869 Solomon (1/2)

World Calendar 667. It was a year of many happenings all over the world.

The Ettoman Royal Navy had broken the the Nightmare Ocean's pirate governor, Blackbeard, and began their monopoly at sea.

They based their monopoly around 'The Influence of Sea Power', which was written by a renowned economist and published in the same year.

This glorious victory spread the name of the economist Donald and the ironclads all across the land of Opher, gaining both immense fame.

Although both the Pirate Prince and Specter Ship had outstanding performances in that grand sea battle, the biggest winner was undoubtedly Ettoman.

Not only did they crush the main force of the Blackbeard Pirates with a single attack, but they had also managed to destroy all the pirate forces in the Nightmare Ocean.

The Nightmare Ocean's pirates were history since then.

The few that managed to escape had to continue to avoid the navy's pursuit, a task that grew increasingly difficult with each day.

Riding on this wave of success, not only did the island nation Ettoman take control of the Nightmare Ocean, they monopolized the entire Golden Sea Route. On top of that, the Ettoman Empire sent out many privateer captains to raid merchant ships from other countries, even attacking their lands. Ettoman did everything in their power to hinder the sea trade development of other countries.

There was even a saying that went—'Everything the sun touches is under Ettoman's rule'. The Ettoman Empire was known as the strongest ocean empire.

After taking control of the Nightmare Ocean, Ettoman did not rest content. Instead, it set its sights on the neighboring Golden Ocean.

In contrast with the unpredictable weather of the Nightmare Ocean, the Golden Ocean was a utopia that overflowed with gold and spices. It housed many plantation colonies that produced wealth for their respective countries.

In particular, the Solomon Strait guarded the route that connected the East and the West, and it held the greatest Ettoman stronghold in the Golden Ocean.

The governor of Solomon Strait was an acquaintance of Fang Yuan and his beautiful prisoner's father, Viscount Quaid.

”Sunshine, beaches, babes… pity there aren't any bikinis…” Fang Yuan said with a smirk after ordering his subordinates to bring Elizabeth.

”…”

Elizabeth merely looked at him, too tired to say anything.

Spending a long time as a prisoner had long since erased any temperament and pride that she had as a noble.

”What's wrong? Is Lady Elizabeth not the least bit excited? You should be… for you are going to regain your freedom at last…”

”Pirate… what are you trying to do? Gods… even if you auction me off again, I have nothing to say,” Elizabeth mumbled resignedly.

”Oh! I forgot to tell you. We're now in the Golden Ocean. It will take us just a day to reach the Solomon Strait!” Fang Yuan said calmly.

Elizabeth's eyes flashed with life. Apparently, she had not given up all hope, despite what her appearance might suggest.

”If there are no surprises, the governor will surely pay an immense sum to purchase your freedom! ”

”Rest assured. I have divined that Governor Quaid will agree for sure.” The black-teethed witch smiled flirtatiously.

Although she was not particularly beautiful, many pirates on board looked at her with lust in their eyes.

These pirates are indeed like wolves, constantly craving battle even after gaining so much.

A brilliance flashed across Fang Yuan's eyes.

Fang Yuan was the biggest winner right after Ettoman in that war.

Just capturing Blackbeard was a great harvest.

There were no bounties on the pirate governors because no country dared to incur their wrath.

However, Ettoman had placed a bounty of a million gold coins and a viscount position on Blackbeard's head, breaking the record for the biggest bounty ever put on a pirate.

Naturally, since Fang Yuan had participated in the battle with Specter Ship and saved Blackbeard, his bounty had also increased tremendously. It rose to a solid seven hundred thousand gold coins and made his name known all across the oceans.

Fang Yuan ordered Elizabeth to be sent back to her cell and 'invited' Blackbeard over.

”How is everything? Have your wounds healed?”

Truthfully speaking, Fang Yuan's incarnation was also a mortal at this time, so he naturally preferred Fiery Lotus's environment.

As for Blackbeard, placing him on Specter Ship when he was severely wounded was no different from killing him.

Although he was now the captain of Specter Ship, the ship had long since grown used to operating independently of its captain. Fang Yuan only had to communicate rough orders through the two Demigod specters from time to time.

Not long after, Blackbeard arrived with a cold demeanor.

His feelings toward Fang Yuan were rather complicated.

Technically speaking, Fang Yuan did indeed save his life. However, he was confined immediately after. Coupled with the fact that he had tried to hunt Fang Yuan before… it really was a complicated mess.