How the Villainous Consort Avoids His Death Ending - Chapter 34.1
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Everyone was stunned, staring at Tristan.
“The Grand Consort has spotted a pirate ship. There can be no gaps in defense.”
However, when Tristan added his instructions, expressions changed. Knights and crew immediately began to move.
“Reef the sails to reduce speed and balance the hull!”
“Everyone, open the gun ports and prepare to fire!”
“Powder magazine status is clear!”
“Cannons ready in formation!”
A tense atmosphere settled over the deck, and in an instant it became bustling. As expected of a mercenary fleet skilled in naval warfare, everyone moved with calm efficiency.
I was the one who was surprised. Half-open mouthed, I stared at them in astonishment.
‘What the……? They just believe him?’
Though Tristan was giving orders, it was unexpected to see everyone move without hesitation. I thought they would be skeptical first. Since when did they trust my words like this?
“Move quickly! Form a defensive line around Your Highness in preparation for close combat!”
Gehardt seemed the most tense, urging the crew forward and ensuring combat readiness was meticulously executed.
Soon, the fleet was fully prepared for battle. In the distance, at the edge of the horizon, a large black shape slowly emerged.
It was a pirate fleet, several ships led by a flagship flying a black skull flag.
“A slaver ship.”
Tristan frowned and glared at the pirate ship, speaking briefly. I was startled and asked.
“Excuse me? What do you mean?”
“It is a ship that captures subjects to sell as slaves. I understand they mainly attack the Northern Continent…….”
“Then how did they appear here?”
“Recently, the Northern Continent has developed significantly, and security seems to have been strengthened. So they came down to the Empire and have just begun raiding the coastline. Those bound in chains are being dragged below deck.”
“I see…….”
The system must have had a reason for introducing the pirate fleet into this area. I nodded, understanding somewhat.
“So they are not approaching to raid our fleet, right? Could they just pass by?”
Holding a small hope, I asked Tristan. If they attacked a fleet flying the flag of the Duke of Hezekia in Rubyere waters, they could run into patrolling imperial ships, which would be troublesome even for them.
I still worried about the civilians captured on the pirate ship. I could not leave them like that. Was there a fleet nearby I could call for support? I glanced around, feeling helpless.
“We need to save them.”
“Yes, we must. Then we should hug the coastline and look for a patrol fleet……”
“All hands, prepare to attack!”
“……Excuse me?”
Right now? Are we really going alone?
I was about to ask in disbelief when I flinched. The pirate fleet had suddenly appeared close by in an instant.
No, they had not come toward us; we had approached them. Their behavior was a clear provocation.
Matching Tristan’s command, the knights responded in unison.
“Prepare to attack!”
“Attack formation ready!”
As our ships formed a threatening line, the pirate fleet reacted immediately. On the deck of the closer pirate ships, rugged faces revealed wide grins.
At this, I was completely flustered.
“Wait, Your Highness!”
Usually, pirate fleets consist of small, old galleys. The fleet before us was no different. The ships were crude, but by using slaves to row in large numbers, their speed was impressive. They would dash in and engage in boarding combat on civilian decks.
Thus, when facing pirates, it is usually better to either sink them from a distance with artillery or leverage the sturdier, larger size of civilian ships. But there was a problem here.
Our ships looked smaller and older than the pirate ships……
“Can…… we really save them?”
“Of course. Why would you even ask that?”
Tristan’s casual reply left me speechless. No, why is he so confident? They clearly look strong!
‘No…… but these are mercenaries who have fought pirates before. Nothing should go wrong.’
I tried to calm my nerves and prepare myself, taking a deep breath to steady my tension.
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