In the port of Thunder City, the gentle spring breeze ruffled the shimmering sea surface, and the crying seagulls circled the masts bearing the Purple Moon Flag.

People walking on the shore moved hurriedly, like a wound up pocket watch, fearing even a second of delay.

However, even in such a busy port, when passersby saw Mr. Roxey Colin standing on the deck, they couldn't help but pause, doffing their hats to salute him, offering heartfelt respect and reverence.

Most of them were people who made money because of Colin Mining Company.

Of course, there were also some who lost money, or accidentally sold too early.

On the deck of the ship, Punk stood respectfully, facing Mr. Colin, who turned his back to him.

"Sir, as per your instructions, our newspaper has captured more than sixty percent of the market share at the port of Thunder City."

As he said this, he hesitated for a moment, then continued.

"Actually, this figure was eighty percent a few days ago, but recently the Andes Family has also begun to enter this market. Not only have they used their banking advantages to monopolize the news channels, but they've also poached many capable employees from us."

Punk's voice held a touch of resentment.

In his view, the Andes Family's actions were not very fair; clearly, both families were allies, yet they stabbed him in the back.

Moreover, what they've done is far beyond just the newspaper, even reaching into the Exchange.

The Andes Family's bank runs the Exchange too.

However, due to people's habitual actions, the increasing trading volume outside the Red Leaf Tea House, and the fact that the sheriff of the Queen's District has become one of the Brotherhood, the market share they're holding is not easily taken.

After hearing Punk's rather resentful complaint, Luo Yan merely smiled and, contrary to the latter's expectations, did not fly into a rage but instead said indifferently.

"Punk, you've been with me for some time, have I ever interfered in the specific details of recruitment with you?"

Punk was momentarily taken aback and then shook his head.

"No, you haven't."

Luo Yan continued.

"Then do you think Mr. Andes, who is even busier than I am, would personally look into such details?"

A trace of understanding surfaced in Punk's eyes.

"I see... I understand."

Seeing Punk, who seemed to understand, Luo Yan nodded slightly, looking with a smile at the flourishing port.

"It's normal to have friction. You can never stop them from doing the same things as you, and letting them join in to make the pie bigger isn't a bad thing. There's a market outside Thunder City that encompasses the whole Empire waiting for us."

"This is healthy competition. They can poach your people, and naturally, you can poach theirs with skill, even buying internal sources to dig out secret information, and sullying the other side... these are all normal business competitions. As long as it's not too excessive, like touching the other's core interests, for instance, exposing scandals of the Andes Family."

"Remember, true allies are not those who follow each other's lead but are two hands tightly clasped, so tight that not even a needle can fit between. Everyone thinks we're a mutual balancing force, but in fact, on matters touching the soul, we've always been together."

"If anyone acts smart and tries to replace one of these hands, this balance will immediately become mutual tugging, and no one will truly separate us."

"Not only that, these two hands will unite to crush them."

Punk carefully noted every word given by Mr. Colin, absorbing the knowledge imparted as a sponge starved for water, turning it into part of his memory.

In just these past two months, the insights he has gained are those he had never even heard of in his lifetime.

Praise Mr. Colin!

Praise Saint Sis!

He felt he was gradually understanding the truth of this world, seeing the hidden gears within that pocket watch.

Although at this moment, he was unaware that these truths were actually told to him by a demon.

And the demon hadn't told him everything it knew.

The time was almost up.

After instructing his subordinate, Luo Yan glanced at the time on the watch, then turned his gaze towards the nearby port, just in time to see a carriage hurriedly approaching.

Not long after, Lumier, the captain introduced to him by Jack, walked towards him from the direction of the cabin.

"Sir, the Princess just arrived at the port, would you like to see her?"

His expression was respectful, even more so than Punk, who was still kept in the dark, as if he had seen a true divine being.

And it was a divine being on earth.

Seeing Erin hastily jumping off the carriage, Luo Yan happened to meet those emerald green eyes, seeing the panic, reluctance, and sadness within.

He had not informed her beforehand of his departure, but he had, conversely, leaked this news to her brother, His Majesty Edward.

With His Majesty Edward's shrewdness, he would almost certainly inadvertently let the news slip to her, then use her to keep him.

And even if His Majesty Edward hadn't played that little trick, it didn't matter; after all, he wasn't going to leave immediately but lingered with Punk at the port for quite some time.

"Of course, I still owe her a farewell and an apology."

Leaving these words, Luo Yan softly uttered a spell,

a stream of azure wind lifted him from the deck, gently placing him on the dock of the port.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.