Chapter 154

In an instant, the black market turned into chaos.

Rodney, watching the scene unfold, let out a deep sigh.

‘How on earth did it come to this?… To think I would personally have to destroy the peace of Gibraltar…’

Rodney knew the intentions of Brittania’s homeland to uproot the black market.

Currently, after the independence of the Amerigo colony, the Brittania Empire was suffering from severe economic distress.

The massive resources along with crops including tobacco that could have been obtained there had been a pillar of national finance, but now it was as if it had been completely uprooted.

Moreover, the drastic increase in imports from the Eastern Region left them with a constant deficit, and the income from other colonies was hardly satisfactory.

In this situation where the country’s revenue had plummeted, tightening measures were inevitably required, but…

Currently, the Brittania Empire had neither the intention nor the capacity to do so.

The devastating defeat they suffered in the war against the Golden Bearded Pirates.

Though the main force of the Brittania Empire was not engaged, the annihilation of its subordinate Sarak pirates had dealt a significant blow to the empire’s honor, causing the already shrinking maritime trade balance of the Brittania Empire to plummet even further.

Shortly after that, a revolution broke out in the neighboring Kingdom of Frantz.

Given the historically antagonistic relationship between the Brittania Empire and the Kingdom of Frantz, the Brittania Empire couldn’t just stand by while their obnoxious neighbor’s house was on fire.

They aimed to fan the flames of revolution, hoping to exploit the resulting chaos to reclaim the territories they had lost on the continent.

Against this backdrop, the Brittania Empire was preparing for war against the pirates to restore its honor and normalize trade while also devising schemes to foment discord in the Kingdom of Frantz for their own gain.

However, no matter how good the plan was, executing it properly would inevitably require substantial funds.

Repairing warships, scattering bribes for schemes, feeding, clothing, and arming soldiers—all of it fundamentally required money.

And so, the conclusion reached by the Brittania Empire to secure these funds was to attack the black market.

Since it was illegal from the outset, it wouldn’t present much of a problem on the legal front, and due to the nature of the black market, the potential gains were substantial.

Of course, this meant that the ensuing economic issues in Gibraltar would entirely fall upon their shoulders.

Thus, Rodney, despite knowing the intention, found herself in a position where she had to carry out such a self-defeating task.

It was something she truly didn’t want to do, but at present, taking matters into her own hands was the best choice she could make.

Her sister, Admiral Nelson, who was here, was currently sipping tea at the Governor’s Office, complying with Rodney’s intention to handle matters directly.

However, she was acutely aware that if Nelson chose to intervene personally, the situation would go far beyond mere “pillaging.”

While it can’t be said to be completely innocent… at least it was the best course of action to prevent any instances of excessive punishment.

With another deep sigh, Rodney gave orders to the soldiers around her.

“Remember, avoid causing unnecessary harm to the people. Our purpose is strictly to collect lawful taxes and avoid any meaningless bloodshed.”

“Yes, Major General.”

“Alright. Then let’s get started. Those who present their cash and items should be temporarily gathered to one side and then released afterward.”

Honestly, due to the guilt she felt inside, she wanted to release them immediately but letting them go thoughtlessly and having the news spread would only worsen the situation.

Due to the nature of the black market, countless criminal organizations were entrenched, so handling things quietly was crucial, and a little hassle was unavoidable.

“Alright, maintain order and step forward one by one.”

“Hand over all your cash. Just leave your items where they are, and they will be collected later.”

Following the imperial army’s instructions, merchants and customers in the black market started to step forward one by one to hand over their money and then quickly move aside.

Of course, both merchants and customers were filled with complaints, but in front of the soldiers aiming their guns, very few dared to voice their grievances.

Very few… that is.

“Damn, what do we do, boss? It looks like those fish-and-chips folks are really set on cleaning out the black market this time…”

“Cursed… of all days for this crap to happen on collection day…”

In a corner of the black market, a group of people watched the situation unfold.

Disguised as merchants, but actually making up about 40% of the black market, the smuggling organization ‘Urielle’ was gripped with confusion over this unexpected urgent crisis.

From what they could see, the Brittania soldiers didn’t seem inclined to engage in battle; they were solely focused on seizing valuables.

However, squabbling while handing over money was a different story.

Urielle’s leader, Urielle Heaven, and his subordinates were openly wanted men.

The moment they revealed their faces, they were bound to be captured and have bullets put through their heads.

Even if they miraculously avoided summary execution, prison was a guarantee, so this situation was essentially a dead end for them.

And… with rats like these trapped in a corner,

They tended to bite the cat in order to survive.

“It can’t be helped… contact everyone. After breaking through those damned fish-and-chips, we’ll get out of here.”

“Understood!”

“And you, when the fighting starts, sneak out and head straight to the port to prepare the ship. You know where the usual smuggling ship is, right?”

“Ah… yes, Boss.”

Normally, this would be a crazy thing to do.

No matter how much power they held as smugglers, their opponent was a trained regular army…

In fact, it was the navy of the Brittania Empire, known to be the strongest on the continent.

There was certainly no chance of winning in a direct confrontation, but Urielle and his subordinates had no option left.

To make matters worse, this place was practically their home ground, located in the valley of the black market.

Even a stray dog holds an advantage in its own backyard, and while they were woefully short on power,

They possessed an advantage in familiarity with the terrain.

“Are we ready?”

“Yes, Boss. The snipers have been positioned at all points. We can start as soon as you give the command.”

“Alright, let’s go all out. Attack immediately! Wipe those bastards out!”

“Understood!”

As soon as the order was given, the squad leader aimed the signal flares towards the sky.

And then.

-Bang!

The sharp gunfire shook the surroundings.

Simultaneously, Urielle’s subordinates, who had been waiting at designated positions, immediately began firing.

“Tatatatata!”

“Gwaah!”

“Kuheohk!”

The Brittania soldiers began to fall one after another from the sudden ambush.

However, before too many could fall, they quickly responded as if they had been waiting for it.

“Major General!”

“Wasn’t this to be expected? Everyone take cover! If it’s not possible, activate the magical barrier!”

“Got it!”

Following Rodney’s orders, the imperial army swiftly took cover and began their retaliation.

They secured positions near the exit, with most forming a barricade at predetermined locations.

“Prepare to fire!”

“!”

“Ugh!”

At Rodney’s command, the soldiers lined up with precision, aiming their guns.

Simultaneously, they pointed their guns at the sniper points they had observed in advance.

And then.

“Fire!”

-Tatatatatang!!!

“Guah!”

“Guh!”

The precise shooting was on a whole different level compared to ordinary smugglers.

Magic-enhanced bullets penetrated the gaps in the cover, injuring the smugglers’ bodies.

“Damn it! What kind of monsters are these!”

“Don’t just stand there! Shoot! If we stay like this, we’re goners… Guh!”

“We… Uri!”

While the smugglers still had the advantage in terrain, the difference in combat ability between individual soldiers was overwhelming.

The performance of the firearms,

The accuracy of the shooters pulling the triggers.

To top it off, most of the enemy already possessed a good level of magical power, making it hard for the bullets they managed to hit to deal significant damage.

It was clearly demonstrating the disparity between a regular army and ragtag thugs.

Thanks to having well-placed snipers, they weren’t immediately annihilated, but the number of Urielle’s smugglers was steadily declining over time.

“Uh… what do we do, Boss? At this rate, instead of scattering those guys, we’re going to die first.”

“Damn it… I knew they were strong, but I didn’t imagine they’d be this strong!”

Attempts to create openings resulted in them being even more cornered.

In this grim reality, smugglers, including Urielle, began to feel increasingly hopeless.

Some even started to think that surrendering and throwing down their weapons might be the better option.

Though resigning would guarantee prison time, it was better than getting shot and dying here.

Just as they were about to declare their surrender to save at least one life…

-Kaboom!!!

“Huh?”

“Eh?”