Chapter 219 - Chapter 219: Tension and Conflict (2)
Chapter 219: Tension and Conflict (2)
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Therefore, I would like to request your help in returning to the Lienhardt Grand Duchy. The Valencia Family of the Lienhardt Grand Duchy will surely not forget the helping hand you extend to us.”
“My Lady!” The captain and the chief guard were both startled and alarmed, their expressions turning sour. How could they directly reveal their names and identities like that?
Even though the Lienhardt Grand Duchy was only one of the several duchies and kingdoms along the northwestern coast of the central ocean of the Northern Continent, it wasn’t the most powerful presence.
Nonetheless, being a noble daughter of a grand duke made her a distinguished figure next to the grand duke himself, a cherished jewel in his eyes.
If the other party were to know about Your Highness’s identity, would they harbor any ill intentions?
What made them simultaneously relieved and somewhat frustrated was that upon hearing this, Anina’s petite eyebrows furrowed, casting a disdainful gaze, and she spoke with an air of royal contempt.
“Lienhardt Grand Duchy? Never heard of it. As for who you are, a princess of a kingdom? Without a decree from higher authorities, not even an imperial princess would be allowed entry!
As for any assistance, it’s the same as before. Without a decree from higher authorities, 1 won’t even offer a strand of hair.”
So, if you’re sensible, leave this place immediately. Otherwise, hmph…”
With the Dragon Slayer Great Sword resting on her shoulder, Anina glanced at them, “1 can handle you on my own, and the sea wouldn’t mind having more nourishment for life.”
Clang-
All the sailors and guards on the Radiant Envoy drew their blades and weapons fiercely, glaring at them.
Loyalty demanded that they not let their sovereign be insulted, even if it meant sacrificing their lives.
Thus, faced with an opponent far stronger than them, they didn’t hesitate to brandish their weapons.
In response to their actions, the gunners on the two warships loaded their cannons, getting ready to fire.
The Dragon Blood Murlocs and Naga Berserkers lifted their tridents and bone blades, their eyes filled with a crimson hue.
The Lobster Rider’s gaze turned ice-cold, holding his iron spear under his arm, poised to charge.
The Self-Detonating Water Spider moved its thin legs gently, prowling on the outskirts, prepared to self-destruct and charge into the enemy ranks.
Under the sea’s surface, the Ocean Guardians waited for the signal to move, while in the deeper waters, the massive Giant Octopus swam slowly.
In the air, the Sky Guardians glided by, their claws reflecting a metallic sheen in the sunlight.
Suddenly, a profoundly weighty atmosphere shrouded the surroundings, the tension so tangible that a mere spark could ignite it into flames.
Seeing this, Monica grew anxious and clenched her teeth.
“Please calm down, Your Excellency. This is not the outcome we intended, and we never meant to offend the lord’s authority. If possible, could you grant us an audience with the lord?”
After speaking, Monica’s eyes revealed a glimmer of hope, but what she saw was Anina unmoved.
A tinge of disappointment flashed across Anina’s face, and she pursed her lips. “Fine, we’ll leave now…”
However, all of a sudden, a Sky Guardian swiftly flew down from the sky in the distance and landed on the warship.
On it was a half-orc, the hero Daro.
He surveyed the surroundings, hopped off the Sky Guardian, and walked briskly to Anina, speaking in a deep voice.
“The Lord has given orders not to offend them. Escort them to the island. He wants to meet these foreign guests.”
Upon hearing this, Monica’s downcast expression immediately brightened, and she excitedly waved her little fist at the captain and others.
Seeing this, the captain’s group also eased their expressions, exchanging glances and sheathing their weapons.
Anina rolled her eyes. “Withdraw all troops. Let these people board the ship and head to the New Moon Islands. Otherwise, with these small boats, who knows when they’ll arrive on the island.”
Upon hearing this, the previously hostile army froze in place.
The Dragon Blood Murlocs and others retracted their weapons and stationed themselves at the ship’s railings.
The gunners returned the cannons to their positions, secured the ammunition, and closed the cannon doors.
The Lobster Riders submerged into the sea, disappearing without a trace.
In an instant, the tension gradually dissipated, as if the air had become much lighter.
Anina looked at the jubilant Monica, who couldn’t contain her excitement, and impatiently said, “Hurry up, don’t keep the Lord waiting.”
Rowing small boats, the group successively boarded the warship and were directly settled on the deck.
Although the atmosphere devoid of battle lingered, the troops stationed on the ship remained vigilant, watching these unfamiliar guests with a subtle sense of suspicion.
The suppressed atmosphere still hung in the air.
The captain of the Radiant Envoy, the chief guard, and all the sailors and guards were tense, their muscles tight. At the slightest sign of trouble, they would immediately lead their Lady to escape.
However, upon turning around and seeing their Lady looking around with delight, their faces turned blank for a moment, then they forced a bitter smile.
Oh, my lady, haven’t you observed the rather peculiar ambiance around us?
Perhaps sensing their thoughts, Monica smiled brightly.
“Anyway, we’re already on the ship. No matter how nervous we are, it won’t make a difference. Even if they throw us into the sea now, we can’t resist. In that case, it’s better to think about how to communicate with the lord later. Actually, I’ve been curious for a while now and have a few questions to ask.
For example, what kind of person is the lord who possesses an entire sea territory as their domain? What are their personality and appearance like? The New Moon Islands they mentioned, what kind of islands are they?
And that beautiful girl who was holding such a huge sword earlier, she’s really impressive. I can’t even wield a long sword myself. If possible, I’d really like to be friends with her…”
Monica poured out her thoughts like an innocent little girl.
Intentionally or unintentionally, these words were overheard by Anina, who was sitting on the ship’s rail. Her gaze changed, softening a bit.
She thought to herself, “This girl leading them doesn’t seem that clever. With such an innocent demeanor, she’s still a duke’s daughter. Maybe the lord could gain some advantages and benefits from this…”
As she thought, her guard lowered slightly.
Anina looked at Monica, unaware that Monica was also sneakily observing her.
Noticing Anina’s softened gaze, Monica couldn’t help but smile inwardly.
” Well, this girl is quite easy to handle. But would she be upset if she knew that I’m acting?’
However, for the sake of the duchy, for the sake of being able to return, there was no other choice.
Monica stood at the ship’s railing, cutting through the waves along with the warship. She gazed into the distance and gradually saw the outline of an archipelago – seven islands.
Her little mouth dropped open.
So there really was such a large archipelago within the Stormy Sea. And it was ruled by a lord.
Soon, Monica began to ponder the significance of this archipelago and the strategic value of the lord.
This archipelago was located within the Stormy Sea, adjacent to the Golden Passage of the Central Ocean. Its geographical value was incredibly high.
As long as the storms on the sea’s fringe remained somewhat manageable and the islands had ports, once this location came into the world’s awareness, it would unquestionably create a significant commotion.
On that premise, what could the Lienhardt Grand Duchy do? What role could they play here?
Unconsciously, Monica, born into the ducal family, started to think about many things – economics, politics, diplomacy, military…
But soon, she calmed down.
Perhaps this plea for help was also an opportunity, a chance to intersect with this territory, with its lord.
As they drew closer to the archipelago, the envoy party of the Radiant Envoy was surprised to find that the island was even more prosperous than they had imagined.
Buildings covered the islands, extending for kilometers and bustling with human activity.
Large warship forts and commercial ports stood side by side, with dozens of warships anchored, showcasing their might.
People moved densely along the roads, transporting resources and goods, creating a bustling scene.
Was this the domain they had arrived at?