"No, Officer."
"I've never been to such places. My father is a strict man; he forbids me from frequenting these entertainment venues."
O'Neal said in a panic, feeling his face flush as if an ethereal hot smoke was rising from his head.
"Then tonight, let me take you to experience it," Lex said, patting his adjutant's shoulder with a very experienced air. "Next, we're going out to Sea, to play pirates. You don't look like a pirate no matter how you look at it. Let me help you transform."
O'Neal broke out in a cold sweat: "Officer, I don't think that's necessary, is it?"
Lex said sternly: "The change starts with how you address me. Remember, off the ship, you call me Mister. On the ship, you call me Captain."
"And no matter where we are, unless we return to Backlund, you are not to call me Officer."
O'Neal quickly said: "Yes, Offi— no, Mister!"
"Very good, go find a carriage."
Bayam's brothels, casinos, and bars didn't open until very late, so Lex wasn't worried about being late. He didn't change his attire: a black woolen overcoat, a waistcoat and trousers of the same color, and a semi-high silk top hat. Like a gentleman from Loen, he took a hired carriage to the Red Theater.
Having been near the Red Theater several times but never stepping inside, Lex couldn't hide his curiosity, wanting to know the difference between Bayam's brothels and those in Backlund.
Arriving at the Red Theater's entrance, Lex got out of the carriage. O'Neal had already shrewdly paid the fare and given a 1 soli tip, causing the coachman to offer repeated thanks in a spice-scented Loen accent.
Lex adjusted his hat and looked ahead. He saw several strong men standing at the main entrance of the famous brothel, clearly bouncers. These bouncers had obvious tattoos, fleshy faces, and wore local-style clothing, a stark contrast to the subtle style of the Golden Rose.
After all, the bouncers there wore black coats and semi-high top hats; only when they made their move would you realize that these seemingly guest-like fellows were actually the brothel's bouncers.
As he walked towards the main door, four or five bouncers all looked at Lex. When they saw him, they smiled like they had spotted a fat sheep. But upon seeing Levto behind Lex, they quickly reined in their smiles, lowered their heads slightly, and dared not casually scrutinize Lex and his two companions.
"Quite sharp," Lex thought, then walked in through the door Levto pushed open. Immediately, a wave of heat washed over him, followed by the lively dance music played by various Sea instruments.
Lex looked around and saw ladies dressed very scantily dancing with guests in the much simpler hall than the Golden Rose. Their dancing was wild and full of suggestive movements. Often, after dancing for only a short while, these ladies would be pulled away by the guests.
They would either go to the rooms upstairs or begin their primal activities directly in a corner of the hall.
Such bold and direct scenes made Lex feel a bit awkward. As for O'Neal, he felt an urge to turn and leave.
"Welcome."
A charming, dark-skinned woman in her thirties with heavy makeup walked up. "Distinguished guests from Loen, is this your first time? Would you like me to introduce you?"
"Our girls here are passionate and bold; they will definitely not disappoint you."
Lex gave a dry laugh, feigning a very experienced demeanor. He casually took out a stack of pounds from his pocket, counted out about 10 pounds, and lightly tucked them into the woman's neckline.
"We are very much looking forward to it. First, find us ten or eight girls."
"Right away."
Seeing Lex so generous and bold, the madam's face glowed. She didn't mind Lex taking advantage, turned around, and called out: "Girls, come over, all of you, come and serve these gentlemen."
In an instant, a dozen or so distinctively dressed, lightly clad girls swarmed over, surrounding Lex and his two companions and leading them to a long sofa. As soon as they sat down, Lex and his two companions each had three or four girls clinging to them.
These local girls were passionate and bold. Apart from Levto, who felt nothing, Lex found it a bit overwhelming. O'Neal, being his first time, flushed crimson and dared not say a word or move.
Eager to proceed, Lex pulled out a stack of small change, waved it, and said: "Listen up, girls. Today is my friend's birthday, and I hope he has a wonderful night."
He pointed at O'Neal and called out: "As long as you make it so he can't get up until the sun rises tomorrow, then this money is yours."
Lex forcefully tossed the pounds into the air, and they fluttered down one by one. The girls around him immediately cheered, jumped up, and joined the others in scrambling for the pounds.
Lex seized the opportunity to slip away with Levto. O'Neal saw them leaving and tried to follow, but the girls who had grabbed the pounds had already pounced, pressing the adjutant down onto the sofa with many hands.
Immediately, the poor yet happy O'Neal was submerged in a pile of women.
"No need to thank me, Mister O'Neal." Lex glanced back, quickly found the madam he had spoken to earlier, and lowered his voice, "I'm looking for Miss Xin."
The madam paused, then said, "So you are Mister Polly's friend. Please follow me, Mister."
There was no one named Miss Xin at the Red Theater; this was merely a 'code word' that Lex and the Medic had agreed upon in advance.
The Medic had already made preparations for Lex; with just a simple code word, the madam of the Red Theater would lead Lex to a special room.
This room was special because it was connected to the room Raditz would be using, and through a door, one could enter and exit both rooms.
Just as Lex followed the madam, another man entered through the main door of the Red Theater. He had the distinct appearance of an Intis person, with two rather handsome small mustaches.
After entering the hall, he first looked around, saw a young gentleman in the distance enjoying the service of eight or nine girls, and couldn't help but cast an envious glance. Then he patted his pocket and rationally left.
Not long after, he saw the madam come out and smiled as he approached: "Good evening, Madam Poli, you are still as charming as ever."
The madam laughed: "Good evening, Mister Raditz, your words are so sweet, no wonder Mera always thinks of you."
"In fact, I can also make you think of me," Raditz said with a beaming smile.
The madam chuckled: "I look forward to it, but unfortunately, I'm not feeling well today. Women have uncomfortable times every month."
"Go on, Mera is already waiting for you; after all, you already have an appointment."
Raditz gracefully took the madam's hand and kissed her hand's back: "I hope to have the opportunity to get to know Madam Poli more deeply."