According to the customary practices of the Storm Kingdom, the fleets led by the three flagship vessels each had their designated roles.
The fleet of the [Chardon IX] was responsible for regular patrols in the bay, showcasing the Storm Kingdom's formidable naval power.
The [Nicolas] fleet was tasked with responding to unforeseen circumstances, such as subduing any organization that dared to challenge the kingdom's authority.
The [Belmou] rarely set sail, nominally the flagship of the reserve fleet, it mostly served as a stationary emblem.
Thus, with the [Nicolas] in distress and the [Chardon IX] temporarily unable to return, the hastily mobilized [Belmou] fleet struggled to gather enough sailors and laborers, resorting to emergency recruitment.
"Do we know what kind of foreign race we're dealing with? They've managed to pose a challenge to the fleet led by that Storm Knight…"
"It's likely just a few oversized rats putting up a fight, we may only need to set sail and make a round to earn our pay easily."
"Ah, sometimes having a mighty navy isn't so great, when the great warships can't find worthy opponents, it's rather lonely!"
The new laborers boarding the ship chatted casually, with the rogue Peach among them.
Many believed that this state of battle readiness was merely a shallow display, accustomed to their unchallenged dominance at sea for years, they saw no foreign race capable of opposing the two fleets of the Storm Navy!
However, an inkling of concern gnawed at Peach.
The lord marquis of Reverse Wind Port had always lived in luxury and seemed eager to revel in the company of songstresses daily.
Now, he donned a facade of being approachable, bustling to the port to personally recruit for the fleet?
Something was amiss!
Peach silently speculated that the troubles encountered by the [Nicolas] fleet were likely more than trivial inconveniences!
Under normal circumstances, he would have kept his distance from such matters, unwilling to gamble for a mere five silver coins.
Yet, having accepted the task from "butler" Justin, he was obliged to keep a close watch on that young man residing with Fisherman Bernie, without resorting to coercive measures...
"If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have continued associating with Justin."
Despite his inner lament, Peach did not back down at the last moment.
In this line of work, boasting without following through would be the height of folly, inviting the scrutiny of others!
While he appeared nonchalant, his peripheral vision remained fixed on Liang Xiaohong, who stood ahead.
A "dead and resurrected" oddity! Moreover, one he had personally slain once before!
He felt himself drawn into a troublesome situation, silently hoping that the young man would behave himself and return to port without incident...
In the afternoon, the crew of the [Belmou] fleet finally completed their preparations and gradually set sail, forming ranks in the coastal waters.
Numerous unsuspecting workers and fishermen on the shore cheered and waved their hats, believing they were merely witnessing a spectacle, unaware that the fleet would soon return triumphant.
Unexpectedly, just as over thirty warships had aligned, a series of piercing horn blasts echoed through the air...
Peach, pretending to be a laborer in the cabin, was immediately stricken with a grim expression upon hearing the sound!
Having previously served as a sailor, he recognized that this sharp horn signified an ominous sign.
An enemy attack!
The fleet had not yet departed Reverse Wind Port, and the enemy was already upon them?
The Storm Kingdom had never encountered such absurdity!
Those onshore had already begun to disperse but returned with puzzled expressions upon hearing the horns.
Had their ears deceived them? Who would dare to attack Reverse Wind Port?
"Get out of the way!"
Peach shoved several laborers aside in the cabin, craning his neck to peer out the side window.
Gazing into the distance, he could see five ships—one large and four smaller ones—slowly approaching.
Leading the group was none other than the [Nicolas], which had supposedly been "engaged in a fierce battle"!
If their flagship had returned, why were they sounding the attack horns?
Peach's gaze shifted to the four escorting vessels.
Slightly smaller than the [Nicolas], they appeared to be entirely constructed of steel, their gleaming surfaces reflecting sunlight and appearing exceptionally dazzling!
"That's not a Storm Kingdom ship..."
A sense of foreboding gripped Peach.
Could it be that the previously encountered fleet had been annihilated, and the foreign navy was now parading the [Nicolas] before Reverse Wind Port?
He suddenly felt a gaze upon him and turned to look toward the shore.
Justin, clad in a black tailcoat, stood on a rooftop, signaling to Peach with a series of gestures.
These were covert signals used among rogues, roughly meaning, "Proceed as you wish."
Peach contemplated briefly, then pressed down with his hand to indicate understanding.
Surely, in this emergency, he was granted latitude and need not continue watching Liang Xiaohong from the shadows, if necessary, he could employ more forceful measures!
Lost in thought, he noticed that Justin had vanished from the rooftop.
"Like a ghost…"
Peach muttered, retracting his head and turning to find Liang Xiaohong.
Meanwhile, on the deck of the [Belmou], three individuals stood at the bow, gazing towards the approaching five ships.
The Third Prince, clad in light gray chainmail, appeared both gallant and refined alongside his golden hair.
To his left stood the knight Kuntina, whose pallor suggested her weakened state rendered her somewhat unwell.
On the Third Prince's right was not the lord marquis—who had evidently lacked the courage to join the expedition and had instead sought the company of songstresses—but a middle-aged man whose appearance did not quite match his attire.
Brawny and resembling a cook, he donned a lavish red robe...
It was the wizard Douglas!
"Ha, sailing the [Nicolas] to Reverse Wind Port, those foreign rascals have some audacity!"
Douglas's voice boomed like thunder, his rough hands gripping the staff with a creaking sound.
One could not help but wonder if he might wield the staff as a sword in combat...
"Please do not underestimate the foreigners, both Sir Geiki and Lady Mag have been defeated by them, we must approach with utmost vigilance!"
Kuntina, somewhat irked by the eccentric wizard's demeanor, patiently advised him.
Douglas was currently the most powerful wizard at Reverse Wind Port, in terms of sheer strength, he was on par with Lady Mag, yet his proficiency in fire magic lacked favor in the Storm Kingdom, preventing him from being appointed the court's chief wizard.
"Utmost vigilance? I can muster no more than nine-tenths of my energy to greet them, leaving the remaining tenth for tonight's revelry! Hahaha—"
Douglas laughed boisterously, seemingly unconcerned about the enemy's approach.
Yet his eyes betrayed a heightened alertness, as he swiftly began to chant a series of incantations, a subtle glow radiating from his form...
Whoosh!
At that moment, the Third Prince flicked a gold coin with his finger, causing it to burst forth in a dazzling display.
It was a simple spell, one he often used as a signal.
Wizards on the decks of the various ships saw this and immediately assumed their positions to recite spells, preparing an array of magical incantations!
"Guests have arrived, let us extend a warm welcome."