Chapter 86: The Giant Clam That Can’t Be Opened

Kosto crouched on the sandy shore, sketching a rudimentary map with his fingers. He traced the coastline of the eastern coast and then circled a spot at one end: "My Lord, this is where we should build the harbor."

Lister understood the crude map.

The harbor's location, strictly speaking, was already beyond the boundaries of Flower Town. The cow farm marked the northernmost point of the town, and beyond that lay the coastal stretch of Thorns Ridge.

Kosto proposed a site precisely where Thorns Ridge met the sea.

"Thorns Ridge is a series of low hills with a flat road running through them. I've explored the entire eastern coast in recent times. From this spot, Thorns Ridge branches out into a flat valley, and right by the coast, there's a deep-water harbor. I've personally dived to investigate. The terrain and roads are suitable for a dock."

"Did you dare venture into Thorns Ridge?" Lister was slightly astonished.

Kosto spoke with a hint of fervor: "Ever since seeking refuge in Flower Town, I've yearned to see sailboats set sail again. But without a harbor or dock, I was unwilling to accept it. So, I ventured further afield... I was fortunate not to encounter any magical beasts, only some wild animals. Along the way, I collected some Smoked Grass leaves that had fallen to the ground."

Suddenly, he knelt again: "My apologies, Lord, I picked up the fallen Smoked Grass leaves from the field. Please punish me accordingly."

Smoked Grass belonged to Lister, and even if the leaves had naturally fallen, they were still his property. Picking them up without permission would be considered theft, especially for a serf.

"First, stand up. We'll discuss your actions later."

Lister gestured for him to rise again and spoke, "You've got quite the courage, not only to venture into Thorns Ridge but also to sail alone. It seems that neither monsters nor sea beasts can deter your longing for the sea."

"I love the ocean!"

Kosto took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the waves.

"I grew up by the seaside and sailed as a youth. I've spent more time at sea than on land. I've seen the single-horned whale's tusk pierce the surface, a tooth growing from its mouth; I've witnessed illusory cities on the sea, riches beyond reach; I've heard enchanting melodies in the fog, sung by sirens... "

Pausing, he swallowed, then continued solemnly, "I love sailing, traveling across the sea. Lord Lister, Kosto wishes to serve as the helmsman of your sailing ship, conducting maritime trade."

After this brief exchange, Lister could discern that Kosto was an experienced, intelligent individual with initiative and a spirit of adventure. In the age of European exploration, such a person might have become an adventurer like "Christopher Columbus." Dream-chasers were undoubtedly admirable.

He was wasted in Flower Town.

"Kosto, I officially appoint you as the captain of the Flower," he said, looking down at him. "You may recruit sailors and apprentices yourself, training them in coastal navigation along the eastern shore."

"Flower Town?"

"Yes, this very sailing ship. I've named her the Flower Town, making her the first vessel of Flower Town!"

Kosto was overjoyed. "Lord Marcus, when do you plan on constructing the harbor and setting sail for trade? Given a year's time, I can train a group of qualified sailors!"

"Until I've depleted all the trees in Thorns Ridge, you're not to enter the thicket again. There's no need for you to rush about the harbor. When the time comes, I'll build the docks myself. For now, the position of captain won't come with a salary. You'll have to fend for yourself, perhaps by charging tuition... Of course, you could apply to be a teacher and instruct my knight squad in navigation."

Marcus would teach battle aura, Isaiah would teach literacy, and Kosto would teach navigation. Liszt placed great importance on the education of his knight squad.

Even if few from this batch turned out to be exceptional, they could still serve as competent trainers, helping Liszt groom the next batch of knights.

It was an ideal outcome.

Kosto kneeled and bowed deeply. "Lord Marcus, I'd like to apply for the teaching position!" "Then, Captain, tell me more about the Flower Town."

The Flower Town was a two-masted brig, much smaller than a three-masted ship. It could barely manage long-distance trading voyages, but there were many such ships in the Tulip Fleet. They were best suited for navigating within archipelagos, where they wouldn't encounter severe storms and would be much safer.

It lacked cannons.

Encountering sea monsters usually meant fleeing for safety, though tales of their attacks on ships were common, such incidents were actually quite rare.

While admiring the Flowering Vessel, the fishermen who were dissecting a giant squid suddenly cried out in alarm.

The news swiftly reached Liszt's ears. It turned out that the fishermen had discovered an enormous shell creature inside the squid's stomach. The scribe who conveyed the message described it as having "wavy shells" and being "larger than a human."

Liszt immediately descended from the Flowering Vessel.

He knew that within this shell creature must lie a deep-sea black pearl.

Upon seeing the creature with his own eyes, he realized, "This is a giant clam!"

Its massive shell, undulating shape, and the vibrant mantle covering its surface all pointed to its identity - a giant clam. In Liszt's homeland, giant clams were the largest bivalves, with their shells often processed into precious jewels. Their meat was also particularly delectable.

In his previous home, there was a vase crafted from a small giant clam shell on the table.

Of course, that was a smaller specimen compared to the one before him.

This colossal clam before him measured at least two meters in diameter and likely weighed over five hundred pounds. Its shell was tightly closed, leaving it uncertain if it was still alive. The dazzling mantle seemed to have suffered digestion by the squid, displaying signs of spots and peeling.

"Milord, what kind of shell creature is this? Do you have any knowledge of it?" Gort circled around the giant clam, examining it incessantly.

"It's a Tridacna, a large type of clam," he said while activating his Magic Eye to scrutinize the creature closely. He found no traces of magic, so it was likely just an ordinary clam and not some sea monster. "Open it up, and let's see if there's a pearl inside."

"Pearl? Clams can produce pearls as well? I always thought only the Pearl Oysters in Serenity Lake could yield them."

Serenity Lake was a vast lake on Blue Dragon Island, belonging to the Sapphire Family's estate. One of its specialties was cultivating pearl oysters. These were small sea creatures, or water monsters, that lived solely in freshwater and produced pearls. The pearls carried a hint of magical energy with a gentle water attribute, capable of soothing one's emotions.

They were favored decorations among the nobility.

Many ladies would adorn their necks with pearl necklaces.

Lister pointed at the Tridacna. "We'll know for sure if we open it up."

Gort hastily organized a group to pry open the clam's shell. However, after much effort, they still couldn't crack the clam's hard exterior.

"Goodness, have none of you eaten your fill?!" Gort watched helplessly. "A mere shell has revealed your inner weakness?"

"Mr. Gort, this thing is too tough. We've even broken our sticks trying to pry it open."

"I dare swear it's like a stone, whole and unyielding, impossible to open."

"Perhaps we should kindle a fire for it. When I consume oysters, I roast them, and they open up on their own."