Chapter 495: Charlot Forced to Use a False Identity

Charlot Mecklenburg never anticipated that his fleet’s arrival would cause such an uproar on Aegean Island. Watching the frantic exodus of ships from the harbor, he found himself at a loss for words.

It wasn’t really his fault. Back in the Fars Empire, Charlot had always held an official title. Now, as the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg, merely raising the banner of the Mecklenburg family was enough to make his presence unmistakable as one of the Empire’s rising stars.

Charlot’s fame had grown so widespread on the Old Continent that it could truly be said he was known far and wide.

Charlot casually summoned a Saint-rank undead to deliver his message. His fleet, consisting of eleven ancient magical ghost warships, each helmed by a Saint-rank undead, had become an unstoppable force under his command.

Charlot treated his subordinate Saint-ranks with consistent courtesy. Whether it was the Black Dragon Argon, who voluntarily pledged allegiance, the three former Royal Knights who joined under a treaty, or those compelled into service like Viggo, Herolf the Golden Ram, and Choudrou the Silverback Gorilla, Charlot always acted with humility and respect. He never tasked them with menial chores.

However, when it came to the undead Saints, Charlot had no such reservations. After all, they weren’t human.

An undead Saint ascended into the sky under the midday sun, casting a radiant silhouette over the port of Aegean Island. In a rasping, fear-inducing voice, it announced:

"The Grand Duke of Mecklenburg, a newly titled noble of the Fars Empire, is merely passing through to replenish supplies. There is no intent to conquer Aegean Island, nor will there be any acts of war. Please rest assured."

"With the strength of the Mecklenburg fleet, there is no need for falsehoods."

The Saint-rank undead's form, bathed in the sun’s rays, appeared otherworldly, as if a grim reaper had come to escort the living to the afterlife. Though the message was clear and credible, the overwhelming aura of power left the islanders trembling in fear.

Seeing this reaction, Charlot could only sigh and recall the undead Saint. He then ordered all the ghost ships to submerge beneath the waves. The move served dual purposes: to shield the ships from discomfort under the sun and to reduce the overwhelming menace the fleet projected.

Even with five to six hundred ghost ships submerged, leaving only three legendary warships and seven magical alchemical warships on the surface, the fear of the islanders remained unabated.

Charlot sighed once more and said, “Let’s give it a few days. With time, their nerves should settle a bit.”

…

Charlot’s Saint-rank subordinates were gathered aboard the Radiant Holy Kingdom, one of his flagship warships. They didn’t even need to be summoned for a meeting; they simply preferred spending time on the legendary vessel rather than returning to their own.

Even the most upright individuals, like Cresto, enjoyed whiling away their hours on this ship.

As an Earthling, Charlot had recently acquired the Dolmabahçe, but had yet to make significant modifications to it. However, aboard the Radiant Holy Kingdom, he had introduced entertainment facilities that could only be found on Earth. From maid cafés to bars with female singers and dancers, to snake card gambling halls staffed by wriggling demons in the forms of anime-style girls, the ship had been transformed into a floating luxury resort.

With such comprehensive entertainment, coupled with abundant coffee, wine, and gourmet cuisine, the ship bustled with animated two-dimensional characters who added flair to every corner. Unsurprisingly, the officers of the Mecklenburg fleet adored spending their free time aboard.

When Charlot announced their temporary stay, his senior officers scattered, diving into their respective amusements. Meanwhile, the quartermasters prepared dozens of small boats to ferry provisions from the island.

Although Charlot’s fleet carried an ample supply of resources, their prolonged delays had necessitated restocking.

Charlot decided to bring Andreas and Argon along as he took a boat to shore, intending to inspect Tonystark Town. While Argon remained indifferent, Andreas grumbled incessantly.

“Why leave the Radiant Holy Kingdom? What could this barren island possibly offer?”

Charlot glanced at him and asked, “Aren’t you getting married soon?”

Andreas smirked proudly. “My father’s joined Byron. Now that I’m a Fars noble, no one can order me around. Whether I marry or not, even the old man can’t meddle. Why rush?”

Charlot thought it over and had to agree. With Constantine allied to Byron and Andreas now a Fars noble, there was no precedent for a Byron noble interfering with a Fars one. As Andreas’s liege lord, Charlot also couldn’t allow such interference.

It seemed Charlot would have to shoulder the responsibility for Andreas’s choices.

Andreas rubbed his hands together. “Charlot, I know you don’t enjoy this sort of thing, but those wriggling demons you’ve had reshaped are truly remarkable. Not only are they breathtakingly beautiful, but they’re quick learners…”

“Let’s not talk about their learning capabilities,” Charlot interrupted.

“Anyway, I think even when we return to Fars, you should keep the Radiant Holy Kingdom docked for everyone to enjoy.”

After a moment of silence, Charlot replied, “I’ll implement a system allowing only members of the West Wind Knight Order aboard, with privileges based on rank.”

Resigned to the ship’s allure, Charlot chose to turn it into a morale-boosting tool for his knights.

Andreas kept glancing back toward the ship, evidently reluctant to leave the wriggling demons behind. Once on Aegean Island, however, he straightened up, his demeanor shifting back to that of the youngest Saint-rank of the Black Phoenix Dynasty.

…

Onshore, Charlot’s subordinates faced off against the island’s most courageous defenders. The locals, determined to protect their homeland, stood firm despite the overwhelming disparity in power.

Charlot’s men refrained from escalating the situation, but the islanders, driven by a sense of duty to their families and homes, refused to back down.

Understanding their plight, Charlot admired their courage. Accompanied by Andreas and Argon, he stepped between the two groups and declared, “Could your leader please step forward to speak with me?”

A dignified man with a sword at his waist came forward. “I’m not the leader, but you can speak to me,” he said.

Charlot gave an Imperial salute. “I am Charlot Mecklenburg, Grand Duke of Fars. May I know your name?”

The man’s expression didn’t change as he replied, “I’m familiar with Fars nobles, but I’ve never heard of the Mecklenburg family, let alone a Grand Duke by that name.”

Caught slightly off guard, Charlot responded, “Forgive me, that’s my moniker. My official title is Chief Clerk of the Empire, a Special Envoy of the Fars Empire to the New Continent.”

Explaining the revolts of Redmir and the complexities of the Bretagnes was a hassle. Charlot decided it was easier to invent a plausible cover.

Sure enough, the fabricated identity was convincing.

The man introduced himself. “I am Temple Robin, captain of the island militia.”

Charlot nodded slightly. The Aggras Sea lay beyond any nation’s jurisdiction. Without the framework of empire governance, the islands here relied on modest authority figures like militia captains to maintain order.

Smiling faintly, Charlot said, “I wish to obtain supplies through fair trade.”

Temple Robin took a deep breath. “On behalf of the islanders, I agree to provide food, water, and other essentials, but I ask that you leave immediately after resupplying.”

Charlot’s smile grew. “If I so wished, I could conquer Aegean Island by sundown. However, we seek no conflict, only mutual respect. Yet your aggressive stance challenges our goodwill.”

“Trust us: with those three legendary warships alone, we have no need for tricks or deceit. Can we not engage in calm and equal dialogue?”

Temple Robin hesitated. “But your strength oppresses us; it’s too much for us to bear.”

Charlot chuckled. “You’ll get used to it. Give it a few days, and once you see we mean no harm, your fears will fade.”

“By the way, Temple, are you related to Duke Robin?”

Temple Robin’s face darkened. “I’ve disgraced the name. I’d rather not speak of the past.”

Charlot nodded. “My quartermasters will begin their procurement. Most are unarmed except for a few guards with swords and firearms. Could you allow them passage?”

“I’ll allow your people to escort each procurement team,” Temple Robin said after consulting with his militia.

Charlot nodded in agreement. “I’d like to explore the island. Would you be willing to serve as my guide?”

Temple Robin took a deep breath. “I will ensure your safety during your visit.”

Charlot smiled.

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