The Iron Maiden halted in the mist once Lucy spotted green and white siheyuan houses on stilts in the invisible water. Docks and walkways connected to each building with torch posts that cleared the mist from above. Other ships, pirates, and merchants floated near the docks while others sailed out.
Lucy pulled out her spyglass and peeked through it. Most of the residents were pandas, wearing robes and hats. The female pandas wore kimonos and tied their hair in buns. Other species, dogs, cats, and birds, walked among the natives across bridges.
After Lucy lowered her spyglass, a notification appeared.
You discovered Haigang! A massive seaport on top of a coral island formation. Haigang was a volcanic island before it collapsed as the fringing reef consumed it in the sea. The panda natives rebuilt their city over the reef and opened their businesses to the world. Pirates, the navy, and criminals are all welcome to the island as long as they have gold to spend. Since the Imperials ignored the island for its illegal trading, organized crime soon took over the city to protect their kind and furthers their felonious trades. The natives outlawed slavery, but they have luxurious brothels to please their customers. Greed and pleasure kept Haigang running. If you want to make a trade there, beware of what you ask for.
Lucy hoped Du Su still had the medallion, or else her side quest will become a goose chase.
“Wha' a beautiful galleon, aye?” Walton approached her and peeked under the rail. He was so short, he couldn’t see the city from his height.
Lucy wondered how he could steer the ship when he commandeered it. Maybe his previous crew performed all the duties under his command. Of course, being short didn’t make the cat lazy. Sometimes a dwarf feline needs help to complete its task.
“How much do you know about that place?” Lucy asked.
Walton turned to her with his hands behind his back. “Enough t' know bad customers get feed t' the fishes in these waters. Haigang can be mighty dangerous if ye screw around too much. Understandin' business wit' great charisma will keep ye alive.”
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Lucy checked her charisma level.
Charisma: 7
The attribute was almost close to her speed level. Maybe she could sweet talk Du Su into giving up the medallion, but she doesn’t want to sound like a seductive whore. What if the crime lord doesn't like dog women? With so much money, he probably has his own harem to keep him satisfied. Or he married someone who will kill any competition.
“If ye come, ye shall let me do all the natterin,” Walton suggested. “He doesn't treat wenches mighty kindly.”
Lucy snarled. She doesn’t like that word, wench, although bitch was a bigger issue. “Is he married?”
Walton snickered. “Du Su can 'ave any strumpet he wants, but he ne'er found the one t' take his paw. I say he be still lookin' while whorin' around like a beast.”
Lucy shuddered. “Yeah, I think you should do the talking while I watch my back.”
Walton smirked. “Good choice, lass. When we get thar, I will be in charge while ye stand back.”
Lucy glared at him. “Excuse me?”
“Ye agreed I will do the natterin'.”
Lucy pointed her finger at herself. “But I am the captain here!”
Walton shrugged. “Ye be only the cap'n on this ship. In that town, ye be jus' a lass who could get her throat slit on the wrong side. Du Su will nah take ye seriously without me.”
Lucy blew her hair aside. “I suppose he is a sexist male.”
“It doesn't matter if ye be a male or female. Du Su will nah trust ye unless he already knows ye, or ye 'ave merchandise he can nah refuse. But I will nah disrespect ye, lass. Ye 'n I will still be on equal terms.”
“Just remember what will happen if you doublecross me, cat.” Lucy shook her finger at him. “You will not easily trick me.”
Walton laughed. “I like strong strumpets, lass. I respect all o' 'em.”
Whatever that meant, Lucy still won’t hold his trust. Sure, she could lie low for a while until they get the medallion. But her eyes will never leave Walton’s back.