When Ji Chen and his companions appeared, a look of pleasant surprise washed over Anina's face as she stood on the top floor of the castle.
The Lord had finally returned!
A few days ago, when they had spotted these unfamiliar enemies through the warning lighthouse, she realized their malevolent intent. Immediately, she ordered the evacuation of many residents of the Crown of the Ocean to the Kobold caves and the underground Lizardmen world for refuge.
She led the remaining defending forces to withstand the enemy's onslaught.
However, facing the formidable firepower of the enemy's warships and the sheer number and average strength of their soldiers, even her personal strength couldn't withstand the direct assault of the cannons. Thus, they had to retreat, step by step, back to the Lord's castle.
Although they had temporarily held the castle, without reinforcements, it was only a matter of time before it would be breached.
