Chapter 206: Setting Sail

The sailors raised the sails, and the cargo ship slowly left the port, with the figures of those left behind gradually disappearing from view.

“You really didn’t need to do this,” Red Moon Yue said with an innocent expression. “Maybe there’s something we could–”

“Your tricks don’t work on me, so don’t even bother,” Wu Qingsong interrupted her directly. “You remember the pain just now? If I catch you using your ability on anyone around, I’ll make you experience it again immediately. It won’t kill you, and it shouldn’t cause any physical harm, but I can’t guarantee there won’t be any mental damage. If you don’t want to become a fool, try to restrain yourself and get used to communicating normally.”

“No matter what I say now, you’ll think I’m being manipulative, right?”

“So, just don’t say anything. Listen more, speak less—it’s a virtue. By the way, I suggest you don’t try to escape. As you saw earlier, I can make everyone within a certain range suffer immensely. The entire ship is within my control. If you try to escape, I assure you I won’t lift the pain, and whatever consequences arise, you’ll have to deal with them.”

“You’re overthinking it,” Red Moon replied. “I’ve always been interested in Orgrimmar. I’m actually quite excited to have the opportunity to go there.”

“That would be perfect,” Wu Qingsong said. “When we get to Orgrimmar, I’ll bring out some new things for you. I’m sure Dark Moon will love them.”

“Really? I’ll be looking forward to it.”

Red Moon gave him a deep look before turning and heading to her cabin. Wu Qingsong gazed at the massive floating city in the sky, lost in his thoughts.

The cargo ship was stopped and searched twice along the way, but Wu Qingsong’s documents ensured they were quickly cleared each time.

With favorable winds and the swift river current providing extra propulsion, they covered hundreds of miles in just one day and night. They arrived at a port city rivaling Umber in size and quickly found the smuggling ship named “Black Pearl.”

“The captain’s name isn’t Jack, is it?” Wu Qingsong couldn’t help but ask.

“Of course not,” Red Moon said, a bit puzzled by his comment. “His name is Eddie Aifre.”

From Wu Qingsong’s admittedly amateur perspective, the ship was stunning. It had a sleek, streamlined hull that looked very appealing. The deck had three masts of varying heights, but all the sails were furled since they were in port. The ship’s predominantly black hull didn’t look gloomy but rather vibrant and full of life. There were ballistae mounted at both the bow and stern, secured to the deck with thick ropes. A whale statue adorned the bow, and beneath it, the ship’s name was written in elegant gold script.

A group of selkies were tidying the sails and ropes, cleaning the deck. Among them, Wu Qingsong spotted Daryl, whose fur, dyed black, stood out prominently.

“Move faster, you lazy bunch!” 

A large walrusman stood on the bridge, shouting at them. His two massive tusks made him look extremely fierce.

“Captain Aifre!” Red Moon called out loudly.

“Miss Charlotte!” The walrus exclaimed in surprise. “What wind brought you here? You clumsy oafs, get the gangplank ready. Can’t you see the lady needs to board the ship?”

Charlotte?

Wu Qingsong glanced at Red Moon, who stood on the shore with a big smile. Watching the selkies quickly set up the gangplank and secure it to the shore, she looked like a proper noble lady, a bit nervous but excited. With the crew’s help, she giggled as she swiftly walked across the gangplank.

“Haven’t seen you in over a year, and you’ve become even more enchanting.” 

The walrus, named Aifre, performed a hand-kissing gesture surprisingly delicate for his massive size. At that moment, Wu Qingsong boarded the ship, drawing Aifre’s attention. “You must be Lord Tagraedi we’ve been expecting?”

“Yes, that’s me.” Wu Qingsong nodded and shook his hand.

“Didn’t expect you to come in person.” Aifre quickly shifted his attention back to Red Moon.

“You’re taking the ship to Benaris Port this time? What, am I not welcome?” Red Moon said with a smile.

“How could that be? For me, this is a delightful surprise,” Aifre quickly responded. “In all these years, this is the first time I’ve looked forward to a voyage so eagerly.”

Red Moon laughed again, and after a few more jokes, Wu Qingsong asked about the whereabouts of Ram and the others.

“They’re staying at an inn. As you can see, this ship isn’t very large and certainly not a passenger ship. I’d be cramped for the ladies to stay here during the voyage, let alone while we’re docked. Can’t have them mingling with these dirty selkies, right?”

“Can we set sail today?” Wu Qingsong asked.

“Of course, we’ve been preparing all along. Water and provisions are stocked, and the ballast is already loaded.” Aifre replied. “I’ll send someone to fetch them, and we can depart as soon as they arrive.”

Wu Qingsong and Red Moon stayed on the ship, waiting. He discreetly observed Daryl, who seemed quite happy with his work. Perhaps among the crew, who neither knew him nor his identity, he could truly be himself rather than the future hope of the Silver Moon Wolf Clan.

“Good lad, but he’s a terrible swimmer,” Aifre remarked nearby.

“We don’t have any seas where we come from,” Wu Qingsong said.

“It’s a pity, Lord Tagraedi. There’s no place more beautiful, more challenging, or more captivating than the sea.”

“Is that so?” Wu Qingsong replied. For a walrus, that might be true, but the maritime environment of this world didn’t give him much confidence.

“Are you worried about the journey?” Aifre asked. “Don’t be. I’ve traveled this route hundreds of times. At least four or five trips a year. I could guide you to your destination safely with my eyes closed.”

“Is that so? Well, thank you in advance,” Wu Qingsong said politely.

“Qing!!” Liuli’s voice suddenly called from below. Two carriages had stopped at the dock, and they were getting off.

“Quite the lively girl,” Aifre chuckled. “Lord Tagraedi, you are truly enviable.”

Wu Qingsong didn’t know how to respond, so he just smiled. Soon, Liuli and the others boarded the ship, and she immediately jumped into his arms.

“We’re going on a boat,” she exclaimed excitedly.

“Yes.” Wu Qingsong replied. “We’re going home.”