In the evening, Howard hosted a banquet for Count Terni.
The two celebrated together, raising their glasses in a cheerful atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the neighboring countries of Pomerania and Bohemia were at war.
Pomerania, a coastal nation, wasn't keen on legitimate trade.
The country had a notorious habit of plundering other nations' fleets, a practice that discomforted its neighbors.
Others engaged in honest trade, transporting goods and earning profits, while Pomerania focused solely on immediate gains through piracy.
This shortsightedness was evident.
Constantly raiding other fleets, merchants dared not venture near Pomeranian waters.
Who would willingly take their wealth and goods into the den of pirates? It was a simple logic that led to a clear outcome: Pomerania, despite being a coastal nation, earned little from maritime trade.
