Chapter 150

“Are you saying the eighteen shipowners who did not hire mercenaries truly went bankrupt?”

At those words, Roman looked troubled. His expression hardened as he answered in a stiff tone.

“I apologize. I have not been able to confirm that yet. I will check immediately.”

Windsor gave a slow nod. Even so, he already had his answer in mind. If all eighteen shipowners had gone bankrupt, it would have been widely reported.

The criticism toward the navy would have been far greater than it was now, and dissatisfaction would have eventually reached even the royal family.

But there had been no such upheaval. That meant they had not all gone bankrupt.

Why?

“And one more thing.”

“Yes, please speak.”

“I wonder if all pirate crews have also shifted their strategy to a rapid-strike approach.”

“You mean…”

Roman trailed off with a doubtful expression. Windsor continued calmly.

“Pirates are not a…