A sweet misunderstanding:
Annan had spoken flattering words because of the Succubus Curse, and the pirate Chief had fallen under the sorcerer's charm.
Either way, it was a good start—but it lasted only a few seconds.
"A portal that smooth, and you're only a teenager? Or are you some centuries-old monster pretending to be young?"
"I'm not even an adult yet..."
"The King of the North really is something. Is that a blue dragon? I've never seen a dragon before." The red-haired pirate Chief peppered him with questions like a curious girl rather than a ruthless pirate. "What a bountiful place! Ten times more bountiful than Evernight Port—maybe even nine times! Did you inherit it?"
The blue dragon hadn't intimidated her, and Annan refused to be drawn into the pirates' chaos. "My subordinate said you wanted to work together?"
"Of course! We're Pirates! Sea Eagles that bring death to merchant ships! Work with us, or go to war!"
Annan looked silently at Francois beside him, as if to say, You didn't tell me she was this crazy.
At first, Annan had had a good impression of her...
"So, handsome Lord, you've chosen to work with us. What do you want?"
...And he still did.
"I want you... your goods. What do you have?"
Annan was starting to find the Succubus Curse troublesome.
The red-haired pirate clapped her hands. An old pirate with one leg missing, a crutch in place of his right leg, carried a wooden box to the portal with a steady thump, thump and opened it.
A Crystal Cluster lay quietly at the bottom of the box. Annan's limited knowledge told him only that it was some kind of magic material.
"That works."
The old pirate hobbled away at an unhurried pace and soon returned with an oil