Her Graceful War Song novel Chapter 1619

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.

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.