Chapter 212: A True Flight with an Elegant Lady

The monotonous chase on the sea was a rigorous test of a commander's skill.

As a naval elite of the Ingrima Empire, James Cook's command ability was beyond question. However, the two Byron magical alchemical warships, which flickered in and out of sight but relentlessly pursued, were a constant source of pressure even for him.

This mission was not about engaging in battle; his purpose was to escort a diplomatic delegation to the Fars Empire.

James Cook deeply understood that delivering the delegation to Fars was his primary objective. A decisive naval confrontation with the Byron navy was never part of his strategic goal for this voyage.

Looking out over the vast ocean, he turned to Charlot Mecklenburg and said, “If the Titanic Whale sails northward, we can circle around the other side of Goring Island. I recall you have a fleet stationed in Cappadocia. I’ll disembark you at Goring Island, and you can cross it and set sail from Cappadocia toward Fars.”

Charlot was startled. “Wouldn’t that mean you’ll have to draw away the two Byron magical alchemical warships?”

“If Princess May isn’t on the warship and the Byron Saint rank intervenes to intercept your ship...” Charlot hesitated, trailing off. There were many taboos aboard warships, and certain words were better left unsaid.

James Cook replied gravely, “That is my duty.”

“A soldier’s foremost responsibility is to complete their mission.”

Charlot shook his head and said, “I have a better plan!”

“James, hear me out. If it doesn’t work, we’ll proceed with your approach.”

James Cook was known for his obstinate nature. If anyone else had made such a suggestion, he would have dismissed it outright without a second thought. But Charlot was different. Exercising some patience, he said, “Go ahead.”

In truth, James didn’t expect Charlot to offer any viable advice.

After all, Charlot was a civilian, entirely outside the military structure. Though he had captured Cappadocia and assembled a fleet from scratch, which James found mildly impressive, he attributed it more to luck than military acumen. After all, the surrender of Chatham’s fleet was due to James’s pressure.

Unbeknownst to James, Charlot himself harbored no illusions about his own fleet in Cappadocia, a hastily assembled force created for the purpose of fortifying the labyrinthine city.

Before leaving, Charlot had entrusted the fleet to Siman and Cruse.

Siman was a merchant shipowner, unreliable and only barely cooperative under the threat of the Salty Ball. Cruse was a native of Goring, initially deceived into believing Charlot was a Byron, only to later discover the truth...

When James Cook and Francis Drake arrived in Cappadocia, the truth was laid bare. The fact that no one exposed Charlot’s identity on the spot was sheer luck.

Charlot had no illusions about returning to Cappadocia and finding a proper “fleet” still intact.

As for utilizing the labyrinth to reach Fars...

That wasn’t in Charlot’s plan either.

This secret was better kept from as many people as possible.

After all, it directly pointed to Charlot Mecklenburg’s prior summoning of an evil god.

Charlot cleared his throat and said, “The Ingrima Navy undoubtedly surpasses Byron’s. I also firmly believe in your superior command ability, James Cook.”

This flattery put James Cook in a good mood, and he showed a willingness to listen as Charlot continued.

Charlot said, “Here’s my plan: I’ll create a diversion to draw one of the magical alchemical warships away, leaving you in a one-on-one situation with the other.”

James Cook acknowledged the soundness of the strategy but explained patiently, “That’s almost impossible.”

Charlot smiled faintly and said, “The Byrons not only lay in ambush along the Titanic Whale’s course but also deployed two Saint ranks to pressure Princess May. They’re practically reading our every move.”

James Cook nodded. The fact that the Titanic Whale had been intercepted at sea by two Byron magical alchemical warships indicated that someone had leaked their plans.

Charlot then made a surprising statement: “If Princess May were to flee with you, do you think they would dispatch warships in pursuit?”

James Cook decisively denied the possibility. “I would never abandon the warship.”

Charlot smiled. “No one is asking you to leave the warship. If you’re not aboard, the plan won’t work, and I can’t command this massive vessel.”

Charlot produced the Mask of the Cat and handed it to James Cook. “We’ll have Aurora Soumet disguise herself as you. Princess May will take her close to the Byron warships for a diversion. Even if they suspect a trick, they’ll likely dispatch one warship to pursue.”

“Moreover, they’ll send at least one Saint rank!”

“Without a Saint, they won’t be able to stop Princess May.”

James Cook’s mind cleared as the plan unfolded. While crude, it had a certain logic. If Princess May fled with him, the “captain,” the Byrons would pursue even if they suspected deceit.

If they didn’t pursue, it wouldn’t matter much. Princess May could circle back.

After contemplating for a while, James Cook said, “I’ll go explain the plan to Princess May.”

Charlot thought to himself, “Perfect!”

“These past days, I’ve nearly run out of stories to recite.”

“Every time I tell a few chapters, Princess May says, ‘What an incredible tale! Your dull retelling diminishes its brilliance. I’ll buy the original book myself. Find me another story!’”

“This is draining the well dry!”

James Cook returned after several minutes, saying, “Princess May has agreed to the plan but refused Aurora Soumet as the decoy. She has specifically designated you to impersonate me.”

Charlot felt his head spin. This was far more challenging than anticipated!

But having proposed the plan, Charlot couldn’t refuse. He tried to persuade Princess May but received an unyielding response: “Non-negotiable.”

Reluctantly, Charlot prepared. He entrusted two knight’s lances and a magical rapier to Dolores Soumet, keeping only the Unicorn Griffon, two ordinary pistols, and a pouch of bullets. His concealed weapons, the Blood Rose and the Withered Rose, remained securely hidden in his left arm’s Blood Vortex.

After making all necessary arrangements, he donned James Cook’s uniform and transformed into the Ingrima naval officer.

Princess May wrapped her arms under Charlot’s shoulders and lifted him gently. Her combat energy flared as she carried him in an elegant flight near the two Byron magical alchemical warships.

Though Charlot had experienced airborne travel with Floating Blossoms, this flight, cradled by Princess May, felt entirely different.

He mused internally, “This is true ‘flight with an elegant lady!’”

After all, she was not just an elegant lady but a commanding lady!

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