Chapter 467: Monica’s Sorrow, the Cargo Ship from the
Southern Continent, Ari (2)
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Seeing Monica calmed down, and the two of them breathed a sigh of relief.
Julius asked curiously, “Daughter, you mentioned that the Lord of Glory defeated the reconnaissance fleet of the Bas Kingdom?”
“That’s right. At that time, I sent a fleet to the Crown of the Ocean because I learned that the Bass Kingdom’s spies discovered that they had saved me and sent a fleet for retaliation.
But when our fleet arrived, the Bass Kingdom’s fleet had already been defeated, and even the fleet commander was captured.”
Julius realized at that moment.”So, those several Bass Kingdom military officers you brought here earlier were sent by the Lord of Glory?”
Monica nodded proudly, “That’s correct. But in order to protect him, 1 didn’t reveal his territory or name to the outside world. Instead, we spread the word that our fleet had sunk their reconnaissance fleet. Otherwise, the Bass Kingdom, for the sake of their reputation, would have sent troops to retaliate.
We can’t let those who helped us suffer more hardships.”
“You’re absolutely right, my daughter!”
Julius laughed heartily but then, realizing that the Lord of Glory might have lost his territory, his laughter seemed somewhat impolite. He cleared his throat a few times and stopped.
“It sounds like this Lord of Glory is truly remarkable. He managed to deal with a reconnaissance fleet and captured so many naval officers.
With these actions, he not only saved my daughter but also sent us several high-ranking captives. His contributions are significant. Well, when he arrives in the kingdom, I’ll make sure to meet him in person and bestow rewards upon him!”
The Queen suggested, “How about granting him an honorary title and then offering some rare resources or treasures?”
“Excellent idea! Let’s proceed with that plan!”
Seeing the joy on the faces of the Queen and the King, Monica’s heart sank to the bottom.
Only she knew that the Crown of the Ocean was located in the Stormy Sea, which was in the southern part of the central ocean, very close to the southern region, and there were hardly any inhabited medium to large islands in the south.
The Crown of the Ocean might not have received any warning at all, and the sea beasts passed through the area like locusts. By the time they were spotted with the naked eye, there was no chance to evacuate.
In other words, Lord Ji Chen was very likely…
Thinking of this, Monica’s heart ached.
She could still recall those peaceful islands, the hardworking and hopeful people who lived there, and the eyes that shone as brightly as the stars.
However, the conflict between her Kingdom and the Bass Kingdom had reached a critical point, and the sea beasts were ravaging the area. She couldn’t send anyone to check on it because of her personal feelings.
Monica could only keep these thoughts hidden in her heart and endure the pain.
“Father, let’s continue discussing the impact of the sea beast tide on us…”
Little did she know that in Monica’s heart, Lord Ji Chen, who was currently inspecting the territory, had just received a message.
A merchant ship from the Southern Continent had crashed on the reefs outside the Stormy Sea.
Upon hearing this news, Ji Chen’s interest immediately piqued.
He promptly dispatched troops to rescue all the survivors.
Several hours later.
In the great hall of the Lord’s castle, Ji Chen looked with curiosity at the dozen or so people bowing on the steps below.
Among them were men and women. The men wore turbans and white robes, with slightly dark skin.
The women, on the other hand, also wore hoods but were dressed in black robes. Their faces were covered with black silk scarves, and even their hands were adorned with black silk gloves. The only exposed part of them was the upper part of their faces, which had complexions as fair as ivory.
This exotic style and attire reminded Ji Chen of a nation in a certain region on Earth.
Leading the group was a man with a golden-patterned mask. Judging from his body’s contours and the color of his clothing, he appeared to be male.
After a brief assessment of them, Ji Chen’s expression became serious.
“I am Ji Chen, the ruler of the New Moon Islands and the Lord of the Crown of the Ocean.
1 heard that you came from the Southern Continent?”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
The man with the golden-patterned mask continued, “My name is Ari Camp, a merchant from the Kingdom of Ugisai. These are my guards and attendants. We embarked on a long journey across the vast ocean to trade in the distant Northern Continent. However, we encountered severe sea conditions and suffered damage to our ship. We even collided with rocks and sank outside this area of the sea.
We were fortunate to have Your Excellency’s assistance, which allowed us to survive the treacherous waves!
Thank you for your generosity! May the spirits of the sands protect you!”
Upon hearing this, Ji Chen became even more interested.
Indeed, they had the distinct flavor of people from the Southern Continent.
Unlike the Western and Northern continents, 85 percent of the Southern continent’s area was dominated by a massive desert known as the Barren Desert. Only in the oases, along the riverbanks, and in the delta regions at the mouths of the rivers did human settlements and civilizations exist.
The people born and bred in this environment naturally differed from those of other continents.
As for the Kingdom of Ugisai, Ji Chen heard about it from casual players. It was a desert nation located within the Barren Desert.
As for the spirits of the sands, they were a pantheon-like belief system unique to desert regions, akin to the concept of certain deities.
However, the protection of desert spirits did not extend to the turbulent waters of the vast Central Ocean. Nevertheless, Ji Chen found their presence intriguing.
Regarding the merchant’s identity, it was a matter of debate. Although Ji Chen couldn’t see their faces clearly, their exposed, delicately nurtured skin didn’t seem typical of desert merchants.
Instead of pointing it out, Ji Chen smiled and said, “Extending a helping hand to travelers lost at sea is something that all Central Ocean dwellers should do.”
Upon hearing this, Ari was deeply affected by Ji Chen’s words. In the vast and equally treacherous desert, they shared similar customs and expressions, creating an instant bond between them.
“Forgive my curiosity, but may I inquire about your destination in the Northern Continent?”
Ari hesitated for a moment and said, “Originally, we planned to go to the Maple Principality in the Northern Continent. But it seems that our journey will be delayed now.”
“The Maple Principality?” Ji Chen smiled slightly. “My territory already has fleets that were heading to Maple Harbor in the Maple Principality. However, they are temporarily halted due to the Sea Beast Tide.”
Ari’s face brightened.
“Your Excellency, could you please allow us to travel with them when they set sail? 1 am willing to pay for the fare and expenses!”
“Of course, you can stay here at the Crown of the Ocean for a few days to rest while waiting for the Sea Beast Tide to end,” Ji Chen replied.
“Wikis, prepare guest rooms, food, and fresh water.”
Ari once again expressed his gratitude and bowed to him before following Wilus to leave.
Ji Chen didn’t rush to learn about the cultural aspects of the Southern Continent’s people. The Sea Beast Tide’s duration was uncertain, and there was plenty of time.
Inside a building at the Ocean’s Crown that was specially arranged for guests and resembled a courtyard.
Ari and his group were led into the courtyard.
As they watched Wilus depart, they began to converse.
“Prince…”
“Quiet. Don’t use that title outside the kingdom, even when it’s just us. Remember our current identities!” Ari whispered harshly.
“I understand.” The guard nodded and cautiously glanced around. He continued in a hushed tone, “Your Excellency Ari, this Lord seems somewhat friendly, but I still think we should remain cautious, especially on this remote island…”
Ari couldn’t deny it. Just like in the ocean and the desert, there were both good-hearted people who helped lost travelers and malevolent individuals with hidden intentions. Since leaving the Kingdom of Ugisai, they have encountered many similar situations.
However, it seemed that this Lord Ji Chen might fall into the category of good-hearted people.
Ari’s eyes became resolute, and he spoke in a serious tone.
“Our ultimate goal for this journey is to reach the Elven Empire in the Northern Continent and seek the elves’ assistance in warding off the Sand Plague.
“Only the formidable natural abilities of the elves can drive back the relentless sandstorms, halt the shrinking of the oasis, and ensure the survival and growth of our people in the Barren Desert.
Everyone, this time we carry the hopes of our kingdom, and failure is not an option!”
“YpsJ”
Numerous guards and handmaidens replied with determination..
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