Chapter 353: Adams

So, that guy will be stuck in bed for the rest of his life, or need someone to support him just to walk?

Yes, my lord! Ha ha, you wouldn't believe how satisfying it was! My captain Mike and I saw it all clearly through our telescopes in the air!

Well done, Migen. You've helped me vent my anger too!

My lord, it's my duty! That damned fellow was far too arrogant—he dared to show such disrespect toward you!

Gervas nodded. "I'm sure that fellow will behave himself from now on!"

He must behave now.

Without his legs, he can no longer serve in the Eagle City Civil Office.

Thus, he has no value whatsoever to Willard.

This fate is far more painful than death.

By the way, Migen, I have another task for you.

My lord, what is it? Command me!

Gervas pulled a letter from his chest. "I need you to go to the coast, board a ship, and head north to find the Austin family's fleet…"

…

That night!

Austin Family Naval Base.

How is it? Any news?

Young Master Adams, we still have no news.

What should we do? The expedition departs in just a few days—I'm running out of time!

Young Master Adams, is Lord Harry really in the south? Could this be a ruse? Maybe they're coming from the north, circling around!

After all, directly south of our Austin Marquisate lies the Southern Border—every petty noble there, and not a single coastal lord has enough ships to afford a three-masted warship, let alone someone like Lord Harry!

No, Deputy Commander Wolf, I believe it's highly unlikely Lord Harry is coming from the north.

The farther north you go, the busier the maritime trade becomes. His three-masted warship would be impossible to hide—there'd be rumors everywhere!

But south of our Austin family, there's almost no naval traffic—that's how Lord Harry could keep his movements secret.

Also, we still don't know whether Lord Harry is a lord himself, or merely acting on his family's behalf from a secret base.

Wolf listened and realized his young master's reasoning was sound.

Young master, I'll dispatch more ships deeper south to search for traces of Lord Harry!

Adams was about to reply when suddenly, a voice rang from outside the door.

Report! Young Master Adams, Commander Wolf—the Flying Fish has returned! They report they encountered Lord Harry's fleet!

Encountered Lord Harry's ship? Really? Did you see Lord Harry himself? Did you deliver my letter to him?! Adams leapt to his feet in delight.

Young Master Adams, the Flying Fish's captain says he didn't see Lord Harry himself—only one of Lord Harry's subordinates. But he received this letter addressed to you from that subordinate.

A letter for me? Bring him in at once!

Soon, the Flying Fish's captain was brought into the study.

Greetings, Young Master Adams!

You truly encountered Lord Harry's ship—and brought a letter from him?

Yes, Young Master Adams! This is the letter given to me by Lord Harry's subordinate!

As he spoke, the subordinate handed over the letter.

Adams took the letter, barely suppressing his excitement.

Of course, he still couldn't confirm its authenticity—he had to open it to know for sure.

Confirming the wax seal was intact, Adams didn't delay—he opened the letter immediately.

And as soon as he read the opening lines, he knew without doubt the letter was genuine.

Adams, as if seeing you in person—another month has passed since our last meeting!

I heard your Austin family has also been summoned by the Kingdom.

I believe you are no longer the timid young lord who stood trembling on the sea cliffs, afraid to face hardship.

So, you'll surely choose to join the conscription and head north to fight, won't you?

After all, though this campaign is dangerous, it's your best chance to solidify your position as heir!

And I know you're well aware that since you proved yourself in the Austin Family Navy, your time is running out.

Before, your brother didn't see you as much of a threat—he dared not use extreme measures to challenge you for the inheritance.

But now, your demonstrated abilities have made him feel threatened—greatly threatened!

So he'll do everything he can to destroy you, just like the pirate alliance before.

And next, his tactics may become even more dangerous—he might seek aid from the Hernade family.

So now, you have no time, no retreat: either firmly secure your position as heir, or be utterly crushed by your brother with outside help.

I'm certain you, Adams, will make the right choice between these two paths.

Moreover, as your friend and business partner, I won't stand idle while you're in danger.

So in this northern campaign, if I get the chance, I'll find a way to assist you—keep this half-medallion.

Later, if I send someone to find you in the north, this will be the token.

Of course, I believe you've matured now—you can achieve glory in this northern campaign on your own.

So, Adams, let me wish you swift victory and a firm hold on your family's heirship!

Your friend, Harry Potter.

"Lord Harry!" After reading the letter, Adams' hands trembled; his emotions surged and wouldn't settle.

He felt both shame and gratitude.

The shame? That Lord Harry assumed he would surely join the Kingdom's campaign.

Yet the opposite was true—he'd hesitated endlessly, even sent ships to search for Lord Harry, hoping to ask for advice.

This wasn't just cowardice—it was stupidity.

Lord Harry's letter had clearly explained his own situation.

Yet he'd ignored it, even grown proud after defeating the pirate alliance.

Now he thought back: why had his brother suddenly stopped bothering him these past days?

Not because he was ashamed after the pirate incident was crushed.

But because he was biding his time, preparing a far deadlier scheme.

If not for Lord Harry's letter, he'd still be blind.

And at the end of the letter, Lord Harry promised to find a way to help him in the northern campaign!

Such a debt…

"Lord Harry! How can I ever repay you for this?!"

Adams clutched the half-medallion tightly, his face filled with gratitude.