Manager, give me a membership card too!

Chapter 459 The Unsinkable Giant Ship

Chapter 459 The Unsinkable Giant Ship

Arthur ultimately chose to remain true to his mission and fulfill his duties as the Grand Master of the Royal Order of Knights. After borrowing a tool from Rorschach that could see through illusions, he led his men and drove to London under the cover of night.

After the worried Witcher left, Rorschach's life became peaceful. The Mad Moon had been set ablaze, and the remaining body parts on Earth, along with the entire Delapur Manor and thousands of square kilometers of land, had been burned to the ground by Rorschach, leaving not a trace.

Also burned to death were the poor souls on Earth who, having witnessed the true form of the Mad Moon, had been corrupted and transformed into mutated beings. These victims were so distorted, both in soul and body, that they were beyond saving; death was the most merciful course of action.

As for the refugees who were displaced because their homes were purified by the flames, Rorschach has sent people to gather them up and resettle them. Subsequent support and compensation will be negotiated and arranged together after the UK reacts, striving to ensure that everyone suffers zero losses.

Having dealt with Mad Moon and Viscount Delapour, Rorschach had no more missions in England. After asking the now serene and peaceful old Delapour, who had finally let go of his obsessions, to show them around all the famous historical sites in England and sample a few palatable, not-so-bad, British dishes, Rorschach prepared to return to Arkham.

Compared to Britain, which seemed shrouded in mist due to its light and heavy industries, he definitely preferred his small clinic in his rural town. As for the subsequent refugee resettlement tasks, the shopkeeper delegated (passed the buck) to the young woman in the cheongsam, Ida Wong, ostensibly to train her administrative skills. If she could successfully handle this post-disaster reconstruction without any major chaos, she would be able to shoulder real responsibilities in the future.

........

Southampton, the closest major port to Cardiff, the capital of the Principality of Wales, has been doing very well lately.

Even though the British Royal Family has issued a statement declaring the mysterious disappearance of land off the coast of the Principality of Wales an unusual, rare, and special natural phenomenon, and has assured the public, with royal honor, that no similar incidents will ever happen again, their own safety is the top priority for the public.

The truly wealthy had already left Britain by plane, and those who could get ship tickets were gathering at various seaports with their families, preparing to leave Britain by ship, to hide abroad for a while, and to return once things had settled down.

Rorschach arrived at Southampton harbor under these circumstances.

After waving goodbye to Ada, who was driving the car, the store manager turned to look at the bustling crowd behind him.

Countless men and women who were once impeccably dressed were now crowded together, and the noise, cursing, and arguing were deafening. There were even a few clashes in the crowd, seemingly over the price of the tickets, with passengers fighting with the staff responsible for selling tickets.

"When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. The hearts of the people in the British Empire have fallen, and its glorious days will not last long."

Observing the myriad aspects of life unfolding in the distance, Rorschach's face remained expressionless. Compared to the United States, a nation established just over a century ago, Britain, this ancient empire, was ultimately aging. Its people had enjoyed the benefits and comforts of the empire's prosperity for far too long, and had suffered a devastating blow in the First World War; their mentality had already subtly shifted.

But in the end, it has nothing to do with me, since I'm just a stranger passing through.

With a soft chuckle, Rorschach took the hand of Sakura, who was standing beside him, and together with Nyaruko, who was holding Abigail's hand, they walked towards another entrance to Southampton Harbor. As guests who had booked their tickets in advance, Rorschach and his companions didn't need to queue; they could simply sit in the waiting room and wait quietly for departure.

As one of the busiest ports in the UK, Southampton Port boasts comprehensive shipping facilities and a complete logistics system. Here, you can enjoy international cuisine, street performances, theater, and cabaret shows. A large number of people make a living from this, earning a living for themselves and their families.

Clap his hands, signaling Nyarlathotep to take the two little ones to see the clown show. Rorschach then got up from the table, left the crowd, and walked towards a quiet corner of the waiting room. There, standing, was someone Rorschach recognized very well.

With an Asian face, a slightly youthful appearance, impeccable clothing, and a stern gaze tinged with a hint of cold killing intent, he was none other than Walter C. Denis, Arthur's young butler, a killing machine skilled in both physical combat and the manipulation of silk threads.

After quickly scanning Walter's surroundings, Rorschach asked with a hint of surprise, "Your master isn't here?"

"A strange plague has broken out in London these past few days. Those infected turn into ghouls that feed on human flesh and blood, and it has already killed hundreds of people. The head of the family originally intended to see you off in person, but received orders from the royal family before his departure, and had no choice but to send me as his representative. I hope Mr. Rorschach can forgive the Hessing family's rudeness."

The young servant lowered his head slightly, calmly stated his purpose, and respectfully presented the shopkeeper with a beautifully decorated letter sealed with wax.

Rorschach took the letter, opened it, and began to read. It mainly contained Arthur's regret that he couldn't personally see Rorschach off this time, and his hope that Rorschach wouldn't mind, and so on. Rorschach chuckled and shook his head, then folded the envelope and put it in his pocket.

"Your name is Walter, right?" Rorschach asked, looking at the calm-looking Asian boy in front of him.

“Yes, Mr. Rorschach. You may call me Walter.” The young deacon bowed slightly, waiting for Rorschach to continue.

"I've read Arthur's letter. Please thank him for his kindness and generosity, and tell him I don't mind his absence; after all, lives are at stake, and national affairs are more important. Besides..."

As Rorschach spoke, he took out a brooch with the Umbrella Corporation logo from his pocket, patted Walter on the shoulder, and held it up in front of him.

“This is my mark. With it, you can get shelter and help at any Umbrella facility. Tell Arthur I look forward to our next meeting.”

Looking at the brooch in front of him, which shimmered with a special texture, Walter remained silent for a few seconds before reaching out to take it.

“I understand. I will relay our conversation to the head of the family. The Haising family will remember our friendship.”

Silently, Walter left the waiting room with the token given to him by Rorschach. With that brooch, Arthur would receive support from Ada's Umbrella organization when facing difficulties he couldn't handle, a favor he considered extremely valuable. After all, some things can only be dealt with by equally special people.

After bidding farewell to his friend 'Cloud,' whom he had met in England, Rorschach was greeted by another friend, the weary old man, Delapour. Having resolved the troubles left by his ancestors, the old gentleman not only guided Rorschach on a tour of England but also took the opportunity to visit friends he had made during his time living there.

Old Delapple, heartbroken by the death of his son, sold off his possessions and left England, leaving many loose ends. Now, returning to his old haunts, his feelings are quite different. Naturally, he wants to make up for the missing formalities and inform his former friends and family of his current situation.

A few days ago, old Delapour, wanting to visit one last close friend, did not travel with Rorschach, but instead planned to board the ship together at a specific time. However, to the shopkeeper's surprise, old Delapour not only came alone, but was also accompanied by a young man who looked somewhat immature.

"And who is this?" Rorschach approached Old Deraper and looked curiously at the young man with short, dark brown hair standing next to him.

"Hehe, let me introduce you." Old Derapole seemed to be in a good mood. He first greeted Rorschach, then pulled over the bright-eyed, composed young man beside him and introduced him to Rorschach:

“This is the only son of a deceased friend of mine. You can call him Joseph, Joseph Joestar. Don’t let his appearance fool you; he just celebrated his ninth birthday three days ago.”

“Come, Joseph, this is Mr. Rorschach, my close friend. You can call him ‘Luoxia’.”

What?! This guy's nine years old?!

At this moment, Rorschach no longer cared about what old Delapour was saying. Instead, he stared in shock at the 9-year-old child in front of him, who was about 1.7 meters tall, with a resolute face, a strong physique, and looked more like an adult than an adult.

Old Derapole, where did you find this Astartes youthful version of a friar? He looks like this at nine years old, what will he be like when he grows up?

Compared to the shocked shopkeeper, the burly man—no, the boy—that old Delapour called Joseph Joestar was remarkably calm. From a very young age, he possessed a physique far beyond his years, and he was used to seeing the same surprised looks Rorschach was giving him.

The boy, with a strong physique like an adult, first bowed respectfully to Rorschach, then spoke in fluent London English: "Hello, Mr. Rorschach. I am Joseph Joestar. You may call me Jojo."

Looking at the suit taut by the boy's muscular physique, Rorschach really wanted to say to Jojo's father, "Why are your son's pectoral muscles so exaggerated?" The size and build were almost on par with his own. Was he really nine years old? Old Derapole, are you trying to fool me with a bodybuilding champion?

Forcibly suppressing the chaotic thoughts in his mind, Luo Xia revealed a kind smile, reached out and patted the 'child's' arm, which was as strong as a flagpole, and said with a hint of admiration:

"Good, very good. This child is clearly destined for great things. With this name, he might become an excellent adventurer, and perhaps even take down a few vampires along the way. Hahahaha~"

Joseph Joestar, slightly bewildered as Rorschach patted his shoulder like a drumbeat, stared at the burly man before him. What adventurer? What vampire? Are all of Mr. Delapour's friends these kinds of oddballs?

Despite a thousand questions swirling in his mind, the boy's good upbringing kept him quietly standing still, listening to the conversation between the two adults. Meanwhile, in a subsequent conversation with old Derapole, Rorschach learned why this boy with a name so eerily reminiscent of JoJo was following his old friend.

It turns out that when De La Puy was young, he met George Joestar II, the then head of the Joestar family, through business dealings. The two families had frequent exchanges, and he became close friends with this young man who was almost twenty years younger than him.

Later, when World War I broke out, King Joestar II, a British nobleman and lord, was drafted into the Royal Air Force. Coincidentally, he was assigned to the same company as the son of old Delapour and fought together. The two families then formed a life-or-death bond.

Sadly, Joestar II disappeared mysteriously after the war (1921), and his wife also died of illness, leaving behind an infant son who was raised by the only remaining elder in the family.

Old Delapour, a close family friend, frequently visited the elder before his son died from his injuries, offering whatever help he could. The relationship between the two families not only didn't grow distant, but actually became even closer.

Therefore, before leaving England again, Old Delapour made a special trip to London to visit his friend's family. Upon learning that Old Delapour was about to leave England for America, the elder who had been managing the Joestar family business and raising young Jojo made a request of him.

"Ms. Elina was preparing to send Jojo to America soon, but my appearance made her move her plans forward by a few days. Originally, it was supposed to be someone sent by the Joestar family's friends in America to pick up the child, but since it happened to be on the way, I took on the task of escorting Jojo. Because things happened so suddenly, I'm sorry I couldn't discuss it with you. I hope Rorschach can forgive my unauthorized decision."

Looking at the old man with a hint of apology in his eyes, Luo Xia waved his hand dismissively and smiled, "Given our friendship, there's no need for such formalities. It's just bringing one more person, no big deal. Besides, Jojo seems like a sensible and obedient child; she won't cause us any trouble."

Hearing that Rorschach wasn't angry about his actions, old Delapour smiled with relief. According to his upbringing, making decisions without informing a friend beforehand was extremely impolite. If his friend's mother hadn't been so worried about her grandson's safety in England and hadn't asked for his help for the first time, old Delapour would never have done such a thing.

Fortunately, Rorschach doesn't seem to mind at all, and even seems to appreciate (Rorschach: This is nine years old?!) Jojo's appearance makes old Delapour feel much better.

After finishing their business, the two relaxed and chatted idly. Joseph Joestar remained quietly by his side, showing no sign of impatience. Rorschach, who had been observing him occasionally due to a sense of déjà vu, nodded in satisfaction, thinking to himself that this was a rare well-behaved boy who could be taken care of appropriately.

Of course, if this brat dares to approach his precious daughter or Abigail within a meter without permission, Rorschach will not hesitate to slap him aside. For a doting father, this is the only thing he won't compromise on.

Anyone who dares to approach my tender little bok choy, get out of here!!!

Finally, when the clock in the waiting room struck four in the afternoon, Nyaruko, having finished watching the clown show, returned to Rorschach's side with her two little ones and a large bag of snacks and trinkets. At that moment, a pleasant female voice rang out from the loudspeakers of Southampton Harbor.

"Dear passengers, the cruise ship bound for New York will depart in one hour. Ladies and gentlemen, please prepare your tickets and proceed to Pier 3 for boarding preparations."

"Ladies and gentlemen, this journey will be fully managed by the British White Star Line. You will be boarding the legendary, unsinkable giant ship, the legendary 'Iceberg Conqueror'..."

"RMS Titanic!"

PI Time: *I, a Sorcerer, Don't Talk About Feelings!* Synopsis: Gojo Satoru: "My foolish little brother~ Why isn't your name on this year's list of new students for the Sorcerer's College?" Gojo Kaoru: "Stealing a young person's youth is an unforgivable act! My youth was spent becoming a harem king in high school!" Gojo Satoru: "Playing with feelings is also unforgivable!" Gojo Kaoru: "Don't worry, I only talk about deals, not feelings."

Chapter 460 Titanic

Chapter 460 Titanic

The legendary Titanic, the famous 'Iceberg Conqueror'.

Legend has it that during the maiden voyage of this Olympic-class giant ship with a displacement of 46000 tons, due to some operational errors, the Titanic struck an iceberg, tearing a nearly catastrophic gash in its hull.

Whether by divine intervention or the superior quality of the White Star Line shipyard, the Titanic, despite flooding in many compartments, did not sink but instead floated resiliently on the surface. Later, under the command of Captain Edward John Smith, an experienced officer with the Royal Navy, the partially damaged Titanic underwent emergency repairs and maintenance while slowly making its way towards its destination.

Throughout the voyage, the battered yet remarkably resilient Titanic showed no signs of sinking, maintaining its course with a slight tilt. After several other ships arrived and evacuated the passengers and non-essential crew members, the Titanic, while jettisoning some low-value cargo (relative to its massive size) to reduce ballast, began to slowly accelerate, ultimately reaching its destination before the watertight compartments collapsed, completing a truly legendary voyage.

It didn't sink even after hitting an iceberg; instead, it successfully reached its destination. The White Star Line's initial claim of the Titanic as an "unsinkable giant ship" was confirmed, and it was even given the title of "iceberg conqueror," implying that even an iceberg could not defeat the Titanic.

The Titanic became famous after completing such a legendary voyage. After the ship was repaired and announced to sail again, many people flocked to see it, and tickets were in high demand. Everyone wanted to cross the vast Atlantic Ocean on an indestructible giant ship, after all, no ship could make people feel safer than the Titanic, which had conquered icebergs.

Besides bringing numerous investments and orders to its parent company, White Star Line, the Titanic's legendary story also earned its skilled, steady captain a substantial reward, who then became the Titanic's full-time captain for seventeen years.

Legendary Captain Edward John Smith and the legendary Titanic became an inseparable pair, helping each other conquer the Atlantic Ocean, a relationship that continues to this day in 1929.

If possible, Captain Smith would like to continue serving the Titanic. But unfortunately, unlike the Titanic, which is made entirely of steel and can be repaired as if it were new even when severely damaged, Captain Smith, being human, was old.

Now 79 years old, Captain Smith has recently felt increasingly weak and lacking in energy. He had planned to retire and enjoy life 17 years ago, but his special experience with the Titanic led him to choose to continue as captain, developing a deep bond and affection for the giant ship over the long years that followed.

But he was getting old, and continuing to serve as captain would not only pose a risk of shipwreck but also be detrimental to the Titanic's future. After locking himself in the captain's cabin for three whole days, the old captain finally made up his mind to take one last voyage before retiring to enjoy his old age.

Today marks the farewell voyage of Captain Smith and the Titanic. However, on this somewhat somber day, some people seem to be deliberately disturbing Captain Smith, who is bidding his final farewell to the Titanic.

'Tap tap tap, tap tap tap.'

In the luxurious captain's cabin of the Titanic, an elderly man with a full head of silver hair, dressed in a naval uniform, closed the hardcover book in his hands with a slight frown and looked at the door behind him where a regular knocking sound was coming from.

As a veteran captain with decades of experience, superb skills, and legendary background, Smith naturally enjoys certain privileges. For example, when he decides to stay alone in the captain's cabin, no one is allowed to disturb him unless it is something truly important, not even high-ranking executives from Platinum Corporation.

But now, someone was causing trouble as he bid farewell to the Titanic. Even the usually composed Smith couldn't help but feel a slight displeasure. However, this displeasure was quickly suppressed by the old captain's professional ethics. He gently placed the book in his hand on the Titanic's control panel, lightly stroked the solid wood command console, murmured an apology, and turned to walk towards the door.

After Smith left, the captain's cabin fell into silence. But soon, a gentle breeze suddenly swept through the cabin. The wind seemed to have a mind of its own, constantly blowing the book that Smith had placed on the control panel, causing the book, which had been closed, to turn its pages rapidly until it reached the page that the old captain had seen earlier. Only then did the wind seem satisfied and slowly dissipate.

Smith, who had left the captain's cabin, was unaware of what had happened after he left. At this moment, he was silently and seriously looking at the short, thin man with an oily face in front of him, his brows tightly furrowed.

"You're saying the company ordered me to go to Cherbourg to board another group of passengers and cargo?"

Faced with the old captain's imposing gaze, the thin man, a White Star Line agent (to keep watch and prevent crew smuggling), averted his eyes as if avoiding Smith's gaze, and replied somewhat guiltily:

"Yes, Captain. The company has an urgent shipment that needs to be transported to the United States, and the only other cruise ship nearby is the Titanic, which is going the same way, so..."

Faced with the envoy's evasive gaze, Smith frowned even more deeply. A peculiar intuition arose in his heart, and he subconsciously asked, "What are those goods?"

"This is a company secret, Captain..."

"This is my ship, my Titanic! As the captain, I have the right and the responsibility to know everything that's on board. This is not only a responsibility to the company, but also to the passengers. According to the original itinerary, the Titanic wasn't supposed to reach Cherbourg. Now the journey has suddenly changed, and I need a reason."

The envoy's stammering attitude made Captain Smith even more suspicious. He interrupted the man, demanding an answer in a firm tone. As a legendary captain with a complex network of connections and prestige, he was qualified to say such things. Even the high-ranking officials of the White Star Line had to treat him with utmost respect.

"This, this is a company secret." Faced with Smith, who was as imposing as an old lion, the skinny man was completely at a disadvantage and could only repeat one sentence in a trembling voice, unable to say anything else.

Seeing how incompetent this so-called special envoy was, the old captain glanced at him indifferently and then ignored him, walking towards the cruise ship's telegraph room. He wanted to see what those money-grubbing capitalists were really thinking.

An hour later, Captain Smith left the Titanic's telegraph room with a grim expression and headed back to his cabin.

Originally, the soon-to-retire captain had no intention of paying attention to the White Star Line's so-called 'temporary changes to the plan.' With ample wealth, no worries about food or clothing, and advanced age, old Smith wasn't afraid of those 'youngsters' decades younger than him. If it weren't for his deep attachment to the Titanic, he would have resigned and gone home 17 years ago.

However, the White Star Line, having thoroughly studied Smith's character, offered a condition that the old captain could not refuse—they promised that Smith could take the Titanic's rudder with him after his retirement as his tombstone and that Smith's photograph would be permanently hung in the captain's cabin.

In addition, when the Titanic reaches the end of its service life, it will not be scrapped, but donated to Smith's hometown as a ship museum. All of this can be accomplished if Smith is willing to make a trip to Cherbourg, and could even involve signing a special guarantee agreement and having it notarized in the newspaper.

Faced with such favorable terms, Smith simply couldn't refuse.

Upon arriving at the captain's cabin, the silver-haired old captain glanced at the White Star Line envoy still waiting outside and said coldly, "Remember, you only have forty minutes. Once the time is up, I will set sail, not a minute more."

"Yes! Yes! Thank you for your understanding, Captain. I'll arrange the men right away!"

Although Smith's attitude was indifferent, the envoy clearly understood the meaning behind his words. He immediately bowed repeatedly with excitement, then ran without looking back towards the telegraph room where the old captain had just left, to inform the men waiting in Cherbourg harbor.

As Captain Smith, who remained behind, watched the envoy's departing figure, a sense of foreboding rose within him, as if something terrible was about to happen.

Shaking his head gently to clear his mind of the turmoil, the old captain smiled kindly and pushed open the door to his cabin. He glanced up and saw the book he had placed on the control panel slowly turning a page in the gentle breeze.

Seeing this seemingly supernatural scene, the old captain didn't show any surprise on his face. Instead, he revealed a look of doting affection mixed with a hint of helplessness, like when he sees his own child being naughty.

"Sarah, you're being naughty again. Aren't you afraid that if people see this, they'll start spreading rumors that the ship is haunted again?"

In the empty captain's cabin, old Captain Smith spoke gently to the air, delivering a reprimand that held no real threat. As if in response, a faint, clear laugh began to echo in the air. Meanwhile, the books on the control panel once again turned their pages in the gentle breeze.

Seeing that his 'reproach' had no effect, old Captain Smith sighed helplessly, like a grandfather facing a naughty granddaughter. He then placed his hand on the metal helm in the captain's cabin and murmured in a voice only he could hear:

“They promised me they wouldn’t dismantle you after you retire, but would send you to my hometown and turn you into a museum. I was even planning to make a will so that my descendants could buy you after you reached the end of your service term. Now that’s all right, you’re safe, Sarah, I can finally leave in peace.”

As if hearing the old captain's whisper, a gentle breeze began to swirl around him in the cockpit, caressing his sideburns, his beard, and his cheeks, softly and gently, like the tender hands of a young girl, soothing the old man who had been with her for 17 years.

“I know you’ll miss me, and I’ll miss you too, Sarah. But I’m 79 years old this year. I’m getting old, Sarah. I’m no longer young and don’t have the energy to continue being your captain. Let’s complete this last voyage together and create the most perfect memories for each other.”

Captain Smith's tone was somewhat somber, his expression filled with sorrow and reluctance. He wanted to spend more time with Sarah, but his advanced age and frailty prevented him from perfectly maneuvering the 46,000-ton behemoth beneath him.

During his last voyage from Britain to America, his momentary negligence caused a near-disaster when he collided with another ship upon entering port. Fortunately, the two ships managed to separate in time, preventing serious damage, and the White Star Line did not pursue the matter. However, after that collision, Smith was deeply remorseful, feeling that he had brought the Titanic into danger, and thus began to consider retirement.

Gently stroking the helm he had held for 17 years, the old captain, thinking of others who would steer the ship after his departure, felt a pang of sadness but also murmured his words of advice:

“Sarah, after I leave, for your safety, you absolutely must not show yourself in front of anyone else. Those people are all greedy liars. If they discover your amazing abilities, they will definitely betray you to organizations interested in the mysterious, and you could be harmed. Also…”