"Parley!" Lucy cried.

Du Su and the others all turned their gazes at her.

"I declare parley!" She explained. "You can't attack us…. Now!"

Walton snarled at her. He wasn't happy that she suddenly spoke.

Du Su laughed. "No parley can save you, wrench. That only works on players."

Lucy cursed under her breath. She thought the parley could work on anyone. If so, fights would never break out. But the mechanic has limits.

Walton gulped. "I be sorry about that. She's-"

"My name is Lucy Longsilver," she interrupted. "We are not Walton’s bodyguards. I am the captain of the Iron Maiden, and my crewmate is Ivy." She bowed her head. "Please forgive our deception. Walton wished to speak to you, but apparently, you are not happy to see him."

Walton gave her 'the what the hell' look. Ivy giggled.

The giant panda laughed again. "Now this is interesting. I thought Walton commands the Iron Maiden."

Lucy shrugged. “Long story, but I want to get straight to the point. I want that medallion you are wearing. In exchange, I will give you whatever you want.”

Du Su raised an eyebrow. “Anything?”

Lucy nodded, crossing her fingers behind her back. Asking the panda crime lord for anything was precarious. If he requested a high price, she might not afford it. Worse, he might ask her to become his bribe or serve him for eternity. But she knew he won’t give up his medallion so easily.

Du Su stroked his black beard as he narrowed his eyes. He hummed through his closed lips, taking his time to think.

He sat back and poured tea into his cup. “There is something I want.” He sipped his cup. “Thirty days ago, one of my smuggling ships got lost in Mermaid Reef. I hired a pirate to collect the cargo, but he never returned. After all, Mermaid Reef is a dangerous place.”

Lucy heard stories about mermaids. Fish creatures who can shape-shift into beautiful women of any species to attract their victims to their deaths. When they sing, you will easily fall into their trance. Their stories were nothing but horror.

“I hate mermaids,” Walton complained. “Lost me eye from one o' 'em.”

“What’s in the cargo?” she asked.

Du Su finished his cup and placed it down. “A good smuggler never asks questions. If you can bring me the cargo, I will give you my medallion. Fair trade, right?”

Quest Updated! The Terror of Mermaid Reef

Du Su is kind enough to give you his medallion after you retrieve his cargo from bloodthirsty mermaids. Beware, the mermaids will attack if they spot you in their waters. The best advice, get the cargo before sundown. Mermaids are highly active at night. Good luck if you accept this quest.

Aye, or nay?

Lucy smiled, although the new side quest sounded very dangerous. At least better than marrying the grotesque panda. “I will accept that offer.”

Quest accepted.

“Wha?” Walton shouted.

Du Su laughed. “You heard your captain, fuzzball. She accepts. Is that a problem?”

The cat shuddered in his tone. “Nay, I reckon she be overthinkin' about yer-”

“What if I told your head will be served on my plate if you don’t assist her?” Du Su rose, overshadowing Walton while the steam clouded the panda’s wide lower front. His devilish eyes glared at the cat. “It isn’t nice to leave a beautiful lady on her own during a dangerous mission.”

Walton gulped. “Shiver me timbers, I'll go. Better than bein' served on a plate, I guess. Har har har.” His humor barely kept his smile wide.

The giant panda grinned back and sat down. “Good. Now leave me to my bath. Bring my cargo in one piece. Fail me, you will wish the mermaids peeled off your flesh off your bones.”

Lucy and her party bowed to the panda and immediately left to get their clothes back.