Home at Last

The massive and magnificent fleet slowly sailed away from Sunset City, heading north. Snowflakes fluttered down from the sky, covering the entire world in a pure white blanket, but this could not stop their advance.

Fortunately, the first snowfall didn't last long. Just one day later, the weather gradually cleared up, and the sun pierced through the clouds, shining warmly and pleasantly. Such favorable weather conditions undoubtedly greatly facilitated the fleet's search for a course, enabling them to proceed smoothly.

Just before entering the planned route, the fleet made a detour through Rotten Tree Beach.

This once barren land has now been completely transformed. After nearly half a year of hard work and meticulous construction by the Logistics Department, it has taken shape and is quite impressive.

Looking into the distance, you can see several long piers extending into the sea from the dock, each with several berths where a few small boats designed specifically for near-shore navigation are quietly moored.

As Victor's fleet drew closer, one of the small boats sped out of the harbor and headed straight for them. As it drew nearer, Victor realized that the person standing on the boat was none other than Lodan, the logistics manager.

Before long, the small boat that Lodan was on successfully rendezvoused with Victor's flagship and, with the skillful maneuvering of the sailors, steadily docked next to the flagship.

Then, with the help of the others, Lodan boarded the flagship's deck. Upon meeting Victor, Lodan eagerly gave Victor a standard military salute and loudly proclaimed, "My lord, I congratulate you on your promotion to Marquis!"

Your promotion to Marquis is an honor for the Raine Kingdom, and your career will surely reach even greater heights in the future...

"Alright! Lodan, now you're a proper baron, so you'd better pay more attention to your image from now on!" Victor said, waving his hand casually to signal Lodan to stop saying those cringe-worthy things.

Victor naturally wouldn't forget about Lodan in this matter of bestowing titles.

Although Lodan was unable to stay by Victor's side consistently for various reasons, the incredibly powerful logistics team he personally built made outstanding contributions to the Southern Marching Legion during the Civil War, and can be said to have played a crucial role.

For this reason, Victor firmly believed that Lodan was absolutely qualified to be on par with and receive the same title as several other battle-hardened corps Regimental Commander.

Therefore, Vic specially secured a baronial title for Lodan this time, as a reward and return for his past achievements.

Sure enough, when he heard Victor address him as "Baron," Lodan's face lit up with satisfaction; he was clearly in an exceptionally good mood at that moment!

"Lodan, give me a detailed account of the current situation at the Rotten Tree Beach base!"

Upon hearing the lord's question, Lodan knew that the lord was concerned with something serious, so he quickly put away his playful mood and returned to a serious attitude.

Without hesitation, he stretched out his hand and pointed directly at the dock in front of him, and reported to the lord, "My lord, as you can see, according to our previously established plan, this dock is now nearly 80% complete!"

The two most critical and important functional areas are already in use and operating well. The huge lagoon in the very center of the entire wharf has a water depth of more than 15 meters!

With such favorable conditions, it's incredibly easy for any type and size of vessel to dock here!

While listening intently to Lodan's explanation, Victor took in the entire dock with his eyes.

After observing for a while, he nodded in satisfaction, indicating his high approval of the overall construction results of the wharf.

After all, from his personal perspective, the dock was basically more than half completed; and its current state was almost identical to what Lodan had just described!

Then, Lodan pointed to the castle on the distant shore and said in a loud voice, "The main part of our fortress is more than half completed!"

In particular, as per your previous request—to have the barracks completed before winter—everything has now been accomplished, and the troops have already moved in!

However, the tone shifted, and Lodan frowned, looking troubled, and said, "It's just that... the progress of the projects in other places is much slower!"

Especially in residential and commercial areas, the foundation work has only just been laid. It will probably take at least another year before the entire area is completed and put into use!

Upon hearing this, Victor nodded slightly, indicating his approval and appreciation.

He was deeply pleased with how quickly and efficiently Lodan had pushed things forward, even exceeding his original expectations.

Then, Victor patted Lodan on the shoulder earnestly and asked, "So, Lodan, do you need any more help?"

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. After all, you'll be staying here for another year, so please feel free to tell me anything you need or have any ideas!

Unexpectedly, Lodan gently shook his head and said, "My lord! Please rest assured."

We have a very good stock of all kinds of daily necessities here, and we lack nothing.

"And those five thousand prisoners of war you specifically left for us, with these strong laborers helping out, there won't be a shortage of manpower!"

At this moment, Lodan stared resolutely at Victor, his eyes filled with confidence and determination, and solemnly promised, "My lord, please believe me! I guarantee with my integrity that if everything goes smoothly, by this time next year, we will definitely have successfully completed the construction of all the necessary facilities inside and outside the Rotten Tree Beach encampment!"

Seeing the determination in Lodan's eyes, Victor naturally chose to believe him and did not ask any further questions.

Just as Lodan was about to bid farewell to everyone and disembark, a cry of alarm came from the top of the mast, "A huge fleet has appeared at twelve o'clock ahead, rapidly approaching us!"

This sudden turn of events put the entire fleet on high alert. Before long, other warships in the vicinity also noticed the anomaly and reacted swiftly.

The warships with combat capabilities moved forward and dispersed, forming a solid defensive line; while the remaining cargo ships or troop transport vessels were tightly protected in the center of the formation.

However, the alarm suddenly stopped shortly afterward.

As the two fleets gradually closed the distance between them, the menacing fleet finally became clearly visible. At this moment, the flag flying high on the masts of the opposing ships could be clearly seen—it was the banner of Great Oak Territory!

Victor also realized who was in command of the approaching fleet.

Soon after the fleet approached, it anchored about one kilometer away from Victor's fleet, and then a small boat came along.

Meanwhile, a small boat from Victor's fleet also approached, and after the two boats met up, they quickly sailed together towards Victor's flagship.

Seeing this, Lodan knew that Victor was about to meet a guest, so he disembarked and took a small boat back to shore.

After seeing Lodan off, Victor also came to the bow of the ship to welcome the guests!

Sure enough, before the ship had even gotten very close, Victor heard a hearty laugh, "Viscount Victor, oh no, I should say Victor Marquis!"

Another voice retorted, "Viscount Sonanda, please show my lord the respect he deserves!"

"Fine, I was wrong, Baron Sodoma!?"

This time the voice was even more furious. "Viscount Sonanda, please think carefully!"

Victor then called out to the small boat, "Viscount Sonanda, please come aboard!"

Soon, two people boarded Victor's flagship one after the other: Viscount Sonanda, commander of the Great Oak Territory Coastal Defense Fleet, and Sodom, one of the commanders of the Golden Sunflower Family Fleet!

Sodoma was also promoted to baron during this ceremony, something Victor had orchestrated for him.

Sonanda still dressed as a free-spirited seaman, but Victor could clearly see that Viscount Sonanda was not as robust as before, and his once jet-black temples had begun to show a lot of white hair!

It seems that the death of Count Black, who was both a mentor and a father figure to Viscount Sonanda, had a significant impact on him!

Upon seeing Victor, Sonanda immediately bowed and said, "Lord Marquis Victor, it's good to see you again. You look very well!"

Viscount Sonanda, you look rather tired!

Please take good care of yourself; the Old Count certainly wouldn't want to see you like this!

Brando isn't old enough to learn about sailing yet; he'll ask you for advice on these things in the future!

Whether Victor's words had any effect or not, Viscount Sonanda's mood soon began to fluctuate wildly.

Sodoma also boarded Victor's flagship, and immediately got into an argument with Viscount Sonanda.

"It's already winter, what are you doing running around with the Coastal Defense Fleet!"

Shouldn't we immediately return to Sunset City to prepare the fleet for winter?

"You think I'm the commander-in-chief and can do whatever I want?"

You, a noble from another territory, have no right to interfere in our affairs!

The argument between the two lasted a long time, until Victor finally couldn't stand it anymore and separated them completely.

"Sodoma, take the fast ships from the fleet and scout out the route!"

Before leaving, Sodoma glared fiercely at Viscount Sonanda.

After watching Sodoma leave, Viscount Sonanda breathed a sigh of relief, "Lord Victor, you flatter me! Although I know Sodoma meant well, my temper has always been like this!"

"The relationship between you two, father and son, is really too complicated!"

Victor exclaimed in admiration!

Victor then learned from Viscount Sonanda that his fleet had just returned from the Northlands, and besides delivering a shipment of goods to the Northlands for sale, they were also heading to Two Rivers Territory to transport a batch of supplies that had been agreed upon with Victor beforehand.

Having received news from Viscount Sonanda that everything was well in the territory, Victor's desire to return to Two Rivers Territory grew even stronger.

Viscount Sonanda then discerned Victor's intentions and took his leave, preparing to lead the fleet back to Sunset City.

Just as he was about to disembark, Viscount Sonanda suddenly turned around and bowed to Victor, "Marquis Victor, thank you for taking care of Sodoma!"

Viscount Sonanda then leaped onto his boat, swinging on the rope.

The two fleets soon parted ways. The fleet from the Great Oak Territory continued south, while Victor's fleet found the Iron Birch Family's ocean route and began its northward return journey.

On November 25, 1635, at the dock of Goethe-Ville, Veronica and Irene, each wearing a thick fur cloak, stood on the lookout platform of the dock lighthouse, gazing at the distant sea.

By this time, the temperature in the Northlands had dropped below zero, and scattered ice floes appeared on the sea, shimmering with rainbow-like luster under the sunlight, which was very beautiful.

But Veronica ignored these beautiful sights; she kept gazing into the distance as if searching for some treasure!

Just then, a sea breeze blew by, and she involuntarily shivered.

Her personal maid hurriedly said, "Madam, you've been waiting here for a long time. Why don't we go back to shore first? There's a fireplace in the room; let's go back and warm ourselves up by the fire!"

Irene also advised Veronica, "Yes, sister-in-law, we don't know when brother's fleet will arrive. Why don't we go back to our rooms and rest?"

However, Veronica shook her head. "According to Victor's previous message by carrier pigeon, they set off from Sunset City 13 days ago and headed north."

Based on previous monsoon and ocean current data, according to my calculations, their fleet should arrive today.

I'll wait and see!

Irene and the maid exchanged a helpless glance; they knew they couldn't persuade Veronica.

Irene was also puzzled. Her sister-in-law was clearly very stubborn, but she didn't know why she was so gentle when facing her brother!

Just as Irene was inwardly complaining, Veronica suddenly pointed to the distant horizon and shouted, "They're here!"

At first, Irene didn't see anything, but she soon noticed the mast gradually rising.

Irene looked surprised. She really's back!

Soon the mast grew taller and taller, and then the ship's hull came into view. Irene picked up her monocular telescope and looked through it, clearly seeing the flag on the mast—the very flag bearing the Golden Sunflower Crest.

She hugged Veronica tightly, jumping and skipping with joy. "You're really back! Veronica, you're amazing!"

Veronica was so happy that she shed tears.

As the fleet gradually arrived near the coastline, the flagship first docked at the pier in Sea Song Town. After Victor disembarked, he saw people waiting on the pier!

He was about to speak when Veronica rushed up and hugged him tightly. Victor then felt his shoulder warm; his clothes were soaked with tears.

Victor was silent for a moment, then hugged the person in his arms tightly. "I'm back!"