Derek didn't have to wait long.

About an hour later, Kedson indeed returned. However, this time he was not alone; accompanying him was a middle-aged man dressed rather extravagantly.

He wore a dark red long formal coat, holding a silver scepter in his hand, with a peacock feather tucked into the brim of his velvet hat, as if he had just slipped out of a Duke's banquet.

Derek's expression became somewhat strange.

It wasn't because of his overly flamboyant attire, but because there was something about him that felt familiar.

Strange.

They should be meeting for the first time.

As Derek pondered this, Ticky approached him, with a standard aristocratic smile on his lips and his chin slightly raised, he spoke.

"Welcome, Captain Derek, I have already heard about your situation from my servant. I sympathize with your plight, and please do not worry, since you have docked at my Withered Wood Port, you are guests of the Cosia family."

His voice was smooth and slow, as if deliberately gilding each word with authority and rhetoric.

Kedson gave a slight cough and reminded softly.

"This is Baron Ticky Cosia."

Derek immediately executed a standard naval salute and said solemnly,

"Thank you for your acceptance, Baron."

Ticky gave a slight nod and continued,

"Regarding your request for supplies, rest, and ship repairs, I've also heard from Kedson. Have your logistics officer give me a list of the supplies you need to purchase shortly. My servants will prepare what you need."

"Although our resources are also tight, I will still do my best to help you. I hope you won't be picky; Withered Wood Port has just gone through a storm. As you can see, the situation here is quite dire."

"Your generosity is admirable. On behalf of General Hamoldon of Saint Yil Castle, I extend to you my highest respect." Derek nodded respectfully to express his gratitude.

Providing logistics support for the Imperial Army is indeed the obligation of the colonial lords, but there is a premise among them—so long as it does not affect the interests of the Nobles.

The situation in Withered Wood Port is indeed bleak; this was evident when he saw it through the telescope from the deck.

If it weren't absolutely necessary, he wouldn't have come here on a gamble.

"No need for formalities, and please convey my regards to General Hamoldon."

Very satisfied with the naval officer's reaction, Ticky nodded approvingly, but soon changed his tone slightly to a more serious one.

"However—for safety's sake, I must remind you that during your stay at Withered Wood Port, it is best not to venture deep into the forest on the south side of the port."

"Is there something wrong there?" Derek asked instinctively.

"There's no problem, but it can avoid unnecessary trouble," Ticky shrugged and continued, "According to the treaty signed by Prince Roxey Colin and the Gutaf United Kingdom, the forest area outside Withered Wood Port near the Sun Step Mountain Range is a neutral buffer zone. Our agreement with them is one of mutual non-aggression, so any crossing of the border could lead to a diplomatic incident."

Gutaf United Kingdom?

What's that?

Derek frowned slightly, his face full of doubt.

He had never heard of such a strange name, yet just as he was about to ask, the words caught in his throat.

After all—

he had never heard of "Prince Roxey Colin" either.

He was not some learned scholar nor a traveling merchant, just a naval captain serving in Saint Yil Castle.

He knew every supply port of the Empire and the neighboring sea routes by heart, but his knowledge about territories outside the station was very limited.

However—

he could bring back information about this kingdom to Saint Yil Castle and hand it to General Hamoldon stationed there for judgment.

"I understand." Derek nodded cautiously and politely, "Thank you for the reminder, I will restrain my men to operate only within the boundaries of Withered Wood Port."

After a few pleasantries, Baron Ticky adjusted the brim of his hat, said his farewells with composure but not without arrogance, and departed.

Having long been accustomed to the arrogance of Nobles, Derek felt no dissatisfaction, turned around and instructed his men to leave two sailors on alert on the shore, then took two other comrades with him, rowing back to the "Grace" anchored offshore.

As soon as he got back to the ship, he immediately summoned the quartermaster and ordered a comprehensive check on the loss and need for supplies.

In less than an hour, a handwritten list was compiled, the handwriting was neat, and the content was clear.

When he returned to shore with the list, Kedson was already waiting for him on the beach.

Shortly after passing the list over, Kedson summoned a few working sailors who scanned the list, then waved a large hand.

"Can get… you guys, take the cart and come with me."

A group of people with a simple wheelbarrow, following a gravel path, headed towards the fortress on the hill.

That place is Withered Wood Port's only structure worthy of being called a "building" at present. Derek was pondering how to have that Baron invite him to the mansion for a night's stay when Captain Kedson's group was already pushing a load of goods back.

Baron Ticky was not among them.

Derek was slightly disappointed, but the abundant supplies soon relaxed his brow, and a look of joy appeared on his face.

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