Just as a dark crimson flush spread across Dao Mingke's face, Captain Lu Ranzhou couldn't hold it in and let out a snort of laughter.
Seemingly oblivious to Dao Mingke's fury, he quickly waved his hands. "My apologies, I just thought of a funny joke... I wasn't laughing at you. What's going on here? Why a duel?"
Even if there had been a slight chance of stopping it, after being laughed at, Dao Mingke couldn't possibly back down now. After a nearby crewman explained the situation to Lu Ranzhou, the captain took a look at the mud-like cake for himself, then sat back down in his chair. He spoke to Dao Mingke in a placating tone, "Ah, I see. Yes, yes, your honor and her cake—both very important. If you two insist on dueling, I won't stop you. But for the safety of everyone on board... I must ask how you intend to conduct this duel."
Milady had already thought this through.