Late at night, the banquet hall of the 'Oriental' was still brightly lit.
The main courses were roast chicken and venison, accompanied by various fresh fruits, and seasonings like cream, honey, butter, and black pepper, were being brought in continuously like a flowing stream.
Of course, wine was indispensable.
Even before the salon began, barrels of ale were stacked like a human pyramid, forming a pyramid shape.
On top of the highest barrel was a pipe connected.
Just by lowering the pipe, the golden liquid would flow continuously.
Under the lights, it shimmered brilliantly.
However, there was no music in the banquet hall.
It wasn't the musicians derelicting their duties, but rather the instructions from the young First Mate relayed from Arthur—
'Tonight's banquet is a real one.
It's only for celebration, nothing else.
Everyone can participate.
Including our musicians and servants.'
With such instructions, the musicians left the stage after warming up the atmosphere at the beginning.
Initially, these musicians were somewhat unaccustomed.
But soon, following the Captain's toast, the atmosphere became lively all at once.
Especially when last night's jackpot winner, a reporter from the South Los Daily, stood up.
"The 'Oriental' was destined for greatness from the start of its journey, and we were fortunate to witness the birth of a legend!"
The words of the reporter resonated with everyone.
From the interception as the 'Oriental' departed port, the cult disputes in Seberlin, to the river pirates and water monsters in the Ainhars Territory.
Every incident was incredibly astonishing.
In fact, even just one of these events would be enough to be written about extensively.
And when all these events are combined together?
Undoubtedly a legend!
The enthusiasm of the 'Oriental's visitors and staff, who witnessed this 'legend' and could be considered participants, reached its peak at this moment.
Who doesn't want to be sung about?
Who doesn't want to be looked upon with reverence?
With such an opportunity, some things became different.
Everyone clinked glasses.
Everyone engaged in lively conversations.
Even those wealthy magnates, at this time, didn't keep their airs.
In fact, they were even more enthusiastic.
Because they understood Arthur's influence better and knew what stance to take to curry favor with Arthur.
"What about tonight's prize draw?"
A trumpeter from the band inquired.
"It should be soon right?
Yesterday the draw started before the end of the salon too.
Wonder who will be the luckiest one tonight."
A sailor nearby responded.
Almost subconsciously, the sailor's gaze turned to last night's lucky winner, the reporter from the South Los Daily.
Similarly, others in the banquet hall also cast their gazes over.
Under such focused attention, the reporter from the South Los Daily was filled with an unprecedented sense of satisfaction. He felt like his whole body was about to float, which made his fondness for the 'Oriental' and Arthur climb sharply.
'Future articles must praise the 'Oriental' and Lord Kledos more!'
The reporter thought to himself, but didn't hesitate with his hands.
He immediately raised his glass—
"I believe everyone will have good luck."
Such modest words immediately won everyone's favor.
One after another, they began toasting again.
Especially this reporter, many people came to clink glasses and utter words of blessing.
Drink after drink went down.
The reporter's steps started to become unsteady.
But his spirit was soaring.
The reporter vowed that this was the happiest moment he had, something he had never experienced before in his life.
Already having a great liking for the 'Oriental' and Arthur, the reporter, at this moment, became a full-fledged supporter of the 'Oriental' and Arthur.
As yet another barrel of wine was emptied, Old Barry, dressed in a captain's uniform, stepped onto the stage.
"Good evening, everyone.
Old Barry asked with a smile.
Everyone replied in unison.
"Then the moment for more fun has arrived—do you see the chairs around you?
Now, you need to pick a chair you fancy and sit on it.
Of course, check the note under your chair.
Just like yesterday, red is the lucky one."
Having said that, Old Barry gestured with a hand.
The people in the banquet hall were initially startled.
Then they laughed and walked toward the chairs they had their eyes on.
Although it was different from the lottery method used last night to choose the lucky one, this brand-new approach was more intriguing and fairer.
Even if it was not explicitly stated, when the person drawing the red paper wasn't oneself, someone would still feel resentment inside.
Lottery, everyone knows.
You can really cheat with that.
But this method before their eyes?
This truly depends on luck and...
Many people had their eyes on the same chair.
Isn't this about competing in speed?
Rushing forward, the banquet hall had a short-lived commotion, but with Old Barry and Albert supervising, no chaos occurred.
"Now, let's see who the lucky one is.
Please, everyone, turn over your chair."
Just as he finished speaking, people couldn't wait to take action.
The trumpeter from before shouted loudly, with an expression of ecstatic joy.
Jealousy and envy filled the eyes of those around.
But soon, as Old Barry took the lead in clapping, applause was all that remained in the banquet hall.
Just as the applause subsided, a voice echoed—
"What a truly enviable lucky one.
I wonder if my partner and I might share in this good fortune?"
A clear and loud voice rang from the doorway.
People's attention was immediately drawn.
Everyone's gaze shifted there.
Because they recognized that voice.
And when they saw Arthur, they gasped in surprise.
They also saw Marinda.
Especially those few tycoons who stood up respectfully upon seeing Marinda.
Compared to Arthur's reputation as a 'Spirit Medium,' the title of 'Lady of the Long Night' was even more prominent among the merchants—whether positively or negatively, it was all the same.
The former commanded respect.
Naturally invoked fear.
Facing the array of gazes, Arthur approached the trumpeter, with Marinda quietly following while holding his arm.
When they halted, the trumpeter stammered as he spoke.
After all, Arthur was his big boss, and though the prize was valuable, it was well-known that with the big boss's generosity, he would definitely be compensated.
"Thank you for your generosity!
This generosity has already made me feel lucky!
I intend to give everyone another chance to win."
As Arthur's voice faded, cheers erupted all around.
As the cheers slightly subsided, Arthur immediately added.
"Of course, those who won tonight can't participate again!"
With a wink, Arthur said.
This playful show of kindness immediately elicited laughter from everyone.
While Old Barry and Albert were preparing for the second draw, Marinda quietly asked Arthur in a low voice.
"What are you doing?"
As Arthur had verbally taken control of the situation upon entering the banquet hall, which didn't surprise Marinda.
What truly puzzled Marinda was why Arthur did this.
She couldn't figure it out.
But she was sure Arthur wouldn't do anything pointless.
Faced with Marinda's curiosity, Arthur simply smiled—