Realm of Power

The Duke of Beaufort, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Congo and Africa, stood at the intersection with piercing eyes, watching the black motorcade in the distance gradually disappear into the distant horizon under the guidance of more than a dozen golden falcon flags embroidered on it.

"This woman is finally sent away!"

Beaufort walked onto a waiting carriage nearby, took a deep breath of air-conditioning, and sat down on the thick sofa of the carriage as if relieved. He rubbed his aching temples with his fingers. It had been a headache for more than ten days. For him, For a non-Foreign Minister, the Falcon Empire Princess’s investigation trip was no less than a war, and the result was also It was unexpected. Even Bofu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Gangfei, did not expect that the situation would suddenly change. Faced with the power of the Falcon Empire, the Obarro countries who had been watching with a cold eye suddenly stood on the side of the Gangfei Empire and fought with Gangfei. A genuine military alliance was signed, which made Foreign Minister Boffo smile crookedly.

The Gangfei Empire finally had a chance to breathe. Everyone in the court attributed this achievement to the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The reputation of Minister of Foreign Affairs Beaufort also increased, and he was praised by the outside world as the person who saved the country! But after Bofu was happy, he also learned about the secret execution of more than 4,000 Ninth Legion soldiers.

Years of diplomatic experience made him feel that the situation was not good. Killing and silencing has always been the most despicable act, let alone raising a butcher knife to four thousand officers and soldiers who had contributed to the empire. If it were not for the 1.112 Incident launched by the Ninth Army, it would not be right now. The power of the country is still in the hands of the ministers, rather than such a complete empire falling into the hands of the emperor.

The important ministers in the court cheered because the Falcon Empire had no excuse to start a war for the time being. But he turned a deaf ear to the fact that the Falcon Empire's army had already penetrated hundreds of miles into the empire.

Doesn't everyone know? Or everyone is deliberately avoiding this issue.

Since the 1.12 incident, the upper echelons of the Gangfei Empire have been in a state of uncertainty. They are well aware of the Falcon Empire's ambitions for the south, and everyone believes that the Falcon Empire will be pressured to unite with other countries. On the other hand, in order to avoid the war with the Falcon Empire, Gang Fei resorted to war. They brazenly ordered the secret execution of more than 4,000 people from the Ninth Legion. In order to win over the Barrow countries in Central Europe, the Gangfei Empire signed a series of jumps, almost taking the lost northern region as reward. It was directly packaged and thrown to the Central European Baron countries. It was simply more "traitorous" than Rubinthack, who was reviled by thousands of people at the beginning.

"If Mekaya's Ninth Legion knew this was the outcome, would they still launch that incident?" Bofu's eyes looked a little sad. He was not an extreme radical. He is not a mature conservative either.

But I also know that I can't appease the hearts of the soldiers and civilians at home, and I can only flatter and please externally. Such a country has no future. His Majesty the Emperor is certainly the seed of a born king, and he grew up under the exaggeration of this environment. In the end, he will become a spineless mediocre person. Marcos, the chief minister of the empire, may be a good master in conspiracy, but he does not have the outstanding vision and strong courage of a truly chief minister of the empire.

At the beginning, Rubinsack dared to adopt the strategy of exchanging land for peace blatantly. Even if the whole empire calls him a traitor, even if only a few people see him off in the end. Rubinsack's heart never changed,

Facts have proved that Rubinthucker's decision was correct.

His previous arrangements at least bought Gangfei a rare and precious time. If it weren't for his strategy, after the Istan people invaded Gangfei, the Falcon Empire's army would have taken the opportunity to go south.

Under the attack of the two major empires, even the Conflict Empire in its heyday would be crushed by wars from two directions. In comparison, Marcos, who is also now at the top of the list of important ministers, compared with Rubinthauer The comparison is too far behind. Back then, Rubinsack was able to withstand the ferocious advance of the Falcon Empire Army. Attack to ensure that the empire Kyoto is not lost, while Marcos simply threw away the century-old foundation of the empire. Facing the pressure from the Falcon Empire, Rubinsack chose a decisive strategy, and there was not much value in giving up part of it. area, thus making the Falcon Empire’s focus always be on Gaul.

And Marcos, facing the pressure of Falcon, chose to sacrifice the 4,000 lives of the Ninth Legion to cover up the truth of the 1.12 incident and shame the entire empire, completely regardless of how many soldiers would be disappointed in the empire because of this. The southern part of the empire How much the generals of the army complained about this matter, it was Marcos. I only saw the cunning of a little man, but not the courage and courage of a leading minister of the empire!

The carriage has just arrived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Congo

The adjutant was already waiting there. He saw the minister's carriage entering the gate in the distance. The adjutant quickly walked down the steps with an anxious expression on his face. It seemed that he had something important to do. The carriage stopped in front of the steps. The adjutant pulled the carriage away.

"What's wrong? Buff got off the carriage and asked in a low voice

"My lord, just now, His Majesty the Emperor sent news that there are important matters, please go and discuss them immediately!!" The adjutant took out a document and handed it to Bofu,

"Is it important? Is it about the Falcon Empire?"

Beaufort frowned slightly, came in a fierce manner, and went back with his tail between his legs. This was not the style of the Falcon Empire, although this time the entire Central European Barrow was on the same side, even the Falcon who was currently in the Putao area The emperor of the empire must also weigh the weight! But who is the Falcon Emperor? The invincible commander who swept across the northern part of Obarro within a few years, the king who controlled thousands of miles of northern seas, dared to go to war with the powerful Gangfei Empire for an inconsequential trick. Such a person, no matter how you look at it, Like someone who knows what fear is.

"It's not the Falcon Empire, it's the generals of the Southern Army. They blocked the door of His Majesty's residence, shouting slogans demanding the restoration of the honor of the Ninth Army! The Guards have been dispatched, and there is still a stalemate." The adjutant looked to the left and right After looking at it, he whispered, "Also, I heard that Duke Andia has returned with the northern troops. There were more than 200,000 troops before, but now there are less than 50,000 left. Your Majesty is also considering, for Andia." How should Duke Dia be punished?”

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

At the exit of the Gibraltar Maritime Corridor, the bright sunshine shines on the sea. Early spring clouds and no wind most of the time. The visibility on the sea is very high. After four consecutive days of sailing, the Falcon Empire's first fleet finally passed through the Strait of Gibraltar. It truly means eating in the inland sea.

The dragon-class battleship's mast hangs undisguisedly with a large golden falcon flag fluttering in the wind. Imperial Navy Commander Dustrunkai, wearing a black straight imperial navy uniform, stands at the forefront of the dragon-class battleship's upward tilt. On the deck, he raised the gem-encrusted lookout glass in his hand. Looking at the villages on both sides of the seaway in the distance, in front of the fleet is the famous reef zone. Each ship has sent a guide. In fact, during the alliance between the Strand Sea Kingdom, those ships that followed the Strand Sea Kingdom Many sailors traveling in the inland sea area are cadets of the Imperial Navy.

The man currently piloting the fleet is a young naval officer named Baika.

This young pilot once stayed in the Strand fleet for two months, during which he never set foot on land. Although I can't say how familiar he is with the inland sea, at least it is only as far as the Gibral Corridor. He has worn it back and forth eight times, and he can pass it even with his eyes closed.

He was explaining the ports and geography of the Inland Sea region to Dostelenko. He suddenly pointed forward and shouted

"Sir, the one I mentioned earlier is Lombard. It is just a small island, but it is the first land point encountered when coming out of the Gibraltar Channel. It used to be a large stronghold for pirates. Most of the time, the island There are less than 2,000 pirates on board. If the empire can occupy Lombard, it will be equivalent to holding the gate of Gibraltar Seaway in its hands.

"Bring me the chart"

Dostelenko waved his hand to the adjutant behind him. The adjutant took out the chart from his satchel. This was the battle plan deployed by His Majesty Falcon himself before setting off. Dostelenko separated the chart to the left and right with his hands, and his eyes fell on On the island designated as Rumba, the location of Rumba is very important. If Gibraltar is a long curved road, then this Rumba Island is a knot at the end of the long curved road! A small spot appeared in the waves of the blue sea in front of him. Through the lookout glass in his hand, his sight was relatively clear and he could vaguely see the general outline of the island. From a large perspective, Lumba Island is indeed a large and complete excellent deep-water island. In the harbor bay, there were dozens of ships of various sizes floating in the direction of the port. Cross skull flags were flying on the top masts, and damaged equipment and facilities were everywhere. There were discarded clothes and sundries everywhere. These pirates didn’t know that not far away, a fleet armed to the teeth was rushing towards the island.

"The fleet is suspended, and the fifth and seventh squadrons are ordered to attack. Take the island in front before sunset!"

Dostelenko raised his head and ordered decisively to the adjutant behind him. The battle flag was passed out by the chess players standing high on the mast. The empire's battleship group began to slow down. The two squadrons that received the order to attack, Then the full sail was raised, and the heavy bow plunged heavily into the waves in front, like two huge smooth hairtail fish rushing out of the waves.

"The distance ahead is 346 meters, the height is fourteen, and the sentry tower is on the right!"

The rangefinder reported the numbers, and the two squadrons, with a total of four Dragon-class and twelve Dragon-class battleships, began to spread out, leaving a huge V-shaped water mark on the sea, "Pa! Pa! Pa!" The beveled muzzle baffles are like piano keys pressed by nimble fingers. They are opened row by row, revealing the dark Thor muzzle inside.

"First adjustment, target 312 meters, altitude 11, wind direction southeast"

The rangefinder reported the count again, and the Thor gunner adjusted the Thor's status for the last time. The muzzle moved slowly, and the warship began to slowly approach the natural coastline in the northern part of the port. The heavy anchor fell into the water with a "pop" and was fixed. Holding the entire battleship's side string, the thunder gods were all aimed at Lumba Island,

"Dang! Dang! Dang!"

A rapid bell sounded from the direction of the port, and countless people rushed to the port. Some people opened their bows and arrows, and oval-shaped slings began to fly towards the sea. With bang bang, the slings fell into the sea, stirring up huge water columns. , a sampan full of soldiers was swayed left and right by the impact of the water column

"Order the fleet to fire back!"

Dostelenko held a lookout in one hand and made a gesture to the semaphore hand at the top with the other hand to "shoot" the same order, shouting it from countless people at the same time.

"Rumble...Rumble..."

The thunder god roared on the sea, white smoke billowed, and the sea boiled. The Dragon Tooth warships lined up in a row fired first, and the sides of the ship suddenly seemed to be filled with white smoke. As the fire light ejected, the huge reaction force caused by the continuous fire, Even the hull of the Dragon-class battleship was pushed flat on the sea surface for several meters. Rumble, almost instantly. The dense and huge explosion directly involved the distant port. The fierce fire and explosion first covered the opponent's warship docked at the port. The people on Lomba Island obviously did not expect to encounter a devastating blow from such a long distance.

Their battleship only started to unfurl its sails when the alarm bell sounded just now, and most of the docks were made of wooden structures. The Thor cannonballs were poured directly into the wooden side of their ship with almost no effort, making a rumble. A huge explosion mixed with fire burst out from the body of the battleship, lighting up half of the sky. A wooden sail battleship was turning its bow. Several rounds of thunder were hit on the hull. The location where it was hit was blown apart. , became a fan, and the battleship was overwhelmed and broke into two sections. The huge air wave created by the explosion hit all the people and items on the deck into the air, and then fell on the water like raindrops.

The pirates on the island were completely stunned. The cargo on their ship was scattered in all directions and torn into pieces by the incoming fire. You can see someone being blown into the air and then landing far away, facing the violent explosion. Remains of corpses continued to fall, and most of the pirates were at a loss as they ran inside the air waves raised by the explosion. The debris that was struck hit the ground and tumbled violently, and the buildings in the port were shaken to the point of collapse. There were still fires and explosions coming from the front, and the air waves that hit us were mixed with the smell of blood.

"What the hell is going on?"

A grumpy pirate leader "chiluo" was shirtless, wearing only a pair of linen breeches. He held a curved scimitar in his right hand and a sharp iron hook pressed from the wrist in his left hand. , he crawled out from a pile of waste stones angrily. He was none other than Steelhand Yamu, who was based on Lomba Island and was known as one of the four pirates in the inland sea.

A thunderbolt fired from the main gun on the bow of the Dragon-class battleship landed behind him, "rumbling" like a huge oval exploding under his feet, and he was rushed into the air by the air wave on the spot. He flew more than ten meters away before rolling down, hitting a soft mound of soil, and then being covered by rocks. He managed to save his life. His subordinates behind him were not so lucky. More than a dozen of them were blown away by the explosion. The fireball rolled in and turned into flying ash in the explosion.

The steel hand Yamu's ears that crawled out from the gravel could only rumble and could not hear anything clearly.

But the people running around in front of him clearly told him that the port had been attacked. Pirate Port Barron was not only home to pirates. In fact, it was the largest smuggling and trading point for inland sea materials and outer sea materials. The pirates above were about There are more than 3,000 people, and there are more than 100 smugglers, so the defense of Lumba Island is very complete.

However, in front of the imperial fleet with strong ships and powerful guns, the watchtowers and trebuchets were useless. Four hundred meters away, the fleet's artillery fire completely destroyed the twenty watchtowers on the periphery of the island, which were placed on the cliff at the entrance of the port. After throwing out a catapult, the trebuchet was blasted into the sky by the God of Thunder. Fires shot up into the sky like hell. The port was covered with blood, and the roads were filled with rubble and debris.

"Order all ships to suspend bombardment"

Dostelenko put down the telescope in his hand. The cannonballs carried by the fleet expedition were limited. Although they also brought a large number of supply ships this time, there was really no need to waste too much time on an island where pirates were entrenched. More, he needs this island as a support point to attack the southern harbor of Congo, rather than complete destruction.

"Fleet assault infantry launched!"

The small sampan hanging on the side of the squadron battleship was lowered. The first wave of infantry sent out for the attack was about a thousand people. They were all close combat infantry wearing heavy armor. Their weapons were also very typical naval spiked meteor hammers and leaf-shaped missiles. Shield, the person in charge is Captain Elvis of the 3rd Squadron of Imperial Marine Assault Infantry.

He graduated from the Imperial Navy last year. He once served as a squadron leader in the Central Army. He participated in the war to destroy the Nords and the war against the northwest. He has considerable land warfare command capabilities.

There are 1,200 marine infantrymen under his command, two-thirds of whom have combat experience. All the helmets of the Imperial Marine Assault Infantry are made of pure blue tassels. They row the oars uniformly and push forward. The small sampan was speeding on the waves, like arrows rushing towards the port.

Driven by the ripple-like water waves, the small sampan washed directly onto the beach near the port with almost no hindrance.

The sharp bow of the ship was inserted into the beach, and the huge reaction force caused the soldiers on it to stagger. Fortunately, the Marine assault troops had received special training. Before the hull of the ship collided with the beach, they tried their best to lower their bodies and put all their weight on them. pressed against the hull.

"The crossbowmen have the commanding heights, others pay attention to the direction of the port!"

Commander Elvis quickly jumped down and shouted to the others. In front of the beach was a small mound. The road leading to the port was in the direction of the mound. The Imperial Crossbowmen quickly grabbed themselves from the small sampan. infantry crossbows, running towards the mound, As soon as I climbed up to the mound, I saw a group of people rushing out from the direction of the port. They were tough and strong, wearing various helmets on their heads. They also had various weapons in their hands. These people raised their weapons high, with cold light shining, and shouted. Rushing towards the beach,

"Shoot!" The crossbow's bowstring was like the god of death's scythe. The archer pulled the bow in his hand without hesitation, and the arrows flew like locusts.