Robin chuckled lightly, "But since we're here first, we can make preparations, like figuring out the location of the bank on the island and planning our route."
"Hmm, leave that to me, Sister Robin, you go and meet up with Nami and Nojiko."
Kuina nodded slightly, "Take them, and look for the most reliable life card craftsmen nearby. The previous towns were small and we couldn't find one, but in this big city, there must be one."
"Is this the second task the captain assigned?" Robin asked, "Then what about the third?"
"The third task..."
Kuina pinched her chin and pondered, a habitual gesture of Shano when he was thinking, but she had unconsciously picked it up:
"I don't really understand it myself. Lord Shano only said that there are ambitious people lurking on this island, who might give us a chance to stretch our legs a bit..."
Being targeted, are we...
Robin frowned slightly, "Should we buy a few more masks?"
She was someone who disliked trouble.
The carnival mask festival atmosphere was evidently not limited to just Spring Queen City. Here in the Water Capital, it was not unusual to see people wearing exaggerated attire and masks on the streets.
The pier outside the station also had many vendors selling masks.
"No need, who cares."
She shook her head, let out a cold laugh, "Since Lord Shano said that, it must not be anyone formidable. Masks are for the carnival, not for being a coward. That's it, if anyone dares to cause trouble, they should consult my sword first!"
Her body exuded a chilling killing intent, and several passersby nearby felt a sudden coldness, stepping back in fear.
"Being with Kuina also gives a sense of security," Robin noticed the reactions of people around and smiled gently.
"Really? Unfortunately, we have to part now."
Kuina said indifferently, she suddenly stopped walking and looked toward the opposite side of the waterway, at the shop with "Broo Rentals" written on its sign:
"I'll go rent a Broo and find the bank's location, you should go meet Nami and the others. If anything happens, just contact me via Radio Snail."
"Alright."
Broo, a unique marine creature of the Water Capital, was also the city's most common means of transportation.
They resembled seahorses but were quite strong. Even the smallest Broo could carry four or five people, navigating freely between the city's waterways.
The largest Emperor Broo could even tow large ships directly.
On the train, they had learned some common knowledge about the Water Capital from a booklet sold by a train attendant, so Robin quickly understood, nodding her head.
Kuina said nothing more, and the two parted ways at the fork in the road.
...
Ten minutes later.
Inside a tavern.
"Cheers!"
Nami and Nojiko sat at the bar, raising their glasses in enjoyment.
"Ah, here you guys are."
Robin pushed open the saloon doors and walked in, speaking helplessly, "I was looking all over for you next door. True, we don't need to rush finding the Life Card shop, but Nojiko, the captain did say Nami shouldn't be drinking at such a young age..."
"Ha! I knew you'd say that!"
Nami wore a smug expression as if predicting Robin's thoughts, raising her glass:
"Look, it's a non-alcoholic cocktail! It's called 'Dream Stardust'; anyway, that's how the menu board outside the door describes it, and I couldn't resist slipping inside... Right, Uncle Bruno?"
"Indeed, it just mimics the flavor of alcohol, but it's non-alcoholic, even children can enjoy it."
The burly man behind the counter, wearing an apron, had a warm smile, looking rather wholesome. "But, little girl, I'm only twenty-six. If possible, please call me brother instead."
"Tch, no way, besides my annoying brother back home, I won't call anyone else 'brother'!"
Nami snorted, "Besides, you look so mature for your age. Are you really just in your twenties? Calling you uncle isn't wrong, is it?"
Look old?
Bruno lowered his head, heaving a slightly saddened sigh, but quickly regained his composure, turning toward the door with a cheerful face:
"Welcome, new guest, what would you like..."
The moment he saw Robin's face clearly, Bruno's smile froze.
"What's up, uncle?"
Nami curiously raised her head and glanced back and forth, instantly catching on and shooting a disdainful glance across the bar. "Hey, Sister Robin is beautiful, but there's no need for that, acting like a lecher who's never seen a woman is very rude!"
Bruno quickly composed himself, bowing his head and continuing to polish the glasses:
"Sorry, sorry, just felt this young lady seemed familiar, like I've seen her somewhere before."
"No, it's this girl's rudeness that is the issue."
Nojiko tapped Nami's forehead with a hint of aggravation, turning her head to Bruno, "Uncle, may we have another 'Dream Stardust'? Sister Robin, would you like to try it? It tastes really nice."
Robin smiled and nodded her head.
"Alright, please wait a moment." Bruno turned to mix the drinks. His movements were skilled, although his eyes continued to subtly dart toward Robin.
The way these girls addressed each other…
Sister Robin?
So she really is that woman.
Once the drink was ready, Robin took a sip, mildly surprised, her eyes showing appreciation, "The taste is excellent, indeed much like real alcohol."
"Thank you for the compliment." Bruno scratched his head, somewhat bashfully.
After drinking a while longer, Robin turned to Nami, "Alright, we've rested enough, time to find the Life Card shop."
"Eh—can't we sit a bit longer?" Nami grumbled in dissatisfaction.
Nojiko patted her shoulder, "Don't be so willful, once we finish what Brother told us, you can play as much as you want."
"Okay, okay..." Nami reluctantly hopped off the high stool, making sure to wave at Bruno before leaving, "Uncle, next time we'll come for more of your sparkling juice!"
"You're welcome anytime."
Bruno maintained a puppet-like smile, remaining motionless. But as he watched the trio walk out of the tavern, his smile gradually disappeared, turning back into a serious gaze.
He walked to the entrance, emotionlessly hung a 'Temporarily Closed' sign, then reached under the counter to retrieve a Radio Snail, dialing a number.