Free Web NovelChapter 1096: Chapter 476: Bodric’s Request for Help (2)
This aroused the attention and great indignation of the Empire and Brittania. The Emperor of the Empire and the Brittania Knight King announced an alliance, joining Tiriel to form an expeditionary army composed of dozens of Knight Corps and tens of thousands of knights. This expeditionary army not only liberated the entire mainland of Estalia but also directly crossed the ocean to land in Arabi. Through several decades of arduous expedition, the expeditionary army seized an astonishing amount of gold from Arabi (filling dozens of ships), and even decapitated Jafar, the King of Arabi, bringing immense wealth and endless glory back to the Old World.
However, the Estalians who were saved were not particularly grateful. On the contrary, they envied the vast wealth gained by the Knight Kingdom and the Empire in Arabi. Therefore, border frictions and maritime disputes never ceased. As the Empire and Brittania blocked the southward invasion of the Northern Chaos and stayed far from Green Skin harassment, Estalia developed smoothly and established a strong fleet, known as the "Invincible Fleet," and began coveting the prosperous lands of Brittania.
Due to the Dor Tower incident and the frequent raids from Norsca and Northern Wasteland Barbarians to the north, the Estalians concluded that Brittania’s navy should be weak. So they planned to attack Boldro, aiming first to capture this tempting and prosperous port.
Fifty years ago, the "Invincible Fleet" officially set out from Margaret, the most powerful country in Estalia and its recognized capital, to attack Boldro. However, due to ocean currents and chaotic sea winds, the launch was unsuccessful, taking three weeks to reach Boldro.
Coming out to fight was the Duke of Boldro and his Sea God Fleet. The unprepared Invincible Fleet suffered a fierce attack from the Sea God Fleet, causing their formation to be in disarray.
In the fierce battle, the Duke of Boldro summoned the Sea God’s Fury. The massive tides and waves engulfed the "Invincible Fleet," beaching most of the ships. A large number of ships and supplies were captured by the knights, and the sailors and soldiers were taken as prisoners. Estalia suffered a complete defeat in this battle, with no more than thirty warships returning to Margaret. The military forces suffered losses of more than twenty thousand, and since then, the country’s navy has never recovered.
This is the feud between the Duke of Boldro’s Family and Estalia. After investigation, Duke Bodric found out that this group of rogue knights was indeed instructed by the Estalians to come and steal the Sea God Trident.
Originally, this matter had nothing to do with Laine, but Duke Bodric learned that Laine was planning to go to Estalia recently, so he proactively came to Laine’s territory to seek his help in this matter.
"What can I do to help you, my Duke?" Laine nodded, indicating he understood. The Count folded his hands, clearly implying that Duke Bodric was not here to give lectures, and it was time to discuss terms.
"According to my subordinates’ investigation, this group of rogue knights has already established a foothold in the forest near the Bilibali Duchy, but I cannot determine their exact location. I need you to help me investigate and then report the movements of these rogue knights to me," Duke Bodric said quietly. "I and Fidmund need your help, Laine."
"But..." Laine wanted to say more, but the Duke immediately raised his hand to indicate that he should listen first. "Laine, you know, Estalia is a country, and Bilibali is an independent duchy. If my army directly enters Estalia’s territory, it’s as if Brittania is declaring war on the city-states that compose Estalia!"
Laine’s face turned serious. Indeed, sending large troops into another country’s territory without the permission of the Lord is akin to declaring war. "So your plan is for me to deal with a group of rogue knights and retrieve the Sea God Trident? That’s too insane."
"No, I won’t be that demanding of you." Duke Bodric shook his head. "But I hope to leverage your power and also hope you can guide Fidmund more. His martial valor and virtue are undeniable, but as my heir, he is still too green. Teach him more, which is my hope, as you, the Lady’s Divine Chosen Champion and a model of the Knightly Path, your words are more persuasive than those of a father like me."
"I will allocate a small team of the most elite knights to you. You are responsible for taking them to gather intel." Duke of Boldro whispered. "I and the Sea God Knight Order will wait on the high seas. Once you find out the whereabouts of the Sea God Trident, our army will directly enter Estalia, reclaim the divine artifact of my family heritage, and then retreat before this country reacts."
"Isn’t this also akin to declaring war?" Laine retorted.
"No, as long as we give proper notice, land for a short time, and immediately retreat after reclaiming the Sea God Trident, the Estalians wouldn’t have the courage to declare war on me." Duke Bodric was very confident. "Unless these Estalians’ Invincible Fleet wants to be annihilated again."
Alright, your fists are bigger, so your words hold, Laine could only nod. Indeed, because of Estalia’s unique geographical location, the country’s army strength was not formidable, and after the Invincible Fleet’s defeat, Estalia’s ground forces could hardly rival Brittania’s knights.
"What can I gain, then?" The time to negotiate had come, Laine asked with a smile on his face.
