Chapter 500 (1/2)
Chapter 500: Body of Steel (Part I)
Translator: TransN Editor: TransN
…
Roland stood on the balcony on top of the command room of his boat and felt his heart stir with pride as he watched his fleet of boats lined up behind him.
Besides the flagship, the Roland, all the other boats were slow and clumsy concrete boats. However, with more than ten of them in a fleet, they still looked magnificent. The massive fleet puffed long trails of white smoke out of their chimneys and parted the river as they crashed through the waves, and they seemed to be completely unstoppable.
The gunboat was apparently the fleet’s main attraction—its towering bridge and sleek appearance separated it from ordinary sailing ships and concrete boats. It dominated the inland rivers with its weapons, including a 152mm main cannon and two Mark I machine guns, custom-made high-pressure steam engine, and a propeller driving system that enabled it to reach a speed of 12 kilometers per hour.
“You seemed to be in a good mood.” Nightingale observed as she tidied her windswept hair. “Is it because you’ll be returning home soon?”
“You mean, the palace? No way, I’m never going back there,” he said, shaking his head. “The Western Region is my real home. I’m happy because this conflict will be over soon.”
“Hm… half of that is a lie.”
Roland remembered with a shock that she could tell when people were lying. “Ahem, alright, I’m actually proud of myself for managing to produce many boats during the Months of Demons.”
“You’re telling the truth this time.” Nightingale blinked. “But you sound a little full of yourself.”
“That’s why I lied.”
“That’s understandable.” She chuckled and walked over to Roland. “I don’t blame you. I wouldn’t mind if you told a little lie, as long as it has nothing to do with me.”
“… If you don’t mind, then don’t point out my lies,” thought Roland querulously.
“By the way, I never thanked you,” whispered Nightingale as she gazed into the distance.
“Thank me for what?”
“For ending the conflict and bringing peace to the Kingdom of Graycastle. Both commoners and witches will live happily under your rule,” she said slowly. “I always knew that you’d achieve this, but I didn’t think it’d happen so soon.”
“It’s not that fast. Even after I dethrone Timothy, the noble will resist with all their might. Uniting the entire Graycastle may take another few years.” Roland sighed. “Progress is never easy, so we still have a long way to go in achieving our goal.”
“This is already so much better than I imagined. Before this, I was worried I would never live to see this day.”
“Come on, don’t say like that?” Roland glared at her. “Do you think I’ll put you in danger?”
“It’s expected for a combat witch like me to always be in battle, and breaking convention takes sacrifice.” Nightingale turned her head. “I had prepared for this the moment I swore my loyalty to you.”
“I’m sorry I let you down,” Roland said with a shrug. “There will definitely be sacrifices, but our enemies will be making them. Anyway, I should thank you.”
“Why?” Nightingale asked in surprise.