CHAPTER 192: BATTLE PREPARATION (2)

The bustle at the port of Redhoven had grown intense. One thousand five hundred white-armored troops swarmed the two warships anchored there.

Under Luvistar’s orders, they were divided into two large groups, each numbering seven hundred fifty men.

They prepared the ships by unloading Magmoral and Lucite from the warehouse at the back.

Since the required amount was so great, the Hermes family soldiers also lent a hand.

While the soldiers labored, Nolan and Rafine leaned against the railing of the ship, enjoying the view of the calm sea. Waves occasionally lapped against the hull.

"Are you sure you want to stay on the second ship with me? Wouldn’t it be safer to go with Elina and General Luvistar on the first ship?" Nolan asked casually, glancing at Rafine beside him.

His reason for sending Elina with Luvistar was for her own safety. After all, the sea monster they were about to face had nearly reached catastrophic levels.

Although Luvistar had no direct experience fighting sea monsters, his knowledge surpassed that of anyone else present. Entrusting Elina to him was the wisest decision.

Of course, he had also suggested Rafine join him on the first ship, but the stubborn girl had refused.

"I appreciate your concern, but it’s unnecessary. I’m not going to hide behind General Luvistar. I want to fight head-on and take part," Rafine replied firmly.

As the heiress of the Austin family, her pride would not allow her to appear weak or cowardly. The sea monster was a threat to the eastern region, and she felt personally responsible for confronting it.

Nolan fell silent at her answer, though his gaze betrayed his admiration.

She is certainly stubborn... but brave,

he thought.

Had they been heirs of other noble families, they wouldn’t have dared step into such a fight.

Even with Malverna’s magic protecting the ships, survival was far from certain. Those of high status typically avoided danger at all costs.

Yet Rafine didn’t care—a fact that amazed him once more.

A playful smile tugged at his lips as he leaned back against the railing, folding his arms across his chest.

"Since it’s your decision, I won’t argue. But don’t run to me if you get scared, okay?" He teased lightly.

Rafine’s expression changed, and her face flushed with embarrassment.

"You’re really annoying," she growled, clenching her right fist and striking him in the stomach.

Her punch was effortlessly caught by Nolan’s left palm, only fueling her frustration further.

Before their quarrel could continue, the sound of footsteps approached from behind, followed by a deep, commanding voice.

"Your Highness Nolan, Young Lady Rafine, are you certain you wish to join the second ship?"

Startled, they turned toward the voice to see a tall, well-built man.

Even beneath his armor, his muscular frame was unmistakable, giving him an imposing presence.

A neatly trimmed brown mustache adorned his upper lip, and his short brown hair was combed back. The combination of these features gave him a striking and memorable appearance.

This was Ruthark, one of Luvistar’s subordinates and the leader of the assault on the second ship.

Nolan smiled. "Don’t worry, Leader Ruthark. I’m confident in my decision. I won’t change it."

Rafine nodded beside him. "Me too, Leader Ruthark. My mind is made up."

Ruthark didn’t press further. They were adults, and their rank even exceeded his own.

With a faint smile, he said, "Very well. I won’t argue further. Rest assured, I’ll do everything in my power to ensure your safety."

"Thank you," Nolan and Rafine replied in unison, smiling.

An hour and a half passed quickly. The soldiers had already loaded the required Magmoral and Lucite onto the ship; the rest would be retrieved from Duke Austin’s mansion.

After all, those two materials hadn’t been obtained for free—they had been acquired on credit from the Blue Moon Trading House. The rest would naturally be retrieved from their mansion.

"Everyone, let’s go!" Luvistar and Ruthark shouted in unison.

"Yes!" the soldiers on both ships answered together.

With that, the two ships set sail, leaving the port behind. From afar, onlookers clasped their hands in prayer, hoping the ships would overcome the crisis and bring victory to all.

...

"Have they already left?" Alvaron asked, his voice serious as he straightened up.

His wife, Anastasia, stood before him and nodded, her expression grave.

"Yes, about fifteen minutes ago. I just heard from Viscount Hermes’ family," she replied, worry in her tone.

Alvaron let out a small sigh and gave a wry smile. "That girl is stubborn. She didn’t have to come, yet she did. Doesn’t she realize how easily her life could be lost?"

The destruction of the previous two warships was proof of the sea monster’s power. That was why he had forbidden Rafine from joining and warned her against it.

But she hadn’t listened. Without even telling him, she had boarded one of the ships and joined the expedition.

Alvaron felt a mix of anger, worry, and quiet relief. Even in the face of danger, Rafine showed the qualities of a remarkable future leader, taking responsibility for the eastern region’s crisis despite the risks to herself.

Snapping out of his reverie, Alvaron smiled and said reassuringly, "There’s no need to worry too much. If I’m not mistaken, a Celestial mage is assisting them. The mage cast a protection spell on both ships, didn’t she? With that, we can at least feel somewhat relieved."

His words eased Anastasia’s anxiety. She nodded gravely. "You’re right. I hope they return safely."

"By the way, there’s something even more important," Alvaron continued with a knowing smile. "Our crisis has been resolved, and we won’t be short of money again anytime soon."

"What?" Anastasia exclaimed in surprise. "How is that possible? Wait..."

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Don’t tell me you asked the Red Obsidian Trading House for help. If you did, why didn’t you tell me?"

Despite being his wife, Anastasia was far from naive. She knew well that cooperating with the Red Obsidian Trading House was risky.

Their conditions would be burdensome, potentially even forcing borrowers to declare support for Zarak in the succession.

"I understand your concerns, but hold on—don’t get me wrong," Alvaron said, leaning back casually. "Who said I was getting a loan from them?"

Anastasia’s eyes widened. "If not them, then who?"

Alvaron shot her a playful glance. "Who else but the Blue Moon Trading House?"

"The Blue Moon Trading House?" Anastasia covered her mouth with her left hand. "Don’t we have any ties with them? How could you possibly secure such a large loan?"

Loans aren’t easy to obtain. The borrower and lender need at least some connection or prior relationship; without it, how could they trust someone with such a huge sum?

As far as she knew, the Austin family had no connection to the Blue Moon Trading House, so it seemed impossible that they could obtain a loan from them.

"At first, I didn’t believe it either," Alvaron said, shaking his head. "But everything changed because of one person."

"One person?" Anastasia’s brow furrowed. "Who?"

Alvaron grinned widely. "Who else but Prince Nolan?"