Chapter 1084: Chapter 259: Sea of Shining, the Maritime Route to Ambeser (Part 1)_3
Antitina slightly raised her head, her dark eyes gazing at Brand with some confusion.
At this moment, Caglis came up from below deck with a young officer from the White Lion Guard. Although this young man had never been on a sea voyage before, he seemed to have an innate talent for quickly adapting to new things; within half a day, he could walk on the deck as well as the most experienced sailor, even Captain James was amazed, praising him as a born seaman.
Of course, James was equally astonished by Brand’s knowledge. Brand was embarrassed to say he had a few years of maritime experience in the past—he was so young, after all, having such extensive experience seemed too much. He had to lie, claiming he had acquired some insights from wizard literature. Knowledge from books is completely different from practical experience—this couldn’t escape the eyes of the young captain. However, anything related to mages is usually enigmatic to ordinary people, something that can hold anything; moreover, Brand’s mage attendant was unmistakably a genuine Highland Wizard, which barely dispelled his suspicions.
As for the young officer beside Caglis, his face didn’t look good, even after witnessing a major battle at the banks of the Griss River. Brand had never seen such a dejected expression on these young men. These brave youngsters could overcome the most terrifying foes, but in the face of nature, they had to retreat.
"Your subordinates are quite exceptional; I’ve seen many soldiers in Ambeser and Kalasu, but none as outstanding as these young men." At this moment, the captain suddenly turned around, holding a pipe in one hand as he gestured towards Caglis and the young officer beside him, praising them.
Indeed, although the young men appeared anxious, they were far more accomplished than ordinary people on their first sea voyage.
"Still far from it," Brand shook his head. On this voyage to Ambeser, Brand brought with him mostly the officer cadets who would become future White Lion Infantry, all forty of them, accounting for nearly two-thirds of his retinue. Brand had high hopes for these young people, hoping they could endure future trials alongside him, and that each of them could eventually become a key pillar and talented leader of Erune in the future.
Of course, these young men might not understand this at the moment, but no one would think being chosen by the Lord was a bad thing. Youth is a time of enthusiasm and vigor, and they’re willing to face the most formidable adversaries and challenges with courage. This is the story of a new-born calf not fearing the tiger.
"But thanks to the captain, I brought quite a few people this time, and with the disguised goods and the necessary food and fresh water, it must have reduced the captain’s cargo load significantly." Brand added another sentence.
This time, he indeed brought many people. Due to the commercial matters in Ambeser, Roman had to accompany him. Feeling uneasy about her traveling alone, Brand also brought Antitina along. Moreover, the Staff Lady was arguably the most familiar person with the Erune Nobles by his side and had a sharp mind. Her presence was a tremendous assistance to the purpose of his journey.
Then there were the Rubis Mercenaries. This was a self-fulfilling prophecy; Brand once jokingly said he would take Tina and Furlo to Ambeser for some exposure, and now the opportunity presented itself. As a Lord and role model, he naturally couldn’t break his promise. Besides, the Rubis Mercenaries were experienced, and there was no risk of casualties, serving perfectly as mentors for the young officer cadet group of the White Lion Infantry during the operation.
Next was Char, his mage attendant. Char was crucial in concealing his identity as a Highland Knight, leaving him no choice but to go as well. The remaining main force consisted of Lopar, Medphis, Andreg, and Medisha. To Brand, the mission to sabotage the marriage alliance in Ambeser was fraught with danger—although he was in the dark and his enemies out in the open, even with some cursory thought he could deduce others wouldn’t want Griffith and Anlek’s marriage alliance to succeed. The Royalists and the Duke couldn’t possibly not take precautions, so Brand could never have too much combat power.
Lastly, there was Qian. The young girl had almost become like Brand’s shadow, rarely speaking but never leaving his side. Although the sequela of Divine Blood was almost impossible to recur after absorbing the Golden Apple and Dragon Bloodline, it seemed she was temporarily inseparable from Brand. Brand had previously said that after her conditions were healed, he would let her leave—yet seeing her current state, he could only remain silent on the matter.
Unexpectedly, there was also an unanticipated guest this time: Gray Sword Saint Mephisto, upon learning about Brand’s planned mission, boarded the ship without notifying anyone. According to him, it was to ensure his contractor and half-student wouldn’t meet their end in Ambeser. However, even if the Gray Sword Saint said he was just going for sightseeing, Brand doubted anyone would dare to oppose.
After all, his prowess was undeniable.
Old Swordsman Kulan, due to Count Rangdenier, was temporarily unwilling to actively engage in his affairs, otherwise, the Golden group could have another strong hand in play. Yet with these individuals, they had already filled this three-mast sailing ship, and this was already after Brand had put away several conspicuous cards like the Fire Claw Spearman, Wind Spirit Spider, Fire Giant Spirit, and Holy Angel. Typically, merchant ships only carry essential sailors and do not load with marines like warships. In fact, the ’Distant Land,’ while outwardly still appearing as a merchant ship, was practically a warship—albeit without cannons.
In response to Brand’s words, the young captain chuckled and said, "You exaggerate, Lord; it’s just business." He left unsaid the fact that Tonyger doesn’t have any specialties currently. Although the Lord had promised to pave a new trade route for them, Captain James personally found that hard to believe at this time.
Their merchant fleet came here simply because there was business to be done. Merchants care not if the other party is a bandit or a rebel, as long as the deals are conducted according to rules, and payments are settled without delay, then they are the best clients. Moreover, James had a good impression of Brand. While others labeled them as bandits and rebels, he saw Brand as a courteous noble, and although his ways might appear unconventional, he surprisingly left a favorable impression.
James was also full of admiration for Brand’s subordinates; he had witnessed many subordinates and private armies of nobles. Yet, he had to admit, the military demeanor and spirit in the soldiers he saw in Tonyger did not fall short of the Kingdom’s regular army.
Perhaps even surpassing them. The young captain mused, perhaps only the knights belonging to the Royal Family that he had once seen possessed such a spirit.
He had come here as just a captain, an ordinary merchant, but now, returning to Ambeser felt a growing curiosity about Brand and those under his command. To him, this young man might not be as simple as his surface identity suggests. He couldn’t help but think, maybe there was potential for further relationships in the future.
With that thought, the captain set his pipe down and tapped it against the ship’s railing.
At this time, Caglis and his officer had just arrived at Brand’s side.
(Yesterday, there was a problem with the computer, so devastating. Who knows why the computer blue screens every time I open the browser?) (To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to go to Qidan (qidian.com) to offer your recommendation or monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
