Trap
Numerous elite natives formed a heavily-guarded defensive line within the tropical rainforest. Behind them were several crudely constructed tents.
Based on the traditions of the natives, these tents were adorned with colourful feathered decorations on the surface, as well as some runes smeared on with fresh blood.
âHas Special Envoy Agigikro caught them yet?â asked a native who was evidently their leader. He wore a large golden crown on his head, but looked rather slender, almost bony; it was a stark difference. This man was currently watching another white-browed native.
This native called Agigikro had evidently experienced much over many years. His eyes showed his wisdom, and he was half a head taller than the leader, which showed that he had been raised in a more nourishing environment.
âThey are very powerful followers of another religion. The elite Forest Hunters and Amazon Warriors that I brought couldnât even take a blow from that monster in human form! To force them to come here, Iâve already lost 27 elite warriorsâ¦â
Agigikro was evidently not this leaderâs subordinate, and his tone made him sound like they were on equal terms.
âAlso⦠Iâve only come here to accept offerings to the empire and had no intentions of taking part in this!â
After seeing that this envoy was beginning to get mad, the native chief grew restless, âBut⦠With these outsiders and those of another religion around, my island is now getting increasingly unsafe. My people are losing their lands. If you werenât here, I might have chosen to abandon this place and find a land that those blue-eyed ones canât seeâ¦â
Seeing that his complaints and chattering did nothing to convince Agigikro and only made him more enraged, the head wrung his hands and looked to be in pain, âFine⦠Fine⦠To thank you for your help, my friend, I can offer you some things privately. Theyâre allâ¦â
After hearing a whole bunch of promises, Agigikroâs frown smoothed out. The islands around this place werenât much to those from the nativesâ continent. However, this one place was different. This chief in front of him was the only way they could procure the specialties of this place, and they were very precious in the empire.
If not, Agigikro wouldnât be so kind hearted as to help him fight off the invaders.
âPerhaps⦠I should find a chance to beat the method they get their tributes from out of themâ¦â Agigikro looked towards the head, eyes glinting with a chilly gaze like a poisonous snake hidden in the shadows.
While this was a mere glance, the head was already beginning to get uncomfortable, âWell then, about those invaders⦠What do you say?â
âThem?â Agigikro froze, and then looked furious. âThose who have the gall to kill so many of my men will never be let off easily. Iâm going to skin off their scalps and use their bones as musical instruments, eternally hung in front of the doorframe to my house.
âBut⦠They seem to be powerful beings whoâve grasped evil strength. If we go in with dull strength, weâll also have casualties. On top of that, the terrain is hindering us⦠Hence, I believe we can push the timing to attack them back. What do you think about tomorrow night?â
Agigikroâs eyes were filled with a sneaky luster.
âTomorrow⦠Night? You meanââ After hearing this, the headâs eyes brightened.
âExactly. With that around, those of another religion can only embrace the eternity of death, no matter how many of them there areâ¦â
At this thought, the head applauded, now in a better mood. The tent was pulled open soundlessly, and then a group of girls with different-coloured fruit plates balanced on their heads flitted in like butterflies. They had eyes like black pearls, and their lips were extremely charming. Every part of their bodies held vitality that only youth possessed.
The maids respectfully put the fruit plates down. There were all sorts of precious tropical fruits within, while the plates themselves also emitted a charming golden light. They were made of pure gold.
âEnvoy, thereâs still much time till tomorrow. How about you take a look at what we have planned here?â
The head smiled and he clapped. A group of musicians began to play elegant tunes, and the girls began to dance gracefully. The provocative dance had a unique beauty to it, and in that moment the tent began to undulate with youth.
Agigikro stared hard at one of the dancer girls, who was the most beautiful, and he began to peel a grape while looking intoxicated. The head, who was watching, snickered inside. On the surface, he looked ready to flatter the envoy more.
â¦â¦
While the natives danced to show happiness and prosperity, Leylin had secretly arrived at Piratesâ Cove. This place had now turned into the Scarlet Tigersâ main base, and any barbarians or organisations related to the church of murder had been uprooted.
The Scarlet Tigers had conducted a purge after occupying this place. Powerful ammunition had exploded on half of the dock; blood still stained the port from that day.
However, pirates lived like locusts. The scattered pirates reappeared after the purge of war, like bamboo shoots in the rain. The bars and dancing halls were open the whole night, and the place seemed dazzling and prosperous.
This motivated more sailors to turn to the path of piracy. While most were killed, the lucky ones who survived did strike it rich and turned into a new legend. This encouraged generation after generation of pirates.
âMy Lord!â Now, in the core residence of Piratesâ Cove, Ronald and Robin Hoodâs foreheads were dripping cold sweat as they watched the young noble in front of them.
While Leylin had not released his aura, the pressure he gave them was enough for them to feel like they were in front of a dragon. In this situation where Miss Isabel was heavily surrounded, it didnât matter if this was an error on their end, but they knew they could be hanged for this.
Knowing how terrifying Leylin could be, the thought of fleeing did not even rise in their minds. They could only keep praying that Leylin could show them some benevolence.
âI took a look when I came. The construction of the harbour went well. Robin Hood, youâve put in much effort!â
Unexpectedly, Leylin did not begin to reprimand them first thing. His approval immediately had Robin Hood feeling slightly better, âMany thanks, young master! I only did what I had to do the best of my abilities!â
âAnd you, Ronald!â Leylin then glanced at the middle-aged pirate next to him.
Through years of experience, this subordinate that he had recruited now had the aura of someone at the top. His strength had also grown by a large amount, as was expected of a seedling that Leylin had chosen himself.
âMy Lord!â Robin Hood went down on a half-kneel, âI am in charge of the sea routes. No matter what happened, I am partially responsible for this. Please forgive me!â
Much time hadnât passed since the establishment of the Scarlet Tigers, but a few groups and factions had already formed. While most were under Leylin and Isabel, there were still others.
Compared to a general like Robin Hood who had come straight from the garrison, Ronald who had entered midway lacked confidence. Of course, this might also have to do with Leylin having too much power.
âSince this has happened, Iâm not going to put the blame on anyone. I just hope we can solve it as soon as possibleâ¦â Leylin waved his arms. Heâd already had some expectation that this might happen. However, as long as there were people around, the losses could be quickly replenished, which was not an issue.
âIâve looked through the records in the meeting, and you arenât in the wrong. You have no need to worry about itâ¦â This was the main point. Otherwise, Ronald might not even be able to walk out of this room.
âMy lordâ¦â A warmth surged in Ronaldâs heart, and his chest felt stuffy, yet he could not say anything.
âEnough. Who are you putting this show for?â
Leylin stopped Ronald and then spread out a huge sea map on the table. This was the most complete map of the areas the Scarlet Tigersâ had gathered. There were also some areas added in that had been explored by the Barbarians or other pirate groups. At a glance, the entire Dambrath outer seas could be seen vividly in his mind. This was a priceless treasure.
âCome, Ronald. Mark the route that Isabel has taken this time!â Leylin took a vernier caliper and moved it around, and then passed a red marker to Ronald.
âYes, my lord!â Ronald took a deep breath and calmed himself down. Meanwhile, after recalling some memories, he drew a crooked red line on the map.
âAs most of the outer sea native tribes have been wiped out, Lord Isabelâs hunting targets are now closer to the deep sea⦠In the previous sail, we communicated. Things had been normal up till this point!â
âThe red coral sea? Thatâs rather close to the outer regionsâ¦â Leylin glanced at the area Ronald had marked out on the map.
The red marking was the most southern part of the map, and extremely close to the boundaries of the outer seas. With a few days of sailing, she could sail away from the scope on the map.
âMy cousin⦠I already reminded her not to go too farâ¦â
Leylin sighed as he shook his head, âThere are far too many native tribes in the south, and things are complicated. There are even rumours of the native empire there. She was trying to wipe them out with just one pirate fleet⦠sighâ¦â