"I understand, I understand.
I'd only say these things between us.
In public, the Seaton Duchy has always maintained an attitude of admiration toward the rise of the Black Stone Kingdom.
The rise of such a great power can effectively drive the development of this star domain and elevate its standing."
Under Xia Longque's gaze, Grand Duke Seaton waved his hands repeatedly.
Only then did Xia Longque look away.
"The First Squadron of the Direct Fleet has completed its preparations for deployment.
I will lead the fleet out tomorrow to attack Blood Rose Earl's Territory.
In half a month,
Blood Rose Earl's Territory is expected to become part of the territory directly governed by Your Excellency the Grand Duke~."
"Xia Longque, you've worked hard.
When the day of victory comes, I will reward you generously!"
Grand Duke Seaton said solemnly.
May 1.
Grand Duke Seaton's Direct Fleet set out.
After joining up with fleets from several local lords,
it formed an armada of more than a thousand warships.
On May 5, it arrived at the gates of Blood Rose Earl's Territory.
Faced with the Grand Duke's campaign against them, on the grounds that they had "seized their position illegitimately,"
Blood Rose Earl's Territory held little moral advantage and received little aid.
Only a few local nobles sent small fleets to offer token support.
Even after mobilizing all their forces, they could muster only a fleet of three hundred Kindling Warships.
The disparity in strength was too great for them to face the enemy head-on.
And Blood Rose Earl's Territory had no defensible terrain.
Before long,
Grand Duke Seaton's punitive fleet swept forward like a breaking tide, pressing straight toward the capital of Blood Rose Earl's Territory!
It came all the way to Rose Fortress.
Rose Fortress was a fortified planet.