Obviously, this was no joke.
Andor's report was highly detailed and reliable. He had even faxed over a real-time image via the communicator—though it was nearly repaired, one could indeed see that the pirate flagship, the Duskleaf, had been savagely rammed open with two huge holes in its hull.
"Is there really something wrong with Aels's territory? Does it just not get along with me?"
After seeing this, Patrick sank into deep thought. He could not help regretting choosing this place to carry out the plan.
First, the hidden trick in the Blue Flame Bracelet had been exposed. Then, the ambushed fleet had been attacked by Ironclad Sharks. What the hell was all this?
"But this works out too... Teacher Gose said the survey had been delayed, which happens to line up... Though it was an accident, it isn't a major problem."
Taking a deep breath, the middle-aged noble calmed down.
Before resting, he had just held a long-distance communication with the Marchioness.
Just as Master Gose had said, that mother who doted on her child, though deeply worried for Isengard's safety, still had not chosen to have the group return—only Isengard, after completing the mission and gaining the Emperor's attention, could be said to possess some bargaining chips to preserve his life.
Of course, that was not the only reason... As the commander of the northern Grand Cemetery Fortress Complex and the head of the Ellen Family, the current Marquis Ellen was negotiating a cooperation agreement with Ridgehold for next year's spring defense operations in the Dark Mountains.
He was not in his own territory, so even if he knew of the news, he had no way to immediately purge the traitors within. Meanwhile, the Ellen Family was now filled with undercurrents. Even the Marchioness could not guarantee that