The auction concluded, and Eddie felt no desire to linger in Ottawa. He decided to head straight back to Farewell Town—after all, that was his true domain.
Little Blake invited Eddie to stay a while longer, offering to introduce him to some friends, but Eddie politely declined. "Thanks for the offer, brother. Come visit me in Farewell sometime—I'll treat you to some ice wine."
Little Blake laughed. "What, you gonna introduce me to a handsome guy too?" Then he teased, "Eddie, you really scared me the other night when you kicked Margarita out. Don't tell me—you swing the other way?"
Eddie chuckled. "If I did, your rear would've bloomed into a sunflower by now."
With jokes and laughter, Little Blake saw him off at the airport.
When Eddie returned to Farewell Town, his newly purchased Cadillac Presidential One had just arrived. The dealership had handled all the paperwork and registration. All that remained was for someone to take it for a spin.
Its arrival stirred quite a buzz. Farewell Town's economy had been declining, especially with the island's fisheries shutting down one after another. Jobs were scarce, and people struggled.
So when this luxurious beast of an SUV rolled into town, the younger crowd couldn't help but flock around it, snapping photos.
Two young men were admiring the car when Eddie showed up. He greeted them casually, which made them a bit shy, and they started to back away.
Instead, Eddie tossed them the remote key with a smile. "Go ahead—take it for a spin. I think there's enough gas in the tank to give you a thrill."
Just then, a familiar voice called out, "Eddie, you're a good man."
It was Mayor William Hamley, dressed as always like a 19th-century British gentleman—white suit, leather vest, and bowtie, as if he'd walked out of a vintage film.
"Mayor, good to see you," Eddie said, shaking his hand.
Hamley eyed the SUV with a grin. "Presidential One must've cost a pretty penny."
Eddie caught the hint immediately. He smiled knowingly. "I understand, Mayor. I'll meet with Mr. Creeper tomorrow to take care of the fishery's back taxes and inheritance paperwork."
Hamley nodded, pleased. "It's always easier dealing with smart folks. Well, I'll leave you to it—I'm off for a walk around town."
"Want to take a spin in my ride?" Eddie offered.
"Do you even have a license?" the mayor joked.
In Canada, like in the U.S., young people usually get their licenses along with their ID. But Eddie didn't actually have a Canadian license.
"Who's gonna check?" he replied with a smirk.
That afternoon, Creeper came over to discuss tax matters. Compared to the taxes on Eddie's auctioned artwork, the fishery's debts were minor. Creeper suggested offsetting the old debts with the art auction taxes. He also planned to apply for an installment plan for the remaining taxes, allowing future equipment purchases to be deducted.
Eddie didn't fully grasp the details, and Creeper wasn't a tax expert either—but he was a seasoned lawyer with broad experience. This was just a preliminary plan; an accountant would need to finalize everything.
As usual, Creeper stayed for dinner. Before leaving, he mentioned, "The day after tomorrow will be your first holiday in Farewell. Want to join in?"
"What holiday?"
"Easter. It's a big deal here."
Easter is indeed a major Western holiday, celebrated on the first Sunday after the spring equinox's full moon. Christians commemorate it as the day Jesus rose from the dead—symbolizing rebirth and hope.
Eddie had never celebrated Easter. Back home, he'd only acknowledged Christmas and was the type to scoff at peers who preferred foreign holidays over traditional ones.
But now that he'd immigrated and taken over the BE Fishery, he needed to integrate into local life. Participating in community events was a great way to do that.
The next morning, Eddie cruised into town in his new SUV.
He met up with Creeper for breakfast. "I looked up Easter last night," Eddie said. "Seems like there's usually a celebration?"
"There is," Creeper replied. "Tomorrow we'll have a big dinner and fireworks. It's a town tradition."
"Who pays for all that?"
"The government covers half. The townspeople donate the rest."
Eddie thought for a moment. "In that case, I'll cover the community's half. How much are we talking?"
He saw it as a chance to win goodwill. Based on his research, the total cost wouldn't exceed half a million. Covering $250,000 for public favor was a bargain.
Ever since awakening the Heart of the Ocean, Eddie didn't care much for money. The sea held endless treasures. Ancient artifacts like the Medusa statue could be found again if he searched thoroughly.
And even if not, he figured he could earn a fortune fishing and salvaging wrecks using his powers.
To him, money was no longer a concern.
Creeper, mid-bite into a hamburger, looked at him in shock before bursting into laughter. "There's no need for that, Eddie—really."
"I'm serious, man," Eddie replied. "You know I mean it."
Creeper nodded. "I appreciate it. You've got the same generous spirit as old Eddie. But don't worry, all the Easter expenses are already covered. When the next festival comes around, you can pitch in then."
That made sense. Still, Creeper added, "But you could buy some gifts—that would be a great gesture."
Like Christmas, Easter involved gift-giving. Symbols of spring and renewal—eggs, chicks, bunnies, and especially lilies—were common presents.
On Easter morning, kids would find their Easter baskets filled with chocolate eggs, plush bunnies, and little toys.
Adults exchanged gifts too. In fact, the White House held an annual Easter Egg Roll with presents.
As Eddie stepped out of the burger joint and looked at the barren, lifeless streets, a new idea began to form in his mind.