Chapter 170: Bloodsail Pirates

Edwin VanCleef, despite being young and not yet crossing the line between youth and middle age at thirty, had experienced countless setbacks as an executive of the Stonemasons' Guild.

He had tasted the arrogance and stinginess of nobles more than once.

Perhaps they had spent a fortune on a priceless stone carving, only for a steward to refuse payment with a simple, "My lord does not like it." In truth, the remaining balance was pocketed by some, while the stonemason, who had invested in expensive materials, was left bankrupt.

When another demand came from the nobles, there was no room for refusal.

Work, or be persecuted to death.

King Llane was wise and great, like a sun that brought light to his people.

But there were places the sun's rays could not reach, and the nobles were the perfect shield. They could exploit the lower classes time and time again, without consequence.

Edwin's keen ears could still hear the announcement from behind.

"All citizens with valid ship tickets, listen up! Each person is allowed to carry no more than 10 pounds of personal belongings. Don't worry, during the voyage to Southshore, everyone will receive enough bread and water daily. Additionally, the king has prepared ample provisions for you all in Southshore…"

Who didn't have beloved possessions?

The limitation on belongings was a necessary measure to transport more citizens.

Everyone understood and forgave.

In these chaotic times, facing the savage orcs, the people were grateful to Duke and King Llane for the excellent escape plan.

But when Edwin saw navy personnel's possessions thrown out of the cabins like trash to accommodate a noble's prized hunting dog, and when he saw only beautiful maidservants willing to be toyed with by nobles allowed on board while elderly maids were heartlessly abandoned, wailing on the docks...

Edwin VanCleef still clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms, drawing blood without noticing.

The nobles were almost like puppeteers of fate. Under their irrational whims, Edwin had been pushed into the abyss of despair time and time again.

Until he met Duke Markus, a rising star among commoners – a miraculous child who ascended to the kingdom's upper echelon with astonishing talent, courage, and wisdom.

Edwin saw another refreshing force in the kingdom besides Anduin Lothar. Unlike Lothar, Edwin could genuinely be of use under Duke's command, and he unconsciously placed even greater hopes in the Duke.

Would Duke eventually seize control of Stormwind and sweep away the corrupt nobility?

Though he shouldn't have entertained such thoughts, Edwin couldn't help but imagine what it would be like if Duke held a higher position.

Edwin was still too young, his thoughts practically written on his face. In Duke's camp, Marco was never a high-ranking military talent, but as the oldest and leader of the mercenaries, he had unparalleled skills in reading people.

Marco instantly saw through Edwin's thoughts.

Marveling at Duke's prophetic abilities, Marco whispered into VanCleef's ear so only he could hear, "Our lord also said, 'Fate will punish the weak, incompetent, and filthy.'"

Edwin VanCleef shuddered: What was Master Markus implying?

He quickly turned his head, but the cunning old steward just pretended he hadn't said a thing.

Suddenly, Edwin had a growing premonition – Duke might have a plan in place. Was he going to clear out these vile nobles? How? Would he act under the king's nose during the orc invasion?

Even the wise and great Llane had never touched the interests of these nobles, let alone punish them.

All Llane had done was to try to improve the living conditions of the people as much as possible outside the traditional interests of the nobility.

But as for Master Duke...

Edwin's mind was in chaos. He knew that as a backbone of Duke's camp, and with Marco as Duke's mouthpiece, Marco had no reason to deceive him.

Was Duke seeing through his thoughts, trying to win his complete loyalty?

What a joke! What value do I have that the mighty Sea King would value me so much?

VanCleef's head was about to explode.

The only thing he knew was that if anything happened to these nobles during this escape, it would definitely be related to Duke. The excitement of sharing a shocking secret and being on the verge of entering the core of Duke's power was like a strong wine coursing through Edwin's veins, giving him a thrilling sensation.

Duke Markus, perhaps, was truly the hero in his heart who could lead the people on the path to a great future.

Time flew by, and two hours later, the preparations for departure were finally completed.

In fact, it was VanCleef's ship that set sail first.

The civilian merchant ship turned transport ship was no match for a real warship in terms of speed and maneuverability.

Less than half an hour after setting sail, VanCleef saw the warships loaded with nobles and precious possessions easily overtake their group of transport ships, disappearing over the horizon where sea and sky met within a short hour.

Watching those warships that had removed the flags of the Stormwind Kingdom's navy, keeping only the Lion flag of the kingdom and replacing them with the flags bearing the nobles' emblems, VanCleef couldn't help but sneer.

Night fell, and as the night gave way to dawn, danger approached the nobles.

As the morning mist dissipated, a vast sea of Bloodsail flags blocked out the sky in the distance.

The noble's private sailor on lookout duty was astonished, unable to react at first. It took him a few seconds before he struck the alarm bell in horror.

"Clang, clang, clang—"

"It's not good! Not good! It's the Bloodsail pirates!"

Bloodsail pirates—a pirate organization led by General Kul Tiras Farrever, formed from rebels. Headquartered in Stranglethorn Vale, as a pirate force with a naval background, the Bloodsail pirates had impressive combat capabilities.

It was no exaggeration to say that even if the nobles had kept the naval officers and soldiers, they might not have been able to confront the Bloodsail pirates, let alone the fact that they had foolishly driven all the navy off their ships...

Panic and unease, like a biting cold wind, swept through the entire fleet in a very short time.

Countless nobles were awakened from their sleep by the alarm bell, and each of them had bleary eyes. But upon hearing the name Bloodsail pirates, all their sleepiness was blown away.

"Impossible!!"

This was the first reaction shared by all the nobles.

As they put on their clothes with the help of their maids, stepped out of their cabins, and walked onto the deck, their faces were frozen with fear.