More than half a month later.

The news of the recovery of the Black Sea Goddess Hipponeo had already spread like a whirlwind across the three human-populated continents.

Countless countries and forces were evaluating what impact this existence would have on the current maritime navigation, whether it would cause turmoil in the continental layout, and whether they could benefit from it.

The recovery of this Goddess was like a large stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples that lingered long without calming.

Southern Old Continent.

The Alfonso Peninsula, bordering both the Black Sea and the Treasure Sea.

On this fertile, resource-rich land, three equally powerful countries once coexisted. Although not engaged in perpetual war, true peace had never been realized in the centuries-old history of the Alfonso Peninsula.

Until 200 years ago, at the onset of the Age of Navigation.

Under the leadership of a wise ruler, one of these countries seemed to ride the eastern wind, mounting an accelerator, and within a short time, its comprehensive national power far surpassed its peers, even ranking among the world's strong nations.

In just over a decade.

It sequentially eliminated its two neighbors on the Alfonso Peninsula, the Umayyad Dynasty and the Algarve Duchy, becoming the ultimate victor dominating this rich land!

The Royal Family, due to these astounding achievements, received unanimous support from within the country, enjoying the supreme power of this nation!

Moreover, its expansion never ceased for over a hundred years, be it in power or territory, it had already become a global power.

This country was the leading sea power of this Age of Navigation—Overlord Hilus!

The jewel of Hilus, the Royal Capital of Santa Cruz.

The Dome Palace, the residence of the King and Royal Family, had a building area alone exceeding 200,000 square meters.

Ceremonial Hall, Music Hall, Banquet Hall, Gallery, Stables, Gardens, Sculptures, Monuments, Royal Chapel... together formed a small city, gathering treasures and artistic gems from around the world, worthy of the title World Museum!

Just like the country's stride in foreign conquest, this palace had never ceased expanding since the Age of Navigation. Each conquered nation, each newly established colony, resulted in the addition of a unique building with local characteristics!

To the pride of all Hilus citizens.

Today.

Philip II, adorned in formal attire with a dazzling Crown, convened his ministers in his Dome Palace to "welcome" a guest from afar.

Bang—

A vase decorated with enamel, malachite, and golden edges was toppled to the ground by the "furious" His Majesty the King.

Beside him, an official diligently recorded every word and deed of His Majesty the King.

'His Majesty is thunderously angry about the Bank Group losing the collateral—still belonging to Hilus, the "Thistle Crown"...

He smashed the priceless tribute vase from the Peacock Islands... vowing to hold the Netherlands Bank Group accountable!'

However.

In his "fury", Philip II glanced at the well-dressed young envoy standing below the steps. Although the envoy remained respectful, his demeanor was neither humble nor overbearing, which suddenly made the King feel uninterested.

He returned to his throne and lightly coughed.

"Ahem!"

Seeing this, one of the ministers stepped forward, gave the envoy a glance, then respectfully addressed his King:

"Your Majesty, the Netherlands bear undeniable responsibility for the loss of the 'Thistle Crown'. Although the treasury was looted and treasures lost, the board's leadership is still intact.

They must compensate the Kingdom for its losses. No matter which country's judge evaluates it, the justice is on the Kingdom's side!"

His Majesty the King, energetic and robust, nonchalantly tapped the golden armrest of his throne, then once again focused on his other ministers.

Immediately, another stepped out of the line, bent in salute, and said:

"My Majesty! The Chief Justice is right, but I have one thing to add.

Our collateral was bound with the Kingdom's loan, and now the situation is that even if we eventually repay this loan, the Netherlands Bank Group cannot return the collateral to us.

Therefore, I believe it's reasonable for the Kingdom to temporarily halt repayments until the Bank Group retrieves the collateral!"

"Hmm, the Chief Justice and Minister of Finance's words are certainly sensible. Envoy Selas, what do you think?"

The King's eyes glinted cunningly.

By now, it was evident to everyone that Hawkins had indeed used the Crown for something, and finally, everyone understood the potential value of that Crown.

Though Philip II, upon hearing that the sapphire in the Crown represented the "Heart of the Ocean," was once so distraught he nearly coughed blood.

If there could be a Sea God under his control, or even merely someone close to him, who could challenge Hilus on this vast sea?!

But now, having lost that artifact, no words would make a difference.

As a ruler of great aspirations, even eyeing the Emperor's throne, what he considered now was naturally how to mitigate losses elsewhere.

Therefore.

Was there a better target for compensation than the "Netherlands Bank Group"? Moreover, this incident's victims were not limited to him alone.

The "Heart of the Ocean" was appealing, but the vast wealth of the "Netherlands Bank Group" was no less enticing.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.