Chapter 3652: Hurried |
Stefan looked at Fang Heng and his group as they disembarked from the ship. Coming back to his senses, he nodded and said, "Thank you for your contributions to the Empire."
"It was our duty as members of the Empire," Meng Qingyu said, following Fang Heng’s instructions. "These warships belong to the Lyman Empire. Our merchant guild has no use for them, so we hope to submit them to the Empire in exchange for merit points."
"Really? That’s great!"
Stefan’s heart skipped a beat, and he could hardly hide his excitement.
Meng Qingyu was right. These ships were warships built at great expense by the Lyman Empire. Their construction costs were extremely high, and their design was tailored to carry artillery, making them far superior to ordinary cargo ships.
With this batch of ships, not only would the defensive capability of Pulau Island be greatly enhanced, but the overall maritime defense capability of the Empire would also see a significant improvement.
"On behalf of the Imperial military department, I thank all of you. I guarantee that the compensation and merit rewards will not disappoint you."
"Of course. We trust Her Highness Willow. We are in a bit of a hurry so we will leave these ships to you for now. We’ll trouble you to handle the follow-up matters, sir."
Meng Qingyu cupped his fist again toward Stefan, then turned to Howell on the rear ship and waved, "Howell, prepare to set sail!"
Stefan was surprised and asked, "So soon? You’re leaving already?"
By then, after the earlier delay, the sun was already setting on the horizon.
In a little over an hour, it would be dark.
Were they really in such a hurry that they had to travel through the night?
"Yes, we have urgent matters to attend to at Sea God Island."
"Very well. I wish you a safe journey."
"Thank you."
Stefan watched as the ships departed, then turned his gaze to the captured vessels anchored by the shore. His heart began to beat faster uncontrollably as he waved his hand immediately, "Quick! Send people to inspect the captured ships!"
"Yes!"
Not long after, a guard hurried over, his face full of joy. "Captain, we randomly inspected over ten warships. All of them are in excellent condition without exception. Only minor traces of battle remain. If needed, they can be put into combat immediately."
"Good!" Stefan silently praised in his heart. This victory had truly brought glory to the Empire.
He suppressed his excitement and said, "Continue inspecting the remaining ships. Begin repair procedures immediately."
"Yes."
The guard nodded, then handed over an unopened letter, saying, "Also, we have received a reply from the Empire."
Stefan’s heart jumped when he saw the seal from Princess Willow’s personal letter. He quickly opened it and read.
As Stefan’s brows gradually furrowed, the guard couldn’t help but ask, "Sir, what is it? You look troubled."
"No, it’s nothing," Stefan said, shaking his head.
The letter stated that Her Highness Princess Willow had already learned of their successful repulsion of the enemy forces and had expressed her praise for them. It also stated that the Imperial fleet would arrive at Pulau Island before sunset, and that, before that, they were to ensure Fang Heng and his group were stopped.
Unfortunately, the letter had arrived too late.
No one had expected Fang Heng to leave so quickly.
After thinking for a moment, Stefan said, "Quick, send the fastest ship to intercept Fang Heng’s group and deliver Her Highness’s letter to them."
"Yes!"
...
An hour later, on the watchtower of Pulau Island, soldiers waved flags to signal that Princess Willow’s fleet was approaching the harbor.
On the main ship in the distance, Willow looked at the island gradually appearing on the horizon, her eyes filled with increasing doubt.
She had originally worried that Pulau Island would fall under the Lyman Empire’s assault, so she ordered her fleet to speed up to provide reinforcements without regard for cost.
Unexpectedly, halfway there, she received urgent news from Stefan saying that the island had been defended.
Not only had it been defended, but the enemy had been annihilated, with over three hundred warships captured.
Even more unbelievable, their own casualties were zero. .
For a moment, Willow even suspected Stefan had gone mad.
Or perhaps he was exaggerating to warn them of hidden danger.
To be safe, Willow ordered the fleet to slow down and approach cautiously.
Only after she saw the captured ships along the shore and the Imperial soldiers waiting on the coast did she finally feel reassured and ordered the fleet to dock.
At the same time, her curiosity deepened.
Pulau Island’s purpose was to resist and delay enemy advances, buying time for the rear defenses.
How had such a small island managed to withstand the Lyman Empire’s main force?
Stefan’s report had heavily praised Fang Heng’s merchant guild, claiming they played a decisive role in the victory.
Willow found it even more puzzling.
How did a small merchant convoy, which had only one ship when it left port, manage to destroy the Lyman Empire’s main force?
Stefan led his men to the harbor to greet her, "Greetings, Your Highness!"
"Rise," Willow said as she stepped down from the ship, looking around. "Where are the merchant guild members?"
Stefan smiled bitterly and said, "I’m sorry, Your Highness. By the time we received your letter, they had already left Pulau Island. We tried to intercept them, but failed. Their ships were much faster than we expected."
They left again?
Willow’s heart sank, and she asked, "Do you know where they went?"
"Most likely to Sea God Island," Stefan replied. "They also asked us about Sea God Island’s situation. I advised them not to travel at night, but they seemed very urgent."
Sea God Island.
Willow turned her head and looked into the distance, deep in thought.
Why were they in such a hurry to go there?
For the deity?
Her expression grew increasingly serious.
In recent years, the Lyman Empire had gained control over the waters around Sea God Island, and contact between the Empire and the island had been almost severed.
Intelligence suggested that Sea God Island had been getting closer to the Lyman Empire.
Although Sea God Island had always declared itself neutral and not involved in conflicts between factions, Willow knew very well that believers of the Sea God were still human.
And humans had weaknesses.
True neutrality was impossible.
If Fang Heng went to Sea God Island, he was very likely to encounter trouble.
One of her aides suggested, "Your Highness, it will soon be sunset. We have been traveling at full speed all day. The sea priest’s spirit has been greatly exhausted and needs rest."
"Understood. Order the fleet to rest on Pulau Island tonight. Depart at sunrise tomorrow."
"Yes!"
Willow then looked at Stefan and said, "Tell me again about the battle with the Lyman Empire. Do not leave out a single detail."
Stefan took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Yes, Your Highness."