Solomon Strait.
As a vital transportation route, its docks were filled at all times with ships from the East and West.
The towering gun batteries and permanent defensive fortifications lent the place an imposing air of invulnerability, giving its residents and merchants a tremendous sense of security.
But these past few days, the local governor, Viscount Queya of Ingsman, had been extremely on edge.
There was no doubt that he knew the navy's main force had set out to fight a decisive battle against the pirates.
In fact, to finish the enemy in one fell swoop, General Fili had not only transferred Major General Jackson away, but had also taken every Steam Ironclad Ship.
As a result, the naval strength left to defend Solomon had fallen to its lowest point.
Of course, in General Fili's view, with the fortifications and a few of the original sailing ships still there, and the pirates' main force firmly under his watch, nothing could possibly go wrong.
Most of the time, that was how things went.
But life was so interesting precisely because the unexpected happened so often, though Viscount Queya would certainly have preferred not to see it happen.
In the governor's mansion on the hillside beside the port.
Elizabeth wore a lady's dress and held an exquisite bone china teacup. A few freshly baked honey-cream pastries sat before her, filling the air with a sweet, tempting aroma.
"Thank the Goddess... I'm back!"
She took a slow sip of tea. Its warm, sweet flavor finally convinced her that she had escaped that pirate's nightmare and made it safely back to her family.
"Miss, your father hopes you'll put on your finest dress and attend a banquet. Many Young Talents will be there, eager to meet you..."
A governess came over and opened a