The first matter Justin raised was the handling of Liang Xiaohai's corpse.
Uncertain about the specifics of this individual's grievances with the master, he refrained from hastily disposing of the body.
Wang Hui simply instructed, "Find a sealed box to store it, then dispose of it in the cellar. Hire two reliable individuals to keep watch in turns."
Justin felt a sense of confusion, was it really necessary to worry about a dead man returning?
Yet, wisely, he chose not to inquire further. After nodding in acknowledgment, he reported the second matter.
"Regarding the crisis involving the island spirits, I previously discovered that the Seventh Prince of the Storm Kingdom has shown great interest in enslaving them. He has repeatedly declared, while inebriated, his intention to capture all the island spirits for human use.
The Seventh Prince himself possesses little military power, so I deduce he may dispatch his own wizards along with mercenaries to the sea to raid and capture the island spirits.
However, not long ago, an informant I placed in the Seventh Prince's estate relayed that he hastily departed for the port, presumably to undertake something significant in the deep sea..."
"So, it has not yet been determined if those warships are indeed targeting the island spirits?"
Wang Hui took the stack of intelligence reports from Justin. The handwriting was erratic, clearly originating from various individuals, each detailing the movements of the Seventh Prince and the ships at the port.
No wonder Justin exuded such confidence in his intelligence capabilities, merely observing the extensive network of informants throughout Reversal Wind Port attests to his professionalism!
"I apologize, master. The fleet's movements came without warning, and I have yet to acquire the most precise information..."
Justin bowed in apology, then added, "However, given the typically lackadaisical Seventh Prince's active involvement, and the fleet's sailing direction aligning with the habitat of the island spirits, we cannot afford to be complacent!"
"Indeed..."
Wang Hui squinted, suddenly asking, "The reports indicate that the flagship of the fleet is the Nicholas, one of the three premier warships of the Storm Kingdom. What makes it formidable?"
"It is sizable, nearly seventy meters in length, with a deck and hull of extraordinary sturdiness, capable of accommodating eight hundred individuals along with substantial supplies!"
Justin detailed with familiarity, "Aside from that, it lacks any extraordinary features, its significance is largely symbolic. After all, the three flagship warships are named after the reigning king of Storm, the chief wizard of the court, and the Storm Knight.
The Nicholas is named after Storm Knight Nicholas Gaki, who is regarded as the foremost knight of the Storm Kingdom but typically does not embark on warships. He likely won't be accompanying the fleet today..."
Before Justin could finish, a boy dressed like a beggar darted past the window, tossing a small piece of paper wrapped in mud inside before disappearing without a glance back.
"That child is also one of my informants."
Justin explained as he approached the window to retrieve the mud-encrusted note. Upon unwrapping it and reading the contents, his expression shifted dramatically: "Gaki actually boarded the ship? How could the Seventh Prince possibly persuade him to join..."
"Ah, the First Knight!"
Wang Hui, finding the situation far from daunting, remarked with intrigue, "I shall pay a visit. You stay behind to protect Lilia."
"I would like to accompany you!"
Justin stepped forward urgently, saying, "Master, do not underestimate Nicholas Gaki, his combat prowess far surpasses that of an ordinary knight. Even the robust orc warriors of the Thunder Kingdom have been defeated by him single-handedly!"
Wang Hui merely smiled slightly, "Is that so? Then all the better."
…
At the same moment, a fleet comprising thirty-two warships of varying sizes was dispersing in formation towards the deep sea.
In the absence of modern communication methods, they relied solely on flag signals to convey orders, maintaining a flawlessly cohesive formation that showcased the naval dominance of the Storm Kingdom on the waters!
Positioned at the forefront of the fleet was the renowned flagship, the Nicholas.
Three sturdy masts bore enormous sails that billowed like battle flags, their blue embroidery undulating gracefully, exuding an elegance laced with a sense of foreboding.
At this moment, three individuals stood on the bow of the ship, gazing ahead.
Clad in opulent attire with sunken eyes, the Seventh Prince appeared to be a mere husk emptied by indulgence, yet his expression radiated an unprecedented excitement.
"Uncle Gaki, if we successfully conquer the new continent this time, my deeds will surely be celebrated across the nations, right? My father will regard me with new eyes, won't he?"
"Ah..."
Standing in the center, leaning on his sword, was a tall and imposing middle-aged man. His rugged features were complemented by a heavy dark blue armor that bore no hint of exertion.
The Storm Knight—Nicholas Gaki!
He harbored a deep-seated disdain for the ineffectual Seventh Prince, responding with indifference before turning his gaze elsewhere.
"Lady Mag, do you believe there truly exists another land at the edge of the sea?"
"Based on the information relayed by Lanlong, it is highly probable that such a place does exist..."
The response came from a witch draped in a jewel-blue robe. At first glance, she appeared youthful, yet the weariness in her gaze and the fine lines at her mouth indicated her considerable age.
The second-ranking wizard of the Storm Court—Mag!
"Although Lanlong is rather lackadaisical in his pursuit of wizardry, his reconnaissance spells are commendable and not easily swayed by illusions."
"In that case, I must prepare more thoroughly for battle... Do you have any suggestions?"
Nicholas Gaki adopted a humble demeanor, despite his slightly elevated status in the Storm Kingdom.
"When it comes to combat, you are undoubtedly the expert, I would not presume to offer suggestions," Mag jested lightly, her tone relaxed. "Given the information provided by Lanlong, the civilization on the other side appears quite primitive and should lack the means to resist us across the ocean.
Perhaps you should focus on the arrangements for the landing operation, I and those foolish students will provide you with magical support."
Nicholas Gaki burst into hearty laughter, "With Lady Mag by my side, I can easily expand the territory of the Storm Kingdom!"
The two chatted amicably, while the ostensibly esteemed Seventh Prince was left awkwardly sidelined, unable to interject.
He clenched his fists in silent rage, gnashing his teeth with resentment.
"Those two old fools! What are they so smug about? Lanlong, who discovered the new continent, is under my command as a wizard. Even if the glory of victory belongs to them, I will not be overlooked!"
The three individuals represented wizards, knights, and royalty, each with their own interests.
Yet regardless of their inner thoughts, they all shared a collective conviction regarding the inevitable conquest of the new continent.
The comprehensive national strength of the Storm Kingdom consistently ranked as the strongest among the four nations!
What could a mere backward civilization on the other side, one that could not even construct seafaring vessels, possibly employ to impede their formidable navy?
Moreover, Mag was the kingdom's foremost expert in water-based magic, all that remained was to witness the achievements of the knightly order led by Nicholas Gaki upon landing...
The entire army brimmed with confidence, oblivious to the fact that a giant was casually observing them from above the skies!