Published: July 5, 2025
At that moment, the fastest to move was the Skizblaznil Vessel.
"Numerous ship shadows off the coast!"
As usual, a lookout crew member shouted while climbing the mast and looking through a telescope.
"Notify me again once you confirm the nationality flag!"
"Aisa!"
Captain Paulina immediately shouted back, and the lookout shouted in response.
"Your Majesty."
"Ah, there's a possibility it's the Eastern Provinces Fleet."
"Yes, it's quite likely."
When Abel asked, Paulina responded, and once again the lookout's voice was heard.
"Confirmed the Eastern Provinces flag!"
"Is it certain?"
Abel made a grim face.
"Your Majesty, I think it's better for the Skizblaznil Vessel to be outside the port rather than staying inside."
"We should secure our freedom of movement. I agree, you have my trust."
"Yes, sir."
With Abel's quick decision, Paulina immediately took action.
"Skizblaznil Vessel, head outside the port! Set sail quickly!"
"Retrieve the gangway!"
"Do not unfurl the sails! They can see us from the enemy!"
From Paulina's instructions, such voices rose from various places.
Among the crew, it seemed that they recognized the approaching fleet as an enemy fleet.
This was only natural.
At least for now, they could not be seen as allies.
"Ryo, any other movements?"
"The French Fleet is sluggish."
Indeed, while the French Fleet was moving, they had yet to raise their anchors and set their ships in motion.
"There's no Graham there. It’s the city, right? It must take time to seek instructions."
"If this continues, even if the Skizblaznil Vessel can exit the port, the French Fleet will be trapped inside."
Ryo reported with a grim expression.
"Captain! What do you think of the French Fleet?"
Abel shouted loudly to Paulina, who was giving instructions a little distance away.
As the ship's officer, it was important to not ignore her opinions, even for the highest authority, Abel.
"Indeed, the French Fleet won’t make it out of the port! Should we ensure our freedom of action or buy some time somehow?"
"Understood. We will secure the port's entrance. Move the Skizblaznil Vessel there!"
"Understood!"
Then, Abel looked at Ryo.
Before he could say anything, Ryo spoke up.
"Just like with the Rain Shooter, we must protect the Skizblaznil."
"Ah, that’s what I mean. I’m counting on you."
"Leave it to me."
Ryo nodded strongly.
Defense was truly Ryo's forte.
The Skizblaznil Vessel moved outside the port.
By that time, they could clearly see the approaching Eastern Provinces Fleet even without a telescope.
"[Ice Wall: 50 Layers of Ice]"
Once used to protect the ship queen Rain Shooter in the archipelago region, Ryo created the toughest armor of ice.
"[Dynamic Steam Mine - Active]"
Steam mines that moved along with the Skizblaznil Vessel.
Furthermore…
"[Floating Magic Circle] Expand deployment."
Above Ryo, standing at the bow, thirty-two floating magic circles were created.
The newly generated magic circles spread out to either side.
It was as if they were protecting the entire port.
"All set."
Ryo stated confidently.
Just as the Eastern Provinces Fleet deployed off the coast of Von, another report came into the government office.
"A large cloud of dust to the east of the city! A considerable number of something is approaching the city!"
This was newly reported in the courtyard where the earlier report about the Eastern Provinces Fleet had come in.
"W-what does this mean?!"
The one who panicked was Chancellor Zenmoshi.
Though not panicking, Vice Head of State Jaja couldn’t move, his face twisted in worry, unable to give instructions.
In the end, only Vice Chancellor Chigoi could issue clear orders.
"Deploy the garrison to the east of the city! The port can be abandoned!"
The order given was, in a sense, harsh.
Abandoning the port.
Even if they gathered all the garrison troops, they would only have about a thousand.
It was impossible to protect both the city and the port.
"Lord Jaja, Lord Zenmoshi. I will also borrow your bodyguards."
"N-no, but…"
"If the city falls, you will be killed as well!"
Zenmoshi couldn’t decide, but Chigoi's words became the decisive blow.