Chapter 163

A fleet of pirate ships gathering one after another.

The location was the waters near Gibraltar, as previously instructed, and I was also leading the main force, awaiting there.

It felt a bit too close to the enemy camp, but they weren’t fools either, so they had to be aware of everything by now.

Since we had already decided to engage in battle, it was too late to be cautious or to hold back.

Of course, I was strategizing the deployment of the rest of the forces, aside from the main group, but for that purpose, the flagship needed to face the enemy directly, locking eyes with them.

We needed to observe each other’s movements and prepare for combat.

“There’s Gibraltar… That’s where Vice-Captain Lemain passed away…”

“Right, and the person I mentioned before… That’s where Admiral Nelson is stationed.”

The sea was cloaked in darkness.

Yet even there, the massive army of the enemy was brightly illuminated.

It wasn’t called the strongest naval force in the world for nothing; the sheer display of lights was formidable.

There were minor vessels too, but just the sheer size of the warships was anything but ordinary.

“Wow, it’s impressive… It looks like they have dozens of warships just about the same size as our Golden Cross. I can even see bigger ships…”

“They say the latest enemy warships carry over a hundred cannons. Our ship has just under eighty, so in terms of firepower, they definitely have the upper hand.”

Among the gathered pirate ships, the Golden Cross we were on was the strongest.

However, there were numerous formidable warships on the other side.

Of course, size and the number of cannons weren’t everything, but it was hard to deny the gap starting from the basic specs.

“…Will we be alright? I know we have Father’s strength, but those enemies seem no ordinary foes. To be honest, I’m quite worried.”

Ambasha’s concerned question.

In reality, this battle was not particularly favorable for us.

It was a direct confrontation, unlike our previous operations that relied heavily on smaller divisions, and the enemy’s force wasn’t to be underestimated.

If we lost, we could lose everything.

Even if we won, we would have to endure significant damage.

However…

Since they had clearly thrown down the gauntlet, we couldn’t just let it pass.

This was not merely a matter of emotional revenge; it was also a question of leadership.

Fundamentally, there existed a mutual protection principle between me and my subordinate pirates.

In exchange for their loyalty, I guaranteed their safety.

Of course, I had no obligation to resolve issues they caused, but if they were unfairly treated, I would show no mercy and punish the enemies in the name of the Pirate King.

This is why, even after being defeated by me, the pirate lords of the Five Seas remained under my command without major dissent, and they willingly responded to calls like this one.

In this situation, if I let go of Vice-Captain Lemain’s grudge without settling it, it would shake the basic trust to its core.

“Of course… sacrifices cannot be avoided. But sometimes in life, there are battles you must fight regardless. If you step back now, you’ll have to keep retreating later. Before long, you’ll find yourself backed into a corner.”

It was right to avoid meaningless battles.

But when it came time to fight, you had to confront it with all your strength.

To survive… it was necessary.

“Hmm… I think I understand what you mean…”

Ambasha, speaking with a hardened expression.

Seeing her, I suddenly realized that I might have spoken too harshly.

While tension is crucial on the battlefield, being overly rigid isn’t a good thing either.

Especially since this was likely her first perilous naval battle, I intentionally shifted the topic to something lighter.

“Besides, facing such massive warships will cause significant damage to our side, but the rewards of capturing them would be equally great. If things go well, we might finally move into a bigger ship.”

“Oh… now that you mention it, I suppose that could work… ideally a bigger kitchen too.”

It’s not just pirates; winning battles to seize enemy ships was a universal tradition in wars between nations.

Because of this, naval forces often deliberately breached the hulls of their ships just before they were about to be captured, sinking them.

Of course, such acts during combat were akin to suicide and not something easy to do.

Anyway, amidst the somewhat improved atmosphere, I began surveying the enemy camp again.

The enemy ships visible numbered roughly forty.

Fewer than our gathered force.

However, in terms of firepower, they still had an advantage.

And my task was to figure out how to conduct the battle with this number of forces in our favor.

Of course, it would be good if Queen Louis’s plan worked out well, but that was ultimately a gamble.

Given the uncertainty of its success, it was better not to harbor high expectations for now.

‘Then… it seems there’s only one option left…’

As time passed, the enemy would only grow stronger faster than us.

Thus, the correct answer was to engage in battle as soon as possible, but…

I knew there was a turning point within that.

‘Surely the best course of action is to move as soon as they arrive.’

With that inner conclusion, I awaited the arrival of those expected here, hoping they would come without issue.

At that moment…

“Captain, they’ve arrived.”

“!”

The voice of Samir reached my ears.

At that welcoming tone, I immediately started moving with Ambasha.

Soon, a group of another pirate fleet came into view.

Seeing the middle-aged man at the front, I couldn’t help but smile broadly.

“It’s been a while, Bayoking.”

“It’s been a while, Pirate King. I can’t say I’ve been well… considering what’s happened.”

“…It seems so. Anyway, thank you for making the long journey. For today, let’s rest well and discuss the battle strategy tomorrow.”

Given that he traveled all this way from the northern region, he must be quite tired.

Thinking that everyone who was meant to come on our side had arrived, I planned to take a bit of a break before attacking as quickly as possible.

But then…

“Before that, there’s something urgent I need to tell you.”

“What is it?”

“Well… Although I’m not certain due to the fog, I spotted enemy vessels on the way here. It seems to be a fleet of the Brittania Empire Army, but they were oddly heading north instead of south.”

“North? No… Why? They should be coming from the south, shouldn’t they?”

“I’m curious too, but I definitely saw them. A massive fleet heading north.”

“…”

Bayoking’s words made it impossible for me not to think that the situation had turned peculiar.

‘Why on earth? Is something more significant happening up north?’

There were various possibilities.

Perhaps a conflict involving the Holy Empire to the north, or something concerning the Kalmar Union.

‘It’s a bit early for Queen Louis’s matter to be resolved. There’s a high chance it’s something else…’

Of course, from our perspective, the absence of additional enemy troops was a good thing.

It meant we could overcome our strategic disadvantage and secure a certain victory.

However, the ambiguity of their intentions was enough to leave an uncomfortable feeling in many ways.

‘Though there’s too much uncertainty… we can’t let this opportunity slip away. Regardless, this timing is the only moment we have an advantage, while the enemies are at a disadvantage. We must strike.’

In war, one cannot expect a 100% certainty.

It would be great if we could engage in battle under fully favorable conditions, but reality hardly allows that.

The standard for making decisions isn’t 100% but rather 51%.

If there’s even a slight sign of an edge, it’s time to make a decision.

Following the information brought by Bayoking, I issued the orders.

The battle will commence tomorrow night.

That will be the moment…

To send the Queen of the Sea to the depths!

*

The lights filling the coast.

Admiral Nelson was wearing a stiff expression, observing the formidable fleet of nearly seventy ships.

As expected, the enemy began to move, slowly but surely.

Their actions were clear; they intended to attack before the northern fleet joined.

Even knowing this, Nelson couldn’t help but feel some nervousness.

“The crux of the operation is for us here to endure the enemy’s assault as long as possible… it won’t be easy, but we must succeed.”

Since the opponent is the Pirate King, losses were inevitable.

However, after the time for patience has passed, the outcome would surely mean a clear victory.

Feeling both tension and anticipation, Nelson began to give orders in response to the enemy’s signs of aggression.

“They’re coming. All forces, combat readiness!”

“Yes, Admiral!”

As soon as the order was given, the Brittania Empire Army moved in an organized manner.

Boarding the ship that was prepared to charge toward the enemy, Nelson’s gaze was fixed coldly on the largest light visible far off.

“Come, Pirate King… Tonight, your head will be mine!”