The ship bound for Blood Harbor had returned. After it arrived, it docked next to another Blood Harbor vessel. The sailors aboard raised several flags, waving them in a rhythmic pattern.
This was semaphore—flag signaling used at sea. Shouting only worked at very close range, but flags were far more practical.
Soon, the other ship lowered its guard and dispatched a sailor to reply in semaphore.
Though those on Castel’s side couldn’t understand the flags, they could clearly see the people on the opposite ship putting away their weapons.
“Looks like there won’t be a fight,” Erwin muttered as he walked to the edge of the deck, cupping his hands around his mouth.
“What are you saying? What’s going on?” Erwin shouted loudly across the water.
“Blood Harbor is open to the Earl. Please follow us,” came a reply from the Blood Harbor ship before it slowly turned its bow toward the harbor.
“That’s it?” Zoe stared at the ship ahead, a little dazed in surprise.
From how tense things had just been, she had genuinely thought a battle was imminent. So how did things flip around just because the ship returned to port?
“What’s strange about it? We brought this many Holy Guard troops and came armed, all to avoid misunderstandings—so that they wouldn’t misjudge the situation. Given the firepower we’ve demonstrated, they couldn’t hope to keep us here. Of course, they’ve become gracious and welcoming.”While speaking, Erwin casually gave commands to the Holy Guard troops to put away their weapons.
As long as the gap in strength was wide enough, conflict became unlikely. So long as you had enough guns in your hands, even if the other party were planning to rob you, they’d behave and start talking business.
The ship, with its advanced weaponry, absence of sails, and the occasional roaring of its steam engine, declared its uniqueness with every detail—clear proof it was not to be trifled with.
“Don’t worry, Miss Zoe. Your job is to negotiate with that prince. My job is to pin him to the negotiation table,” Erwin said with a grin.
“Castel has only friends, no enemies—that’s what Lord Hughes told me. We’re here to see that his will is carried out.”
“Only friends, no enemies,” Zoe repeated softly, glancing at the Holy Guard who had just slung their rifles back over their shoulders. She nodded, half understanding.
Soon, the Castel ship docked at Blood Harbor. The Holy Guard soldiers, temporarily acting as sailors, fumbled their way through dropping anchor. After a quick reorganization, Zoe led them ashore.
These Holy Guard soldiers had been carefully selected. If nothing else, they had good appearances. Fresh from the battlefield, just standing in formation on the docks made them exude a murderous aura.
Blood Harbor had indeed received the message. The dock’s overseer had brought a few harbor guards in advance, but upon seeing the scene before him, he was clearly at a loss. These harbor guards usually dealt with petty thieves and would scarcely dare offend even local gangs. Facing such a stern and disciplined military unit, they were completely outmatched.
But Erwin simply stood there, arms crossed. The Holy Guard behind him didn’t flinch, showing no sign of fear.
What a joke. Not long ago, the things charging at them were sea urchin monsters several stories tall. Even murlocs were significantly larger than humans. These horsemen might be comparable to murlocs, but they were few in number—whereas murlocs once charged in waves across the hills.
The Holy Guard felt no pressure. In fact, some were even winking and nudging each other, like they were watching a circus act.
Galahad frowned slightly. He had only just received word about this group claiming to be from Castel and, on a whim, decided to check them out himself. He hadn’t expected their soldiers to be even more elite than he imagined.
Holding formation in the face of a cavalry charge without any fear—this was a rare feat, only seen among hardened veterans. Even within the Royal Army, such troops would be considered elite enough to earn the title of "Guards."
An entire unit like this, all armed, clearly trained in firearm use...
Blood Harbor could try to detain them—but the cost would be bloody.
And really, why make enemies?
His lord already had enough foes. This Castel was isolated overseas, no threat to the Principality of Tis, and had such powerful soldiers. Wouldn’t it be better to have more friends?
The cold expression on Galahad’s face melted like snow in spring. A warm smile bloomed like a flower.
“Welcome to Blood Harbor, friends of Castel. Please, come with me.”
Erwin gave Zoe a light nudge. She finally snapped out of her daze, hurriedly stepped forward to make introductions, and soon the group followed Galahad away.
It wasn’t until they were seated in the carriage that Zoe finally exhaled in relief. Erwin shrugged.
“See? Told you—Castel only has friends.”
Zoe didn’t reply, but her eyes gradually lit up.
She glanced at Erwin, then at the older woman beside her. Not far off in the sea were newly built steamships, and Banshees patrolling the waters.
Yes... Castel was a friend to the Principality of Tis.
A friend... one you couldn’t refuse.