Two minutes later, Faster staggered into the cabin.
"...Don't think being a Lord means you can't get yelled at."
"I actually meant to call Francois," Annan said apologetically. "Everyone knows you do nothing but fish."
That sort of remark worked on Michael, but not on Faster.
Fortunately, Faster still knew what was going on. "Louis City accepted our help, but the Sea Hawk won't back down. The Red Witch said she'd fight us too if we helped them... I believe those dimwitted pirates would do it."
The Red Witch was suspected of being a Red Dragon, or at least closely connected to one. Red Dragons were like White Dragons: there was no understanding them through logic.
"Then I'll talk to the Red Witch..."
The Portal vanished. Faster went to the Captain's Quarters and knocked on the door.
"Who's out there?"
"Annan wants you up and working. Now."
Before long, Francois opened the door with a coat draped over him. "What is it?"
"He wants to negotiate with the Red Witch. Go see him."
"Annan? Why aren't you going?"
"My mission is at a critical point," Faster said gravely. "The fish here are nothing like the ones in Star-Moon Bay... They're exceptionally cunning."
"All right..."
Francois could only sigh. He had the New Origin One, moored in the harbor, pull alongside the pirate ship outside it. Once it was alongside the Nautilus, he led his Heavy Destrier onto the deck.
"It's been a long time, beautiful Lady Red Witch."
"That pretty boy said you had a new proposal. Are we raiding Louis City together, or are you buying our stolen goods?"
Annan kept smiling. "Actually, I suggest you give up raiding Louis City and trade with them instead..."
The Red Witch burst out laughing at Annan's proposal, and the pirates on