Shrouded Seascape

Chapter 529. Relaxed

Nestled in the soft, warm embrace of his cotton duvet, Charles opened his eyes slowly. He paused for a moment as he didn't feel the familiar swaying of the ship. It took him a couple of seconds before it registered to him that he had returned ashore a few days ago.

The smooth, delicate form in his arms was absent. It seemed like Anna had woken up a long time ago.

Letting out a lazy yawn, Charles indulged in the faint scent lingering on the pillow next to him as he closed his eyes again. He was feeling so comfortable that he wanted to sleep for a little longer.

However, old habits die hard. Charles had never been one to laze around in bed upon waking up and as such, couldn't adapt to that in a short time.

He threw back the covers and rose from the bed. Clad in his pajamas, he dragged himself to the balcony and gazed at the bustling streets beyond the iron fence of the Governor's Mansion.

The Hope Island Navy had returned, and with the conclusion of a memorial service for those lost in the battle against the Fhtagn Covenant, the lingering feelings of the war were slowly fading from the island.

Now, the surviving soldiers, their pockets lined with their pay and bonuses, were enjoying their break in an attempt to destress from the suppressive atmosphere during the latest voyage and battle. Thus, the streets were filled with lively energy.

Charles' keen vision picked up a long queue in front of a newly opened shop far down the street. It seemed to be a new shop because he didn't remember seeing it before.

"Hmm... it seems like there's something new on the island. I should check it out," Charles muttered to himself.

The moment he pushed open his bedroom door, the attendant-in-waiting immediately approached him with freshly laundered clothes.

"There's no need to change; the pajamas are quite comfortable. I'll just wear this," Charles said as he retrieved his wallet from the clothes presented to him.

"Governor, then your breakfast..." the attendant asked with a hint of hesitation.

"I'll grab something outside. You all can have it. But if you've already had breakfast, then feed my meal to Lily's mice," Charles instructed. He then walked down the corridor adorned with carved reliefs and framed masterpieces toward the front door of the mansion.

Before he could take more than a few steps, he paused and suddenly turned around. Plucking out the black-and-red spider from his right eye socket, he approached the attendant and placed it gently on the clothes she was holding.

"Feed it well; the little thing's hungry."

The spider was a great assistance to Charles. Not only did it supplement Charles' compromised vision, but it could even serve as a scout in crucial moments. However, the drawback was that he had to feed it regularly, which was somewhat of a hassle.

Disregarding the main door, Charles exited through a side door typically used by servants on errands. With his hands comfortably tucked into his pajama pockets, he walked down the bustling streets.

It didn't take long before Charles was holding a cup of cream oysters in his hand. He continued his leisurely stroll down the street as he savored the sweet oysters.

New roadside delicacies had emerged on the streets of Hope Island. They smelled inviting but to Charles, cream oysters carried a special sentimental value despite being a simple dish, and no other snacks could match up to that.

By the time Charles had completely ravaged his breakfast, he had arrived at the end of the long queue he had seen earlier. He discovered that the popular new establishment was a shop selling electrical appliances.

Through the thick display windows, Charles could see the assortment of electronic appliances being displayed inside the store—like hundred-kilogram washing machines and also vacuum cleaners taller than a person.

All of these creations were developed by the scientists at the Relic Research Institute upon gaining inspiration from the photographs on Charles' smartphone.

Though, it wasn't quite appropriate to call them electrical appliances. After all, some of those devices run on winding mechanisms rather than electricity.

"Hey! Pajamas boy, stop gawking. Yes, I'm calling you!" A voice called out.

Charles turned toward the long line next to him and found the man calling out to him.

"Are you talking to me?"

"Yeah, since you can afford pajamas, you must be rich, huh? Interested in skipping the line? I'm selling my spot. It'll be my turn in just a few more minutes," the man said, flashing a wide grin that revealed his stained yellow teeth. His clothes were patched all over, and he didn't seem like he could afford anything in the store.

Charles approached him and surveyed the queue before asking, "Line-sitting service?"

"Of course," the man admitted readily. "See the navy soldiers at the door with guns? This is property owned by the Governor himself; who would have the guts not to line up properly? I'll give you a cheaper deal, 200 Echo.

"I'm telling you, there's only so much stock today. Once they are sold out, they are gone. If you start queuing from the end of the line now, you're definitely not getting anything."

"Hold on, I just arrived on the island not long ago and am not too sure of the situation. Are there many islanders buying those things?"

The man's eyes widened in disbelief. "Do you not see this long line? Those things are pricey, but there are many wealthy individuals on Hope Island!"

"Under normal circumstances, isn't it more cost-effective to hire someone for laundry and cleaning?" Charles asked again.

A smirk appeared on the man's face. "You don't understand, huh? It's all about status. You get to showcase your status as an elite by owning what others don't. As a central islander, if you don't have those machines at home, you're practically admitting that you are not of the caliber to be one of the island's elites."

"I see..." Charles nodded in understanding. This branding gimmick seemed to be a move by Gordon—regardless of necessity, if other elites had it, I had to own it too. Truth to be told, only folks on Hope Island have the luxury to indulge in such status symbols

"So what do you say? You're one of the central islanders, aren't you? Want to get a set for yourself?" the man persuaded once more.

Charles pondered for a moment before pulling out two crisp green echo bills and handing them over.

The man eagerly grabbed the money, his face lighting up with a radiant smile as he turned to leave.

"Wait," Charles called out from his spot in the line. "Is there no other work on the island? Why are you earning your living this way?"

The man let out a chuckle and replied, "I just need to get up early and stand here for a while each day for money to enter my pockets. No job is easier than this! I wouldn't even trade it for being a governor. Line-sitting for one day can earn me enough for two days' worth of booze!"

With a triumphant flick of the Echo bills, the man then strutted off toward the direction of the harbor district.

Charles waited patiently in line and just as the store was about to start business for the day, a heavy presence suddenly bumped against his back.

Turning around, he realized it was Planck, the Cook of the Narwhale, and the latter was handing a crumpled Echo bill to an elderly man.

"Captain? Why are you here? There shouldn't be any lack of these machines at the Governor's Mansion," Planck asked as he eyed Charles with a hint of suspicion.

"Nah, I was just strolling around. I heard from Lily that you were going to open your own restaurant. How come you still have time to shop here?" Charles replied.

"Yeah!" Planck nodded. "I'm planning to open a restaurant, and I came here to get a television set. I've been checking out the other restaurants and realized that business would never be too bad as long as there was a television set inside. So, I figured I'd get one too."

As Planck continued his small talk, Charles learned that, unlike other luxury appliances that served as status symbols, televisions were genuinely well received and liked by all islanders. After all, who wouldn't like the convenience of watching "theatre plays" anytime, anywhere?

Securing good seats for popular theater productions was often challenging. However, with a television, one could enjoy these plays from the comfort of their own home for as long as they desired.

And their options weren't limited to just theatre plays, puppet shows, operas, acrobatics, and animal acts; islanders could simply purchase a magnetic tape and replay their favorite performances at home.

It was no wonder why Planck wanted to install a television set in his new restaurant. The television also evoked nostalgic memories for Charles, who recalled carrying his meals to the TV to watch his favorite shows while eating.

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