Chapter 219: Rommel's Kingdom
Chapter 219: Rommel's Kingdom
Esdeath was taken away.
Along with her, her passionate heart was also forcibly removed from the battlefield.
"Damn it! Barrett is such a bastard!"
Esdeath stood on the deck of a pirate ship, swinging her rapier wildly.
The sound of slicing air filled the surroundings.
Her exquisite swordsmanship made the swordsmen around her stare in awe.
Everyone watched Esdeath's movements intently.
Esdeath's swordsmanship was personally taught by Charlotte—the world's greatest swordsman.
As Charlotte's daughter, Esdeath had undoubtedly inherited his skills.
If they could observe and learn from her sword techniques, it would be an incredible opportunity.
But would this count as stealing techniques?
No! They were watching openly, so it definitely wasn't stealing.
The injured swordsmen and the escorts assigned to return Esdeath gathered around, watching her practice.
Paul, seeing this, shook his head helplessly.
He ignored the others and focused on Esdeath.
He feared that if he took his eyes off her for even a second, she might disappear again.
This girl had a wild and rebellious temper, just like her father.
She needed constant supervision.
Meanwhile, Barrett had rallied the swordsman regiment and marched toward Rommel's Kingdom.
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Rommel's Palace
"Report! Your Majesty, disaster has struck! The Eight-Nation Alliance Navy has been completely destroyed, and the Rockefeller Pirates are advancing toward Rommel's Kingdom!"
A soldier, sprinting at full speed, shouted loudly.
His voice echoed throughout the palace halls, reaching the ears of all the civil and military officials even before he entered.
The messenger rushed into the hall without obstruction.
"Your Majesty!"
The messenger knelt immediately.
"Speak! What is happening on the front lines?"
King George demanded.
"Your Majesty! The Rockefeller Pirates deployed Douglas Barrett, the heir of the Devil, to lead a fleet of fifteen ships. They completely annihilated the Eight-Nation Alliance Navy!"
The messenger trembled, afraid to lift his head.
"How is this possible?! More than fifty warships, destroyed by fifteen pirate ships?! Is this how the navy guaranteed victory?!"
King George could no longer contain his fury—he grabbed a golden goblet and hurled it to the floor, shattering it.
"Your Majesty, please calm down!"
The civilian ministers and military officers bowed their heads in fear.
The naval commanders shrunk back, terrified of drawing His Majesty's attention.
"Calm down?! Calm down?! Tell me how the hell I'm supposed to calm down?!"
King George stood abruptly, pacing back and forth before the throne.
The officials and nobles below whispered anxiously among themselves.
"Your Majesty! I suggest that we appoint General Churchill as the Supreme Commander of National Defense to lead our army against the Rockefeller Pirates!"
"Additionally, we should petition the World Government for aid, expressing our willingness to become a member nation!"
A high-ranking minister stepped forward, offering his advice.
Churchill, the highest-ranking general, turned to the minister in disbelief.
Countless curses ran through his mind.
"Your Majesty! I am old and frail—I am no longer suited to command the army!"
"The task should be entrusted to a younger general. I recommend General Howell to lead our forces against the pirates!"
Churchill hurriedly shifted responsibility, nominating General Howell instead.
Howell, the lowest-ranked military officer, was stunned.
He was usually invisible during court meetings—but now, all eyes were suddenly on him.
King George remained silent, observing the chaotic squabbling in the hall.
Finally, he spoke.
"Prime Minister! You suggested petitioning the World Government. Do you think they will accept?"
George's voice was cold.
"Your Majesty… I am not certain…"
The Prime Minister hesitated, gritting his teeth.
George glanced at him, then looked away, thinking: Useless.
A suitable prime minister in peacetime, perhaps—but now, he was clearly incompetent.
"Churchill!"
"As Rommel's Grand General, it is your duty to defend the kingdom. I hereby appoint you as the Supreme Commander of National Defense!"
"Lead the entire army and eliminate the pirates!"
"This meeting is dismissed!"
King George stood abruptly and left the hall before Churchill could protest.
"Your Majesty!"
Churchill reached out, trying to object, but George was already gone.
Now, Churchill had no choice but to take responsibility.
He knew George didn't trust him—but as Rommel's highest-ranking general, he was still better than Howell.
After George left, the hall erupted into chaos again.
Churchill stood frozen, his mind a mess.
The nobles, seeing Churchill's expression of despair, left hurriedly.
They needed to gather their gold, silver, and treasures before fleeing.
---
Chaos in Rommel's Kingdom
Soon, word spread that the Rockefeller Pirates were marching toward Rommel's Kingdom.
Panic gripped the city.
Nobles, merchants, and government officials rushed to the ports with their families and wealth.
"Disaster! The Rockefeller Pirates are invading!"
With fear spreading, the already unstable kingdom descended into further chaos.
Rogue criminals seized the opportunity, plundering and rioting.
Even some soldiers abandoned their posts, joining the looting.
By the time Barrett's fleet reached the island, plumes of smoke were already rising from the city.
"Huh? We haven't even attacked yet, and they're already falling apart?"
"Looks like God is helping us!"
Carter, standing next to Barrett, smirked while peering through a telescope.
Barrett, arms crossed, silently watched the chaos unfold.
"Our mission is to kill every enemy soldier, noble, and merchant."
"The Captain wants this island wiped clean."
Barrett's voice was cold, his murderous intent sending shivers down Carter's spine.
"Understood."
Carter nodded.
These orders were agreed upon before departure.
Twelve Rockefeller pirate ships sailed toward the Rommel Kingdom's main harbor.
"Oh no! The Rockefeller Pirates are here!"
"Damn it! They arrived too fast!"
"Forget the cargo—just run!"
The moment the pirate flag appeared, the port erupted into chaos.
People pushed and trampled each other, some falling into the water, their screams drowned out by the growing panic.
"Fire!"
Barrett gave the order.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Cannonballs rained down, exploding upon impact.
Flames and black smoke engulfed the Rommel Kingdom's harbor.
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