"Ah, you've arrived."
Waving them in, Linwin gestures for the two standing at the door to come in. After making this motion, he turns his head and places a plate of freshly peeled dried fruits in front of Kai'Sa. He nods towards the balcony, indicating for her to eat slowly out there.
Kai'Sa looks at Graves and Twisted Fate with suspicion. She might have seen these two a few times, but it seems like she hasn't. There's no aura of strength around them.
Eventually, Kai'Sa obediently takes the plate and goes out to the balcony.
The afternoon sun in Piltover is strong, so Kai'Sa sets up a small umbrella on the balcony and sits in the shade, crouching to eat the nuts and fruits from the plate.
Seeing Kai'Sa's actions, Linwin wears a helpless smile. Even though there's a short stool and a lounge chair nearby, she insists on squatting in the corner to eat. Perhaps years of habit have turned it into instinct.
From his view, it makes her look like she's being sulky.
"What do you want Graves and me to do for you?"
Twisted Fate enters and asks directly. Graves chimes in, "Linwin, it's fine for us to help you in Bilgewater, I know you're not a stingy person, and there will surely be good pay. But you want us to take a group of students to Bilgewater? That's a no-go, that place is too dangerous, not to mention the occasional sea monsters attacking the harbor."
Linwin pauses after hearing their words and then says, "Didn't Benzo explain it to you?"
Twisted Fate responds, "He did, but Mr. Benzo didn't make it clear."
Linwin immediately says, "Alright, come, sit down, let's talk."
Graves and Twisted Fate sit in the chairs Linwin had prepared earlier. One puffing on his mustache, the other calmly looking at Linwin.
"I certainly won't let you take the students to Bilgewater," Linwin first addresses Twisted Fate's most worrying concern, "those people are the future of Piltover and Zaun."
Twisted Fate twitches the corner of his mouth, feeling a bit like retorting.
Linwin, you're at most five years older than the students, so the future belongs to you too!
However, it's good not to take those students. If they were taken to Bilgewater, Twisted Fate would say that in a few days, more than half of the students would be clamoring to return to Zaun.
Because life in Piltover and Zaun is too good.
There's an abundance of food, ample supplies, stable order, and people live in happiness. Even the people who are currently living a hard life in Zaun can at least have a full meal.
Eating a full meal is the greatest happiness.
As powerful as Demacia is, that wealthy country can't ensure that everyone has a full meal.
Of course, the combined population of Zaun and Piltover is not even one-fifth of Demacia, but in other words, their land area is also quite small.
Therefore, by the time they arrive in Bilgewater, that godforsaken place filled with blood and violence everywhere, the students of the two cities can't adapt.
But if it were the original Zaunites, Twisted Fate might feel it's acceptable.
He has heard the stories of Zaun, and he knows what kind of world the Zaunites lived in back then. At that time, Zaun had laws similar to Bilgewater.
Order? At that time, Zaun had no order to speak of.
The gang bosses, chem barons, and others each ruled over their own territories, and the poor and weak could only be enslaved and oppressed.
It was not much different from now.
"Those going to Bilgewater won't be students from the two cities, but enforcers."
Linwin raises his hand, and a bottle of wine and three glasses fly over from the liquor cabinet. Grabbing the bottle, Linwin pours himself a glass first, then pours one for Graves and Twisted Fate.
"I need you to negotiate with the current rulers of Bilgewater. I want to acquire a piece of land, and the twin cities need to build a Hextech Station in Bilgewater."
"Do you want to swallow Bilgewater?" Twisted Fate looks at Linwin with a strange expression. He doesn't understand. Bilgewater is a place so poor, Linwin has no reason to be interested in that place.
In other words, Bilgewater's best weapons are discarded weapons collected from around the world, weapons that others don't want and sell cheaply.
"That place has mediocre technological levels, and iron smelting, and the like exist, but it's definitely not comparable to Zaun and Piltover.
No... even putting them together is an insult to Zaun.
Linwin looks at Twisted Fate speechlessly and glances at Graves, who has already started drinking.
Linwin continues, "Bilgewater is too poor, filled with scoundrels and criminals. I certainly wouldn't be interested in such a place."
Twisted Fate nods, "So, is it really just to contact Ionia? If you're just trying to contact Ionia, there's no need for this."
"Linwin, our place isn't as poor as you say." Graves, drinking on the side, interrupts Twisted Fate's words, with a bit of foam on his mustache.
Then, Graves continues loudly, "The higher you climb, the less likely you are to be drowned. Although most people can only live at sea level, in the big maze below, those powerful captains are not poor. They control a part of the dock, and monster hunters and the weak have to supply them. You should know, that's not a small fortune."
Twisted Fate doesn't comment on this.
He is a river nomad, a Shuriman.
Although he has been to Bilgewater, Twisted Fate's understanding of that place is not as deep as Graves, who is a native. After all, Graves was born in the warehouse alleys of Bilgewater, and he certainly understands the situation there.
Every alley can take lives.
Combat can break out at any moment, that's Bilgewater.
The hometown of the outlaw Graves.
"Do you want to occupy a place? Land in Bilgewater is precious, only the most successful captains can control a section of the dock. Do you think it's that easy?" Graves sneers.
"Graves is right, Linwin. This is not something you can get with money." Twisted Fate squints at Linwin and continues, "Unless... you want me and Graves to lead Zaunites and take down a territory."
Bilgewater has no laws; it's a place where only violence can thrive. It's fertile ground for chaos.
"Your speculation is not wrong, Captain Twisted Fate." Linwin nods with a smile, "Noxian warships, two fully armed squads of enforcers, Hextech guns, and Hextech hoverboards—all are available. Don't worry; they are the most elite enforcers, a total of forty-two."
Twisted Fate's eyes light up suddenly.
"But the manpower is still too little, Linwin." Twisted Fate shakes his head again, "Having soldiers who can fight on a ship is not enough. We still need..."
Graves interrupts Twisted Fate again, casually picks up the bottle Linwin placed on the table, pours himself a glass, and after downing it, he says loudly, "Enough, Twisted Fate, it's already enough. You know, we can recruit soldiers on our own."
Graves sometimes inexplicably becomes clever.
Linwin jokes with him, "Graves, no, I should call you Captain now?"
"I like that title, Linwin." Graves grins. He never thought he would become a captain one day. Before this, Graves had been a thief, a ruffian, a bandit, and a gangster, but as a Bilgewater native, it would be a lie to say that he didn't have dreams of becoming a captain! So, at this moment, Graves is excited. Grinning, he says, "So, our job, me and Twisted Fate, is to establish a dock for Zaun in Bilgewater?"
"That depends on your decision, Graves. In any case, my requirement is to establish a Hextech station in Bilgewater. Otherwise, even if a Hextech station is built in Ionia later, without a transit station like Bilgewater, the two continents won't be able to connect, at least not with the current Hextech."
"I understand."
Looking at Graves' eager expression, Twisted Fate is somewhat conflicted.
Captain, huh.
That means we'll have to visit the docks. With the temperament of those people and Graves' character, a brawl is inevitable.
Linwin, however, cheerfully says, "But take it easy; don't go messing with Gangplank. If you and the enforcers really get into trouble, I won't be able to rush to Bilgewater to save you in the first place."
Twisted Fate is puzzled, "If it's just for this matter, Linwin, if you're willing, you could go yourself."
"Are you kidding?" Linwin interrupts Twisted Fate. In a conversation that has been interrupted several times, Twisted Fate shows an annoyed expression.
"These are just minor fights, what do I need to do there?"
Linwin waves his hand, saying with a teasing tone, "The Hextech station in Bilgewater is indeed important, but not important enough for me to make a special trip."
Graves and Twisted Fate nod simultaneously, showing no objections to Linwin's words.
Linwin isn't exaggerating.
After all, could there be a presence more powerful than Linwin in Bilgewater?
For Graves and Twisted Fate, the answer is undoubtedly no.
However, for Linwin, who knows the story well, knows that there might be one or two individuals. Although Gangplank is the king of Bilgewater, ruthless and domineering, the truly powerful existence is on the Serpent Isles, specifically the Buhru people on Serpent's Coil.
If it's not clear yet, that would be Illaoi.
She is a Buhru.
Also, the reason why Bilgewater can hold its ground against the Shadow Isles is because of the Buhru people.
The Harrowing is not something Bilgewater can stop.
Furthermore, the strength of the Four Great Legends of Bilgewater is not to be underestimated.
At least, Tahm Kench and Nautilus won't be weak.
But, after all, they are legends. If they appear too often, can they still be called legends?
"So, when should Twisted Fate and I set sail?"
Graves is already excited.
He loves excitement, and leading a group of Zaun's enforcers back to his hometown to claim territory is undoubtedly more thrilling than anything else.
"No rush, Captain." Linwin says with a smile, "But it's best to set sail before mid-April."
"I hope that by May of this year, I can send a group of students to Bilgewater to build the Hextech station."
"By the end of this year, excluding the western regions of Icathia, Freljord, and Shurima, I hope that anywhere in the world, people can use the Hextech phone."
Linwin says this with utmost seriousness.
"Then fucking do it!"
Graves clenches his fist and exclaims, "You better prepare the manpower, get the ship and the money ready. Twisted Fate and I can set sail in three days."
Linwin applauds, saying, "Alright! That's quite a spirit, Captain!"
Graves laughs heartily, "Hahaha!"
Twisted Fate, on the other hand, covers his face with both hands in pain.
"Three days... Like hell can they be ready in three days.... That idiot.."
But.
As Twisted Fate lowers his hands, a hint of excitement flashes in his eyes.
Back then, he and Graves were driven out of Bilgewater by a group of people.
And now.
He and Graves are going back.
At this moment, Twisted Fate suddenly hopes that certain people from the past are still alive.
Alive until the day he and Graves step onto the dock.
In the evening, inside Zaun's White Dove Tavern:
"People are all arranged. Apart from the enforcers you want them to take away, the undercover agents have also been dispatched. They should reach Bilgewater in a maximum of five days."
Benzo is wiping a clean glass with a cloth at the bar, speaking to the man sitting in front of the bar.
"Even though our spies aren't as skilled as Piltover's, but I think they should be sufficient for Bilgewater."
Linwin looks up and smiles at Benzo, "Thanks, Benzo."
Benzo rolls his eyes and retorts, "You little brat, are you being polite to me?"
Linwin blinks, "Well..."
Got scolded.
Oh well, that's just Benzo's personality.
In this moment, Linwin recalls the incident when Benzo openly scolded Silco in the tavern.
To this, Linwin can only shake his head with a wry smile, silently lifting his glass. Linwin takes a small sip of the drink.
He wasn't much of a drinker before, but now, with Zaun producing fine brews, Linwin has grown fond of it.
"But Linwin, I'm curious about one thing. Why are you so optimistic about those two guys?" Benzo turns around, hands on the bar, and asks Linwin with a serious tone, "In my eyes, they aren't anything outstanding. That guy named Graves, he's a bit like me, and I know what kind of person I am."
"Can't handle big tasks, unwilling to deal with small ones," Benzo straightforwardly says.
This is also why Benzo hasn't become part of the Zaun leadership.
He knows very well what kind of person he is.
He can't become like Vander.
Even less like Silco.
He is just him, someone without great ambitions, unable to do big things but unwilling to do small things.
A person with lofty aspirations.
"That guy named Twisted Fate is not bad, very capable. And when I say capable, I don't mean his ability to use magic," Benzo says with his arms crossed.
His opinion of Twisted Fate is relatively good.
"Graves is also quite capable." Linwin looks up at Benzo, "He may look careless and reckless, but in reality, Benzo, he's quite cunning."
"And Graves has a strong mentality."
In the background story, Graves endured years of imprisonment without despairing; instead, he became stronger.
It's worth noting that the method used was one the nobles used to torture prisoners. A weak person would break down in a matter of days, let alone enduring such exaggeration for years.
But Graves? Not only did he not break down, but he also carved out a path to freedom with his bare hands, stole a new shotgun, and set out on the road to hunt down Twisted Fate.
This resilience is also the main reason why Graves became a champion.
Being able to endure what ordinary people cannot endure is what makes a champion.
"Do you really believe in them so much?" Benzo asks.
Linwin nods and smiles, "Of course, Benzo, Graves will bring us surprises."
"Well, if you say so, I'll look forward to him bringing us good news." Benzo stops talking.
Benzo quiets down, and Linwin enjoys the fine wine.
But looking at the time, Linwin is ready to have one more drink and then head home.
It's almost dinner time. If he doesn't go back, Kai'Sa will wait for him indefinitely unless Linwin says he won't be home today. Otherwise, with Kai'Sa's personality, she'll go hungry too.
"Ding."
The wind chimes sway, and the tavern's door is pushed open. Subsequently, two young men walk into the White Dove Tavern.
Taking off their hats, one of the young men in a merchant's attire walks towards Benzo with a smile and says, "Mr. Benzo, the merchant ship has arrived at the port. What do you want this time?"
Benzo immediately replies, "I'll make a list for you later."
"Alright, then I'll have a drink first."
"Order whatever you want; it's on me." Benzo generously says.
Placing two cups on the bar, Benzo then asks, "But Thal, you've only been back for a short time, and you're going out again so soon?"
Linwin, drinking on the side, quietly listens to the conversation between Benzo and the young man.
"Not short at all, Mr. Benzo. I've been back for seven days already. For us merchants, time is money, and I've lost a lot of money already." Thal says with a cheerful smile.
"Did you encounter anything interesting on this trip? By the way, the Noxians didn't trouble you, did they?"
Thal immediately responds, "Encountered some small troubles. They suddenly raised the taxes and accused us of smuggling. But with the help of Lord Silco, we managed to leave Noxus successfully."
"Those heartless bastards!" Benzo curses angrily after hearing this.
Thal is speaking lightly now, but Benzo knows that the situation must have been very dangerous at that time.
"Speaking of interesting things."
Thal's eyebrows relax as he laughs, "When we had already left Noxus's port, Noxus sent warships after us. We didn't know what was happening, and they suddenly threw a person into the sea."
Benzo scoffs upon hearing this, "That's something Noxians would do."
Benzo casually asks, "So, that person died?"
"No, we pulled her out of the water." Thal doesn't know how to describe this incident.
Linwin, drinking on the side, laughs and shakes his head.
The person pulled out of the water must be a terrified soldier.
Noxians uphold strength, and cowardice is considered shameful; throwing someone into the sea to be shark food is something Noxus has indeed done a lot.
"Oh, so you brought that person to Zaun? Brought someone from Noxus to Zaun?" Benzo's tone suddenly turns a bit cold.
"Wait, Mr. Benzo, let me explain."
Sensing the unfriendly tone from Benzo, Thal quickly explains, "She's not from Noxus; she's from Shurima."
"She said she comes from a small tribe in Shurima and went to Noxus just to work and earn money."
"I see." Benzo's tone relaxes.
If he's from Shurima, that's fine.
And even if he was from Noxus, being abandoned like this would probably be disheartening for anyone from Noxus, right?
"So, where is the kid you rescued now? Do you plan to have him work with you?" Benzo asks.
Thal pauses for a moment, then answers, "She's a girl."
////Some of y'all might be confused so I'll explain, Thal saying "she" and Benzo didn't notice it and think it's a dude is not my error. In Chinese both "she" and "he" sounds like "Ta", so unless one specifically say it's a girl or see it in words, you won't know if the other people is saying "he" or "she" in Chinese.////
Benzo chuckles, "A woman? Noxians threw a woman into the sea? Why?"
Thal immediately explains, "Because she refused to use magic to harm my merchant ship, so the leading officer threw her into the sea."
Listening to this, Linwin, who has been silent, suddenly freezes.
Thrown off the ship. A girl. From Shurima. Can use magic?!!
What the heck?!!
Linwin immediately turns around, staring wide-eyed at Thal, ready to ask.
But Thal has already spoken.
"Currently, I've introduced her to work at a textile shop. She's very skilled at weaving."
"Name... uh, what was her name again?" Thal looks at his companion.
The companion rolls their eyes dramatically and replies, "Taliyah."
"Pfft!!!"
A sip of drink sprays out, and Linwin wipes the corners of his mouth, standing up.
Benzo looks at Linwin's sudden excitement, puzzled, and asks, "What are you doing?"
"Taliyah? What Taliyah?" Linwin looks at Thal, questioning, "The Taliyah you're talking about, does she have brown hair and little freckles on her face?"
"Huh? Who are you?"
Seeing Linwin's state, Benzo knows that this is important, so he reaches out, slaps the bar, and sternly says, "Answer his question, Thal. I don't want to say it again."
Thal looks at this young man, who seems to be the same age as him, seemingly familiar but unable to truly recognize him.
Can only quickly say, "Yes, just as you said."
"Where does she live now?"
"Sir, do you happen to know her?" Thal asks with a furrowed brow.
Taliyah is a lovely and kind girl. The reason she was abandoned by the Noxians and thrown into the sea, as Thal said, is because she is too kind-hearted and couldn't bring herself to harm Thal's merchant ship.
Thal certainly couldn't do something to hurt Taliyah.
Witnessing this scene, Benzo immediately steps out from behind the bar, walks to Thal with a stern face, and says with a menacing tone, "Thal! He's Linwin!"
"Lin-Linwin? Councilor Linwin?"
"Quick, tell me, where is Taliyah?" Linwin asks nervously.
He had searched for Taliyah for a long time in Shurima and thought she might have joined Yasuo in Ionia.
But to find her in Noxus? No, no, to find her in Zaun?
This is in his territory!
Knowing that the young man in front of him is Linwin, Thal doesn't hesitate anymore and immediately answers, "Sir Linwin, Taliyah lives in the Dodo Inn on Zaun Avenue."
"Woosh!"
The sound of breaking air echoes, and the next moment, Linwin disappears from the tavern.
Leaving Benzo puzzled, "What's gotten into this kid?"
------------
On the other side, Linwin is swiftly flying towards Zaun Avenue.
The Little Rock Sparrow Taliyah...
This brave and kind little sparrow from Shurima.
Now, she will belong to Zaun!
------------
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