The next morning, Riz left the mansion early.
The first rays of light just began to shine over the city as he made his way to the royal office.
It had beco his routine to spend ti at ho whenever possible, especially since Theodora had beco pregnant.
Today was a workday since he had taken the previous day off.
He trusted the butler, Edward, to look after Percival and Sarika. They were still asleep when he left the mansion.
They are probably tired from their journey to co here.
On his way there, he ca across his minister of foreign affairs, Michael Manfura.
His expression was as composed as ever.
"Good morning, Michael," Riz greeted.
"Good morning, Your Majesty. It looks like I was right."
"About what?"
"You were not in the office yesterday so I guess you'll be here today."
"Do you wish to et with ?"
"Yes."
"Alright. Let's go to my office. We can talk there."
The two walk toward the sa destination.
The entire area had high traffic since it was early in the morning. The governnt servants arrive one after another. It makes the road in the area congested with carriages.
Entering the office, Riz couldn't help but sigh at the sight that greeted him.
His desk was already piled high with docunts and reports that demanded his attention.
Despite delegating many responsibilities to others, there was always more to do.
Riz walked over to his desk, setting down the few papers aside before turning his attention back to Michael. "So, what did you want to talk about?"
"It's about Blande, Your Majesty."
"Blande? You an the United Republic of Blande, the neighbour of Barlia?"
"Yes. We've been waiting for their response to our demands. Despite repeatedly communicating with them, those people are still ignoring our requests regarding the paynt of war reparations."
Riz frowned.
Technically, his kingdom and their country never signed a peace treaty. So, the war is still ongoing.
But due to the lack of active attack launched by both sides, it led many to mistakenly believe that the war was over.
The war can reignite at any mont if either side decides to take aggressive action.
At that ti, he quickly wanted to end the war because of the physical and ntal exhaustion experienced by his people.
Now that his soldiers had enough rest, they were more than capable of launching an attack.
Riz rubbed his temples. He didn't want to initiate it.
"What about sending our diplomat there again?" Riz suggested.
Michael shook his head, "They closed their door on us the first ti. I doubt they'll open them now."
"Then, we have to intensify our pressure on them."
Michael was interested, "Do you have any idea, Your Majesty?"
"You may not know this, but I got a team whose job is to raid the rchant ships of Cerdeauxia and Blande. There's not a lot of impact because they have the main priority of destroying other pirates. We should put that task on hold and order them to focus solely on Blande."
There was a glint of hope in Michael's eyes. It would certainly get Blande's attention.
Raiding their rchant ships would hit them where it hurt the most—their economy.
"That could work."
"Exactly. It's ti to call them."
"One more thing, Your Majesty."
"What is it?"
"It's about the situation in Cerdeauxia. Audrey inford that their side refused to fulfil our demands. They've been avoiding etings with us."
"It seems they're stalling, perhaps even planning sothing. Tell her to investigate."
"I'll send her a letter as soon as possible, Your Majesty."
....
Riz imdiately called his affiliated pirate crew.
Then, he personally t them at the port area. After all, he can't possibly invite the pirate crew into his office.
So things must be kept under wrap.
At the port, he spotted a group of rough-looking n gathered near a ship that bore no distinct markings.
Among them, there is one man who stands out from the rest.
He's a tall man with a long, tangled beard and a weather-beaten face.
Jon Blue is his na.
"How are you doing, Jon?"
"Your Majesty. We've been busy as usual."
Riz looked at him up and down. Compared to their previous eting, Jon looks more obedient now which makes him satisfied.
Reports from the spy he planted among his crew also ntion no sign of disobedience.
"Is there any trouble you faced?"
"There are so persistent pirates. They keep coming back no matter how many tis we destroy them. However, we were steadily tightening our control over the sea. They are just a minor nuisance."
"No matter how big the problem is, underestimating your foes can be a costly mistake. If my guess is right, these pirates have soone supporting them."
Jon's expression grew serious, "I'll keep that in mind, Your Majesty."
"Good. Now, let's get to the reason I've called you out today. I have a job for you and your crew."
"What's the target?"
"Blande's rchant ships."
Jon frowned slightly. He looked a bit confused. "But we've been attacking them already."
Riz shook his head. "Not enough. From now on, put them as your top priority."
"If we do that, our control over the sea might weaken. We haven't fully consolidated our position."
"It doesn't matter," Riz dismissed the concern. "We can secure it back later."
"Understood, Your Majesty. Any specific routes or cargo you want us to target?"
Riz's gaze sharpened. "Every single one of them. As long as it belongs to Blande, raid it. Luxury goods, essential supplies... it doesn't matter. Take it all."
Jon's eyes show another concern. This order will directly put them in danger.
If they focus all their efforts on Blande's ships, they'll definitely et a retaliation. His pirate crew is incapable of handling that.
"Their navy will co after us."
"I know, Jon. That's why I'll provide you with additional ships and weapons. You'll have the strength you need to fight them."
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