Sea King creatures are among the most unnatural species in this world. Considering their size, number, and appetite, it's a mystery how the local ecosystem remains balanced.
Perhaps their population, diversity, and reproduction rate far exceed anything on Earth.
For the tavern at this stage, their main function was simply that they were delicious.
And for Zhang Da Ye and Rui Meng Meng, whose bodies hadn't yet reached peak condition, it was especially beneficial.
After a feast, every last bit of the meat Zhang Da Ye had purchased, along with the side dishes, was gone. Even the leftover soup in the plates was licked clean by Tom using bread.
Today, washing the dishes would be much easier.
Tom let out a contented burp after swallowing the last bite, his breath visible in the cold air. He lazily patted his round belly and slouched in the chair.
Zhang Da Ye rubbed his own stomach. He wasn't sure if it was an illusion, but his belly seemed to have puffed up like Tom's, though not as obviously.
Whenever he overate, he envied Artoria. No matter how much she ate, her figure didn't change—the dream physique for any foodie.
Though, in a way, it might also inspire sympathy.
It was now digestion time. Both Zhang Da Ye and Tom felt getting up from the chairs was a major effort.
Artoria got up to fetch tea and a teapot, while Rui Meng Meng busied herself clearing the table.
"Are you okay, Meng Meng?" Zhang Da Ye asked, remembering how much she had eaten. She seemed completely unaffected.
"I? I'm fine. It's the first time I've eaten something so good. It even beats that last sea beast meat. And Tom's cooking is amazing. I'm stuffed." Rui Meng Meng said.
"You've been running around, yet you don't seem full. It's fine if the table waits a bit," Zhang Da Ye said, feeling slightly guilty for lounging while she worked.
"I'm fine. I always feel full of energy after meals. Today, it's even more noticeable. I could probably run a marathon right now." Rui Meng Meng flexed her slender arms, showing off surprisingly hidden strength.
"Well, I'll leave it to you for now. Based on my usual post-feast experience, I'll probably need to lie down for another three to five minutes." Zhang Da Ye stretched lazily, looking like he was making an excuse to laze around.
Five minutes later, fully recovered, he helped tidy the tables and chairs and started evening operations.
"Yo, Major Kuro, long time no see." Soon after opening, Zhang Da Ye saw a familiar figure.
"So your tavern is just a rebranded version of Bob's? How's old Bob?" Major Kuro sat at the bar; he knew Bob.
Bob, like him, had been thinking about retirement the past two years, so they probably got along well.
"He's great. Fishing with a few old friends every day. Must be so relaxing." Zhang Da Ye replied.
"Such an enviable life." Kuro glanced at the drink prices. "Why the price hike? Any discounts for friends?"
Zhang Da Ye thought a moment. "Next time I go to exchange bounties, can you give me a discount?"
"Don't make me laugh."
"Exactly, don't make me laugh." Zhang Da Ye joked freely; he liked Kuro's personality.
"Ruthless," Kuro said, casually choosing a drink and watching Zhang Da Ye open it. "Mind if I ask about someone?"
"Ask about someone? Some investigation task? Go ahead."
"Not exactly a task," Kuro explained. "A young noble went missing recently in the Sabaody Archipelago. Today, the family elder came to the navy base demanding action. What a headache."
"Uh… what does a disappearance have to do with the navy?" Zhang Da Ye's heart skipped a beat. It might not involve the navy, but it probably had some connection to him.
"I'd like to ask that too, but the family insists their son was kidnapped by pirates. They blame the navy for not eliminating the island's pirates. The family has some influence, so ignoring it could be troublesome."
"Got it. That must be tough. What kind of person is he?"
"Here, see for yourself." Kuro handed Zhang Da Ye a photo.
Tom glanced at it too, curious, seemingly recognizing the person.
Zhang Da Ye quickly took the photo, holding Tom's head down to avoid giving him away.
Recognition wasn't enough—he remembered this person vividly. He had met him before, and had even buried him.
Zhang Da Ye examined the photo carefully, organized his words, and returned it. "Looks unfamiliar. Definitely hasn't been to my tavern."
Lying with truth, he was confident his expression gave nothing away.
"Oh." Kuro tucked the photo away and continued drinking, not paying attention to Zhang Da Ye's expression.
"This feels like a waste," Zhang Da Ye muttered. "You said the family has influence, but your investigation seems sloppy."
"I didn't plan on putting much effort into it. Otherwise, it would be Lt. Commander T-Bone in charge, not lazy me," Kuro replied nonchalantly.
Zhang Da Ye had nothing to say; Kuro's self-awareness was impressive.
Kuro went on: "We've been busy too. Vice Admiral Kadarou isn't in the mood to deal with minor noble problems. The specifics—you'll read in the news tomorrow."
"So what's the news exactly?" Zhang Da Ye groaned. He hated people who spoke halfway.
"In short, my task is done. The missing noble was not found. If anyone accuses me of slacking, remember to vouch for me!" Kuro left two bills on the counter and walked off. "Clock out!"
"Boss, do you think we were discovered?" Rui Meng Meng whispered nervously.
"Doesn't seem like it. The navy isn't planning a deep investigation anyway," Zhang Da Ye thought. "Still, it might be wise to retrieve Tom's 100-ton iron ingot. Who knows if I'll throw something like that again? Next time, keep things simple and crude."
Rui Meng Meng sighed. "Doing the right thing secretly feels so weird."
"Yeah, some say this world's broken. Get strong, and then we won't have to look at anyone's face when we act," Zhang Da Ye mused, considering increasing his training—his appetite had grown again these past few days.
"Got it," Rui Meng Meng nodded firmly.
"By the way, Artoria, any big news in the papers lately? Anything about navy movements?" Zhang Da Ye was curious about Kuro's earlier mention.
"Nothing significant. He mentioned Vice Admiral Kadarou—maybe it's related to the last thing Kadarou said while drunk about the Seven Warlords?" Artoria replied.