Chapter 67: Chapter 67: Loguetown's Lure
After a day's sailing, the familiar silhouette of Loguetown emerged from the morning mist. As the Marine ship docked, Alex and his group were escorted off, and their confiscated possessions were returned. Olvia sighed, a profound sense of relief washing over her. "Finally, a proper town!" she exclaimed, stretching. Tsunade, her eyes gleaming with curiosity, looked around, her mind already buzzing with possibilities. "I wonder if there's a gambling den nearby?" she mused, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.
Alex quickly interjected, catching Olvia's eye. "Olvia, please stay with Tsunade. Make sure she doesn't gamble. It was one thing in Tonryuu, where we had control, but this is different. We don't want to mess things up here... yet." His tone was firm, a subtle warning in his eyes.
"Understood, Alex," Olvia replied, a knowing smile playing on her lips. She understood the unspoken implications.
While Olvia tactfully kept an eye on Tsunade, Alex and Erza set off to sell some of the more common "trash" items they'd scavenged from the pirate ship, hoping to acquire local currency and then buy anything they might need. As they navigated the bustling market, an idea sparked in Alex's mind. He realized the vast potential for inter-world trade: buying goods cheaply in one world and selling them at high prices in the other. He began to experiment, using some of the supplies he had stored in his inventory, discreetly exchanging them for local goods. While trading and making inquiries, they learned of an island renowned for its shipbuilding, a place considered a hub for the best trade opportunities in the region.
Later, they reunited with Olvia and Tsunade at the central plaza. Olvia looked slightly exasperated but pleased, while Tsunade had an uncharacteristic pout. They decided to find an inn for their stay. After booking two rooms, they settled in to discuss their findings.
"I found some fascinating local culinary delights," Tsunade announced, still looking a little put out. "And the infirmary here seems... adequately stocked."
Olvia chimed in, "The local governance seems stable, and the population is quite diverse. But there's a definite undercurrent of Marine presence, more so than I expected. And the shops here have a surprising array of materials."
Alex then conveyed his findings about the shipbuilding island and the potential for trade. Olvia gave him a familiar, appraising look. "Trading, Alex? Your approach is... opportunistic, to say the least."
Alex chuckled, unfazed. "It's not just about profit, Olvia. It's about strengthening our fief. Imagine the resources we could bring back! High-nutrient foods for Ammar and others, materials to improve Tonryuu's infrastructure. It's for the greater good, I assure you." He winked.
They decided to stay for a few days to plan their next moves. To celebrate their successful return and the new prospects, they decided to party that very night. As they went out to get the necessary things, Tsunade suddenly grabbed Erza's arm. "Come on, Erza! Let's get the food and drinks!" she exclaimed, pulling her away quickly before Olvia or Alex could object, clearly wanting to ensure Erza wouldn't meddle in her fun.
Alex and Olvia watched them go, chuckling. "Is that fine, Alex?" Olvia asked, a hint of concern in her tone.
Alex waved a dismissive hand. "Erza is far more disciplined than you, Olvia. She'll take care of things. The reason I wanted you with Tsunade was to let her have some fun, which she wouldn't be able to if Erza was trying to rein her in."
"Ah, I see your cunning, my Lord," Olvia said with a wry smile. "Very well. Now, we need to buy clothes and other necessary supplies that weren't available in Tonryuu."
They set off for the shops. After a while, Alex, finding the prolonged shopping tedious, announced, "I'm bored. I'll wait at the room. Just buy whatever you want, Olvia. I trust your judgment."
Meanwhile, Erza, proving Alex's assessment of her discipline correct, completely stopped Tsunade from even approaching a gambling den, let alone having a single drop of alcohol. Instead, she steered Tsunade through various food stalls, buying different types of exotic local foods and several barrels of high-quality alcohol for their party. Erza, ever practical, also found a shop specializing in swords and acquired several low-priced, yet very good quality, blades that would be useful for their Warriors.
As the sun began to set, everyone returned to the inn, laden with bags and barrels of food and drink. They found Alex asleep in one of the rooms, with Happy curled up on his chest and Acronix nestled comfortably beside him. They exchanged amused glances. Deciding to let him rest for a little longer, they agreed to freshen up and then wake Alex for the celebration to begin.