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The massive explosion drew the pirates' attention, and the death of their leader plunged them into chaos. However, on the frontlines, both sides were already consumed by the ferocity of battle, and the fighting raged on relentlessly.
Behind them, the Blood Dragon Guards, who had been overseeing the troops, immediately joined the fray. Gavin, having broken through the enemy lines, swiftly redirected his assault to the rear of the pirates on the left flank.
With the rear of their formation under attack, compounded by the ferocity of the Blood Dragon Guards and Gavin's seemingly miraculous fire-based powers, the pirates' already faltering morale shattered.
Some began to flee the battlefield, their once-dense formation unraveling. When a volley of ballistic bolts rained down, the entire pirate force disintegrated into a panicked retreat.
Gavin immediately ordered his troops to give chase, relentlessly pursuing the fleeing pirates all the way to the gates of Bloodstone Town.
The fleeing pirates surged toward the town gates like a tidal wave, shoving and jostling each other in their desperation. In their panic, they flooded through the gates, making it impossible to close them, and chaos erupted.
Seizing the opportunity, the Blood Dragon Guards charged forward like unleashed beasts, their movements swift and powerful. With unstoppable momentum, they stormed toward the gates.
The pirates at the gates crumbled under the Blood Dragon Guards' onslaught, scattering in all directions.
The Guards successfully captured the town gates, and with their morale soaring, Gavin's forces followed closely behind, their battle cries shaking the sky as they surged into the town like a raging storm.
The streets of the town descended into chaos as Gavin's soldiers clashed with the remnants of the pirates. Blades rang out, blood splattered, and every corner was filled with tension and the stench of death.
The fighting raged on until dusk, and gradually, the sounds of slaughter within the town began to fade.
Gavin sat before the gates of the town hall, silently watching as captured pirates were brought into the square, one after another, waiting for the battle to come to a close.
The setting sun painted the sky a deep orange, casting a hazy, blood-red glow over the square. Gavin's shadow stretched long across the ground, his furrowed brows still tense, his eyes reflecting deep contemplation and unease.
Finally, Hassan hurried over, bowing deeply, his expression grave as he reported, "My lord, the battle has ended. We suffered heavy casualties, but we have successfully taken the Bloodstone Island."
Gavin nodded slightly, his voice steady yet commanding. "Ensure the wounded are properly treated. Secure the captives and compile a detailed report of our losses."
By evening, Hassan returned once more. "My lord, we have suffered 376 casualties. We captured 1,124 pirates. As for supplies, the inventory has not been fully assessed yet, but we have secured 25 longships and 5 sailing warships in the harbor."
Gavin took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping across the square filled with prisoners. "Distribute the promised rewards to the surviving soldiers. Also, round up all officials and anyone in charge within the town and bring them to me."
As if on cue, Hassan spoke up. "My lord, a man claiming to be the tax officer of Bloodstone Island approached me earlier. He requested an audience with you, but I told him to wait, as the battle was still ongoing. Shall I bring him now?"
Gavin nodded. "Go ahead. If he's not with the pirates, treat him respectfully."
"Yes, my lord," Hassan replied promptly.
Not long after, Gavin met the tax officer. The man appeared to be in his forties, short in stature. His tanned, gleaming skin spoke of a life spent by the sea, and he exuded a rustic charm that seemed inseparable from the ocean.
Bowing low, the man introduced himself, "Greetings, my lord. I am Boris, the former tax officer of Bloodstone Island."
Gavin's expression grew thoughtful as he studied Boris intently. "Hassan mentioned you requested to see me. What is it you wish to discuss?"
Boris lifted his head slightly and replied, "My lord, this is not a personal matter. Many island residents have asked me to inquire about your plans for taxation. The townsfolk paid their annual taxes just half a month ago. We humbly plead for your mercy and ask if the collection might be delayed."
Gavin scrutinized him, his gaze filled with suspicion. "Boris, aren't you a pirate?"
Boris quickly waved his hands. "My lord, I am definitely not a pirate. I have always been here on the island, diligently overseeing the tax collection."
Gavin furrowed his brow. "Then why would pirates entrust such an important task to an outsider?"
Boris took a deep breath and explained, "My lord, the greatest source of profit from taking Bloodstone Island has always been the toll fees from the nearby trade routes. The island itself isn't valued for its resources; it was enough to just maintain order here. So, no matter who rules, they would appoint locals as officials to better control the island. That's how I was entrusted with the position of tax officer."
Gavin nodded slightly before asking, "How many people live on the island?"
Boris answered, "There are over twenty thousand people on Bloodstone Island. About thirty percent are fishermen, while the rest farm the land, my lord."
Gavin crossed his arms. "Then, what was the tax situation under the pirate rule?"
Boris answered cautiously, "My lord, it was better when the Saan family was in charge. We only had to pay a portion of our harvest. However, after Black Shark 'Erl' arrived, the taxes became purely monetary—no more food. The islanders had to trade their food for money to pay the taxes, and with the trade routes cut off, life became unbearable for the people."
Gavin fell silent for a moment. "I can adopt the Saan family's tax system, and delays are acceptable. Now that I control this island, you are all my subjects. I will ensure your proper care, but in return, you must obey my rule."
Boris replied with certainty, "Thank you for your kindness, my lord. I'm sure the islanders will support you when they hear of it."
Gavin thought for a moment before responding, "Good. I have some matters for you to assist with. From today, I hereby appoint you as Deputy Administrator of Bloodstone Island, responsible for managing the islanders' production and tax collection. As for your superior, Hassan, I assume you have already met him."
Boris bowed deeply. "Of course, my lord. Rest assured, I will give my utmost effort."
Gavin waved his hand dismissively. "Go now. Do your job well."
Boris bowed once again. "Yes, my lord. I take my leave."
Once Boris had left, Hassan, who had been standing nearby, hurried over to report. "My lord, I've questioned some prisoners. The management of Bloodstone Town is in utter chaos. Many of the officials from the Saan family's time were killed after Black Shark 'Erl' arrived. Many of the merchants in the town have already fled, leaving the shops empty. The port's trade has been closed off, and Black Shark 'Erl' didn't appoint any new officials, only leaving behind a few pirate stewards. Most of them have died in the previous battles, and the rest are prisoners."
Gavin nodded. "You heard what I said earlier. From today on, you are the Administrator of Bloodstone Island. First, restore order to prevent any remnants of the pirates from causing trouble. Seal the port—no ships are allowed to leave. Take a few days to organize, separate the pirate prisoners, and execute those who were captains or stewards. Gather the remaining pirates tomorrow, and I will personally handle their recruitment. Once we've dealt with the last of the pirates, we'll consider reopening trade."
Hassan bowed deeply. "Yes, my lord. I will handle it immediately."
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[Chapter End's]
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