Old Gods, Rapid-Fire Guns, and Prohibition

Chapter 282 [Divine Revelation]

Royal Capital, Port District.

Eleven o'clock at night.

For the port area, this is just the beginning of the day. Late at night is often considered the busiest time in the port area, especially the dock area.

After a long day's work, the sailors would gather in the various taverns at the dock.

Even though the prohibition on alcohol shows no signs of being lifted, the taverns are not short of alcohol, which is normal. After all, this is the capital's dock, which is probably the largest dock in the world. Ships from all regions and countries are constantly loading and unloading cargo here, and there is always an unknown amount of alcohol disguised as other goods flowing in.

The dockside taverns were the first places to enjoy these goods, and even to outsiders, no tavern would say that it sells wine; now everyone calls themselves a wine bar.

I randomly picked a tavern and sat down.

Ethan didn't go to Shark Jason's pub. Shark Jason had met him and even knew about his business. It was hard to say whether the guy would leak the information.

The Royal Guard has the most extensive information network in the capital, so at times like this, no one can be trusted.

Ethan ordered two glasses of special grape water. As soon as he took a sip, he couldn't help but raise his eyebrows because he was very familiar with the taste. It was definitely their own wine, and only Walter had that kind of recipe.

Today, the market reach of their family's bootlegging seems to have grown to a extent he never expected.

After all, you can get a drink at any tavern in the capital.

This place is a long way from Winster.

"Wow, this flavor, classic North Coast style, I love it."

Johnny Blackbird also took a sip, then raised an eyebrow and nodded.

Is this flavor common?

"Of course, you can drink it in many places in the capital. It is said that this wine comes from the northern coast. It is very delicious and cheap, so everyone loves it."

Clearly, the influence of their own wine is greater than imagined.

Perhaps it's time to change the real name of that fine wine again.

However, Ethan has not yet noticed any changes.

"Tell me, what do we do next?"

After finishing his drink, Johnny Blackbird finally asked another question.

How much do you know about the Church of the Sea God?

Ethan raised his hand and ordered two more drinks, then asked.

"The Church of the Sea God? That's a behemoth! What's wrong? Do you know them? You want them to help you go to sea?"

Johnny Blackbird's thinking was quick, and then he couldn't help but nod as he spoke.

The Church of the Sea God holds a very special position in the kingdom, especially at sea. Even the kingdom's navy gives them a wide berth. If it were them, they would indeed have the opportunity to help take people out to sea.

But why?
Yes, on what grounds?

Even though Ethan had Carlos's connection, Carlos had said that if Ethan had any trouble, he could go to the Church of the Sea God.

But are they really willing to help with matters involving royalty and politics?
I'm afraid it will be difficult.

Therefore, Ethan had to change his approach.

"Do you follow the etiquette of the Church of the Sea God?"

"No, before coming to the capital, I had almost never been to sea."

Johnny Blackbird shook his head quickly.

"Alright, then remember what I'm about to say, it's very important."

So, after drinking another glass of wine, Johnny Blackbird's expression turned puzzled, because he didn't know why Ethan was telling him all this.

Just as he was puzzled, a bald man wearing a dark blue robe with a pattern on his chest that resembled waves or tangled hair walked up to them, looking somewhat drunk.

"Excuse me, may I ask who Mr. Depp is?"

“I am.” Johnny Blackbird was even more surprised.

This wasn't an act, because Ethan had just told him, "Wait a minute, in about two minutes, that bald guy will come over from the ten o'clock direction. Remember what I told you."

"Excuse me, do you...?"

The bald man seemed unsure how to phrase his words for a moment.

"Yes, I was guided here."

This statement was completely inexplicable, but the bald man's eyes immediately lit up with excitement.

"Really? It really isn't a hallucination, I actually... I... Oh, Mr. Depp, would you mind coming with me now?"

"Wait a minute, wait a minute, friend, are you a member of the Church of the Sea God?"

Ethan spoke up at that moment.

"Yes, may I ask who you are?"

“My name is Ethan. I just found this gentleman too. I think we…”

"Did you hear that too?"

"Yes."

The bald man paused for a moment, his drunkenness seemingly dissipating considerably.

“My name is Maurice, and I am a priest of the Church of the Sea God. I would like to invite you both to return to the church, if it is convenient for you.”

"Of course, I have plenty of free time. In fact, that's why I came here."

Johnny Blackbird delivered his prepared lines while subtly glancing at Ethan.

What does this glance mean? What exactly did you do?
"Me too. By the way, Carlos and I are actually good friends."

"Carlos? First Mate Carlos? Oh, no wonder."

Morris seemed to have thought of something, and then took the initiative to lead the way, and the two of them walked out of the tavern.

The tavern wasn't too far from the Church of the Sea God, which was why Ethan chose this location.

They walked for about ten minutes and arrived at the headquarters of the Church of the Sea God.

Although the Church of the Sea God is the only religion in the kingdom that is allowed to preach within its borders, it is only relatively permitted.

Outside of the capital, their churches and sect members are subject to strict regulations and restrictions.

In the capital, their church is the largest, and their entire parish is also the largest, with almost one-fifth of the dock area belonging to their parish.

Led by Morris, they passed through the gate and entered the parish. They did not go to the largest church, but instead came to a smaller building next to it, which looked like a reception and rest area.

"Please rest here for a while, I'll be right back."

After settling Ethan and the others into a lounge, Morris hurriedly left.

"So, what did you do to him?"

Seeing Maurice leave, Johnny Blackbird immediately asked in a low voice.

Ethan shook his head, looking as if he didn't know him well, then frowned, appearing very serious.

About fifteen minutes later, Maurice returned. He didn't come back alone; he was followed by two other people, both dressed in long robes that were dark blue to almost black, the color of the deep sea.

Their expressions were stern, and as soon as they entered, they began to scrutinize Ethan and Johnny Blackbird, especially Johnny Blackbird.

Behind them, outside the door, Ethan could sense that there were quite a few people standing there, and they were quite hostile.

Are they here to inspect the goods?
Ethan remained unmoved.

The show is about to begin.

(End of this chapter)