Chance Encounter on the Return Journey

Victor sat in the ship's cabin handling official documents. With preparations for the main force's withdrawal and the handover of defenses with the Iron Birch Family's private army, much of the work had been delayed.

Now that they were sailing on the Blackwater River, he finally had some relatively free time to deal with it. As a result, Victor had not had a moment to spare when someone knocked on the door.

"What is it?"

"My lord, our men discovered a large fleet ahead on the river. We'll meet their fleet in about half an hour!

That fleet is flying the Iron Birch Family's banner. You instructed us to report to you immediately upon seeing them!"

Hearing this, Victor rose at once, pushed open the door, and walked out. The messenger outside was startled by his lord's sudden appearance.

"Has our pilot boat gone ahead to make contact?"

The messenger hurriedly nodded. "Yes, our pilot boats have already set out to ensure that the two fleets can meet smoothly on the river without interfering with one another."

"Are there any other fast boats? Where is Blox? Take me to that fleet!"

The messenger was quickly sent to fetch Captain Blox. The moment Blox saw Victor standing by the rail and directing the sailors to lower one of the ship's small boats, he hurried forward to stop him. "My lord, you mustn't do this. It's the dry season on the Blackwater River right now, and the navigable channel is very narrow.

When our two fleets meet, the distance between us will be too close. It could easily cause surging waves. Those little boats can't handle that—they'll be capsized. If you fall into the water, my old captain will kill me!"

After saying that, Blox kicked and shoved the sailors into hauling