The Legend of the Fishermen of Sicily

The three rascals not only cooperated well, but were also brave and resourceful, and none of them were blindly confident.

This forging process used too many 'advanced techniques' that Leo and Aurelio were unfamiliar with; attempting it directly would likely result in failure.

So what the villagers saw when they came to visit was just their 'practice'—

The difficulties in the entire harpoon forging process were broken down into small tests, which were then tackled and resolved one by one. Finally, the methodology was applied to create the much-anticipated "divine weapon"!

You know what, after two days, I actually learned a lot of lessons and experiences.

For example, they abandoned the more complex and difficult-to-master techniques such as the "Da Ma" method and chose a method with a higher success rate.

For example, instead of completely replicating the "Trident," everything was designed based on Leo's usage habits and ergonomic logic, while retaining the "god-like" qualities.

For example, it was discovered that Bianchi couldn't do very delicate work. He had no problem forging the blanks with brute force, but as soon as he started drawing the shape, he became anxious as if he was about to mutate.

Leorio got old, and Leo became the new laborer to take his place.

Although it wasted two days of practice.

But the Aurelio family has no shortage of 'materials', and the incredibly strong Bianchi can quickly forge new steel billets, making a profit every time, and there is always enough time... So the team's morale is very high, and their confidence is even greatly boosted!

The furnace had been running for two days straight, making the workshop unbearably hot and stuffy. The new foreman, Leo, was doing blacksmithing training inside, while Aurelio and Bianchi came out to the courtyard for some fresh air.

Even though no one will be visiting, Aurelio's "mouth" keeps chattering non-stop.

"Bianchi, did you notice the way those people looked at me? When I was explaining the process, their eyes were practically overflowing with admiration!" Leorio said cheerfully.

Because of his peculiar hobby of collecting old nautical items, the villagers would often tease Aurelio when they saw him.

No one wanted to visit his house, as they considered it a garbage dump.

These past two days, my house has been bustling with guests. Occasionally, a few people, after listening to him ramble on about how profound his craftsmanship was, have started calling him a forging master.

Who wouldn't be happy about that?

Bianchi and Aurelio are good friends, and he jokingly said:

"I think you're not a forging master, but a 'speech master.' Whenever someone comes, you start talking non-stop like you're on steroids, showing off what you heard from Leo. Even a child isn't as childish as you."

Aurelio retorted, unconvinced:

"That's because you didn't hear what they said about me behind my back before. It's not easy for me to finally get my revenge, can't I even say a few words?"

Bianchi asked, puzzled:

"Now that you know what people are saying about you behind your back, can't you at least tone it down a little?"

He pointed around:

"You've brought back too much stuff, don't blame others for not understanding..."

Aurelio becomes exceptionally sensitive when nautical artifacts are mentioned, and his voice rises several decibels:

"This is my hobby!"

Bianchi pointed in the direction of the house:

"What's the point of collecting that huge piece of broken ship plank you hung on the living room wall? It's as broken as it gets."

Aurelio waved his hand impatiently:

"You young people wouldn't understand even if I explained. Alright, alright, stop talking about me. Let's talk about you. I'm interested in forging and it's not easy for me to finally get my chance to shine, so I'm working extra hard. Why are you working so hard too?"

Bianchi took a sip of juice:

"My mom wanted me to get to know Riodo, and I was having a headache about what to talk about when I approached him. But now it's good; I have something to do, so it's not too awkward."

"Madame Rosa asked you to contact Riodo?" Aurelio was somewhat surprised.

Mrs. Rosa was a devout believer who spent most of her time in church and rarely concerned herself with worldly affairs.

How did she meet Leo?

Bianchi was unwilling to discuss this topic further:

"There's a reason why Mom said that."

Aurelio didn't delve into it further, but simply asked with concern:

"So, do you feel you've gained anything these past few days?"

Bianchi shrugged:

"No, but blacksmithing is quite stress-relieving; it lets you vent all the anger inside."

"Did Sandro say something about you again?" Aurelio asked.

Bianchi clenched his fists angrily:

"No, I haven't seen my father these past few days. It's Enzo! He said he'll take Angie with him next time he goes to Syracuse, not me!"

Aurelio asked him:

Why didn't I take you with me?

Angie is highly regarded in Marzamemi.

"I'll take Anji but not you" is a phrase that villagers often use.

It's not that I actually want to take Angie, but rather that I'm saying you've made a huge mistake. Even if I take Angie, I won't take you. Just give up on that idea.

Aurelius wondered what terrible mistake Bianchi had made in Syracuse... that it had angered Enzo so much.

Bianchi muttered defiantly:

Enzo said I kept mentioning "mother," which dampened his spirits.

"What's wrong with Enzo?" Leo came out to rest, covered in sweat.

Bianchi turned around and explained to him:

"Enzo is going to the Syracuse Port Authority next week to pick up the application results. I accompanied him to submit the documents this week, but he wants to bring Angie with him when he picks it up."

Leo quickened his pace and came to the opposite side of them:

What was Enzo doing at the port authority?

Bianchi, not wanting to share his less-than-pleasant experiences with big-city nightlife, answered Leo's question accordingly:

"Enzo went to apply for a commercial fishing vessel license."

Leo immediately became interested:

"Tell me quickly, what qualifications are needed to apply for this certificate?"

Aurelio comforted Leo:

"Don't believe the rumors outside. Most people haven't applied. Enzo is just a minority. I don't believe that they really won't let me out without a certificate."

Leo advised him:

"Industry standardization is an inevitable trend of social development. This time it's fake, but it will become real sooner or later. Don't take it lightly, go and get one."

Bianchi flashed a set of pearly white teeth:

"You and my brother Angie said the same thing—industry standardization is an inevitable trend of social development. It's rare to find someone who shares this view. I'll introduce you two another day."

Leo gave an awkward smile.

I met your brother this morning...

Leo hasn't been selling fish these past few days; he's entrusted Rosalia with selling Angie's seafood on his behalf.

Rosalia wasn't curious at all about where the crabs and shells came from; everything that didn't concern her was categorized as "troublesome."

So their secret relationship is still going on.

"Okay, let's get to know each other sometime." Leo continued the previous topic, "Tell me about commercial fishing vessel licenses."

Bianchi went to the port authority with Enzo, and since he often listened to his brothers chat at home, he could actually come up with some information:

"Depending on the type of operation and the sea area, one certificate can only correspond to one vessel. However, you can't just apply for whatever you want. There are very strict requirements for the vessel and other hardware."

Currently, there are five types of fishing operations that can be applied for: trawl permit; drift gillnet permit; longline fishing permit; fixed net, trap net, and fish cage permit; and—"

Bianchi looked at Leo:

"Diving harvesting permit... If the government really wants to regulate commercial fishing in the future, you'll have to get a permit too."

Aurelius stared wide-eyed, his face filled with disbelief:

"A permit for diving? Who would apply for a permit for diving? The port authority is really something else."

Leo didn't show any surprise and asked Bianchi:

What documents are required to apply for this certificate?

Bianchi shook his head:

"I don't know, neither my family nor Enzo applied for this type."

Leo nodded silently, then asked Bianchi for the address of the Syracuse Port Authority.

I realized that this matter needed to be put on the agenda.