Ashes Of Deep Sea

Chapter 346: Chapter 350: Sea Fog Encircles the City

Chapter 346 -350: Sea Fog Encircles the City

After nightfall, the light snow began to flutter down once more. Against the misty backdrop of the night sky, the cool luminescence of the “Creation of the World” was mostly obscured by clouds, with only chaotic shards of light diffusing through the gaps. The gas lamps from the streets and alleys were lit, one after another, casting light upon the floating snowflakes and creating an atmosphere of tranquility different from that of the usual hustle.

Fenna stood before the narrow window, staring out at the night view for a moment before sighing, “I don’t think they’ve made the payment—and by now, they must have assembled a group of experts to crack the ‘secret number’ you left in the letter.”

Duncan turned his head, “Is that really so exaggerated?”

Fenna turned to look at him seriously, “Did you specify what the string of numbers was for in the letter?”

“No, but isn’t that the standard format for a report letter?” Duncan defended himself with conviction, “At the end of the report letter, you just attach the account number, and the city hall will make the payment. That’s how it works in the City-State. Besides, I’ve heard that in many places, they purposely refrain from adding comments before the account number to be subtle and polite—I thought I should be a little more discreet.”

Fenna stared at Duncan for a long time before she couldn’t help sighing again, “Ah…”

Upon further thought, Duncan realized he might be missing something and awkwardly added, “It seems they don’t quite understand our intent?”

With a weary tone, Fenna replied, “It’s good that you understand.”

Duncan lowered his head, pondering deeply, “Is it not advisable to write a second letter now?”

“You…might as well hope that they will understand the intent of the report letter soon,” Fenna said, rubbing her temples. She felt she had once again discovered an unexpectedly quirky aspect of Captain Duncan—a man both powerful and fearsome… yet possessing such a distinct and interesting personality?

Duncan wasn’t aware of the sentiments stirring in Fenna’s heart. He asked nonchalantly, “How are things at Annie’s house? You took her back today. Is her family doing well?”

Fenna nodded immediately, “Annie’s household is normal. There are no traces of Transcendent phenomena. No followers of the obliteration cult are nearby. The neighbors aren’t suspicious, and Mrs. Beloni…our current landlady, appears to be…”

“Stop, stop, stop,” Duncan interrupted, waving his hand before she could finish, “I’m asking about her family situation, their everyday life. I didn’t ask you to report like you’re investigating heretics. Control your professional habits a bit.”

Fenna was taken aback, then coughed twice and cleared her throat, “Ahem, sorry, I’m a bit…used to the routine. Everything is fine there. Although I only stayed for a moment and spoke briefly with Mrs. Beloni, I can generally tell. After all, six years have passed, and she and her daughter have moved on from the past events.

“Annie is now studying at the City-State public school. Besides renting out properties for income, Mrs. Beloni also has some clerical work that suffices for her livelihood. And as a ship captain’s family, the Frost authorities provide care for such survivors, similar to other City-States. Overall…you don’t need to worry about them.”

Duncan listened quietly and nodded.

Fenna hesitated but couldn’t help asking, “Aren’t you concerned that Annie might speak of our affairs here…Is that really okay? It won’t be long before the gravedigger learns of your bold presence in the city, and then the matter will be reported to the cathedral immediately. Both the gatekeeper and the bishop will be alarmed.”

“And then?” Duncan turned his head and asked calmly.

“Then…there might be a bit of trouble,” Fenna said, but under Duncan’s gaze, her voice suddenly wavered, “Perhaps the City-State authorities will intervene…”

“How will they intervene with us? Will they send a squadron of guards to seize us?” Duncan chuckled, “Or will the gatekeeper personally speak with me? And why should I care about their reaction? Am I worried about exposure? Or am I concerned about the authorities’ hostile actions?”

As he spoke, Duncan spread his hands.

“I didn’t bring the Homeloss here.”

Fenna opened her mouth, feeling something was off about the situation, but she couldn’t pinpoint how to respond to the captain’s candid words. After struggling for words, all she could muster was, “Why do I feel like you actually find this situation amusing, as if you’re expecting some fun out of it?”

“Exactly.”

Fenna: “…”

Duncan smiled and returned his gaze to the night outside the window, ignoring the fleeting expression of astonishment on the face of the Judge beside him. Only after several minutes of silently appreciating the nightscape did he say offhand, “Fenna, I suddenly feel like you are becoming less and less like a Judge—isn’t your first instinct supposed to think of the churches and authorities of a City-State as reliable allies under normal circumstances?”

Fenna’s lips twitched visibly, and she seemed to have a torrent of words rising in her heart, yet not a single word came out.

At the same time, outside the Frost City-State, over the boundless Endless Sea under the vast expanse of night sky, a colossal fleet was slowly reducing speed, maintaining a low patrol speed amid the cold frost fog and surrounding drift ice.

The dignified steel prow of the Sea Mist loomed in the darkness, with navigation lights casting their glow upon its side, brightening a corner of it. Nearby, lights spilling from the side of the ship illuminated the dark sea surface, where the glimmer of waves revealed a faint reflection.

It was the scattered drift ice.

On the Chill Sea, every captain had heard the following phrase—

When a thin mist suddenly appears and ice floes reveal themselves from within, slowly shackling your vessel like chains, then be ready, for the Sea Mist has arrived.

Now the Sea Mist was here, and with it the entire Mist Fleet.

Tyrion stood on the high bridge, gazing through the broad windows into the distance.

At this range it was actually impossible to see the Frost City-State directly—but against the dark backdrop, he could still make out a faint glimmer emerging there, in the direction of the City-State.

In fact, the Mist Fleet was heading towards Dagger Island, and Tyrion himself had no intention of landing on the main island of Frost—but to the Frostfolk, who had been tense for half a century, there was no difference. As long as the flag of “Iron Admiral” appeared on the nearby seas it was enough to rob them of peace and sleep.

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He could almost picture the chaotic scene of the City-State’s defenders at this very moment.

Footsteps came from the side, and First Mate Aiden approached Tyrion. The ruggedly handsome, bald strongman appeared quite pleased, “Captain, Sea Raven and Bay vessels have already led their respective escorts away from the fleet, expected to reach the designated area and blockade the route in twelve hours. Sea Mist has lifted the light control restrictions—those Frostfolk won’t get a wink of sleep tonight.”

Tyrion nodded slightly, a small smile playing on his face as his gaze swept across the sea surrounding the Sea Mist.

In the darkness, the entire Endless Sea maintained its silence, with only the Sea Mist, no longer under light restriction, floating here, conspicuous as a gas lamp in the night.

Under normal circumstances, warships on military maneuvers at night are to undergo light control. Unnecessary lighting can expose one’s position and lead to confusion when identifying friendly light signals—but the Sea Mist boldly presented itself, defiantly showcasing its presence to Frost like a provocation.

Tyrion was not the least bit worried that this would provoke the Frost City-State Navy, nor was he concerned about any accidental discharge incidents.

In this world, apart from the Homeloss, no one could defeat the Sea Mist, the “living ship,” in a night battle. On the other hand… if the Frost Navy was foolish enough to attack today, the other six warships hidden around the Sea Mist would immediately teach them a lesson.

Of course, Tyrion’s high-profile actions here were not just about provoking Frost out of spite; his more important purpose was to fulfill his father’s orders—

To make Frost City-State nervous, the more nervous the better, preferably to the extent of completely blocking off the main island of Frost, prohibiting all traffic in and out.

From what had been observed so far, that goal seemed to have been achieved—the Frost City-State naval garrison had already blocked the port and sent out signals to surrounding City-States to halt shipping.

Everything was progressing just as his father had planned.

Just then, a voice suddenly came through a nearby copper pipe. Aiden immediately went over, spoke a few words with someone on the other end, then returned to Tyrion’s side, a smile on his face, “Captain, the Frostfolk seem to be getting restless—a small boat has appeared on the nearby sea.”

Tyrion raised an eyebrow, “A small boat?”

“Yes, it appears unarmed, and it’s openly flashing three yellow and one white signal light, as if terrified of causing any misunderstanding,” Aiden reported, “The vessel cautiously stopped outside the searchlight range, looking like it intends to carry out observation without engaging or antagonizing.”

“Observation… fair enough, at least they have some nerve,” Tyrion shrugged, “Let them observe. If they get too close, fire a warning shot.”

“Understood.” Aiden immediately acknowledged, but before he turned away, Tyrion suddenly called out to him, “Wait.”

“Do you have any other orders?”

“Send them a light signal,” Tyrion said.

“A light signal?” Aiden was momentarily taken aback, “What content?”

Tyrion’s lips curled up, a mischievous smile on the face of the notorious pirate of the Chill Sea, “Content? What content—just flash it randomly.”

Aiden: “…ah?”

“Tell the signaler to just flash away,” Tyrion said, stroking his chin cheerfully, “Give those Frost consultants a little century’s puzzle.”

A visible smile spread across Aiden’s face; even his bald head seemed to shine.

“Yes, Captain!”