CHAPTER 478: CHAPTER 306: NIGHT RAID_1

The conversations between the two men were not concealed, and many people around them heard what was said.

They were new recruits, fresh from the battlefield, having just experienced combat with Pirates. Upon hearing these words, they couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger.

Lance noticed this and chose not to calm their excited emotions. Instead, he fueled them, seizing the opportunity to propagate the hatred between the Navy and the Pirates, and then filling their hearts with that hatred.

"Today’s battle is merely the beginning. From today, Hamlet rises again and will no longer be bullied by anyone. None of those Pirates who once invaded us will escape.

They invaded our homeland, they brought slaughter, so we will respond with death! Tell those Pirates that Hamlet may have once declined, but when it rises again, all its enemies will tremble!"

"Hamlet Must Win!"

Frenzied shouts echoed across the entire ship, while Lance calmly observed everything. After things had settled slightly, he raised the musket in his hand and placed it into Wilson’s.

"Take this gun. The Navy of Hamlet has not disappeared. The spirit of Lucas lives on with the Navy, never to be extinguished."

"Yes!"

The situation, which had briefly calmed, intensified again as Lance roused the soldiers’ emotions with just a few words.

Reynard stood by. Having experienced long crusades and witnessed many Legion leaders, even he had to admit at this moment, "My Lord is truly a natural-born leader."

Through this incident, Lance roused the soldiers’ emotions, planting hatred for Pirates deep in their hearts, ensuring they wouldn’t hesitate as they had before.

And it wasn’t even over. He planned to wash the coat clean, establish a Clothed Grave for Lucas in the cemetery, and continue to propagate his spirit.

Hatred must be inherited; someone must carry the burden of the mischief wrought by the ancestors.

After all, one cannot simply tell them that it was the ancestors who truly caused the death of so many in Hamlet.

The Pirates would have to suffer a bit more...

The aftermath of the Pirate incident quickly subsided. For Hamlet’s current size, fewer than a hundred Pirates could hardly cause any significant disturbance, especially since they were subdued in the time it took to eat a meal. Everyone’s attention soon shifted to another matter.

"The fleet and caravan are going out again today."

"Indeed. Three days of loading goods, and everything’s packed to the brim."

The sun had not yet fully risen, and the sky was still dim as Lance stood on the dock. Before him stood a young man in his late teens—Little John, the former apprentice from the grain store.

He had a natural talent for business and was diligent and eager to learn. Whenever he had free time, he would audit classes at the school. Literate and numerate, he was quite the self-taught talent.

"Are you afraid to follow the ship on this trip?"

"Not at all!" Little John had no hesitation. "I’ll do whatever you ask of me."

"Good, I have high hopes for you. Follow the others, learn all you can, and experience one of the most prosperous cities in the world," Lance said with a smile, patting him on the shoulder in a very friendly manner.

The two ships were crammed with goods. If sold in Totnes, the return trip would bring various resources. The merchant guild was responsible for these matters, but Lance also wanted to cultivate his own people, giving new talent opportunities.

After all, with his support, the merchant guild was bound to expand continuously, and their current numbers were insufficient.

"The safety of the merchant ships is in your hands. The mission is demanding, but I trust you all," Lance said, then turned towards Captain Wilson. This was the Navy’s first escort mission.

"What kind of Navy are soldiers who don’t go to sea? I’ve been itching to take those rascals out for a proper voyage." Wilson was quite boisterous. He firmly believed the young men needed more experience to become true Navy sailors.

Lance had considered using the influence of the Redbeard Pirates in these waters. He thought about flying their Skull Flag, as it was likely that even if they encountered other Pirates, they wouldn’t be harmed.

After all, once they left these waters, they could simply take down the flag, having freeloaded off Redbeard’s influence.

But that was not feasible.

This trip’s route was not direct to Totnes. They had to dock at several cities, partly for resupply and partly to open up the trade route, aiming to revive business activity along this path.

As long as there was profit to be made, merchants would seek them out. If this sea route became bustling, Hamlet’s situation could be revitalized.

Therefore, they could not be associated with Pirates, as that would cause unrest in those towns.

Not to mention, just two days prior, Lance had incited hatred against Pirates. Hoisting a Pirate flag today, though it might prevent Pirate raids, would severely damage the Navy’s morale.

Thus, it was out of the question.

They would have to rely on their own strength.

Once arrangements were complete, the two merchant vessels and one escort warship set sail, heading towards the sunlit horizon.

Lance watched them for only a few minutes before departing. He had much to do, as today was also the day the caravan was set to leave.

Walter had also risen early. A ship could set off as soon as it was boarded, but moving the caravan involved over a hundred people, and there was much more to it.

Fortunately, Vick and a few veterans lent their aid. With the cargo already loaded, they only needed to harness the horses to depart.

"Good morning, My Lord," Walter greeted as he saw Lance approach. His respectful attitude was largely a result of his learning over the past few days.