Chapter 230

Chapter 230

After two days of smooth sailing from Pearl Island, Evan finally spotted the outline of the Fifteenth Island through the ship's railing. Unlike Pearl Island's azure waters and white sands, this volcanic island's coastline had a rugged quality—blackish-brown reefs stood tall amidst the waves, the distant volcanic cone was rounded and gentle, covered in layers of varying shades of green. Centuries of dormancy without eruption made it the island’s steadiest backdrop.

A sea breeze brushed against his face, not as intensely salty as Pearl Island’s, but carrying a faint scent of grass and an elusive warmth—a unique blend of volcanic ash-nourished soil and hot spring steam.

The docks were bustling, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere during Pearl Island’s reconstruction. Tourists dressed in colorful garments moved about—merchants from neighboring countries, nobles on family vacations, and travelers carrying backpacks.

Small stalls lined the docks, selling local specialties: dark brown coffee beans in burlap sacks, spice packets wrapped in oil paper, small volcanic rock carvings, and pots of hot spring mud masks. The vendors’ shouts and tourists’ haggling mingled, exuding a lively and vibrant atmosphere.

Holding his travel bag and the plush toy decorated with black pearls, Evan deliberately avoided the crowded main street and took a quiet side path deeper into the island.

The scenery gradually unfolded. Vast stretches of farmland spread along gentle slopes, the blackish-brown soil so fertile it seemed to ooze with richness. Rows of coffee trees grew lush, their deep green leaves dotted with clusters of unripe fruit. Not far away, in the spice fields, the scent of vanilla drifted on the wind. Several farmers in coarse clothes bent over, tending crops, their movements skilled and brisk. Occasionally, patrol members in uniform walked by, their expressions were gentle—a stark contrast to the stern Pearl Island patrols, clearly indicating that public order here was stable.

A roadside signboard displayed information about the island in the Sala Empire script and several neighboring languages. Evan stopped to read it for a moment. It mentioned that several indigenous tribes had once settled here. A century ago, after the Sala Empire’s army arrived, the tribes were relocated, and the empire built a city. Using the fertile volcanic ash soil, they developed cash crop cultivation, and they developed tourism around the natural hot springs. Now it had become one of the wealthiest islands in the colony.

Thinking of those relocated indigenous people, Evan felt a subtle pang of emotion, but it passed quickly—he knew well the brutality of imperial expansion; he was merely a small, low-level professional, powerless to change anything.

Evan hadn’t come to the Fifteenth Island for sightseeing. He wanted a quiet place to rest for a while and to organize the gains from his Pearl Island trip—especially the black pearls decorating the plush toy and Hill Bird’s old diary.

So he didn’t choose the bustling city center. Instead, he headed toward the residential area on the island’s edge, far from tourist crowds, making it more peaceful.

After walking about an hour, Evan spotted an unassuming two-story building by the roadside. The small front yard was surrounded by low wooden fences, planted with several flourishing bougainvillea bushes. Red flowers climbed over the fences, adding vitality to the slightly worn building.

A small wooden sign hung at the yard gate, with charcoal writing that read: “Second floor for rent, move-in ready.” Below it was the landlord’s contact information. Evan’s heart stirred, and he stopped.

He gently knocked on the wooden door to the yard. After a moment, slow footsteps sounded from inside, and then a middle-aged man opened the door. He appeared about fifty, temples streaked with gray, wearing a faded gray shirt with sleeves rolled up to his forearms, revealing sturdy but slightly rough arms.

His gaze was gentle, carrying a calmness borne of years. When he saw Evan, he blinked, slightly surprised, then gave a somewhat restrained smile: “Are you here to rent a room?”

“Yes, sir.” Evan nodded and replied politely, “I saw the rental sign at the gate and wanted to see the room.”

“Come in, come in.” The middle-aged man stepped aside to let Evan in, then closed the wooden door. “My name is Thomas, I’m the landlord. I built this house years ago. The location isn’t great—far from the city center—but it’s quiet.”

As he spoke, he led Evan upstairs. The wooden staircase was old, making slight creaking sounds underfoot.

Along the way, Thomas volunteered information about himself: “I came from the mainland and have lived here almost twenty years. My wife passed away early. I have only one son, who was admitted to a mainland university last year. Now I live alone on the first floor. There are four rooms on the second floor; two were rented out before, two are vacant now. You can see which one you like.”

His tone was plain, but his eyes hid a trace of loneliness, as if he hadn’t had anyone to talk to in a long time.

Evan listened quietly without asking many questions, only nodding occasionally. Soon, Thomas brought him to a room at the back of the second floor, took out a key, and unlocked the door: “This is the largest of the four—a small suite. See if you like it.”

Evan stepped inside and immediately appreciated the abundant light—the room faced south, with a large wooden window on the southern wall. Sunlight streamed through the window frame, illuminating every corner.

He took a quick look: the room was about sixty square meters, simply laid out. The entrance opened into a small living room, enough for two light gray fabric sofas and a round wooden coffee table. On the table sat a clean glass vase with a few fresh bougainvillea branches, clearly arranged by Thomas in advance. Next to the living room was the bedroom, furnished only with a large solid wood bed with a thick, soft-looking mattress. A small nightstand beside the bed held a brass lamp. The innermost area was the bathroom—small but functional, with a ceramic sink, a simple bathtub, and a separate toilet. The floor was paved with slip-resistant bluestone slabs, cleanly swept, with no odor.

The walls were a light beige color. Though the paint was slightly peeling in places, the whole room was clean and tidy, carrying a faint scent of sunshine and bougainvillea, making him feel very much at ease.

Evan walked to the window, opened it. Outside was a small vegetable garden with some greens and tomatoes. Beyond that stretched continuous farmland. The rustle of wind through leaves was clear, with no urban clamor.

“I really like this room.” Evan turned to Thomas, his tone carrying genuine delight. Such a quiet, clean little suite was exactly what he wanted.

Thomas’s smile grew more genuine: “Glad to hear it. Rent is one Gold Sala per week, utilities included. If you rent long-term, I can give you a discount.”

“One Gold Sala per week?” Evan was a bit surprised, then inwardly pleased. This price was cheaper than he’d expected; with his current savings, he could easily afford it. He immediately nodded: “No need to discount; this price is very reasonable. I’ll rent for a month first, okay?”

“Of course.” Thomas nodded, pulled out another key from his pocket, and handed it to Evan. “This is the room key. If you need any daily necessities, the grocery store downstairs sells them—it’s not far.”

Evan took the key, took four Gold Salas from his bag, and handed them to Thomas. He then carefully checked the room’s facilities and confirmed everything was fine before starting to organize his luggage. Thomas didn’t linger, simply said, “Feel free to come downstairs anytime if you need anything,” and then went back downstairs.

Evan placed his bag on the nightstand and gently set the plush toy on the sofa. He watched the deep-lustrous black pearls on the toy shimmer in the sunlight, and his heart gradually calmed. He went to the bathroom, splashed his face with cool water—the coldness made him more alert. The Pearl Island adventure was over; now he could finally rest for a while.

After organizing his luggage, Evan left the room to familiarize himself with the surroundings. Just as he reached the first floor, he saw Thomas watering flowers in the yard. Evan smiled and greeted him: “Mr. Thomas, is there a place nearby to eat?”

Thomas put down the watering can and pointed west: “About five hundred meters in that direction, there are a few small restaurants with good food and reasonable prices. Oh, and next door to you is a hot spring house called ‘Warm Spring Lodge.’ Many tourists go there for hot springs. If you’re tired, you can try it too. Tenants here get a 20% discount.”

“A hot spring house next door?” Evan felt a surge of joy. He had been wondering where the island’s hot springs were, only to find them so close. Soaking in hot springs would not only relax his body but also relieve the fatigue from his pearl diving—an unexpected bonus.

He thanked Thomas and headed west.

Sure enough, after a short walk, he saw an antique wooden building with a signboard reading “Warm Spring Lodge.” Several attendants in uniform stood at the entrance, warmly greeting guests coming for the hot springs.

A faint white mist surrounded the building—steam from the hot springs. The air carried a light sulfur smell, not unpleasant, but rather comforting.

Evan stood at the entrance for a moment, feeling even more satisfied with his accommodation. Quiet environment, affordable rent, convenient living facilities, and a hot spring next door—this place was a perfect resting spot tailored for him.

He didn’t go in for the hot springs immediately. Instead, he found a small restaurant, ate something, and then strolled leisurely back to his lodging.

Back in his room, Evan sat on the sofa, picked up his plush toy, and gently stroked the black pearls on it.

Sunlight poured through the window, warm and comfortable. In the distance came the shouts of farmers in the fields and faint laughter from the hot spring lodge. Everything felt so peaceful and stable.

He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and savored this rare tranquility. The fatigue and tension in his heart gradually melted away.