Industrial Cthulhu, starting from the island lord

Chapter 307 Castel has only friends, no enemies.

The ship that had gone to Blood Harbor returned. After arriving, it docked next to another Blood Harbor ship, and the sailors on board raised several flags and waved them in a certain rhythm.

These are flag signals used at sea. Shouts are only useful when the distance is very close, while flag signals are much more convenient.

Soon, the ship opposite lowered its guard and sent a sailor back with flag signals.

Although Castel couldn't understand the flag signals, he could still understand the way the people on the opposite ship put away their weapons.

"Looks like there won't be a fight." Erwin muttered, walked to the ship's side, and cupped his hands around his mouth.

"What are you talking about? What happened?" Erwin shouted at the other side.

"Blood Harbor is open to Your Excellency, please follow us." A voice called out from the ship in Blood Harbor before slowly turning its bow toward the harbor.

"It's over just like that?" Zoe looked at the ship in front of her with some surprise, still a little confused.

Seeing how tense things were just now, she really thought a fight was going to break out, but why did the other side's attitude change so drastically after returning to the port?
"What's so strange about that? We sent so many Christian guards here, armed with weapons, precisely to prevent misjudgment—to prevent the other side from misjudging us. With the firepower we've displayed, they simply can't hold us back, so naturally they've become very hospitable."

As he spoke, Erwin calmly directed the Guardians to put away their weapons.

As long as the difference in strength is large enough, conflict is unlikely to occur. As long as you have enough guns, even if the other side is there to rob you, they will behave themselves and start doing business.

The sophisticated weaponry, the steamship without sails, and the occasional hum of the steam engine all indicated that this ship was special and looked like something not to be trifled with.

"Don't worry, Miss Zoe, your task is to negotiate with that prince, and my task is to put him on the negotiating table," Erwin said with a smile.

“Castel has only friends, no enemies—that’s what the lord told me. We’re here to ensure the lord’s will is carried out.”

"Only friends, no enemies," Zoe murmured to herself, then looked up at the Guardians who had slung their guns back over their shoulders and nodded as if she understood.

Soon, Castell's ship docked at Blood Harbor. The friars, who were temporarily acting as sailors, hurriedly lowered the anchor and, after a brief reorganization, disembarked under Zoe's leadership.

These religious guards were carefully selected. Putting aside everything else, they were quite good-looking. They had just come down from the battlefield, and even when they stood still in formation on the dock, they exuded a murderous aura.

Blood Harbor did receive the news, and the dock manager had brought some port guards over in advance. However, they were clearly at a loss when they saw the situation before them. Those port guards usually only dealt with petty thieves and were not even likely to offend gangsters. They were no match for the neat and solemn soldiers.

Even standing still was difficult; most people were already considering backing down, fearing that they would suffer if a conflict broke out.

Fortunately, a tall man with long blond hair soon rode over from a distance, and the dock manager rushed over as if grasping at a lifeline.

The man rode a tall, strong horse, accompanied by a group of guards, all of whom were well-equipped and wore gleaming armor. Although they were traveling on horseback, the group remained orderly and moved swiftly.

"Lord Galahad, they..." The steward tried to step forward to say something, but the man called Galahad didn't even glance at him. He rode straight past him, the wind he created almost causing the steward to fall to the ground.

His expression was as cold as an iceberg, and his long hair was blown about by the wind, looking like a golden mist in the sunlight.

Erwin subtly stepped forward, blocking Zoe's path.

Soon, the group of knights arrived in front of the Guardians of the Church. Just before they were about to collide, the guards of the Church pulled sharply on their reins and came to a stop in an orderly fashion a short distance away.

A cavalry charge can put immense pressure on the enemy; those who have never faced a charge can hardly understand that feeling.

The towering cavalry and the slightly trembling ground were like a wall collapsing towards them. Most people would be stunned in fear, and the rest would instinctively turn and run away.

Galahad often used his skillful and beautiful horsemanship to give the enemy a shock, and even the best army would find it difficult to maintain order, thus winning the battle at least in terms of morale.

But Erwin simply stood there with his arms crossed, and the Guardsmen behind him remained motionless, showing no fear whatsoever.

Just kidding. Not long ago, the monsters that charged at them were several stories tall, like sea urchins. Even fishmen are much taller than humans. These charging cavalrymen might be comparable to fishmen, but there are only a few of them. When fishmen charge, they cover the entire mountainside.

The friars showed no sign of tension; in fact, they exchanged knowing glances and winks with great interest, as if they were watching a circus performance.

Galahad frowned inwardly. He had just received news that this group of people claiming to be from Castel were well-equipped, and on a whim, he decided to come and see for himself. He did not expect that these soldiers were even more elite than he had imagined.

It is already quite remarkable that they could maintain order when facing a cavalry charge head-on, but they showed no fear whatsoever. This is something that can only be seen in seasoned veterans. Even in the Royal Army, this is an elite force worthy of the name "Guards".

An entire unit like this, all armed, must have been proficient in using them for a long time.
Blood Harbor can keep them if they want to, but it will come at a terrible cost.

And why be hostile?
He already has enough enemies among his lords. This Castel is isolated overseas and poses no threat to the Duchy of Tiss, yet he has such elite soldiers. Wouldn't it be better to have more friends?
Galahad's cold expression melted away like snow in spring, and a flower-like smile bloomed on his face: "Welcome to Blood Harbor, friends of Castel, please follow me."

Erwin nudged Zoe, who then snapped out of her daze and quickly stepped forward to introduce herself. Afterward, the group left with Galahad.

Once seated in the carriage, Zoe finally breathed a sigh of relief. Erwin shrugged: "See? I told you, Castel only has friends."

Zoe didn't speak, but her eyes gradually lit up.

She glanced at Erwin, then at her mother-in-law beside her. In the distance, on the sea, were newly built steamships, and banshees patrolled the waters.

Yes, Castel is a friend of the Duchy of Tiss, a friend that cannot be refused.

(End of this chapter)