Leaving the Lightning Runner behind and paying no heed to the curious stares of the dockworkers, Corvo followed as Gerhardt led the way through the Harbour. The spymaster seemed to move as though he had been here a hundred times before, which he very well might have owing to the nature of his role as a spymaster. Though for what reason or business of state, Corvo could only imagine. He was not privy to such information nor did he have any inclination to learn it before. This, he realized, was something that needed to change if he was to reclaim his kingdom one day, but for now all he could do was allow himself to be led around like a dog on a leash.

"Stay close and don’t wander off," Gerhardt said as he began ascending the steps up to the city proper.

"I am not a child," Corvo replied indignantly as he followed, leaving the clammy darkness of the Harbour and stepping into the light.

Then they entered through the gates and before them lay a gigantic open street filled with vendors and all sorts of people shouting and moving about with their wares. Litters, palanquins and phaetons rolled along amidst the crowd, and every once in a while there were a couple of guards walking by on patrol, wearing distinct uniforms, but there also were a lot of striders and sellswords, free roaming warriors who would fight for gold or glory.

“Welcome Duncan to the Grand Market,” Gerhardt said with a soft chuckle.

"Yes, grand is apt," Corvo agreed. Grand, gaudy and... utterly alien. It was as though they had been transported to a different world entirely. One without the hum of shuttlecraft engines flying overhead or any sight of water beyond the gates to the Harbour, so high stood the walls around it. In place of sleek skyscrapers, there were gargantuan palace sized houses surrounded by innumerable smaller structures and then there was the High Castle itself, utterly dwarfing all else around it and turning day to night wherever its shadow was cast. It was as though the entire city was one great monument to the very idea of extravagance. Was this what the Priestdom was like even before the breaking of the world?

As Corvo looked around trying to take it all in, his thoughts were interrupted by a young woman stepping directly in front of him. "Well hello young master..." her hoarse voice whispered as she blocked his line of sight. "New in town? Let me show you a good time, this city has much to offer to someone... as virile as you."

"Let go of me," Corvo demanded, affronted by the woman's brazenness as she draped herself over his arm. Even during his sojourns to the city night life of Olysium, travelling incognito with fellow youths and companions, no one had ever approached him in such a brash manner before.

“I could make your stay worthwhile, you would never wish for anything for your pleasure is my forte.”

Her lips breathed on his skin as her eyes tried to lock him down. Ensnare him and strip away his defiance. This only served to further irritate the prince however and he was about to push her away when they were interrupted and forced to make room. It was a procession, a parade to celebrate the newest Courtesan. Yet another thing unlike Olysium where its own red light districts were far less conspicuous.

[i]What fresh hell is this?[/i] Corvo wondered as he watched the procession go by, but then the Courtesan looked his way and the moment their eyes met, he had forgotten all about the girl hanging on his arm. Fiery red hair, sultry green eyes, head held high and walking tall like a proud noblewoman, refined and statuesque... she was a looker for sure.

Then her eyes shifted to the other girl who returned a glare of contempt and the Courtesan spoke, her voice light and soothing like fresh spring water, "I think not that he is receptive to your touches Azheera."

A snort full of disdain followed as the girl let go of Corvo's arm, clearly outmatched in this exchange. Then the Courtesan's eyes returned to the prince, taking him in for a moment before she mysteriously smiled.

"You’re welcome..." the gentlest whisper graced his ears as she turned and went back to her parade.

The procession once more started and the crier once again shouted, “Behold the Emberflame of the City! Semantine! Behold her a gentle fire of beauty and passion.”

"Um..." was the only response Corvo could muster as he stared after the Courtesan for a moment longer before turning towards Gerhardt. "What were we doing here again?"