Chapter 247 Revisiting an Old Place

The clear chime of the bell accompanied the opening of the door as the afternoon sun poured into the ancient shop thats brimming with an assortment of dolls. The elf shopkeeper, attentively adjusting a dolls frame behind the counter, heard the sound, glanced up, and saw a tall, black-haired man with an eyepatch entering her estate.

The elderly elf woman appeared puzzled by the customer, who didnt seem to be there for doll shopping. However, after a brief moment of confusion, she greeted him with a smile, unaware that the towering, one-eyed man before her was the same boy who had purchased something from her shop alongside his sister a century ago: Ah, welcome to Rose Doll House, feel free to browse.

Pausing briefly, she casually remarked, We dont often see customers like you.

Tyrians gaze slowly swept over the environment.

Assorted dolls, aged shelves, ornately carved stairs, the warm and tranquil ambiance, and the smiling elderly woman.

Faded shards of memories gradually assembled, creating a familiar scene that melded with the current view. It was only natural that the elf shopkeeper wouldnt recognize him he had changed significantly since a century ago with a hardened appearance from pillaging the frigid sea.

Tyrian subtly altered his expression, attempting to soften his features. Hes aware of the intimidating aura he exuded, which made ordinary people uneasy merely by being in his presence.

Id like to ask about something, Tyrian didnt know if he had successfully modified his expression. He had lost the ability to remember how a typical person should behave and speak when entering a store, Have you ever sold a doll named Nilu here?

After a moments thought, he added, A one-third scale doll, about this tall adorned with a classical court style and an exquisite dress.

The elf shopkeeper hesitated before replying uncertainly, those eyes glimmering with bewilderment: Yes we did have such a doll. It had been in the store for many years before someone bought it not too long ago. But why do you ask?

What kind of person purchased it? Tyrian felt his pulse quicken. He hadnt anticipated finding a lead so effortlessly and that his father had actually procured the doll from the shop so openly, When did this occur?

The elderly shopkeeper, taken aback by Tyrians overly enthusiastic response, grew even more cautious, I apologize, but I cannot divulge information about our customers. Its a rule of doing business.

Tyrian was momentarily taken aback, not anticipating this answer. He quickly considered his options, hesitating for a few seconds before seemingly making a decision, You dont recognize me, do you?

Recognize? The elderly shopkeeper furrowed her brow, scrutinizing the unfamiliar human before her with confusion, I dont remember serving a customer like you most people who come to buy dolls from my shop are women, young men selecting gifts for their partners, or fathers choosing presents for their daughters.

Its because the last time I was here was a very long time ago, Tyrian unveiled an unusual smile, Do you recall, a hundred years ago, a brother and sister who took away a doll named Luni from here?

The elderly shopkeeper paused, then slowly widened her eyes, gazing at Tyrian in disbelief, Ah, you are

I know you might not believe it, but I have something to prove my identity, Tyrian quickly thought of an item, retrieving it from his pocket as he spoke, Elves like you are well-informed, so you should have heard about me Take a look at this.

As the elderly elf woman listened and accepted the piece of paper handed to her with bewilderment, she unfolded it to reveal a large portrait at the top, accompanied by the text of a wanted notice, a bounty, and the official seal of the Frost City-State

I should have some notoriety, Tyrian stated earnestly, Technically speaking, our family is quite famous although perhaps not for something commendable.

The elderly shopkeeper:

After some time, the elderly elf woman managed to compose her expression, looked at Tyrian, and uttered a peculiar sentence, It really is you.

Tyrian seemed to sense that something was off and smiled sheepishly, Its me.

The old woman contemplated for a moment, So many years have passed theres so many zeroes after your name now

Tyrian tugged at the corner of his mouth, The bounty is indeed substantial, but its just for show. They add a zero every four or five years anyway, and no one will claim the reward.

Ive never met someone who carries their own wanted notice as proof of identity, let alone a notorious pirate, the elderly elf womans expression finally returned to normal as she refolded the wanted notice and handed it back, murmuring, I did hear about the Sea Mist docking in port and wanted to go see the excitement. I didnt expect you to come here first. How is your sister?

She is living more carefree than I am, Tyrian replied, then glanced at the elderly woman with an odd expression, I thought you would be frightened. Most ordinary people have that reaction when they meet me even in places beyond the Cold Sea.

Ive encountered my share of peculiar things, and youre not the only pirate Ive met. Besides, the city-state has declared the Sea Mist is a guest invited by Pland, so whatever happens in the northern seas is not our concern, the old woman muttered as she walked toward the counter, her mutter transforming into a scolding, But I must say, being a pirate isnt a proper job, its not sustainable, and it doesnt sound good. Look at your sister, at least she has a lifelong honorary title in the Explorers Association. Of course, Ive also heard that your relationship with the northern city-states is rather complex

Tyrians mind buzzed, and he felt that he had just witnessed the poise and composure of a long-life span race. He had to quickly interrupt the old womans rambling, The Sea Mist fleet has already changed; the retaliation against the northern city-states and plundering are things of the past. Now, we mainly rely on collecting protection fees

Not waiting for the old woman to respond, he decisively concluded the topic and forcefully redirected it, Can you tell me now who bought the doll?

Oh, it was a middle-aged man around your height perhaps even a bit shorter, and quite thin, as if he wasnt in good health, the old woman didnt hesitate this time and spoke, But I dont think youll be able to find him; there are so many people in Pland. Were you planning to reclaim the other doll you couldnt buy for your sister back then? Ah, thats such a shame, if only you had come earlier Wait a minute, I just realized, how did you know someone bought Nilu?

Tyrian didnt answer her question but frowned involuntarily.

Someone shorter than him, thin, and in poor health It couldnt be his father.

Could it be one of his fathers subordinates?!

After regaining his humanity and reason, had he already started recruiting new subordinates? What was his goal? To rebuild the Vanished fleet?!

Tyrian pondered many things for a moment, only coming back to his senses when the elderly elf woman called his name twice. Then he thought of something and immediately inquired, Besides purchasing the doll, did the customer say anything else? Did he take anything else?

He said We just had a normal conversation, the elderly shopkeeper recalled, He seemed like a customer who genuinely loved dolls, and he was very concerned about the dolls repair and maintenance. He learned a lot from me; oh, thats right, he also bought a wig and matching hair accessories, seemingly for his own doll.

Tyrians expression froze, A wig? What kind of wig?

A golden, long, straight hair, life-sized wig, I remember it quite well, the shopkeeper said, and suddenly thought of something else, Oh, I have a similar one here; you can take a look.

As she spoke, she turned around and went to search through the storage room under the stairs.

Tyrian wanted to say it wasnt necessary, but he didnt have time, and at that moment, another peculiar knocking sounded from nearby, capturing his attention.

It sounded like someone tapping on a window from outside.

Tyrian looked puzzled and turned his head towards the source of the sound, finding a beautiful woman with waist-length blonde hair standing outside the window, gently rapping on the glass.

The admiral didnt react at first, but when he saw the womans face clearly, he instantly froze in place as if struck by lightning.

The womans appearance was identical to that of the Frost Queen, Ray Nora, from half a century ago!