"Lord Viscount, are we really handing over 500 warships?" The adjutant still wore a look of disbelief.
Just moments earlier, Black Steward and Viscount Ironwall had held a lengthy private discussion. When his lordship emerged, shock and fury were written all over his face.
Then, to everyone's astonishment, he had ordered the fleet to begin handing over the warships.
"Do I need to repeat myself? Give them the ships! Since they're stronger than us and hit harder, they're entitled to demand war reparations!" Viscount Ironwall's expression was grim.
"But..." The adjutant wanted to protest.
Although his lordship had ultimately refused their outrageous demand for half the fleet, 500 warships were no small number, especially since that included 100 Black Flag warships.
Even as Grand Duke Horton's right-hand man and trusted confidant, Viscount Ironwall would certainly face a severe reprimand and punishment when he returned.
Besides... this wasn't how his hard-line lordship usually operated!
What on earth had they said to bewitch him?
"No buts. I know what I'm doing!" Viscount Ironwall said coldly.
No outsider could tell what a storm was raging inside him beneath that stern expression.
The secret he had heard was simply too shocking, too terrifying!
Compared to the gravity of that matter, a mere 500 warships were hardly worth mentioning.
In fact, trading 500 warships for a secret like that was already more than worth the price.
"Why would a ducal family that had supported the throne for centuries suddenly switch sides and become the Crown Prince Faction's staunchest supporters?"
"Grand Duke Horton is already a duke. Even if the grandson he's backing now eventually takes the throne, could Grand Duke Horton possibly rise any higher?"
"A daughter's son is still only a daughter's son. Even if he helps put him on the throne, could