A/N: I tried to write sailors tongue, it will only be in a few chapters so don't worry about getting confused when reading it :)
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The tavern near the port was the biggest one in this city due to how many sailors and fishermen always worked near the port.
It was called 'Mermaid's Rest,' and its building was made out of strong woods similar to the one used to build most ships here.
Not only did the atmosphere scream, 'Sailors are welcome here!' but the rowdy interior also enhanced that image.
The air was thick with the familiar aroma of ale and the tantalizing scent of freshly cooked seafood. The warm glow of flickering candlelight illuminated the room, casting dancing shadows on the wooden beams that crisscrossed the ceiling.
The walls of the tavern were adorned with nautical artifacts - weathered ship wheels, nets filled with seashells, and faded paintings of legendary sea creatures. A skilled bard in the corner played soft sea shanties and folk tunes, their melodic tunes blending harmoniously with the bustling atmosphere.
In the center of the tavern, a cluster of tables had been pushed together, forming a makeshift gathering spot.
Sailors and fishermen, their faces weathered by the sea and adorned with scruffy beards, were engaged in lively banter and raucous tales of their nautical exploits. They especially talked about the strange monsters' movement lately, complaining about how they were afraid to set sails.
The clinking of glass mugs and occasional cheer filled the air, creating a vibrant atmosphere that exuded camaraderie and adventure. It was nostalgic to me as I often visited a tavern with my former comrades to have drinks after raiding a dungeon.
Naturally, I wasn't here just for a simple drink. I was here because of someone. I looked at my target as I found a seat at the bar, enhancing my senses not to miss anything.
Seated in the midst of the boisterous crowd was a Minotaur beastwoman, her imposing tall figure stood out even amongst those sailors. She was wearing a black bikini with a cape over her shoulder and a dark miniskirt similar to her bikini.
In her hands, she cradled a large, frothy mug of cold beer, her eyes twinkling, reflecting the warm light as she spoke to the sailors around her.
"No need to fret 'bout sailin' to another port or castin' yer nets for a good catch. Our protection be top-notch, mark me words! Captain Crane be as skilled as they come, and me spearmanship can send them Level 40 monsters to Davy Jones' locker with ease!"
"And what's more, the fee of 5000 Gold Coins for each ship's protection would be a bargain compared to the fancy Elf mercenaries, don't ye agree?"
A business smile plastered on her face as she eyed those sailors who listened to her offer while nodding in agreement. Her way of talking was different from what I heard back in the captain's cabin. She was like those sailors, blending in right in the middle of them.
"Aye, that's a right steal compared to them fancy Elf mercenaries! They are demanding a hundred Gold Coins for every hour of their watch, and we need a good ten of 'em scurvy Elves to keep our ships safe. But tell me, matey, why be ye so confident ye can hold the line all on yer lonesome, eh?"
One of the experienced sailors asked Cecil with narrowed eyes. The cigarette in his mouth puffed out thick smoke.
The minotaur girl grinned.
"Listen up, matey! I ain't got nothin' to prove except the tales of me fellow sailors. We've safeguarded nine ships, a good two hours sailin' distance, all the way to Ampat Port City. If that doesn't convince ye of our skills, well then, I reckon ye ain't the customer I'm lookin' for, mister."
She drank her booze at once and slammed the empty mug back to the table with a loud bam, causing it to shake.
"So weigh anchor and set sail if ye must, but don't come cryin' to me when the seas turn rough!"
The bearded sailor laughed out loud at Cecil's open provocation.
"Ye be spoutin' off like a true saltwater lass, ain't ye? Got some fight in ye, I reckon! Show me what ye got, lass, and prove ye ain't just a pretty face and big titties. If ye bests me man here, I'll be trustin' yer strength without a doubt."
He pointed at a buff man beside him. His ripped shirt didn't hide his arms' muscles. They were those so-called bodybuilders' muscles, and the size of his arms was twice mine. And here I was, confident with my body.
"Aye, let's get to it."
Cecil didn't back off from the challenge. She replied almost immediately and put her elbow on the table after clearing the food and drinks in front of her.
"Step up, ye big lubber, and prove yer strength to this big sister! But mark me words, don't come whinin' and beggin' for a drop of milk if ye find yerself on the losin' end of this bout!"
"Don't be underestimatin' me, ye big titties." The burly man spat back, put his large elbow on the table, and held Cecil's hand. "I be lovin' me rum and beer more than a mermaid loves the sea! Milk ain't for me."
The man had a serious expression as he flexed his muscle, ready to destroy Cecil. The bearded sailor stood up between them, holding their hands to be a referee and be the one to start the arm wrestling.
In the meantime, a waitress approached me while bringing an ale. Her long braided hair swayed left and right as she made her way toward me, and her large breasts also moved in accordance. She wore an open one-piece with an apron that didn't hide her cleavage.
"Here is your drink, mister." She bent forward, flashing me. Her lips curled up, bringing her cheek with cute freckles up, and she winked at me. "It's in the house for the first-timer. And if you want to, I can bring you a snack. Special for a handsome man like you."
Well, I guessed that I couldn't hide my handsome features even with my hood on. So I smiled at her, making her blush.
"Thanks," I said. "I appreciate it."
Her face now turned red as she hid behind the tray she used to bring the ale earlier.
"A-ah, yes. I will bring something shortly. Please wait a minute!"
And she ran away, leaving me alone once again. I got a free drink, something I had never expected but still appreciated. This went well with the heated atmosphere in the middle of this tavern.
The show of strength had started with the bearded man's signal.
"Begin!"
Both sides exerted their strengths at once, trying to overpower the other. Cecil still had a relaxed smile, while the man seemingly had a hard time when the vein in his hand popped up and became visible.
How big your muscles were didn't affect your strength in this world. If you had a big body but low STR, you could be defeated by a scrawny individual with high STR.
But it was strange. Cecil clearly had a low-Level, probably only 30 to 40.
While one's body didn't reflect one's STR, usually we could see that person was an individual with high STR growth if they had a big body.
A Beastman also usually had high STR growth, so I didn't see anything strange until now.
'They are in a cahoot.' I thought as I noticed Cecil's feet hitting the man's shin under the table.
At that moment, the man suddenly struggled to use his strength, and then…
Bam!
Cecil pushed the man's arm to the table, causing him to grunt in pain. The minotaur girl had the widest grin on her face as she laughed.
"Hahaha! Victory be mine! Turns out ye be nothin' but a scurvy sea slug, ye big lug!"
"Tsk!" The big, burly man just clicked his tongue and stood up. "Captain, I be takin' me self for a breath o' fresh sea air."
"A-Aye… Don't get lost in the waves, lad."
The bearded sailor couldn't say anything more. He was so shocked that his man was defeated by the big-tittied minotaur girl and looked at her with surprise.
"Looks like ye ain't all mouth and no sail!"
"Aye, that's the spirit, matey! Now, let's talk business. How does me offer sound to ye?"
"Fair winds, lass. I'll be acceptin' yer offer."
Both of them shook hands with each other, completing the deal.
'It's time for me to move.'
I stood up from my seat and approached Cecil, who was discussing business with the bearded sailor. The sailor seemed to have a job carrying some items to Tiga Port City.
'It's perfect.'
Now I had an excuse to get closer to her. The waitress returned from the back and looked at me with a confused gaze while holding a tray full of snacks.
I gestured to her to put it on my table first as I put down my hood. Her face turned red after I smiled at her and turned away to look at the minotaur girl.
She had noticed me walking toward her already and couldn't avert her gaze from my face. Her lips curled up in a wide smile as she licked her lips seductively.
That kind of gaze was familiar already. Many nuns looked at me with that predatory gaze, wanting to immediately push me down.
'I guess not even a pirate can resist my charm.' I lamented inside and stopped in front of Cecil.
"What can I do for ye, ye fine lookin' sailor?" She asked.
"I am interested in the protection," I answered with a bright smile. "And I am not a sailor, unfortunately. I just need protection in your ship until I am sure that I am fine." I continued.
"Ah, not a sailor, I see." Cecil reverted back to talking normally. "Sorry, lad. But we're booked already. It's a shame since I like your face, but business comes first, you see?" She pointed at the bearded sailor, who looked at me with a death stare.
"I don't see a problem with that. Just let me tag along with your ship." I replied, still having the same smile. "I can pay you a lot."
"Oh?" The minotaur girl's brows raised high, clearly interested in my offer. "Maybe if you can follow one condition."
"Sure," I responded without waiting for her to explain what that condition was.
It wasn't important for me, as I only needed a reason to board her ship until it set sail. Once I was aboard and we were on the sea, I could continue with my next plan.
"As long as you protect me."
"Alright!" She exclaimed, standing tall in front of me with the widest grin. "Welcome aboard, matey."
"It's my pleasure."
'Infiltration successful. I hope the girls won't mess up with their job.'
