บท 134: To Reiterate #134
Cedric stood at the entrance of Iceburg's office, his knuckles still sore from the solid knock he had delivered on the door. The room was elegantly decorated, with shelves lined with books and various nautical artifacts adorning the walls. Iceburg, the renowned shipwright and mayor of Water 7, sat behind his desk, observing Cedric with curiosity and caution.
Iceburg motioned for Cedric to take a seat, and Cedric obliged, making himself comfortable in the chair. Iceburg cleared his throat and introduced himself. "I am Iceburg, the mayor of this fine city and the president of the Galley-la Company. And who might you be, sir?"
Cedric flashed a confident smile and returned the courtesy. "Pleasure to meet you, Iceburg. I am Cedric Strode, a pirate."
Iceburg's eyes widened in surprise, his smile turning into a wary expression. He hadn't expected Cedric to be so blunt about his pirate status. "Oh my, and not just any pirate, are you? Shouldn't someone like you be more discreet, at least hiding your face and identity?"
Cedric leaned back in his chair, his relaxed demeanor contrasting with Iceburg's caution. "Why bother hiding or sneaking around? If my old marine friends find me, then so be it. I became a pirate to be free, so I'll keep doing whatever I please..."
Iceburg raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Cedric's audacity. "I must say, your confidence is quite refreshing. But tell me, why would a pirate like yourself come to conduct business with me?"
Cedric chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Why not? Pirates, marines, or civilians, everyone has something to offer, you know? Besides, I've heard of your exceptional shipwright skills, and I need the best to assist me with a certain project."
"I don't think any shipbuilding company will find any success if they refuse to deal with pirates..." Cedric went on before Iceburg could get a word in. "Considering your success, I figured you wouldn't have a problem dealing with a wanted pirate like myself..."
"I'm more concerned with what you did to become a pirate rather than your status as one..." Iceburg replied with a sigh. Still, he leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "But a project, you say? Pray tell, what kind of project do you have in mind?"
Cedric leaned in closer, his voice lowering. "Let's just say it involves a grand ship capable of traversing the most treacherous seas and facing formidable adversaries. I seek your expertise to bring this vision to life."
Iceburg couldn't help but be intrigued by the ambitious project Cedric described. Despite his initial wariness, he saw the spark of genuine passion in Cedric's eyes. He had always respected individuals who pursued their dreams, no matter the circumstances.
"I must admit, your background does raise some concerns," Iceburg finally admitted. "But if you're willing to collaborate and bring something extraordinary into existence, then perhaps we can find a way to work together."
Cedric's smile widened, his confidence radiating. "That's what I like to hear. Now, how about a tour of the company? I'd like to know I'm getting my money's worth..." He added, putting his suitcase on Iceburg's desk.
Iceburg's eyes lingered on the suitcase filled with money that Cedric had placed on his desk. He nodded calmly, a small smile playing on his lips, as he picked up his transponder snail and dialed Khalifa's extension.
He instructed her to cancel all his appointments for the day as he had unexpected business to attend to. With that done, he turned his attention back to Cedric and stood up, gesturing for him to follow.
"Very well, Cedric. Let me show you around the Galley-la Company and give you a taste of our expertise," Iceburg said, his tone enthusiastic yet composed. He led Cedric out of his office, passing by Khalifa's desk.
Cedric couldn't resist flashing a charming smile in her direction, but Khalifa responded with a scoff and a roll of her eyes, much to his amusement.
As they walked through the bustling corridors of the company and reached the docks, Cedric couldn't help but be amazed by the sheer scale of the operation.
Shipwrights and craftsmen were hard at work, their skills evident in the intricate details of the ships they constructed. Iceburg explained the stages of creating vessels, from the initial design and blueprint to the final touches that made each a work of art.
Cedric listened attentively, his interest in shipbuilding growing with each passing moment. He asked insightful questions and shared anecdotes from his experiences at sea, earning Iceburg's respect for his knowledge and passion until there was nothing more to see.
As Iceburg and Cedric headed to the Galley-la Company's headquarters, Iceburg declared the end of the tour with a satisfied smile. He stopped in the hallway, turning to face Cedric.
"Well, Cedric, I hope the tour has given you a good sense of what we can achieve here at the Galley-la Company. What do you think?" Iceburg asked, his voice filled with anticipation.
"Impressive, Iceburg. Very impressive," Cedric replied with a nod, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes. "I've seen the Marine Corps' dedicated shipwrights working the dry docks back in HQ, but this is something else...."
Iceburg's smile widened, pleased by Cedric's words. "Thank you. Such specific praise means a lot, especially from a former marine. It's been a pleasure showing you around."
Cedric returned the smile, a sense of genuine appreciation in his voice. "The pleasure was all mine, Iceburg. But I've taken enough of your time for today. I'll definitely be back another day to discuss the finer details.."
Iceburg's eyes sparkled with excitement as he extended his hand once again. "I look forward to it. But my working hours are already over for today. I can show you around the city if you wish..."
"Well, no offense, but I'd rather have the blonde secretary show me around, if you know what I mean..." Cedric replied with a chuckle, gesturing toward Galley-la's headquarters.
"Khalifa, huh?" Icburg asked, raising an eyebrow in amusement. "Feel free to ask her if you wish, but she's a tough nut to crack..." He added, shaking his head in exasperation.
Iceburg went on. "Convincing her won't be an easy task. But I wish you the best of luck. Just don't let her sharp tongue get to you."
Cedric grinned. "A little challenge never hurt anyone." And with that, he turned away and started walking toward the building, leaving Icburg alone to chuckle in amusement.
...
Cedric approached Khalifa's desk as she gathered her belongings, ready to leave for the day. He flashed her a charming smile, his eyes brimming with confidence. Without wasting any time, he leaned against the desk. "I see your working hours are over... how about showing me around the city?"
Khalifa frowned, her expression guarded. She crossed her arms and leaned back slightly, maintaining a professional distance. Her voice was firm as she spoke, "What did I say about sexual harassment?"
Undeterred by her response, Cedric's grin only widened. He straightened himself, still leaning against the desk, and retorted, "And what did I say about the difference between flirting and sexual harassment?"
Khalifa's frown deepened, skepticism evident in her eyes. She uncrossed her arms and tilted her head slightly, studying Cedric. "You're quite narcissistic, aren't you?."
Cedric's confidence remained unshaken. He tilted his head back, a playful glint in his eyes, and asked, utilizing his biological mastery and releasing a speicific phermone he'd never used before. "You don't find me attractive, then?"
Khalifa hesitated for a second, caught off guard by Cedric's question. Her voice softened, almost subdued, as she reluctantly replied, "You're not half bad..."
Cedric's smile grew wider, satisfied with her response. "Then that's all there is to it. You find me attractive, and I find you attractive."
With a bold move, Cedric decided to take a chance. He looked into Khalifa's eyes and asked, "How about going on a date with me?"
Khalifa recovered quickly, her scowl returning as she regained her composure. She folded her arms tightly across her chest, maintaining her professional demeanor. "Good looks aren't enough. I'm not that easy.." she retorted.
Undeterred by her initial rejection, Cedric remained unfazed. He leaned in slightly, his voice filled with meaning. "That's what the date is for. To let you get to know me better."
Khalifa paused, her expression shifting as she considered the advantages of getting closer to Cedric, a wanted pirate. The possibility of gathering information or even capturing him weighed on her mind. After a moment of contemplation, she finally nodded in agreement. "Fine... I can give you a chance, at least..."
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง