from outside is here to see you."
’Faye Yardley hadn’t expected the Village Chief to be an elderly woman. She supposed her own assumptions had led her to automatically picture a man.’
"Greetings, Village Chief. My name is Faye Yardley."
The little girl was actually a little scared and worried. She hadn’t expected her grandmother, who rarely showed outsiders a pleasant face, to be so unexpectedly kind to this lady—and even smile.
"Annie, bring a little stool over."
After the girl brought it over and placed it beside her, she invited Faye Yardley to sit.
The little girl obediently left.
"Are you here for the legend of the lake, like everyone else who comes to our island?"
Faye Yardley blinked and shook her head. "I don’t know anything about a legend. I have a friend who landed on this island. She called me as soon as she arrived, and then I lost contact with her completely." freeweɓnovel.cѳm
Whether it was due to Faye Yardley’s Luck or her high charm value, the Village Chief was visibly displeased for a moment after hearing her explanation. In the end, though, she suppressed her anger. "You’re looking for that Merfolk? She ran deep into the mountains."
Faye Yardley offered her sincere thanks, then pointed to the small dried fish hanging under the eaves. "Thank you for telling me this, Village Chief. I’d also like to buy some of the village’s homemade, sun-dried fish."
"Those aren’t cheap."
’I do have a cat to feed,’ she thought. ’As long as the price isn’t too ridiculous, I should buy as much as I can. If it’s outrageous, then I’ll pass.’
"Please tell me the price, Village Chief. If I can accept your offer, will you sell them to me?"
"One silver coin per fish. Do you still want to buy them?"
Faye Yardley breathed a sigh of relief. She had ten thousand silver coins, so in theory, she could buy ten thousand dried fish.
"Yes, I do. Could I trouble you, Village Chief, to help me gather all the dried fish in the village? You can give them to me all at once, and I’ll pay you for everything together."
The Village Chief studied her for a moment, then called out, "Annie, go tell all the uncles and aunts in the village that a Miss Yardley wants to buy dried fish."
"Okay, Grandma! I’ll go right now!"
Faye Yardley bowed slightly again to express her thanks, then said, "Village Chief, I’d like to go into the mountains to try my luck. I will definitely be back within seven hours."
The Village Chief’s expression was one of understanding. "I know. Go on, then."
’The Village Chief never minded people who landed using an Island Entry Order. After all, they had a clear time limit. When their time was up, they would vanish automatically, even if they didn’t want to leave.’
’It was the ones like that Merfolk, who found their own way here, that were the real trouble.’
Faye Yardley left the Village Chief’s house and headed for the mountain behind it. She met some villagers along the way, but most were very friendly. At least, none of them spoke unkindly to her.
’So it’s not that they don’t welcome outsiders. Then why does it seem like Bella Dillon was hated and chased away?’ freēwebnovel.com
’It can’t really be just because my charm is at 11 points, making me impossible to refuse... can it?’
’No point dwelling on what I can’t figure out. I’ll head into the mountains. If I find Bella Dillon, I’ll take her with me. If not, well, there’s nothing I can do.’
Unexpectedly, the system had saved the map from her last visit. Therefore, Faye Yardley decided not to waste any time and headed directly toward the magical lake.
Something felt wrong the moment she stepped into the forest.
’Is this forest... a little too lively?’
