Her Graceful War Song

Bertram had thought the Duchess of Southmere was still young and

inexperienced. He assumed the young lady she brought along was just a maid, and she had no advisor by her side. He believed it would be easy to make his

move.

He hadn't expected her to be a tough opponent.

The petition to build the warships had been submitted a long time ago, yet no reply had come. They were growing quite anxious.

In recent years, the court had been willing to spend money freely on the military. At first, Bertram thought this matter would be easy to settle. But now, after such a long delay, it seemed far more difficult.

A duchess' estate had been built just like that, without hesitation. So, why all this fuss over a few warships?

Bertram did feel some resentment, but he was a practical man. There was no point in forcing what could not be changed, and offending others would bring no benefit. He thought it might be worth trying a different approach—perhaps this path would lead to some advantage for them.

Even though he had hit a tough spot, he didn't lose heart. He knew he couldn't afford to offend the Duchess of Southmere. She wasn't obliged to help them, but if they angered her and she sent a letter to the regent with a few harsh words, there would be no hope for those ships.

After receiving her warmly, he let the ladies roam freely, though he did secretly send a few men to follow them, just in case anything happened. But to his surprise, Elise quickly shook off the men he sent. In the end, he had no idea where she was staying.

Bertram grew nervous. The women had already entered Port Liantra. If anything were to happen to them there, and Rafael held him responsible, he would not be able to bear the consequences.

Bertram could not help but blame Elise a little. She had brought no guards, only that girl he assumed was a maid. Plus, she had only just arrived in Port Liantra, and was thus neither familiar with the place nor able to speak the language.

What if she offended someone or broke some custom? Also, no one knew her identity. Wouldn't that lead to disaster?

Truly reckless.noveldrama

Bertram went to find Ansel and told him everything, asking him to keep an eye out during his patrols.

Ansel was twenty this year. He had a clear, handsome face and the strong build of a soldier, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and sharp, cold eyes.

After hearing Bertram speak of the Duchess of Southmere's sudden appearance and just as sudden disappearance-Ansel smiled and said, "Why worry, Mr. Yeats? If Her Grace came to Port Liantra with only one person by her side, then either the regent has sent someone to protect her in secret, or she is quite capable of protecting herself. As the regent's daughter, she can't be an ordinary young lady."

Hearing this, Bertram nodded. "That does make sense. I mentioned our request for warships to her, but she said nothing in reply. I suppose she has no wish to help."

Ansel laughed, his two dimples showing clearly and softening the sharpness in his eyes. "You only mentioned it casually. Why should she agree to help when she doesn't even understand the full situation? You're thinking of it too simply, and of Her Grace as too naive."

"Is that so? I thought she was young and easy to sway," Bertram said with an awkward smile. "It seems I was foolish."

"You don't understand the regent," Ansel replied. "No one close to him is easily swayed. If they were, the court would be in chaos. As for the warships, we cannot rush them. If the court doesn't approve the request, we can always refit some civilian ships for now and make do."

Bertram gave him a look, thinking that Ansel was indeed steady and thoughtful.

Refitting civilian ships wasn't out of the question. The problem was that, with so many goods being shipped out these days, cargo ships were already in short supply. If they had to convert any, it would have to be the old and worn ones. Luckily, Ansel was a man with courage.

"Then, let's wait a little longer. If there's still no reply, we'll do as you say," Bertram said.

"Very well. Let's handle it that way for now. And as for Her Grace, there's no need

to worry. She must have found a place to stay," said Ansel before he took his

leave.

It was now after the New Year, and goods were being moved more frequently. Bandits might very well take this opportunity to act. There had been a crackdown before, which kept them quiet for some time. But stolen goods had been sold off for money, which they had spent recklessly. So, surely, they would soon turn their wicked minds to mischief once more.