Reader’S Regeneration Life [EN]: Chapter 173

173―――――

Last Gift

As Prince Erader prepared to mobilize swiftly upon arriving at the royal capital, it wasn’t long before multiple ships were docked at each port, transitioning from coastal patrol to open ocean operations.

However, a concern arose among the nobles: the sea is notoriously turbulent. Would Prince Erader, let alone his royal knight escorts, be able to navigate the ships effectively?

He would.

‘And Sion Claussen isn’t accompanying them; he has to remain at the port of Sardena…’

Sardena, the second-largest port city in the south, served as the home port for this operation.

Its location was strategic, near the trade routes most frequented by pirates, ensuring rapid support should the operation falter.

Some nobles subtly suggested that Sion’s presence would be beneficial, allowing him to acclimate to the sea and offer guidance. However, Prince Erader dismissed these concerns, stating, ‘This operation requires the expertise of several nobles familiar with the sea.

And the person overseeing the rear must be trustworthy to safeguard our home base.’

“…”

Sion, sidelined, stood silently at the port, watching the ships prepare to depart.

Hemmon, heir to the Ischke County, observing him, cautiously spoke.

“Don’t be too disappointed, Lord Sion.

Isn’t this a sign of Prince Erader’s immense trust in you?

When the leader departs, the second-in-command naturally fills the void.”

“I’m fine.

Actually, I was worried I might get seasick in the open sea.”

Sion’s smile seemed to relieve Hemmon, who nodded.

He had feared that even a hint of resentment from Sion could jeopardize the upcoming pirate suppression.

“But aren’t you boarding a ship, Lord Hemmon?

I heard you’re a capable captain.”

“Ah, wouldn’t the same apply to me?

My father, Count Ischke, will be with the prince, so I should remain behind.”

“Everyone is so enthusiastic.

It could be dangerous.”

“Of course, it is. But with the other nobles participating in the upcoming Holy War, a certain level of risk is expected.”

“Are you saying it’s to avoid embarrassment later?”

“You could say that.”

‘Well, it seems to me that they’re just making a fuss to look like they’ve done something, even a little bit. Or maybe their coffers are dwindling rapidly, and they want to conclude this quickly.’

Sion smiled, concealing these thoughts.

“The Holy War is certainly honorable, but protecting the kingdom’s sea trade routes is equally important.

I hope none of the southern nobles are disappointed by their inability to participate in the Holy War.”

‘I don’t know why they’re so eager to go to a place where there’s a high probability of dying if they go. Honor accompanies death, and Sion wanted to keep his distance from the honor that comes with death.’

“What do you think, Lord Sion?”

Hemmon asked, watching the ships depart on their mission. Sion stared back.

The question implied an already obvious outcome.

“Everything will be fine.

Perhaps the pirates will avoid Sardena, focusing on the prince, hoping to take him hostage.”

“Do you really think so?”

“Well, Lord Hemmon, would you prefer I say I’m Princess Vanessa’s man, hoping something happens to this operation or the prince’s safety?”

Sion’s strange look startled Hemmon, who regarded him warily, then with disbelief.

“Your joke goes too far, Lord Sion.”

“Is it entirely impossible?

Prince Erader seems wary of my closeness to Princess Vanessa.”

“It wouldn’t go that far.

If he truly distrusted you, he’d keep you close, preventing you from acting.”

“Keep me close, making me a mere figurehead?”

“As you know, the rear is crucial.

Moreover, with such a large fleet departing, the safety of the home port is paramount.”

As the heir to Ischke County, whose coastal territories focused on maritime trade and the navy, Hemmon spoke logically.

However, his persistent friendliness bothered Sion.

“The Ischke County has been close to Prince Erader for some time.”

“That’s right.

My father is friends with the prince; he introduced him to the sea and put him on a ship during a pirate suppression years ago.”

“So Bremen Ischke tried to distance himself from me as much as possible.

But…”

“Ah, are you talking about me?”

Hemmon scratched his cheek, embarrassed.

Sion tensed, fearing a confession like, ‘Lord Sion, actually, I’ve been…’ He prepared to strike Hemmon and flee.

“Actually, I’m something of a, um… a follower of Lord Sion?

Ah, that’s an exaggeration.

Anyway, I’m impressed by your achievements.

The war hero, stabilizing barbarian tribes, and decisively dealing with rogue northern nobles were impressive, but more than that, the song you sang at the party, defeating Chess King Nudia, rescuing the different races, sincerely apologizing, and paying compensation were shocking.”

“…Why is that?”

“Isn’t there a dualistic charm to it!

Ruthless to enemies of the kingdom, yet gentle and merciful in other situations…”

Sion considered himself far from ‘merciful.’

His mercy served a purpose: keeping them alive was more valuable than killing them.

‘Well, I won’t refuse mistaken identity.

The Ischke County is a strong supporter of Prince Erader, and if the heir rejects that, I welcome it.’

Unfortunately, Hemmon Ischke barely appeared in the novel.

It vaguely mentioned the heir wanting to put Kim Yoo-hyun on his ship.

However, Sion sensed that Hemmon was drawn to someone other than Prince Erader.

“Anyway, I hope Prince Erader and Lord Sion grow closer.

If the next king and Claussen Margrave maintain a close relationship like His Majesty and the current Claussen Margrave, it will bless Hispania.”

‘Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen. The man your father follows so much is the type of guy who can use and discard you as soon as he doesn’t like you. He’s going to be a guy who will definitely incur the backlash of the nobles when he becomes king, so who can he be close to?’

Sion suppressed these thoughts, smiling instead.

“More importantly, the pirates must have noticed our movements, unless they’re fools.”

“Ships secretly departed from other ports at dawn, making it appear as if Prince Erader is merely taking a small fleet for a casual sea tour.”

“I don’t know how things will turn out.”

Sion didn’t truly care.

Regardless of the outcome, the situation was unfavorable for him.

―

Clunk―.

Clunk!

“Pull!”

At the boatswain’s command, sailors strained at the ropes, while soldiers prepared for battle.

Hauling on the ropes attached to iron shackles that had been flung onto the enemy deck, they gradually pulled the ships together.

Knowing they would likely lose in close combat with the regular army, the pirates desperately tried to cut the ropes.

However, each attempt was met with a hail of arrows, forcing them to retreat with injuries or death.

“Mages, stand by! Prepare to attack if they act foolishly!”

They even had one of the few mages capable of enduring ocean voyages on board.

However, using magic at such close range could harm their own ships, so they would decide based on the enemy’s resistance.

Thud!

“Board!”

As the ships closed, the order was given, and the battle for the ship’s fate began.

The pirates fought fiercely against the flood of Hispanian navy soldiers, but once the enemy gained the deck, they were unstoppable.

The clash of metal echoed, sparks flying.

The pirates resisted, but when another Hispanian warship approached, they surrendered, resistance futile.

“Prince, we’ve captured the captain.

What are your orders?”

Typically, the captain is the leader, or at least a mid-level executive in a larger group.

Prince Erader responded matter-of-factly.

“Hang him from the yardarm.

Let them witness the miserable end of piracy and the kingdom’s harsh stance.”

“Understood!”

It wasn’t just the captain.

Prince Erader ordered any resisting pirates thrown alive into the sea.

Being at sea, handling prisoners was difficult, and these were individuals capable of causing trouble at any moment, making elimination easier.

It was a merciless approach, but the southern nobles and sailors, plagued by pirates, supported the prince’s decision.

‘Not bad.’

More than not bad, it was a series of events that were too good.

After setting sail, Prince Erader wondered if the pirates would fall for the trap.

Despite being at sea, he was still a prince; would they deem the preparation insufficient and attack?

Surprisingly, the pirates revealed themselves immediately, seemingly having informants near the port of Sardena.

Initially nervous, Prince Erader soon watched the royal navy overwhelm the pirate ship.

Other pirate ships fled, but were intercepted by the navy that had secretly departed from other ports.

Thus, the 3-day battle, part of a 6-day voyage including patrol, concluded.

Prince Erader was relieved by the unexpectedly smooth outcome.

He had addressed the nobles’ concerns, contributed to defeating pirates, and solidified his position with the royal navy, a key force in the south.

The prince, showing no mercy to the pirates, declaring death more fitting than forgiveness for those harming the southern people, had won their favor.

“We can slowly return to port, Captain.”

“Understood.

The crew is fatigued from the battle; I’ll signal nearby ships to return.”

Returning required more caution than departing.

Leading the captured pirate ships, escorted by others, Prince Erader had clearly made a contribution in his first pirate suppression operation in the south.

Elated, Prince Erader received more good news.

“The port of Sardena was attacked?”

“Yes.

The details are unclear, but there’s been some damage.”

“…Oh.

I thought the pirates were all stupid, but some used their heads.”

“Lord Sion Claussen has suffered greatly.”

“I see.

Tsk, I feel sorry for entrusting him with such a difficult task.”

Prince Erader shook his head, but was secretly pleased.

He had worried that Sion’s growing fame would empower Princess Vanessa, but the pirates had seemingly tarnished Sion’s reputation.

As he entered the port, he saw the charred remains of some docked ships.

The port wasn’t overrun or crippled, but the pirates had clearly breached its defenses.

“Prince Erader.”

Sion Claussen and Hemmon Ischke, waiting at the port, bowed.

Prince Erader raised his hand in acknowledgment, patting their shoulders as if commending their efforts.

“I heard the news.

You tried to stop them, but the pirates managed to set fire to some ships.”

“I apologize; I focused on defending the anchorage and neglected the areas where ordinary ships were docked.

I am truly sorry for the damage, despite your trust.”

Sion bit his lip, bowing deeply.

Hemmon interjected, “I was late in warning Lord Sion.

It’s also my fault, Prince.”

“Why are you doing this?

Did I ever blame you?

I never did.”

Prince Erader looked at Sion with a subtle tone.

“As you said, it’s disappointing as someone ‘trusted and entrusted,’ but what can we do?

Good fortune on one side often means misfortune on the other.

Fortunately, we dealt with some pirates, which is a relief.”

It sounded as if he would have blamed him had the pirate suppression failed.

Hemmon groaned, but Sion bowed deeper, unfazed.

“Let’s go inside.

I’m tired.”

Prince Erader’s body was weary from the week-long voyage, but his heart was content.

‘The south must remain my support base.

It’s the wealthiest region in Hispania; its support means seizing the kingdom’s wealth.’

He had heard that Princess Vanessa was secretly gathering support.

If she truly intended to challenge him for the throne, she was mistaken.

The southern nobles would not withdraw their support unless he betrayed the royal family and the kingdom.

‘At the same time, I should correct Sion Claussen’s arrogant attitude, who has been putting too much strength into his shoulders.’ Prince Erader thought that the benefits of suppressing the southern pirates might be greater than the Holy War.

―――――――Author’s Note―――――――

Ha ha!

Recommend!