“Rowland, you are destined to walk the path of a king, because only a king can stand firm in this world, only a king has the capital and strength to face the arrival of the Federation.” The AI gave its answer.

Rowland was taken aback, then agreed with the AI: “You’re right, it is the path of a king.”

But it wasn’t for any damn reason like welcoming the Federation.

In the sea, the surviving sharks seemed to have been scared off by some supernatural force, and Rowland smoothly returned to the deck of the Daiwei.

“Good lad, you’re impressive.” The first mate walked over and patted Rowland on the shoulder.

Rowland grinned foolishly, scratched his head, and said sheepishly, “Sir, I have to apologize to you. I lost the dagger you lent me.”

The first mate was stunned, then shook his head with a smile: “It’s just a dagger. If it’s lost, it’s lost. No big deal.”

Rowland didn’t insist: “Thank you very much.”

“Haha, good lad, your soul is much stronger than your body, and it’s very brave.” The first mate patted Rowland on the shoulder again, then turned to command the sailors to set sail back to port.

Rowland changed back into his own clothes, and soon noticed that the sailors and dockworkers on the ship had a subtle change in attitude toward him. The faint disdain in their eyes from before had completely disappeared. Now, whenever he glanced over, they would smile and nod at him.

Uncle Gates no longer treated him like a child either. When he saw Rowland, he laughed and said, “If that old drunk Amst knew his adopted son was this gutsy, he’d be so surprised he’d jump right out of the water, haha.”

In short, after killing a shark, Rowland instantly gained everyone’s recognition and respect.

Over an hour later, the Daiwei sailed back to the Vendôme port. When disembarking, Lester kept his promise and paid him at the rate of one silver coin per crate, so Rowland ended up with seven silver coins in his hand.

Compared to his previous odd jobs at the dock, earning just a few coppers a day, this money was a windfall. It was enough for Rowland to eat and drink well for a whole month.

If it had been before, Rowland really would have spent the money on food and drink, but now, he had to use it to earn himself even greater fame.

Because a reputation for bravery would be of tremendous help to his future development.

With this in mind, he turned and headed toward a small restaurant by the dock. But after just a few steps, he heard someone calling his name from behind. Turning around, he saw it was the first mate of the Daiwei, the man named Calvin.

“Is there something you need, sir?”

“It’s not me, but our young lady wants to see you. She’d like to meet you.”

Chapter 8: The Former Main Storyline Character

“You were very brave today.” These were the words spoken by the so-called Second Miss.

Rowland was brought by the first mate to a sea-view study in a seaside villa at the port. One wall of the study faced the sea, the entire wall inlaid with extremely transparent, expensive crystal, offering a direct view of the boundless blue ocean. The other wall was a large bookshelf, filled with all kinds of books.

A young woman wearing rimless crystal glasses was sitting on a soft leather recliner, holding a cup of some unknown beverage in one hand. As she spoke, her gaze shifted from the book on the custom wooden shelf to Rowland standing at the door.

“It’s an honor.” Rowland gave a slight bow. His clothes were shabby, and standing in such a finely decorated, luxurious study made him feel especially out of place.

Once again, he truly felt that this was a world of strict class divisions, completely different from the holographic game where you could barge naked into the king’s harem and then sleep on the queen’s bed with her.

“Calvin, you may go. I want to talk to this… uh.”

The first mate Calvin immediately said, “Second Miss, his name is Rowland.”

“Oh, Rowland, I want to have a chat with this Rowland.”

“Yes, Second Miss.” The first mate Calvin withdrew.

Rowland sensed that his attitude was extremely respectful, not feigned, but genuine from the heart.

“Sit down.” The young woman pointed to a chair nearby.

Seeing the chair covered in snow-white velvet, Rowland was glad his clothes were at least clean. He had already adjusted his mindset, walked over, sat down calmly, and then asked, “How should I address you?”

“Hehe, my name is Daisy, daughter of Homlin, apprentice to Archmage Vivian, and currently a junior mage.” Daisy smiled. She found this pale young man quite interesting. He didn’t have the usual servile shrewdness of people of his class, but instead appeared neither servile nor overbearing, which was rare.

Rowland was startled. She was actually Vivian’s apprentice… Wait a minute, he suddenly felt that the name Daisy sounded familiar, but for the moment, he couldn’t recall where he’d heard it before.

“What are you thinking about?” Daisy asked.

“Oh, I just thought the name Vivian sounded familiar.” Rowland came up with a reasonable excuse.

Daisy covered her mouth and smiled. Rowland noticed her hands were beautiful, the skin fair and smooth, the fingers almost without visible joints. The so-called “jade-like hands” must look just like this.