Novel All
Chapter 530
Chapter 530
Chapter 530: The Elite Duchy Navy
As soon as we heard that Finne and her group had occupied the castle, Julio and I hurried to the capital by the ship we had prepared.
Even though they had managed to occupy the castle, it wouldn't hold for long.
By sea, we could reach the capital quickly.
That's why we had prepared a ship.
However, we could only prepare one ship.
Moreover, it was a medium-sized ship, so only a minimum number of crew members were on board.
"The capital is in sight!"
Upon hearing the words of one of the crew members, everyone came out onto the deck.
However, a formidable barrier stood before the capital spread out before our eyes.
"The Duchy Navy has sealed off the capital! There are ten ships!"
The castle had been occupied, an unusual circumstance.
Naturally, the capital would be on high alert.
Even though we had secured the Duke, we had not yet gained control of the capital.
Since there was no large army present, the majority of the capital's ground forces would be concentrated on the castle.
There are two ways to invade from the outside.
Land and sea. And Marcel is blocking the land.
It is the Duchy Navy, of course, that is blocking the sea.
"So, Your Highness... how do you intend to break through...?"
"They are soldiers. Even if they are mistaken, they will follow orders."
As if to indicate my words, the ten ships of the Duchy Navy, lined up in an orderly fashion on the sea, were aiming their magical cannons at us.
They appeared ready to fire at any moment.
"So, what will you do...?"
"We have no choice but to make them break their military discipline. They must be wavering. Loyalty and duty as a soldier. Which to prioritize?"
They should understand the situation.
The one who had imprisoned the Duke was Barnaba, and the one who had rescued him was Fin.
In the castle, knowing that the Duke has been freed, there should be many who align with Fin and her group.
Even if not, the Duke's army is clearly at a disadvantage.
The chance to switch sides is now.
Unless they have a penchant for sinking, they wouldn't want to stay on a sinking ship.
However, even to change ships from such a mud ship, there are those who need someone's words.
We came to give that cue.
"All approaching ships be warned. This is Mesto, the captain of the Duchy Navy ship. The capital is currently sealed off. No one is allowed to enter, no matter who they are. We have also been given permission to sink ships. Stop your ship."
"Captain Mesto is a man of integrity. He might understand if we talk."
"Well, there are nine other captains..."
Regardless of the assessment of integrity, we have to question the words, "He might understand if we talk."
After all, this voice is familiar.
This captain remained loyal to his duties to the very end.
That's probably still the case.
Unless we give a good excuse, they won't behave as we want them to.
Thinking such things, I send a signal to Lars with my eyes.
We also have to respond, or we might be sunk without question.
"So, shall we gamble?"
"If it's Your Highness's words, they should understand! Just like Prince Leonard did before!"
"What are you misunderstanding? This is the Duchy of Albatro. And this is a civil war in the Duchy of Albatro. The words they're waiting for aren't mine. They're yours."
"M-me...!?"
"Sure, I led most of the civil war. But you were the banner. The soldiers didn't entrust their lives to me. They entrusted their lives to you. So, the most suitable person to speak to them at this juncture is you."
"But... I can't make someone follow me like you can, Your Highness... I'm not good at it..."
"I'm not good at it either. If Leo were here, I'd leave it to Leo. But Leo isn't always here. I'm just doing it because I have to. And... now, you're the most suitable person, and you have to do it."
If someone is always pushing responsibility and work on others, they do it.
But that's not how life works.
Especially if you have something you can't give up, that's how it is. If you don't care about the outcome, you can leave anything to others, but there probably aren't many people who feel that way.
Failure is not allowed here and now.
If I could speak to them and succeed, I would, but they wouldn't abandon their duties with my words.
One or two people won't do it.
We need to get the ten captains on our side.
That's something only Julio can do.
Because he's the one they serve. That one point is necessary, and only Julio can fulfill it here.
"But what should I say..."
"Say what you want to say. You're a prince who's working for the country. You can say anything. Say it the way you want to. If it doesn't work out, we'll figure something out."
At the very least, we have Fin, a powerful air force at our disposal.
However, even Fin would struggle against ten military ships.
If Julio fails, my magic will be necessary.
I hope it doesn't come to that.
"Your Highness, are you sure about Julio?"
Lars whispered to me.
In response to Lars, I gave a wry smile and replied,
"Well, who knows? I don't know because it's up to them."
"Then we should discuss with our subordinates what to do if we are thrown into the sea."
"Do that. But I think it'll be fine."
"On what basis?"
"The Duchy Navy takes pride in being one of the leading naval forces on the continent. And they have always been proud of it. That's why they took the risk of aiding the kingdom when it was attacked by the empire. They have pride, which they have inherited. Whether it's the kingdom or the empire, they wouldn't move if it's about support. But now, Julio is the son who has come to save his father. Moreover, he has overcome the odds and reached this far. Their pride wouldn't allow them to hinder him. The righteousness is on Julio's side."
The Duchy Army kept the Duke captive, whether they made it public or not.
It was clear to everyone that it was for negotiation purposes.
Yet, the Navy remained loyal to their duties. Because the Duchy Army was holding the Duke captive.
But it's not like that now.
Julio has arrived.
That should be enough of an excuse.
"I am... Julio di Albatro. I am here to save my father, the Duke. And... I am here to end this civil war quickly. The situation has already been decided. If it drags on, only more blood will be spilled. I... will end this war today."
Julio took a deep breath.
There is still no movement from the ten ships.
"Since I was a child, I was... raised hearing about the Duchy Navy. Children are taught that it is the pride of the Duchy. I think the Navy has worked in a way that does not disgrace that. Even now, the Duchy Navy is a source of pride for me. I understand that you are in a difficult position, and I know I'm asking for a lot. But I still want you to let us through. I have a duty to go and save my father, and to end this war. Now, there's a duty for those with hearts to go to the castle where the battle is taking place."
Julio, after showing a somewhat puzzled expression, looked this way.
I nodded at him.
Anyway, he should give it a try.
There's no need to hesitate.
Julio seemed a little surprised, but his expression quickly changed.
He must have made up his mind.
"Move forward! We are now entering the capital! To the captains of the Duchy Navy! I leave all decisions to you! You are the pride of the Duchy of Albatro. Please, continue to be our pride. Dare I say, I use these words. The words I used when I was most pathetic, and the words you used when you were most proud. 'I look forward to the wise judgment of the elite Duchy Navy Captains.'"
In response to Julio's words, the ship started moving.
We were closing the distance with the ten ships rapidly.
If even one captain gives the order, our ship would be crippled by the attack.
And now we are at close range.
Avoidance is no longer possible.
A single strike could be fatal.
The tense atmosphere flowed through the entire ship.
Slowly, our ship passed between the ten ships.
When I glanced to the side, I saw a man standing at the edge of the next ship.
A man wearing a captain's hat.
With a mustache and a dignified aura, he looked every bit the part of a captain.
He was probably Captain Mesto.
My gaze met with Captain Mesto.
Captain Mesto slowly saluted me.
I returned the salute.
For someone as militaristic as him, it was probably the best greeting.
Completely passing by, when the ten ships were behind us.
We heard a loud command from behind.
"Turn around! Follow the Prince!"
Looking back, I saw that the ten military ships were following us.
TL's Notes:
It's the 1st day of December (for me) and I am currently planning to do something like a double (or triple) upload season on the week of x-mas so stay tuned for that :)
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