The Gray Bird attempted to turn back, but the pirate fleet surrounded them, demanding surrender or annihilation. The Gray Bird replied that all passengers were civilians willing to hand over finances and requested safe passage.
The pirates rejected this request and pressured them. The escorts counterattacked, leading to battle.
After confirming that the Gray Bird did not carry the queen, the pirates, revealing themselves as the Earth Mother’s Church, threatened to hand over Weina I. The Gray Bird resolutely refused and warned that support forces were en route for rescue. The pirates intensified their attacks, aiming to end the conflict quickly.
As the encirclement reduced significantly, several light points suddenly appeared on the enemy’s electronic monitoring map.
“What’s going on?”
“The leader shouted uncontrollably. ‘How could reinforcements arrive so quickly?’
‘We’ve been ambushed…’ a subordinate mumbled.
The leader pushed aside the stunned subordinate and ordered, ‘Contact Empress Anna immediately. She must transfer quickly.’
The communications officer reported in panic, ‘Sir, we can’t connect.’
‘What?’
‘The signal is gone.’
Meanwhile, hundreds of military ships circled a cosmic dust cloud, surrounding a small military ship hidden within.
Anna was about to bring her coffee cup to her mouth when her movement halted, and she noticed the numerous military lights outside the window.
‘Still the Royal Flag?’
‘I’m sorry… Your Majesty…’ the female attendant wept, fearful.
Putting down her coffee cup, Anna tidied her hair. ‘Your Majesty? I was your Majesty long ago. It’s just… unwilling…’
‘Are you alright?’
‘I am fine.’ Anna stood and looked in the mirror. Like Weina, who advocated simplicity, she had always loved luxury, dressing formally and wearing jewelry.
‘I was careless, allowing that little girl to slip away… But what can I do now?'”
Anna sighed softly, telling the guard she accepted the orders. “I’ll go back to my room now.”
Half an hour later, Alte delivered the news of total victory to Weina.
“And Anna? Is she still alive?”
“Yes, she looks fine. We have her under control. Her emotions are stable, with no signs of suicide,” the guard replied.
