Chapter 160: Crisis on the Western Front

The bright sunshine shimmered on the azure sea, casting a unique charm.

On a fine sunny day, with a windfall just within reach, Colonel Richard's mood was exceptionally pleasant.

With years of experience under his belt, he had long sensed something amiss with the ship ahead. Upon giving chase, its true nature was revealed.

Even ordinary merchant vessels keep their distance from the Royal Navy on the high seas, but they would never go so far as to jettison their goods into the sea just to make an escape.

The Royal Navy has a history of acting like freebooters, but that's all in the past now; they've toned it down significantly in recent years.

If they were to turn to robbery, they would certainly do so in disguise. When flying the Navy's flag, at most they'd extort a protection fee.

Those with connections could schmooze their way to a discount. As long as the money was right, even smuggling was not an issue.