On the sea, beneath the summer sun, sacred banners fluttered in the wind.
The last time the three great fleets had acted together was during the continent-wide anti-Church movement three hundred years ago. Though it had ultimately ended in failure, it had forced the Church into an epic retreat.
"The Alpha people did not even bother with a symbolic interception. It seems Caesar III's death took their courage with him."
Hamody, commander of the Fourth Fleet, said mockingly.
If they could not even defend their own sphere of influence, they naturally could not earn anyone's respect. Especially now, when they ignored them entirely and allowed them to enter freely. That was an even clearer display of weakness.
International struggles were exceedingly delicate. The weaker one appeared, the more easily one exposed one's true strength, and the more the other side would push its advantage.
"Hamody, do not let your guard down.
If the Alpha people were so easy to make submit, we would not need to head north.
Look, aren't they here?"
As soon as Moxis finished speaking, a vessel flying the flag of the Alpha Kingdom appeared in the distance and slowly sailed toward them.
"Greetings, Your Excellencies. On behalf of the Alpha Kingdom, I welcome your arrival.
This is a chart of the Misty Sea. I hope the three of you can lead your armies to swiftly eliminate the Ghost Ship threat and restore peace to these waters.
Speed is paramount in war, so I will not disturb you further."
With that, the envoy turned and left without hesitation, as though he were seeing off a plague god.
Hamody was so enraged that he nearly exploded, but the other two beside him held him back.
Even in war, envoys were not killed. They had not even entered