Just as André was standing at the bow of the ship, pondering on how to resolve the conflict between bloodlines, the lookout at the top of the main mast suddenly rang the alarm bell. At the same time, he yelled at the bottom of his voice, "Report!
A medium-sized paddling ship has been spotted on the port side!
It's heading towards us at high speed! "
"An unknown ship is approaching from the starboard side!
The other party isn't hoisting any flag!
Alert!
Prepare for Level 1 battle! "The other lookout also shouted.
For a moment, no matter what the crew on the deck were doing, they quickly dropped what they were doing and got into battle mode. Some cleared the cannons and reloaded ammunition, some stood in three rows with guns in their hands, and some even held melee weapons in their hands, intending to engage in hand-to-hand combat. Even those who were drinking finished the wine in their glasses in one gulp and got ready for battle in high spirits.
Deputy Captain Bartholomew unsheathed his sword and yelled out orders one after another. After a short while, the Eye of Arcane, which had already anchored, hung up the sails again and started moving. The cannons on both sides were opened, countless black holes aimed at the right side, quietly waiting for the arrival of the other party.
Obviously, this wasn't the first time such a sudden encounter had happened. This could be seen from the crew's hurried but unhurried reaction.
Seeing that everyone was in position, André didn't waste any more words. He lightly patted Chloe's head and pushed her behind Eunice. Then, he immediately activated the magical item – 'Captain's Eye Patch'.
In an instant!
The 'Farsight Spell' attached to it began to take effect. In an instant, the situation in front of them was clear as day.
A medium-sized paddling ship with two tattered triangular sails was rushing towards them at lightning speed. The oarsmen on the lower deck were shouting and rowing with all their strength.
At the same time, there was a group of adult men wearing leather and inlaid armor and holding scimitars on the deck. They stared nervously behind them, and many of them were injured. It was obvious that something was chasing them from behind.
Just as André was about to adjust the distance of the spell to see who was chasing the ship, a row of six large warships suddenly emerged from where the sea met the sky. Each of them had a displacement of more than four hundred tons, which was more than twice the size of the paddling ship in front of them. In particular, they were loaded with a large number of long-range weapons and fully armed soldiers. They were even more elite than the Bakarov City's navy that they had just defeated.
Of course, what surprised him the most was that these ships were all flying the golden flag of Linton City. There was also a red noble flag embroidered with crossed daggers. There was no doubt that this was a private fleet belonging to a certain family.
In order to clarify the situation, Andre immediately turned his head and asked Crowley behind him, "Dear, do you know which noble family in Linton City uses two crossed daggers as their family emblem?"
"Of course!
I believe that other than the Brest Family led by Blood Marquis Kyrgyz, there shouldn't be a second person who uses a similar design. "Crowley didn't even think before giving the answer.
"Kyrgyz?"
André's expression changed slightly. He immediately raised his hand and snapped his fingers, loudly ordering, "Everyone, prepare for battle!
We'll meet them head-on!
Cannoneers, load the shells!
No one is to open fire before I give the order! "
"Captain's orders!
Cannoneers, load the shells!
Head straight ahead! "
The sailor in charge of relaying the order loudly repeated it over and over again as he ran. He only stopped when he was sure that every corner of the ship could hear him.
Bartholomew had heard about the enmity between the two from Lady Anastasia. He immediately took two steps forward and cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, are you going to war with Blood Marquis Kyrgyz?"
André stroked his chin and thought for a few seconds. He then replied with uncertainty, "It's a little hard to say. I'll have to wait and see.
Let's test the other party's attitude first. If they don't know what's good for them, I don't mind sinking all these ships. "
A cold glint flashed in his eyes as he calculated the gains and losses in his heart.
After all, Lincoln City and Bakarov City were currently engaged in a trade war. The nobles of both sides had decreed that all forms of infighting between nobles were forbidden. If the dukes were to know that he had sunk a ship belonging to another noble of Lincoln City, the consequences would be severe. At the very least, he would definitely be punished.
However, it wasn't in line with André's character to just watch his enemies flaunt their might in front of him without retaliating. Thus, he had to think of a way to scare them off while avoiding an intense conflict.
"Your Majesty, if you plan to act, please make sure to sink all of their ships and kill all of their captives. Otherwise, we'll be in big trouble if even one of them manages to make it back to Lincoln City."
Perhaps seeing through André's thoughts, Bartholomew lowered his voice and gave a vicious suggestion.
As a veteran of the seas for many years, he was well aware of the unwritten rules in these waters and how many ships were plundered by competitors or enemies every year.
In fact, the strong preyed on the weak here!
It was the naked law of the jungle!
As long as you were strong enough, you could do anything you wanted. Anyway, the ocean was so wide. As long as you did it cleanly, and with so many pirates, no one would know who did it.
André wasn't an idiot. He naturally understood the meaning behind Bartholomew's words. The corners of his mouth immediately curled up into a cold smile, and he nodded lightly.
"Thank you. You've given me a very good suggestion. Perhaps it can be put into action.
Now, let's go and see what the Kyrgyz are up to and why they're chasing after that paddle boat. "
"Please don't mention it. I'm your retainer, and it's my duty to make suggestions to the Patriarch." Bartholomew bowed with one hand on his chest.
While the two were talking, the medium-sized paddle boat nimbly dodged the stone shells thrown by the warships behind and soon entered the Eye of Mystical's shooting range. When the people on the boat saw the huge warship blocking their path, shock and fear instantly appeared on their faces. They shouted for the oarsmen to adjust their direction. Otherwise, the entire paddle boat would fall apart if they collided with the huge warship.
As for the other six large warships following behind, they were not much better off. In particular, the soldiers standing on the deck fell into a panic. Perhaps they were huge compared to the paddle boats in front of them, but compared to the Eye of Arcane, they were immediately dwarfed.