Translator: Cinder Translations
...
The sky was thick with red clouds, and the cold northern wind howled over West Port.
The streets of the city were empty, with residents huddled in their homes, fearful of trouble during this unusual time.
More than 20 days ago, a gang of pirates, emerging from unknown origins, suddenly attacked West Port. The kingdom's naval forces stationed there were completely wiped out, and the pirates quickly seized control of the entire city.
These pirates seemed like demons straight from hell; anyone who dared oppose them was dragged to the square for public execution. The residents of West Port, who had only heard stories of pirates from the older generation, were now deeply feeling the terror of impending disaster.
The pirates went door to door, forcing ordinary citizens to hand over half of their money, claiming it was their right, and calling it "pirates' code."
As for those of higher status, they weren't so lucky. They were gathered in the city hall.
Inside the most luxurious room of the city hall, the pirate chief Edward was flipping through account books, a slight smile on his face indicating his satisfaction.
"Tsk tsk tsk…" A frivolous voice came from the door.
"I used to think that the renowned pirate Edward was a heroic figure who viewed money as dirt, but it turns out he's just as greedy as any common man."
The young wizard spoke with derision.
Edward didn't mind the sarcasm; he took a puff from the cigarette on the table and blew out a smoke ring contentedly.
"Young man, why do you think I became a pirate? To seek thrilling adventures? To build a fearsome reputation? Hahaha, those are just labels others have given me. Besides…"
Edward walked to the window and gazed out at the docks of West Port.
"To maintain a real fleet, especially a pirate fleet that lives on the edge every day, it's not enough just to fight. You need money, and you need to be able to manage it. Moreover, the money required for our cause is a bottomless pit. After all, that prince hasn't truly come into power yet, and the support is always limited."
Nathan shrugged, "Alright, you're right. By the way, how much have we collected these days?"
Edward raised the account book triumphantly, "The residents' 'donations,' the city hall's stock… in Aldor's gold, it's almost 50,000 now. Hehe, after all, Aldor's maritime trade isn't very developed. If we could capture a port city in the Horn Bay, the amount we could plunder would be enormous."
"Oh! And!"
The pirate chief snapped his fingers, "Our funds will keep increasing. Remember the 'invoice' we sent to Crystal Glare? There are still some payments pending."
"Hmph!" Nathan laughed, "So most of it has been received? Our great King Rodney actually allows such treacherous actions."
Edward looked as if it were obvious, "The support of the nobles is the cornerstone of royal power. If we were to ban it outright, those nobles would create enough trouble for the king, especially with the sensitive situation of the southern rebellion. Nathan, watch, even our brilliant prince will eventually have to seek the support of the nobles with our help."
"Hmph! Those parasites that only suck the blood of the nation."
Nathan clearly had little regard for them.
"Will you release those pigs in the city hall?"
"Of course, I will release those who have paid. I, Edward, am a man of my word. As for those who don't pay by the deadline—two days from now—they'll be treated the same way. I, Edward, am also a man of my word."
Nathan smiled slightly, "Captain, perhaps you could extend the deadline a bit longer to receive more money."
Edward shook his head, "The Baron Abbott won't give us much more time. The days are almost up, and I must say, this Baron is truly cautious. Perhaps he's waiting for something?"
"I've just discovered what he's waiting for."
"Oh? Do tell."
"Your fellow countryman—the people from the northwest!" Nathan said with a hint of sarcasm, "Baron Abbott is waiting for a fleet from the Northwest Bay!"
Edward's eyebrows rose in surprise, "It seems that the victory over the pirates two years ago has greatly boosted the confidence of the local lords, daring them to send a fleet across such a distance to show loyalty to the king."
"Mr. Edward, I think they might not be so much loyal to the royal family. It's said that maritime trade between the Northwest Bay and here is becoming increasingly frequent. By taking over here, we're effectively sticking a thorn in their throat."
The pirate leader fell silent, pondering deeply as he puffed on his pipe.
Today's report indicated that a patrol ship had not returned as scheduled. Could it be…
"Nathan, we'll leave tomorrow. Of course, we'll leave a little gift for the visiting Baron Abbott."
"Heh, are you scared?"
"Call it what you will. Remember, our purpose is to tire out the enemy, not to create a second battlefield for Giles. We've already sent most of the ships back to transport West Port's supplies. We only have 30 ships left, so caution is the best approach."
"Tsk tsk! Mr. Edward, I agree with your caution, but aren't you being a bit too careful for a fleet of only 12 ships?"
"12 ships? Are you sure?"
"12 ships! I'm sure! My informants in Kiel counted them one by one. Their red dragon flags are easy to recognize."
"Kiel? That's not far from here."
"So, another raid?"
"With what happened in West Port, the enemy won't be foolish enough to let us succeed a second time."
Nathan raised his hand and clenched it tightly, "Then we'll wait for them to walk into our trap."
Edward nodded, "Alright, young man, your suggestion is tempting. When the time comes, we'll leave a small gift onshore for Baron Abbott, and then we'll ambush the Northwest fleet at sea. However, I can only wait until the day after tomorrow; I really must leave then."
"Is there another matter?"
"Yes."
Nathan suggested, "If it's only 12 ships, you could leave half of your own ships behind."
Edward pressed his forehead in frustration, "I can't stand you. You seem more like a bloodthirsty pirate than I do."
Nathan grinned, a glint of excitement in his eyes, "Alright, I admit it, I came here for fun. The bigger the fun, the better, the more thrilling, the better. Boring days are too dull."
The pirate chief sighed, "I'm defeated by you. I'll leave half of my ships and my deputy to assist you."
The young wizard squinted, recalling the fire at Crystal Glare's granary, which had brought him considerable joy.
It seemed a new kind of pleasure was about to begin. How long would this one last?
(End of the Chapter)
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