The peaceful days of building the island base did not last forever. Three days after Nevall departed aboard the large cargo Mana-Powered Ship, a change finally came.
"Lord Leslie, we've spotted a Candel Empire fleet ten kilometers northwest of here. Judging by its course, it should be heading our way."
After hearing his subordinate's report, Leslie considered briefly but took no other action. He simply ordered every ship in the Guard Fleet to prepare for battle and quietly awaited the Candel Empire fleet's arrival.
This was something they had anticipated long ago.
After all, they were operating in the Candel Empire's Southern Waters. If the Candel Empire's navy had received no news and made no response after so many days, that would only prove it was no longer worth worrying about.
As it turned out, although its response was somewhat slow, it had reacted as expected.
For the Xinfei Merchant Guild to establish a firm foothold in these waters, it would inevitably have to face the Candel Empire's navy head-on.
The Guard Fleet could flee, but the island could not.
About half an hour later, a fleet flying the Candel Empire's flags appeared on the sea to the northwest.
The moment Leslie saw it, a great weight lifted from his heart.
At a glance, the fleet had only thirty-odd ships, including just two Thunder-Class Royal Warships. It was far inferior to the Third Fleet the Xinfei Merchant Guild Guards Fleet had encountered during its first contact with the Candel Empire Royal Fleet.
The Candel Empire's navy had clearly come after receiving word of them and had some understanding of the Xinfei Merchant Guild Guards Fleet's strength, yet it had sent so few ships. Unless its commander was an idiot, it certainly had not come intending to clash with them.
Sure