章 61: Artifact Seller

Outside Whitebeard's Bar, it was already 18:35 when the two of them set off in a carriage bound for Lethorn Street. Upon arrival, Whitebeard settled the fee, and they stepped out into the night, where a gentle rain had begun to fall. Leading the way, Whitebeard guided Lucian towards house number 19. From the outside, it appeared entirely ordinary.

The structure stood tall with a steep roof, its windows meticulously sealed with wooden planks. The walls displayed signs of age, and a staircase, devoid of a handrail, led to a door. Whitebeard approached and knocked, following a rhythmic pattern: two hard knocks, a pause, followed by two light knocks, and concluding with a final hard knock. It was clearly a coded signal.

The door swung open, revealing a stout, bald-headed man with robust arms, donning a suit that seemed on the verge of surrendering to his muscular frame. He gave a nod of recognition, and Whitebeard and Lucian entered the premises.