The cannon fire gradually died away, and several cargo ships carrying ammunition and supplies sailed toward Anglepoint Wharf.
The battle at King's Bay had been won, and everyone breathed a long sigh of relief.
"Why are you all looking as gloomy as David? The defenders at King's Bay won. That's good news."
With the Inland Sea secure, Morris Industries could speed up production of Iron Warships. At this rate, Byron's wish to send an iron fleet against the Iron Tide Pirates in the Outer Sea would come true in just a few days.
David wore a poker face most of the time, so his lack of expression was normal.
Leonard frowned. "We've had so many clashes with the Third Fleet. Do you really mean that?"
Ellen nodded in agreement.
Byron widened his eyes, his expression a little exaggerated. "What are you getting at? Our dispute is with the Third Fleet's leadership. What does that have to do with winning a naval battle? The people fighting were soldiers. I'm happy for them. Sure, the Third Fleet's leaders are all as dumb as donkeys, but we need to make a distinction. Our feud is with the Third Fleet, not its soldiers. Surely you don't expect me to hope the Third Fleet loses at King's Bay so I can gloat?"
"Now that's something a paladin would say," David said, nodding.
Hold on. What do you mean, something a paladin would say?
"Clearly, you still don't know me well enough. I've always lived by the paladin's creed. Humility, honesty, compassion, valor... I can't remember the rest right now."
Halfway through, Byron forgot his lines, leaving an awkward silence.
But Byron was an old hand. His expression changed, and he immediately said solemnly, "Anyway, when I was taking advanced paladin training, ethics was my favorite