Yuuka was quickly done with his family visit and drove back to his car. He reached the port at 7 o'clock and parked near his chief office to find his major command ship.

The visit with his family had been heartfelt and made him happy, but he couldn't let his heart be at ease. The biggest battle of his life awaited. The rush at the port had calmed, though non-soldiers were still present.

Walking through the port towards the main commanding ship, he spotted Captain Levi, the chief commanding officer of the navigation team, carrying a checklist. Yuuka sensed Levi was looking for someone and moved towards him. Levi saw him coming.

"Commander! I was looking for you. I wanted to talk about our strategy for tomorrow's battle," the captain greeted with a salute.

"As I mentioned in my earlier message, we'll discuss plans once we're underway. But first, let's talk about other matters. Accompany me," Yuuka said.

"Sure, Sir."

Commander Yuuka and Captain Levi weren't friends and often had conflicting ideologies. Despite this, they found a functional rhythm when discussing their kingdom's defence.

They walked around the harbour, discussing supply loading, ammunition preparation, travel time, and weather countermeasures. No compromises could be made on these matters.

As their discussion concluded, Yuuka issued his command to Levi,

"Get the anchors up and have the soldiers board their vessels. We need to depart as soon as possible."

Levi nodded, leaving to finalise their departure arrangements.

A few moments later, the voices of 12 ships carrying over 7,000 young men and women roared through the port as soldiers left their homes to defend their kingdom.

Fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, and children visited the port to bid farewell. Emotions swelled in the evening air.

Some shed tears; others smiled through sadness. None knew if they would see their loved ones again, but hope persisted, a never-ending gift in such moments.

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Meanwhile, the commander stood before the main commanding ship, gazing sadly at the port. He hadn't seen his family off; his resolve to win for his people burned strong.

"War brings out all sides of humanity in one place," a famous proverb in the kingdom rang true, felt by those who left their loved ones behind.

"I will win this war and return alive to my family, no matter the cost," the seemingly selfless commander whispered, the thoughts learned from Frey Ken guiding him indirectly through his actions.

The ships departed southeast from the port city of Vinka, heading towards Port Trafalgar, Lynx's main military port.

In his cabin, Yuuka convened an important meeting to strategize for the next day. Outside, soldiers worked in shifts to navigate together, and rowers remained alert.

Three captains of Yuuka's army attended. While hierarchy existed among the lower ranks, power was centralised among the four men in the cabin.

"Commander, are you prepared to share our strategy?" asked Captain Vincent Rose, chief of offence commanding four ships, standing firm and awaiting the confidential plan's unveiling.

Acknowledging the query, the commander disclosed his plans.

"I owe you all an apology for keeping our plans confidential. Security was crucial to preventing leaks," Yuuka said, and the three captains nodded.

"Our battle tomorrow hinges on two scenarios, depending on whether our spies escaped or fell into Queen's Lynx's trap," Yuuka paused.

"If our spies' report holds true, the port will be lightly defended. We'll observe enemy positions upon arrival, utilising the morning fog, per spy information," Yuuka explained.

"A fog in summer at the port? How's that possible?"

"Don't concern yourself. Mother Nature aids us; we'll use it wisely."

"We'll unleash cannon fire on the port, causing havoc among enemy troops. As they retreat, we'll deploy ground forces and unload cannons for ground assaults," Yuuka continued.

"What about the second scenario?"

"If the port's heavily fortified, our spies are likely compromised. But I heard differently five days ago. They can't amass sufficient troops," Yuuka said.

"Why not? We brought 7,000 men from distant borders in under ten days. Lynx boasts a sizable army and fleet; they could gather a formidable force," argued Rargo Quince, chief of supply distribution and logistics.

"That's why we strike now. Lynx dispatched a major trade envoy to the French kingdom, leaving their shores vulnerable to our attack," Yuuka revealed.

"In the event of heavy fortification, we'll withdraw and divert their attention to a nearby coastal city. While they're occupied, we'll decimate their forces with half our ships and land the rest for ground control."

"What if there's another outcome in the second scenario?" asked Vincent, proposing his own idea.

"If troops leave to defend the city, we'll seize the undefended port. Landing ships without suitable ports amidst rough seas poses challenges, but we're prepared with countermeasures," Yuuka assured.

Vincent nodded, while Rargo and Rage stared intently.

"Now rest; we face battle come morning. Inform all but the lookout team to sleep," Yuuka commanded.