182: Seeking refuge

After leaving the Duke Nocturne's castle, Vaughan did not stop for a moment and immediately set off on his return journey, a clear plan already formed in his mind. He first quietly returned to his own Earl's residence in the Salu Islands, and then, under the guise of discussing "defense collaboration," secretly met with the Hanhai legion commander, Hogan.

He informed Hogan that he would be representing the Nocturne Family to secretly join the Star Sea Territory.

After receiving Hogan's explicit support, Vaughan did not act immediately. He knew this matter was of great importance and that he had to personally report to that future lord and obtain final authorization. Thus, he changed into plain clothes and, under the guidance of reliable guides and guards arranged by Hogan, boarded a fast communication ship of the Hanhai Legion. Under the cover of night, he secretly sailed toward Star Sea Island.

Several days later, the fast ship arrived at Star Sea Port. Having already received word, the Star Sea Territory dispatched trusted officials to meet him. Vaughan was quietly led to the Lords Castle and directly entered the hall that symbolized the supreme power of the Star Sea Territory—the Star Sea Hall.

Inside the hall, Linn sat upon the main throne made of Star Sea Stone, seemingly having long expected his arrival. Seeing Vaughan step into the hall, a familiar smile appeared on Linn's face, much like when they first collaborated on Iron Sand Island years ago. He greeted him with a touch of warmth, "Brother Vaughan, what a rare guest! What wind has blown you to my doorstep?"

However, the present was different from the past. Feeling the naturally emanating, sea-deep Legendary pressure from Linn, as well as the supreme authority represented by this hall itself, Vaughan did not dare to address him as a brother of old. He quickly took a few steps forward, bowed deeply, and spoke with a respectful yet distant tone, "Duke, please do not joke. I have come here to discuss important matters."

A flash of realization crossed Linn's eyes, along with a faint, imperceptible sigh. Shifts in status and the chasm of power would ultimately change many interpersonal relationships. A partner who once stood shoulder-to-shoulder in battle and shared wine now respectfully called him "Duke." This was one of the prices that had to be paid on the path to higher ground, and he had long since grown accustomed to it.

"No need for such formality, sit and speak." Linn raised his hand to signal the attendants in the hall to set a seat for Vaughan, his tone gentle yet brook no argument. "I have already heard of the Nocturne Family's decision. I presume Brother Vaughan has come to bring Your Excellency the Duke's final stance?"

Vaughan took his seat, straightened his back, and said solemnly, "Indeed. Thanks to your high regard, my grandfather, Duke Smith, after careful consideration, has decided to fully support your great cause." He detailed his grandfather's promises: the Nocturne Family would secretly support the Star Sea Territory and coordinate with land-based military operations at the appropriate time; in exchange, Linn had to guarantee the hereditary rights of the Nocturne Family in the Peru Province after the matter was settled and assist Duke Smith in achieving a Legendary Breakthrough.

"Specifically," Vaughan continued to explain the action plan, "I will integrate the twenty thousand Family elites secretly transferred by my grandfather, as well as the Salu Islands garrison under my command. Under the pretext of 'clearing pirates and stabilizing trade routes,' I will launch a full-scale offensive against all non-direct noble territories in the Salu Islands and the neighboring Nanming Archipelago (near the Second Prince's sphere of influence in the south), striving to achieve actual control in the shortest possible time. This will bring the entire Storm Sea Region under your control."

"At that time, I ask General Hogan's Hanhai Legion to blockade the relevant waters, cutting off external support and the transmission of intelligence. Once I have cleared these obstacles, I will use the guise of a 'rebellious, independent giant pirate group' to lead my troops and the islands under my control to secretly join the Star Sea Territory and accept your jurisdiction." Vaughan paused, his voice low but firm, "I will become a 'traitor' in the eyes of the Kingdom, using this as a 'blood oath' of my Family's loyalty. Meanwhile, my grandfather will publicly break ties with me in the Royal Capital to preserve the Nocturne Family's room for maneuver and reputation within the Kingdom. This will facilitate even greater coordination for your future land invasions."

After speaking, Vaughan stood up, walked to the center of the hall, knelt on one knee, and struck his left chest heavily with his right hand, solemnly swearing with the military salute of the Star Sea Territory: "I, Vaughan Nocturne, hereby swear in the name of my ancestors that from this day forward, I pledge my loyalty to Duke of Star Sea, Lynn Star Sea. I take him as my lord, obey his commands, and shall be his sword and shield for the glory of the Star Sea Territory, through fire and water, even unto ten thousand deaths! Should I betray this oath, may my Soul forever fall into the abyss!"

The oath echoed through the hall, clear and powerful.

Linn quietly watched Vaughan kneeling on the ground—this former partner who had now sworn loyalty with such a resolute posture. He slowly stood up, walked to Vaughan, and reached out to help him up. "I have received your loyalty and determination. Rise, Vaughan. From now on, you are a member of my Star Sea Territory. Your merits shall be remembered, and your sacrifices shall not be in vain."

"From now on, it may be a grievance for you to change from a Kingdom Earl to a Star Sea Territory Viscount."

"Thank you, Duke!" Vaughan finally rose, a great weight lifting from his heart. He smiled and said, "This Viscountcy holds much more actual power than a Kingdom Earldom!"

"This matter is of great importance and requires meticulous arrangement." Linn walked back to the main throne and instructed an attendant, "Go and invite Chief Minister Payson and General Klei to come over."

Before long, the Chief of Civil Affairs, Payson, and the Deputy Commander of Military Affairs, Klei, arrived together. They were also old acquaintances of Vaughan, having had many collaborations and interactions in earlier years. Seeing Vaughan present, the two were momentarily stunned, but then both revealed meaningful smiles, clearly having some understanding of the internal situation.

"Vaughan, long time no see." Payson smiled and cupped his hands.

"Vaughan, it seems your Family has made the most correct choice." Klei was much more direct, stepping forward to pat Vaughan on the shoulder.

The group exchanged brief pleasantries in a harmonious atmosphere. Linn concisely informed the two of the Nocturne Family's decision and Vaughan's plan of action.

Finally, they discussed the details of the offensive and post-war matters.

Klei proposed that Vaughan should establish a new naval legion after taking control of the two archipelagos. The position of legion commander would be given to Vaughan, along with the rank of Lieutenant General.

Vaughan was overjoyed, knowing that a legion commander was a core figure of the Star Sea Territory, standing on equal footing with people he had known for a long time, like Karl and Angus.

Linn readily agreed. Payson then made a timely suggestion.

"My Lord, I propose to dispatch two thousand elites from the Guard Army and some warships to assist Lieutenant General Vaughan in combat, and to have the two knights, Alge and Benson, serve as deputies to assist Lieutenant General Vaughan in managing the army."

Alge and Benson were two of Linn's eight knight-attendants, with strength at the High Earth Rank.

None of them were fools; this was clearly a precaution against the Nocturne Family.

Linn asked for Vaughan's opinion.

Vaughan didn't hesitate: "Minister Payson's suggestion is reasonable. Establishing a legion after the war will require a large number of excellent personnel to assist. I completely agree."

Finally, Linn officially issued the order in the name of the Lord.

Vaughan was enfeoffed as a Viscount of the Star Sea Territory, a rank equal to that of Klei, Morton, and Payson. Simultaneously, an island in the Star Sea Territory was allocated as the Nocturne Honor Territory. Furthermore, after the war, the fourth naval legion would be established under the name of the Zhenhai Legion, with Vaughan as the legion commander with the rank of Lieutenant General. Alge and Benson were appointed as deputy legion commanders and promoted to the rank of Major General, leading two thousand troops from the Guard Army to assist in combat and the formation of the legion.