841 Dearborn (1/2)

The Golden Sea Route was the paradise of adventurers.

Ever since the beginning of the Great Voyage Era, pirate ports proliferated and the number of pirates increased.

Some ports only accepted pirates, and they were particularly targeted by the navies of various countries.

And some ports were purely known for their high level of freedom. They allowed pirates to enter very easily, but public order was still extremely well-preserved in the ports.

These were typically the best places for pirates to sell off the goods they had plundered and spend on entertainment. The pirates brought endless fortune and business opportunities to the ports.

Every grain of pepper from the Spice Archipelago was worth one gold coin, but pirates would sell the pepper at two or three silver coins per grain. The goods could then be sold again at double the original price!

The attraction of 100% profits allowed these private ports to survive and thrive.

For these enormous profits, those port owners could become connected to great noble families and even royal families, thereby concentrating strong powers.

Even navies would not dare eliminate such a port unless they wanted to make half the world their enemies!

”Dearborn Port!”

Mockingbird dragged the merchant ship and slowly sailed toward the port.

Through a spyglass, Fang Yuan saw a good port built beside mountains and water. It was surrounded by many ships, and numerous buildings could be seen on the mountains.

”This is the Dearborns' private port. The first Viscount Dearborn was a great voyager. He acquired this island after retiring from the navy and built Dearborn Port here, which is now the entire family's greatest source of income!”

Bill murmured to Fang Yuan obsequiously, ”Of course… this is only a lie told to the public. The Dearborn family is merely a tool used to launder money. At the very least, the traces of a duke can be found involved in the commercial activities of this port, and it has deep connections with the palace! Therefore, the navy seldom interferes unless wanted pirates blatantly appear here or there's any large-scale public disorder.”

”Hmm! As long as it's safe.”

Fang Yuan was not surprised at all because he had witnessed many cases where exalted nobles had covertly groomed men to launder money and participate in illegal trade indirectly.

”Safety is definitely not an issue. All fights are forbidden within twenty nautical miles of Dearborn Port. Otherwise, they'll become enemies with the entire Dearborn Family! And they'll definitely offend the navy as well!” Bill said while thumping his chest.

Although the pirates in this world were powerful, the navies of Ettoman and other large coastal countries were by no means useless.

For example, the navy of Ettoman was known to have the largest fleet in the world, and it could be expanded without limit when necessary.

Even pirate governors would not want to offend such powerful navies and wage war against them.

In fact… even a pirate governor with legendary pirate ships may not be able to defeat the Ettoman Royal Navy… Fang Yuan thought silently. In this world, the relationships between pirates and navies as well as between pirates and countries are indeed profoundly intriguing.

However, nobody seems to have noticed the nuance. Perhaps I can catalyze the change…

These subordinates were not all he had. He still had other people concealed in Ettoman and various pirate teams.

This was sufficient for him to accomplish many things at the right time.

Bill watched the ship enter the dock and advised Fang Yuan about the port. ”Captain… Dearborn Port isn't a pure pirate port. The ship behind us belonged to the Rose Chamber of Commerce, which is run by nobles, so it may be somewhat troublesome to sell the goods. Moreover, this place isn't very suitable for selling that captive…”

If he had been the navigator, he would definitely not have chosen this port.

But what could he do after Fang Yuan had given the order? As a second officer who had just been promoted, he had to do anything ordered by the captain, no matter how dangerous it was.

”Hmm… I understand!” Fang Yuan nodded and said calmly, ”Even if we can't sell the goods, we can still rest here temporarily to replenish other resources and manpower!”

Having just been through two fierce battles, his subordinates were in dire need of a place to relax and recuperate.

Although Dearborn Port was unsuitable for other things, it was the closest one to them.

An armed merchant ship dragging a large ship immediately attracted a lot of attention upon reaching the port.

Even the most stupid sailor could tell that it was a pirate ship that had just plundered another ship. Some merchants' eyes were already glistening.

And some people gazed at the symbol on Merchant Ship Rose and pondered.

”Good morning, respectable captain!”

Fang Yuan came onto the wharf, and a tax collector wearing a wig approached him. ”Entrance registration!”

”Hmm!” Fang Yuan nodded in a reserved manner and tossed out a bag of coins.

”We are from the Rose Chamber of Commerce. We have just encountered pirates and need a good rest!” Bill stepped forward and started to make up a story.

”All right, captain of Merchant Ship Rose, Roger! Welcome to Dearborn Port. We wish you a pleasant experience here!”

As expected, he did not investigate the validity of this explanation at all, passing a completed file to them directly.

”Let's go to the market!”

Fang Yuan left Butcher behind to guard their base and brought Bill along with him. ”And… next time, don't fake my name!”

”I apologize, Captain!” Bill kept silent immediately.

”Captain! If you want to sell any goods, please consider the Violet Chamber of Commerce!”