Emperor of Steel [EN]: Chapter 169

9. The Pirate Kingdom’s Provocation

1

“Your Majesty, full-scale cooperation between the black and white mages has begun. Some have even approached me directly with new project proposals.”

Luke smiled at Mute’s words through the magic communication device.

‘My intentions worked well.’

There might still be some initial awkwardness, but as the saying goes, ‘a good start is half the battle.’ They would soon start showing results.

If that happened, the development of new Gigants [large, humanoid war machines] and the improvement of existing Gigant performance would accelerate.

Luke, who was proficient in both black and white magic, had no doubt about the synergy that could occur when black and white mages joined forces.

“Then, I will work with Johas Meister to accelerate the improvement of Orion.”

The strongest Gigant currently in existence was the Avenger, created by Luke.

It was by far the best among the super-hero-class Gigants, with its 4,000-fight-class core engine using artificial magic stones and Taoist techniques [a philosophical and religious tradition emphasizing harmony with the Tao], the synchronization helm that allowed for ease of control and maximized the rider’s abilities, and its incredibly light yet smooth movements that made it seem less like a machine.

However, the Avenger required the highest levels of white magic, black magic, and Taoist techniques, making it impossible for anyone but Luke to create.

Therefore, Mute and Johas focused on improving Orion as a second option.

But that was not easy either, as the production of Orion involved many 7th and 8th circle magic spells and special construction methods.

So, the two were trying to improve performance by applying chimera production techniques or bio-golem technology.

“Understood. Good work.”

After ending the magic communication with Mute, Luke looked at Prime Minister Hans and asked,

“How is the Barok Empire refugee issue going?”

“It seems that Your Majesty’s visit to the parliament had a great effect. A specific refugee support bill will be passed soon.”

The parliamentarians, who had come to their senses after Luke’s stern scolding, began to actively address the refugee issue, regardless of whether they were from the noble faction or the royalist faction.

The current estimated number of refugees was about 200,000.

It was decided that they would be dispersed among the 12 territories in the north, and then they would be given jobs by participating in major national projects such as land reclamation, road and canal maintenance, and mine development, and their livelihoods would be supported.

“We plan to provide food through a rationing system before the national projects are fully implemented. To this end, we will first release the stockpiled military provisions, and it has been decided to send merchants to the Holy Empire or the Kingdom of Castia to purchase more.”

“Hmm, what about housing?”

“We have decided to use prefabricated housing construction methods using wood and plywood devised by dwarven engineers to reduce construction time. It is said that this method was originally conceived for building barracks or temporary fortresses for soldiers in the field.”

“Still, it’s not like we can build houses for 200,000 refugees overnight, is it? And winter is approaching.”

“Therefore, we plan to use community centers and temples in villages and cities as refugee shelters. We will also temporarily requisition the castles, mansions, and villas of lords and nobles.”

In addition, they would deploy additional troops from the south to maintain public order and select volunteers from among the refugees to form a vigilante group, thus implementing both incentives and deterrents.

“Deploying troops from the south? Doesn’t that weaken our defenses against the Grenada Kingdom?”

Hans shook his head at Luke’s concern.

“The 5th Army in the south is different from before. So, you don’t have to worry.”

The 5th Army was now composed mainly of the navy and marines.

After the southern cities and coast were ravaged by the war with the Grenada Kingdom and the undead attacks, the force was doubled at the request of Marquis Volant.

They had increased the number of ships, troops, and the sea-based Gigant Triton, an improved version of the Crab.

In addition, they had undergone a great deal of training that was comparable to actual combat, and as a result, they had become an elite force comparable to the Holy Empire’s navy.

“The new ironclad ship will also be operational soon. It was developed along with the remodeling of the Oster, so Your Majesty knows it better than anyone else.”

“A new ironclad ship… Yes, I had forgotten about that.”

The new ironclad ship was smaller than the Oster, as well as ordinary warships.

However, it had more magical engineering technology applied to it, so its defense and firepower were better than existing ironclad ships.

“Certainly, if that sea fortress becomes operational, the Grenada pirates won’t dare to come near our coast.”

“Yes, so you don’t have to worry. More importantly, the name of the new knight order that will be created based on the southern warriors that Count Hwangbo will bring…”

Luke was discussing the name, organization, and supplies of the new knight order to be formed with the Blood Band warriors with Prime Minister Hans when…

Bang!

The office door suddenly burst open, and Sebastian rushed in, making a fuss.

“Y-Your Majesty, it’s a disaster!”

Luke glanced at his rather flustered face and asked,

“A disaster? Did something happen to the Blood Band who are about to arrive?”

The sea could change at any time.

Even if it was a regular route frequently used by merchant ships, they could be attacked by sea monsters if they were unlucky, or they could encounter a typhoon full of wind and rain.

In addition, the compass could break, or they could get lost and become adrift in the vast ocean.

For these reasons, the number of merchant ships that went missing or were wrecked each year was not small.

“That’s not it…”

“Did the pirates of the Grenada Kingdom attack?”

“That’s not it either…”

“Then what on earth is the disaster that happened?”

Luke, who was getting annoyed by Sebastian’s constant denials, raised his voice.

However, his expression changed at Sebastian’s next words.

“The Queen… Her Holiness Veronica III has arrived!”

“What? Reina?”

She was publicly the Empress of the Holy Artenia Empire and the Pope of the Elkasel Order, but privately she was Luke’s partner.

Was she saying that she had come?

“There was no report of that?”

If Reina was planning to come to the Symphonia Kingdom, she would have certainly informed him in advance through magic communication.

The movements of the head of a country, especially the leader of the strongest country on the continent, were never taken lightly.

“Hmph, sorry for coming without prior notice.”

As Luke was tilting his head, the office door burst open and Reina entered.

Behind her, Karen and Grand Duke Gregory could also be seen, both with expressions that showed they were helpless to stop her.

Seemingly having accumulated a lot of complaints, Reina approached Luke with a pouty face and snapped at him.

“How long has it been since I told you to come, and you’re still dawdling?”

“W-Well, there were urgent matters to deal with in the kingdom…”

“You can leave those to your subordinates. Why are you trying to handle everything by yourself? You even created a parliament, so are you that distrustful of your subordinates?”

“…I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”

Realizing that she was very angry, Luke apologized unconditionally rather than making excuses or rebuttals.

Because of him, who was trying to achieve his dream of overthrowing Arsen and the Barok Empire and creating a world where people could live like people, Reina was not able to achieve her personal happiness and had been living with constant anxiety.

Trying to argue the rights and wrongs here would only hurt her feelings more.

Fortunately, the atmosphere seemed to calm down as time passed. It seemed that she had calmed down after questioning Luke to some extent.

“Hmph, I’ll let it slide just this once. Got it?”

“I got it.”

“Then let’s move on from that issue…”

Reina, who was about to bring up another issue, gestured to Grand Duke Gregory.

Realizing that it was a personal matter, Gregory quietly left the office with Prime Minister Hans and Sebastian.

Karen was about to leave with them, but Reina grabbed her hand.

“You stay here.”

“Yes.”

Reina turned her head away from Karen and opened her mouth towards Luke.

“You, I told you repeatedly last time, but you ignored me.”

“Ignored you?”

Unlike the bewildered Luke, Karen sighed inwardly as if she had a hunch.

Not long ago, during a tea time with her, she had been glared at for unnecessarily spouting knowledge about things like the Aeterna Holy Soleil [a powerful magical artifact].

At that time, she had passed the responsibility to her father and glossed over it, but it seemed that her mother was trying to bring up the issue again.

“You know I’m against early education, so why are you teaching our child difficult magic knowledge? I’ve heard stories about nobles and wealthy merchants having their children listen to lectures from famous scholars through magic communication, but I didn’t know you were doing it behind my back.”

“I had her do communication education?”

“Yes, do you even know how Karen is doing in the Empire? She should be playing with children her age, developing her dreams and creativity, and building good friendships, but instead, she’s cooped up in the library every day…”

Reina glared at him and talked about Karen’s daily life.

At the same time, she also listed the evils of early education.

Luke, who had no idea what was going on, glanced at his daughter.

Karen, who was standing behind Reina, had her hands together and was making an apologetic expression.

‘Ugh, I don’t know what it is, but it seems like she’s blaming it on me.’

Only then did Luke understand why Reina had told him to come to the Holy Empire as soon as he returned from the Southern Continent.

She wanted to see him, but it was also to question him about trying to ruin their daughter with early education(?).

“She’s already reluctant to play with other kids, and I’m worried, but the people who are supposed to be her retainers are just saying things like she has the dignity of the next Pope, and that she’s precocious and mature unlike other kids…”

Luke, who sighed inwardly at Reina’s complaints, apologized once again.

“I’m sorry. I will never teach Karen anything difficult in the future.”

2

“Hehehe, poor our Majesty.”

“I thought he would become a devoted husband, but I didn’t know he would become a henpecked one.”

Prime Minister Hans and Sebastian, who were listening to Luke and Reina’s conversation from outside the door, looked at each other and laughed.

What would the people think if this side of the king, who had shown his majesty not only in Symphonia but also in the far-off Southern Continent, was revealed?

Perhaps they would like him even more, thinking that the hero they thought was perfect also had a human side.

Unlike the two who were chuckling, Grand Duke Gregory sighed inwardly and shook his head.

In fact, he had also been scolded by Reina not long ago for Karen’s education problem. The reason was that he had given her swordsmanship lessons while she was still a child.

Gregory had been curious about Karen, who had a unique aura from the first time he met her.

Then, he had accidentally seen her creating aura from a tree branch and had given her some advice, which had gotten him caught by Reina.

‘But is Princess Karen really a child?’

No matter how talented she was in swordsmanship, was it possible for a child who was not even seven years old to create aura?

It meant that she was at least a sword expert, but it was hard to believe that she had gone through such harsh training with that small and delicate body.

‘Could she be a martial artist who has undergone the Rejuvenation of the Elderly, as they say in the Southern Continent? Or maybe she has the blood of a fairy race, so her aging is slower than humans?’

While Gregory was having these doubts, the atmosphere inside the king’s office changed drastically from before. Luke and Reina, who had finished their marital spat(?), began to create a friendly atmosphere.

“I’m glad you came back safely. You don’t know how worried I was about you.”

“I contacted you often through magic communication, so why?”

“It’s the heart of a woman, and a family member, that can’t be at ease unless they see you in person.”

“I guess so…”

Luke nodded and said to Reina as if to appease her.

“I know better than anyone that you are suffering because of me. Please bear with it a little longer. The Barok Empire doesn’t seem like it will last long, and I’ve found out where Arsen is hiding.”

At Luke’s words, not only Reina but also Karen’s eyes sparkled.

That was because she had come to this era, even defying the heavens, to change the future in a world that had been destroyed by Arsen.

“Is it finally getting close to the end?”

Luke nodded emphatically at Reina’s question.

“That’s why I went to the Southern Continent. I made some gains and obtained valuable information.”

“Ah, I wish that day would come soon. Then I wouldn’t have to worry anymore.”

Reina, having removed her crown, stared blankly into the air and continued, “When that time comes, I can step down from the heavy position of Pope and always stay by your side, right?”

“Of course. But… have you thought about a successor?”

If she suddenly stepped down from the papacy, the Elkasel Order would be thrown into chaos. The position of Pope was that important and absolute.

Luke, having asked the question, glanced at Karen.

The report he received from the intelligence department immediately after returning home also contained information about her.

There had been many stories circulating in the Holy Empire about the Pope suddenly adopting a foster daughter.

Some said she was a hidden biological daughter, others a distant relative of the Volga royal family, and still others an angel descended from heaven, like the Pope herself.

Surprisingly, there were few negative reactions. This was partly due to the firm belief in Reina, but Karen’s abilities also played a role.

From finding gold bars hidden by corrupt sects and temples to healing sick children with divine power, she had performed many miracles in the eyes of ordinary people.

It was no wonder that the ministers were talking about her as the next Pope.

However, Reina did not seem to want Karen to take on such a heavy position.

“I am considering Priest Luther as my successor. He is excellent in his words and actions as a priest, and he is also active in communicating with the people. Moreover, he doesn’t cling to his own opinions and listens carefully to those around him, so he has few enemies.”

“Priest Luther… he is certainly a good person.”

Luke nodded in response, but his expression was somewhat troubled.

Reina asked with a puzzled face, “Is there something you don’t like about it?”

“No, it’s not that.”

There was a reason why Luke’s expression had turned troubled a moment ago.

He had heard that in the timeline where Karen was born, where he had lost to Hiros and died, Reina had abdicated to Luther and lived in seclusion.

That was fine, but the problem was that Reina, who had lived in seclusion, had died young after only a few years.

‘It’s just that Luther was a useful person, so she appointed him. The same thing will never happen.’

He had defeated Hiros, and he had also defeated Arsen.

So, a tragic event like her death would never happen. No, he would not let it happen.

“Whatever the reason, since we are in Symphonia, let’s have a good time together as a family today.”

“I understand. I will postpone all of today’s schedule.”

At Reina’s request, Luke nodded with a bright face.

It was as she said.

Luke, Reina, and Karen.

It had been months since the family had gathered in one place like this.

So, instead of worrying about a situation that would not happen, it would be better to focus on having a good time.

The next day, after spending some sweet time with Luke, Reina and Karen returned to the Holy Empire.

Reina wanted to stay for a few more days if she could.

However, she could not leave the Holy Palace empty for long, so she reluctantly departed.

Luke went to the long-distance teleport gate to see them off.

Immediately after returning to the palace, he received urgent news.

“Your Majesty, the King of Grenada has died.”

“What? Is that true?”

“Yes, we have confirmed through various channels that it is true.”

Luke frowned at the report from Intelligence Chief Hudson.

Fernan de Salizar, who was the most likely successor to the throne of the Kingdom of Grenada, was a central figure among the hardliners.

If he, who had suffered the humiliation of being captured as a prisoner in the last war, ascended to the throne, there was a high possibility that the southern sea would become turbulent again.

“We need to hold a cabinet meeting. Also, send a summons to the commanders of each army.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

No sooner had the pleasant and harmonious time with his family ended than a storm was brewing in the southern sea.

To prepare for the storm that would blow into Symphonia, Luke hurriedly began to seek countermeasures.

3

The sudden death of King Drake.

And the time it took for Count Fernan de Salizar to win the ensuing succession battle and be crowned as the new king was less than a month.

It happened so quickly that many of the people in London, the capital of the Kingdom of Grenada, did not even know that a new king had been crowned.

“Ohohohot! Your Majesty, congratulations.”

In the king’s office inside the palace, a red-haired woman in a seductive outfit was flirting on the lap of the new king, Fernan.

Fernan hugged her waist tightly and stroked her luscious thighs that were revealed through the slit, saying, “Hehehe. All of this is thanks to you, Princess Magreta.”

Fernan looked back on the past month.

Originally, his father-in-law, King Drake, had a chronic illness and was in poor health.

However, it was not so serious that he would die suddenly.

Such a king suddenly died, and he ascended to the throne.

From the outside, it was considered a natural process, but the throne of Grenada was not a position that could be easily obtained. It was true that Fernan, Drake’s son-in-law, was a strong heir to the throne, but he was not without competitors.

The most powerful competitor was Grand Duke John, the deceased king’s brother-in-law.

Grand Duke John, who had joined hands with Admiral Nathan, criticized Fernan for losing the war due to his misjudgment, losing countless battleships and sailors, and causing the kingdom to suffer great losses to release him as a prisoner.

Because of this criticism, the opinion that he was not suitable as the next king spread like wildfire not only in the political and military circles but also among the local lords.

In fact, King Drake also asked his ministers for their opinions on whether it would be better to enthrone his daughter as queen and make Fernan a grand duke.

When his position was shaken like that, a delegation came from the Kingdom of Lybia.

Magreta, the chief of protocol of the Kingdom of Lybia, was the head of the delegation.

She secretly visited Fernan’s mansion and offered to make him the next king.

And she actively helped Fernan to ascend to the throne.

She used charm magic to seduce the core nobles of the Grand Duke faction, including Nathan, and helped to trap and eliminate John, who was a powerful competitor, in an instant.

‘I wonder if she was also involved in the sudden death of King Drake.’

There was no evidence, but it seemed likely.

“Hohoho, I would do anything for Your Majesty. You will grant my request, right?”

At her smiling question, Fernan answered with gritted teeth as if he was resentful just thinking about it, “Of course! Luke, the king of Symphonia, has inflicted an indelible shame on me as well as you. Don’t worry, I will never let him go to get my revenge.”

How much humiliation had he suffered since being captured as a prisoner in the Kingdom of Symphonia and then released?

Admiral Nathan and other naval personnel openly treated him as an incompetent, and Drake also often looked at him with disappointment.

‘Not only that, but even my wife treated me coldly! Compared to that, Princess Magreta is….’

Over the past month, Magreta and his relationship had developed into a romantic one.

Although it may have started as a political deal, his feelings for her now were genuine.

Otherwise, he would not have honestly revealed his resentment towards Luke, and Magreta would have tried to seduce him with charm magic like other nobles.

It was natural for his heart to lean towards such a woman.

Moreover, a beauty like Magreta was rare not only in Grenada but also on the continent.

“As a companion with the same grudge, how about spending tonight with me?”

At Fernan’s subtle request, Magreta answered with a shy face, “…I’m embarrassed, but if it’s for my beloved Majesty, I’m happy to.”

“Euhahahat! I will soon kick out that pig-like queen and choose you as my first queen, so please wait a little longer.”

Fernan, with a face full of joy, picked her up and entered the inner room attached to the office.

Looking up at his face, Magreta smiled inwardly.

‘You fool, I thought you would be different because you are a Sword Master, but you are just a horny dog.’

Fernan de Salizar.

He was a handsome man and a genius swordsman, so much so that he was called the young lion of the Kingdom of Grenada.

But what good was that?

He had become a slave because he was fascinated by her.

Moreover, unlike other nobles, she did not use charm magic or drugs.

She just flirted with him appropriately and whispered sweet words, and he wagged his tail on his own.

Fernan himself seemed to think of it as love, but in reality, it was just a thoroughly intentional play.

‘What can he do when he is still just a fledgling? Compared to that, that old man Nathan was very stubborn.’

Admiral Nathan, a veteran of naval battles and a high-level Sword Master, did not easily succumb to Magreta’s seduction.

In the end, she was barely able to make him a slave by mobilizing all her charm magic and drugs.

Magreta put a lot of effort into seducing Nathan because he was the head of the Grenada military, especially the navy, which was the core of it.

The charm magic she had cast on him made it impossible for him to disobey her orders.

‘Ohohot! If I complete this mission successfully, I will have a chance to be in the arms of His Majesty Shaikan, right?’

Even though his soul had been changed to that of a black magician, he had the ability to conquer the continent, and his shell was that of a vigorous young man.

Of course, he would have sexual desires, and her goal was to become Shaikan’s first queen. Not the partner of a fledgling king like Fernan.

To this end, Magreta intended to carry out this mission as successfully as possible.

4

“Everyone, hurry up and prepare to set sail!”

“Spread the sails and activate the magic steam engine!”

“Those who are slow will be starved all day, so be prepared!”

London is the capital and the largest port in the Kingdom of Grenada.

From early morning, the warships that were floating in the docks and nearby sea of London began to move busily.

This was because the order to set sail had been issued from the palace.

Hundreds of naval warships and twice as many privateer pirate ships began to leave the port and line up in the open sea.

Half water, half ships.

Fernan, standing on the mast of the flagship Barbarossa, had a triumphant expression on his face at the sight of ships everywhere he looked.

“Wait for me, Luke! I will pay you back for my previous humiliation!”

For this revenge battle, Fernan issued a general mobilization order a month ago for the first time in 100 years.

Not only did he mobilize a large number of naval warships, but he also summoned the fleets owned by high-ranking nobles.

His promise with Magreta was a promise, but he also thought that his face had been tarnished by the previous defeat, so as soon as he became king, he incited the hawkish military nobles and decided on an all-out war.

He intended to completely ravage the coastal areas of Symphonia on this occasion.

If he did so, the Kingdom of Symphonia, which relied heavily on southern trade for a large part of its finances, would wither, and riots and rebellions would break out in various places.

No matter how powerful the Gigant Legion was, it would have no choice but to collapse if it rotted from the inside.

At that time, taking Luke’s head would be very easy.

“Your Majesty, the entire fleet has completed its alignment.”

Admiral Nathan approached and reported.

Fernan, glancing at him, wore a cold expression. He was one of the most prominent figures who had criticized him and sided with Grand Duke John.

‘If I didn’t need a commander-in-chief to lead the Grand Fleet, I would have eliminated him long ago…’

He inwardly clicked his tongue and asked in a chilly tone,

“What is the total size of the fleet?”

He had heard it before, but he asked to confirm.

Nathan answered smoothly to his question.

“There are three ships of the same class as the Hiredin, which was taken by the Kingdom of Symphonia, 86 new galleons equipped with magic steam engines, and about 900 various ships including gunboats.”

In addition, if you include the transport ships in charge of transporting troops and supplying materials, it was a grand fleet of about 1,300 ships.

After losing the last war, the Kingdom of Grenada put considerable effort into increasing its naval power.

Among them, the most effort was put into building a successor ship of the same class as the Hiredin and developing a new type of galleon.

Large battleships named after famous pirates such as Barbarossa, Edward, and Jolly Roger were undoubtedly the strongest in the world.

The newly developed new galleons also had excellent firepower, with up to 100 cannons.

In addition, the number of existing galleons and sailing ships was steadily increasing.

‘Heh heh, with this much power, even if the Symphonia guys have increased their navy, they can be devoured at once!’

He also knew that the Kingdom of Symphonia had recently increased its navy.

However, he judged that no matter how much they increased, they could not match their shipbuilding capabilities as a traditional maritime kingdom.

‘It’s not just shipbuilding ability. We also have many sailors who are proficient in naval battles. Symphonia can never catch up with that difference in experience.’

Another advantage was that Grenada had private fleets owned by the great lords.

Although they were only at the level of pirates with insignificant ship sizes and equipment compared to the regular navy, they became a force to be reckoned with when united.

Swoosh.

Fernan, smiling with pleasure at the thought of sweeping through the southern part of Symphonia in one fell swoop, looked towards the pier in the distance.

There, his beloved Magreta was waving a handkerchief, wishing him good luck.

‘I will bring you Luke’s head as a trophy.’

He inwardly resolved and said to Duke Nathan.

“It is no exaggeration to say that the fate of our kingdom depends on this expedition. So, tell the admirals of each fleet to be on their toes.”

“Understood.”

After the parade, Fernan ordered the entire fleet to depart.

Then, the 1st Fleet of the Navy began to depart towards the northwest where the Kingdom of Symphonia was located.

4

There was a vast wasteland to the west of the Kingdom of Symphonia.

Luke had once brainwashed and used monsters to develop mines and increase farmland during his time as the Viscount of Lacan.

This was because he was short of funds and manpower at the time.

After that, as the number of territory residents increased and the territory’s finances stabilized, he sent them to the western wasteland.

Rather than leaving land unsuitable for human habitation idle, he thought of creating a kind of buffer zone by letting monsters live there.

The monsters who had moved to the wasteland settled in by tribe and began to increase in number through hunting and gathering.

These monsters were briefly mobilized during the war with the Milton Kingdom, but after the war, they were returned to the western wasteland.

After that, Luke had almost neglected them, but recently, their numbers had increased to tens of thousands, becoming the leading monster force in the western wasteland.

Squeak! Squeak!

Squeeeak!

Several dozen orcs were returning to their village after hunting.

They carried the hunted beasts and monsters skewered on wooden sticks on their shoulders, and they shouted with joy at the thought that they would be able to feed the females and cubs again today.

Thud thud thud!

Then, at one moment, the ground shook, and dust rose from the north.

The orcs looked puzzled at this.

This was because there were no herds of beasts or monsters moving in large groups in the western wasteland.

However, this expression was only for a moment.

The orcs jumped and began to run away.

Squeeeeeak!

Behind them, as they ran away with their tails between their legs, a huge number of monster legions appeared from the dust.

Thump thump thump!

This legion, composed of various types of monsters such as giant orcs, ogres, and trolls, also had some humans mixed in.

They wore dark robes and continued to chant spells at the surrounding monsters. As the spells continued, the monsters’ eyes lost their reason, and only a ferocious nature filled them.

‘Hehehe! It’s about 100,000. If a monster legion of 100,000 attacks the west of Symphonia, can they really stop it?’

Lenuk, the former elder of the Veritas Magic Tower, smiled grimly as he thought of the upcoming invasion.

From the perspective of the Kingdom of Symphonia, the monster legion that appeared from the west would be an unexpected disaster.

This was because they appeared from a completely unexpected place.

As such, their defenses would not be properly prepared, and it would be easy to invade the kingdom.

For this operation, the black mages had suffered a lot from leading the monster legion from the Kingdom of Livia.

‘It’s not just us. I heard that the Grenada Kingdom fleet will appear from the south soon? If the black mages who have secretly infiltrated Symphonia cause chaos, the confusion will reach its peak.’

The only regret was that they could not use the Baroque Empire.

The Baroque Empire was currently at war with the Volga Republic, so it did not have the power to project its forces to the south.

If it weren’t for that war, Rudolf would have led his army south.

Not only Lenuk but also Arsen were very sorry about that.

‘Well, even with the current power, we can stir up the Kingdom of Symphonia enough.’

Lenuk, looking at the monster legion he had brainwashed with black magic with a satisfied gaze, began to chant the spell again.

Kuhuhuhuhung!

Kuaaang!

Squeeeak!

Every time the spell spread, the monsters, showing their ferocious nature, began to run towards Symphonia.

Boom! Boom!

Quarrrr! Kwakwang!

The continuous cannon fire made the people working on the hills near the city of Lamer turn their eyes towards the sea.

The naval battleships were conducting artillery training with targets in the middle of the sea, which was almost like a real battle.

“Is it training again today?”

“It’s no wonder. I heard that the Grenada pirates are attacking again.”

“I heard that the new king is the guy who was captured as a prisoner last time?”

“That’s right, they should have just hanged him back then…”

The people who were talking here and there hurried to shovel and pile up stones when the work foreman appeared.

This dwarf work foreman, dispatched from the engineering unit, was notorious for being strict.

“Hurry up! How are you going to build a battery if you keep dawdling like that! Do you want to die when the pirates come? The more sweat you shed now, the less blood our soldiers will shed!”

At the foreman’s urging, the people who were doing forced labor moved a little faster.

There was enough reason for complaints about the sudden mobilization and forced labor, but they rather helped and encouraged each other.

“Come on, let’s work hard!”

“Of course. Isn’t it thanks to His Majesty Luke that we are living so well? So this time, we have to help His Majesty.”

Luke, who had disguised himself and came out for inspection, watched this scene for a while and gave instructions to his attendants.

“The people have worked hard, so use this money to buy them a glass of beer each.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

After the death of King Drake of the Kingdom of Grenada, Luke had put his heart and soul into preparing for war for the past month.

After receiving information that Fernan had issued a mobilization order not only to the navy but also to the pirate lords, he accelerated his defenses by building additional coastal fortresses.

In this way, he increased the navy’s artillery training, built port defense facilities, and requested support from allied countries.

The countries that requested support were not only the Holy Artenia Empire.

“The Song Empire and Yemaek fleets will arrive within a week?”

He asked, turning his gaze to a young official who was reading a telegram sent by the Foreign Minister, after moving to the city hall office in Lamer.

“Yes, Your Majesty. The Song Empire has 50 ships, and Yemaek has 130 ships, for a total of 180 ships. In terms of the number of warships, the Yemaek army is actually the main force, and it is said that ironclad ships are also included.”

“Ironclad ships… It will be a great help when even one ship is sorely needed.”

According to intelligence from the intelligence department, the Kingdom of Grenada was mobilizing as many as 1,300 ships in this war.

This was more than 10 times the size of the Symphonia navy.

No, considering that the Symphonia navy, except for some of its main fleets, was mostly composed of small gunboats or transport ships, it was much more disadvantageous.

Luke tried to make up for this numerical disadvantage with quality and advanced magic engineering technology.

So, he had prepared several weapons, including a new ironclad ship.

Even so, he could not completely ignore the numbers, so the help of the allied navy was essential.

“And the Holy Empire says they will not send a fleet to our country.”

“What? What are you talking about?”

Luke’s eyes widened.

Feeling like he had been betrayed by the axe he had trusted, he snatched the telegram from the official’s hand and looked at the contents himself.

‘Currently, most of the sailors are on vacation, so it will be late to join when they have completed their preparations and set sail? So instead…’

At first, Luke frowned, but then nodded after reading the rest of the content.

The operation proposed by the Holy Empire was considered reasonable.

‘It’s true that it’s right to follow this side’s proposal if we want to root out the pirates. Then the Grenada fleet will have to be dealt with by the combined forces of us, Song, and Yemaek.’

Since he had already established a specific plan for the naval battle, he just had to wait for the combined fleets of Yemaek and Song to arrive.

‘You trashy pirates, you will never be able to enter our waters!’

It was when Luke was looking at the nautical chart and solidifying his fighting spirit and determination.

A messenger rushed in and delivered urgent news.

“Your Majesty, a large monster army has appeared in the west of the kingdom!”

At the unexpected news, the faces of Luke’s attendants and ministers turned pale.

In a situation where they were focusing all their efforts on stopping the Grenada pirates, an unexpected enemy had appeared in the west of the kingdom, where defenses were relatively weak!

If the western border was breached, the kingdom could be ravaged by monsters.

“Your Majesty, we must immediately dispatch the central army.”

“We need to send reinforcements from the Gigant units, including the Eastern Army.”

While the ministers were giving advice, an unexpected smile appeared on Luke’s lips.

‘Hmph, so that’s the trick they’re using.’

He looked at the messenger with a confident expression, as if he had expected it to some extent, and said,

“Tell Marquis Rogers, the commander-in-chief of the Royal Army, to start Operation Storm Brake now.”

An operation prepared in advance with high-ranking officials from the military and magic circles.

As peace ended and the flames of war rose, he did not hesitate to draw the cards he had prepared.

(To be continued in Volume 19 of Steel Emperor)

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