Goblin Dependency

They didn’t venture too far; to avoid missing the event due to delays, they found a tavern named "Glass Oar" near the square for a resting meal.

The building itself was also made of Water Iron Wood, all dark brown in color, two stories high, and fairly large. Its sign—a wooden board with a picture of a glass oar in motion—was firmly nailed to the beam above the door frame.

Compared to Three-legged Sea Dog and White Sparrow, this place wasn’t a major hub with an adventurer association branch, so the adventurers weren’t as numerous as in Suo Yu Bay and River Valley Town.

"Glass Oar" clearly wasn’t a venue often crowded with adventurers, as most regulars were island civilians and passing merchants, sailors.

As the Moon Tide Banquet approached now, the sudden influx of adventurers made the whole hall riotous and chaotic.

Several ordinary people served so busily that their feet hardly touched the ground, forced to maintain a pleasing, humble smile, yet conveying some sincerity.

If they offended any of these unreasonable adventurers, the alcohol-fueled chaos could easily turn deadly.

And during the Sea Rhythm Festival, the officials certainly wouldn’t antagonize the main adventurer crowd over a mere resident; likely, the matter would be downplayed, and the victim’s family wouldn’t even receive compensation.

Thus, serving required extreme caution, weighing every word carefully.

On the other hand, the adventurers were quite generous.

Sometimes, a simple service would earn a tip from adventurers equating to a month’s wages for the servers.

This very generosity was why these service staff, under immense pressure, provided enthusiastic service to each adventurer.

After finding a spot for Sasha and Ellison, Xia Nan and Alton went to the bar to look at the menu.

"Glass Oar" was originally a drinking and dining place for ordinary residents, its prices clearly lower than Three-legged Sea Dog and White Sparrow.

As an island specialty, catering specifically to travelers, the most expensive dish, "Thousand Stake Fish Soup," was priced at five copper coins;

Additionally, there was "Shallow Beach Stone Pot Rice" for two copper coins, and "Rock Plate Grilled Fish" for three copper coins...

Many were Stodd Island’s home-cooked dishes, some even showed noticeable price smears, obviously marked up in advance due to the adventurer convergence for the Moon Tide Banquet.

Yet, even so, for adventurers accustomed to splurging at various entertainment venues, the prices still seemed low and worthwhile.

Xia Nan studied the menu on the wall closely, seemingly searching for something, hesitating to speak.

Before he could, the short figure beside him proactively inquired:

"Boss, do you have any cream mushroom soup here?"

Sitting behind the bar was the tavern owner, a sturdy-looking middle-aged man, with graying hair, in his forties or fifties.

He didn’t show disdain due to Alton’s small size and harmless demeanor, apologetically replied:

"I’m very sorry, dear guests."

"We don’t have the necessary ingredients, nor does our kitchen have any experience making such a dish, afraid we cannot meet your needs."

"If you dine with us, I can offer you a ten percent discount..."

Xia Nan waved him off, interrupting the apologies.

Though unsure if the tavern owner was naturally kind-hearted or intentionally placating these adventurers,

Since he offered as such, Xia Nan didn’t mind the few copper coins of discount.

"No worries, just charge us the original price."

Eventually, the pair ordered a few tavern set meals according to their preferences, added two bottles of locally brewed pale beer, and some cooling tea, then returned to their seats.

Initially worrying that Ellison and Sasha would feel awkward due to their relationship with Lorin,

They found when Xia Nan and Alton returned, the pair were chatting amiably, not exuberantly but far from awkward.

"The bell bait fish is actually quite good, especially in shallow waters; the current’s ringing greatly attracts medium-sized fish."

"I think seaweed clusters are better, especially for time-limited fishing contests; the minimum catches seem higher."

"You have a point, but..."

Xia Nan really wanted to join their conversation, considering his own knowledge of fishing, he certainly could contribute.

Yet, recalling the Purple Vortex Ray he personally hung onto the hook, he decided to wait until after the event for fishing talks.

He intended to idle chat with the bored little fellow shaking his legs opposite him, suddenly heard purpose-driven footsteps approaching.

Xia Nan looked up and saw the robust man he had noticed during the fishing contest, seemingly a Dwarf hybrid.

Standing at one meter sixty-five, he seemed to suffer from gigantism for a Dwarf, but quite short for a barbarian.

He was like a short, solid steel hammered down, his bulging muscles covering every inch with barbarian explosiveness rather than Dwarven bulkiness.

His chin sported rugged, intertwined bearded braids adorned with iron rings clinking with every movement.

Deeply blue nearly black tattoos spread from shirt and sleeve collars, revealing seawave-like totems, carrying wilderness vibes.

This Half Dwarf was holding an unopened bottle of strong liquor, walking straight towards Xia Nan.

His expression hardly changed, intentions unclear.

Yet with sharp Perception, Xia Nan didn’t sense any hostility from him.

As expected under the gaze of people by the table, the Half-Dwarf paused three steps from Xia Nan.

"Haiya?"

A deep voice echoed in rhythm through the air.

"And you are?" Xia Nan nodded, observing him carefully.

He approached recognizing Xia Nan’s identity, politely inquiring extra.

Upon Xia Nan’s assent, the Half Dwarf grinned, uncorking the liquor for Xia Nan’s empty glass.

"Haha, just call me ’Iron Grid’!"

The name stirred Xia Nan internally.

Iron Grid?

He had definitely heard that name before.

Given this Half Dwarf’s features, Xia Nan, who previously crammed knowledge in Suo Yu Bay, instantly identified him.

Iron Grid, barbarian and Dwarf hybrid, Level 7 professional.

Also the captain of the adventurer ship crew "Furious Tide Battle Gang."

A well-known figure of par with Lorin from "Sword of Vengeance" in the Southern Islands.

Yet... He hadn’t interacted with this captain before, had he?

Iron Grid’s earnestness seemed sudden, appearing intent on forming ties.

Noticing Xia Nan’s thoughts, the Half Dwarf’s smile broadened, explaining:

"Aurie specifically mentioned it before we departed, said ’Haiya’ Xia Nan would also attend the Moon Tide Banquet, telling us to provide some help if circumstances allowed."

Aurie?

Xia Nan instantly understood.

Due to the "Proof of Diligence," he had good relations with this collector.

Previously asking if Aurie would attend the Moon Tide Banquet, Aurie had declined.

Unexpectedly, Aurie didn’t choose to personally attend but wasn’t uninvolved.

"So, did Aurie hire you to come to Stodd Island?"

"You could say that," Iron Grid shook the liquor bottle, "Even though a fee’s paid, my friendship with Aurie isn’t distant."

"Just to participate in the Moon Tide Banquet?" Xia Nan implied.

"That’s not for me to disclose, haha..."

Raising his head, Iron Grid took a swig of strong liquor, not revealing Aurie’s tasks for "Furious Tide Battle Gang."

Hoping to coax more information, Xia Nan was interrupted by sudden uproar on the tavern hall’s other side.