With the prisoners of war now loaded onto the warships, the process was completed with precision. The Ryntum soldiers remain alert, ensuring that the captives were secured and unable to cause any trouble during the journey to Torksey Island.
Admiral Stormrider turned to Levi, extending his hand in farewell. "This is where I shall take my leave, Commander Levi," he said, his voice carrying a note of respect. "Let's meet again in the capital."
Levi firmly grasped the admiral's hand, returning the gesture with a nod of gratitude. "Thank you for your help earlier, Admiral," Levi replied humbly.
As the conversation came to an end, Admiral Stormrider boarded his warship, his steps resolute and filled with a sense of duty. Levi stood at the port, his eyes following the first fleet as it set sail, warships disappearing into the horizon.
After a while, he turned his attention back to the city, now under Ryntum's control. The sounds of battle had subsided, but the scars of war would remain for a long time to come.
....
After a few days of sailing, the first fleet arrived at the capital's naval port. The crews efficiently guided the warships to their berths.
Admiral Stormrider stepped ashore, his expression a mix of satisfaction and composure befitting his rank.
He was greeted by fellow officers and sailors who had remained at the capital, eager to hear about the outcome of their mission.
"Welcome back, Admiral. How was your operation?" one of the senior officers asked with an air of anticipation.
The admiral's eyes gleamed with a sense of accomplishment, but he maintained a measured tone. "Everything went as planned," he replied, his voice reflecting both pride and restraint. "We emerged victorious. I just return from Torksey Island after delivering the prisoners of war."
His response was met with smiles and cheers from the gathered personnel.
Though equally elated by the successful mission, Admiral Stormrider understood the importance of projecting an aura of control and authority. As a leader, he knew that a level-headed demeanour was necessary to maintain discipline and order among his subordinates.
As the fleet was being tended to by the dockworkers, the admiral and Levi's officer made their way to the government complex to report directly to the king.
The carriage with the navy's emblem carried two important individuals passing through the city. The bustling streets were alive with activity as merchants peddled their wares, and townspeople went about their daily routines. The city's vibrant energy was a stark contrast to the scenes of war Admiral Stormrider had witnessed at Eikadir.
"I feel like the city changes every single time I return from a mission," the admiral remarked, gazing out at the familiar yet ever-changing cityscape.
Levi's officer nodded in agreement, "If you think that way, what about me and the rest of the soldiers who went to the battlefield," he said. "I don't think any of us would recognize the city we live in."
The admiral chuckled, acknowledging the truth in the officer's words. "You're right," he said, "I totally forgot about you all."
Before long, the carriage finally arrived at the government complex, Admiral Stormrider and Levi's officer made their way through the bustling corridors, heading towards the king's office.
However, because they didn't have any prior appointments scheduled, the protocol dictated that they would need to wait until they were granted permission to meet the king.
The officer looked at the admiral, concern evident in his eyes. "What should we do now, Admiral?" he asked.
Admiral Stormrider remained composed, accustomed to the intricacies of court etiquette. "We will have to wait patiently," he replied. "It is essential that we respect the king's time and follow the proper procedures."
They found a nearby waiting area and settled in. The wait seemed to stretch on. Every second felt like an eternity, but they understood the necessity of patience and decorum in the presence of royalty.
After what felt like an extended period, a staff member returned to summon them into the king's office.
As they approached the door, they heard a peculiar sound that piqued their curiosity. With a deep breath, they entered the king's office, and their gaze immediately fell upon him.
Riz sat at his desk, his demeanour composed and focused. He seemed to be preoccupied with something, his finger tapping repeatedly on some sort of device on the table. The device emitted rhythmic and deliberate clicks as the king interacted with it.
Tak— Tak— Tak—
The room was filled with an air of anticipation as they waited for the king to acknowledge their presence. He appeared deeply engrossed in whatever occupied his attention, his eyes fixed on the device.
It wasn't until a few moments passed that he finally looked up and met their eyes.
"Oh! You're here? I didn't notice you enter," Riz said with an apologetic smile.
The tapping sound stopped as he put the device aside, giving his full attention to the admiral and the officer. "Welcome," he said, his voice steady and commanding. "Both of you, take a seat."
They approached his desk and bowed respectfully before taking a seat.
"We apologize for any inconvenience, Your Majesty," the admiral replied, his tone respectful. "We came to present our report on the events at Eikadir."
"Sure, go ahead," Riz said.
Levi's officer proceeded to give a detailed account of the events that had transpired at Eikadir—the intense battles, the strategic decisions made, and the successful capture of the city.
He spared no important detail, ensuring the king received a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
Once Levi's officer finished his report, Riz leaned back in his chair and let out a long sigh.
His sigh carried a mix of relief and weariness as he leaned back in his chair. "Finally, we have successfully pushed the invaders out," he remarked, a sense of accomplishment evident in his voice.
The admiral's eyes gleamed with a glimmer of hope. "Does this mean the war has come to an end, Your Majesty?" he asked, hoping for confirmation.
"Yes, at least at our home ground," the king replied. "With Eikadir under our control, we have absolute control in this region. The Barlian forces have no hope to invade again. I won't let that happen."
This chapter is updated by freew(e)bnovel.(c)om