On the vast, boundless sea.
Two warships rose and fell with the waves, one behind the other. The two green flags bearing crossed blades atop their bridges fluttered proudly in the wind.
Yet the sailors aboard could hardly feel proud. They were hurriedly lowering boats to rescue the soldiers who had fallen overboard.
The more high-spirited they had been while chasing their target, the more miserable they looked now.
Watching his subordinates flounder like drowned dogs, Captain Achim stood by the rail with a livid face, his fists gripping it tightly. His sharp eyes were filled with gloom.
That cargo ship had taken away at least a thousand Moonfolk and cost Golden Gallon Port a full million denars!
And this was not merely a matter of money. It concerned Governor Nihac's reputation and even the dignity of the Xilan Empire.
If those people successfully landed at Silver Moon Bay, who knew what outrageous rumors would spread from their mouths.
The survivors of the Brahma Province might understand what had happened, but outsiders knew nothing about them. They might even think they were robbers.
He had to make it clear that this was not robbery!
This was for the prosperity of the Xilan Empire and the peace of the next generation!
Captain Achim looked at the adjutant beside him and ground out through clenched teeth.
"Who the hell are those people?!"
"Their ship was built at the Silver Moon Bay shipyard..." The adjutant paused, then added with certainty, "I'm sure it was that place. There's only one shipyard there. It can't be wrong. We bought our ships there too."
"Bullshit! I already know that without you telling me!" Achim cursed, frightening the adjutant into trembling silence.
Not only did this officer outrank him, but he also possessed the noble bloodlines of