32: Nocturne's invitation

The warm spring sun shone generously on the decks of the newly launched warships "Iron Sand No. 1" and "Iron Sand No. 2" of Iron Sand Island. Linn was inspecting the operation of the ballistae with everyone. The sailors' chants were uniform as they worked hard to load the heavy bolts into the grooves; though their movements were still a bit clumsy, their earnestness was heartening.

Just then, a guard from the Personal Guard ran quickly from the pier and whispered a few words into Clay's ear. Clay's expression tightened, and he immediately walked to Linn's side, whispering, "My Lord, the lookout tower reports a fast boat appearing from the west, flying Baron Nocturne's flag and heading toward our pier."

Linn's hand wiping the Ballistae mechanism paused slightly, and a flash of realization crossed his eyes. The great war was coming.

"It seems our neighbor has made a decision." Linn's tone was calm as he instructed Ocean Jack, "Continue training, focus on practicing rapid reloading under turbulent conditions. Hogan, keep a close eye on them."

"Yes, My Lord!" Ocean Jack reined in his playful grin and responded solemnly.

Linn returned to the lord's manor with Clay and Elise. He intentionally did not welcome them at the pier, choosing instead to wait in the council chamber; this was both a gesture and a way to give himself a brief moment to think of a strategy.

Before long, footsteps sounded outside the hall. The messenger who came this time was still the same one from before, but his attitude was worlds apart from the last time. The arrogance on his face had vanished, replaced by a cautious respect, even carrying a hint of imperceptible tension. The guards following him also restrained their presence and behaved properly.

"Respected Your Excellency Linn," the messenger bowed with his hand over his chest as soon as he entered, maintaining a very low posture, "I apologize for disturbing you again. By the order of Baron Nocturne, I bring you his most sincere greetings."

"Your Excellency the Messenger, there is no need for such ceremony. Please, have a seat." Linn nodded slightly, gesturing for the other to sit. "I wonder what new plans Your Excellency the Baron has?"

The messenger leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming more solemn: "That is precisely the main purpose of my visit. The Flamingo Pirate Group's recent activities have become increasingly rampant, and their vanguard has already harassed islands under our control several times. According to reliable intelligence, they are likely to launch a large-scale attack on our Thunder Island in the near future, taking advantage of the end of spring planting when the sea routes are completely clear."

He paused, observing Linn's reaction, and seeing that the other remained calm, he continued: "Therefore, Baron Nocturne sincerely invites Your Excellency Linn to visit Thunder Island in five days to discuss the great plan for resisting the enemy with the Baron and other allies, and to formulate a detailed operational plan. The Baron believes that in the face of a strong enemy like Cedric, the leaders of all parties must communicate face-to-face and unify command to exert the maximum combat power of the allied forces."

"Inviting me to Thunder Island?" Linn's eyebrows rose slightly. This invitation was expected, but the risks involved were also self-evident. Going deep into someone else's territory would greatly diminish his initiative.

The messenger seemed to see Linn's doubts and quickly added: "The Baron guarantees Your Excellency's safety during your stay on Thunder Island with his Family's honor and chivalry. This meeting is intended solely to discuss the plan to resist the pirates and maintain peace in the Salu Islands, with no other intentions. At that time, two other invited Pioneer Lords will also participate in the alliance, and everyone can witness it together."

Linn did not answer immediately, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest as the council chamber fell into a brief silence. Elise stood by his side, a hint of worry in her eyes; Clay frowned slightly, clearly also wary of this invitation.

After a moment, Linn spoke slowly: "Since it is a personal invitation from Your Excellency the Baron, I will naturally arrive on time to show my sincerity for cooperation."

A relieved smile appeared on the messenger's face: "Excellent! The Baron will certainly be waiting for you with the warmest welcome!"

"However," Linn's tone shifted as he looked sharply at the messenger, "I need to bring my Captain of the Personal Guard and necessary attendants with me. After all, the seas are not peaceful these days, and Flamingo's spies are everywhere. It's never a mistake to be careful."

"Of course, Your Excellency, please rest assured." The messenger immediately agreed, as the request was reasonable.

"Very well. Then, please return to report first. In five days, I, Lynn Ellis, will arrive at Thunder Island on time."

The messenger bowed again and respectfully withdrew from the council chamber.

When only Linn and his inner circle remained in the hall, the atmosphere suddenly became heavy.

"My Lord, this trip is too risky!" Clay was the first to speak. "Although Baron Nocturne has made a guarantee, Thunder Island is his territory. If he has ill intentions..."

Elise also said softly: "Young Master, Baron Nocturne agreed to our terms under pressure, but he may not truly be convinced in his heart. His invitation for you to go might be more than just discussing military matters; perhaps he also intends to use the opportunity to gauge our true strength, or even... to control us."

Morton added gloomily: "This old servant feels they might want to detain My Lord and then coerce our army into being their vanguard."

Listening to his subordinates' analysis, Linn showed a steady smile: "I understand all your concerns. Thunder Island is indeed a dragon's den or a tiger's lair; there is no doubt about that. But have you thought about why Baron Nocturne chose to invite me at this time and agreed to our terms so readily before?"

He stood up and walked to the window, looking at the Nocturne cargo ship unloading at the pier. "Because he is more anxious than we are and under greater pressure. The Flamingo Pirate Group has two Gold Ranks, plus their incorporated vassals, making their strength superior to his. He needs our power to seek balance in high-end combat strength. Detaining me at this time would do him no good, other than forcing Iron Sand Island into rebellion and causing the alliance to collapse instantly. He is an old-school noble who has managed his territory for nearly twenty years, not a short-sighted pirate; he knows how to weigh the pros and cons."

"Then why did he invite the other two Pioneer Lords?" Ocean Jack had also come to the council chamber at some point and chimed in.

"That is precisely his brilliance," Linn explained. "On one hand, there is strength in numbers; even if those two lords aren't as strong as us, they can bolster the momentum. On the other hand, in front of other allies, he must maintain the appearance of 'fair cooperation,' otherwise who would dare to ally with him in the future? This actually becomes a layer of protection for us."

He turned around, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "This alliance meeting is a crisis, but also an opportunity. The danger lies in being in a foreign place with limited initiative. But the opportunity is that we can observe the true military strength and defenses of the Nocturne Territory with our own eyes and understand the background of our 'ally.' At the same time, we can also gauge the positions and strength of the other two Pioneer Lords. More importantly, we can fight for a more favorable combat position and loot distribution plan for our Iron Sand Island at the negotiating table, avoiding being used as cannon fodder."

"So, I must go on this trip." Linn's tone was resolute. "Not only must I go personally, but I must go with dignity, so they can see the poise and strength of the Lord of Iron Sand Island!"

He looked at Clay: "Clay, select twenty of the most elite members from the Personal Guard, equip them all with the best leather armor and weapons, and you personally lead the team to accompany me."

"Yes! My Lord!" Clay straightened his chest, Battle Intent igniting in his eyes.

"Ocean Jack, you stay behind to guard Iron Sand Island. Work with the other captains to quickly familiarize yourselves with the new warships and Ballistae tactics. At the same time, stay alert and strengthen patrols in all directions, especially paying attention to any unidentified ships approaching."

"Understood! Don't worry, My Lord, leave the home front to me!" Ocean Jack patted his chest in guarantee.

"Morton, you will be fully responsible for the daily management of the territory and spring plowing matters. Elise, you assist Morton while also keeping a close eye on the production progress of the Shipyard and the ballistae."

"This old servant obeys." "Yes, Young Master."

With the arrangements made, Linn took a deep breath. The trip to Thunder Island five days later would be his first step into the power struggle of the Salu Islands with an equal status. Ahead might be a trap or an opportunity, but he had no way back; he could only carve out a path to survival with wisdom and strength.