I am the Crown Prince of France

Chapter 208: Pursuing the Pirates

Out at sea, the joint fleet had successfully completed its fire support mission, albeit with some risk. To avoid unnecessary losses, Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Cisneros ordered the fleet to withdraw beyond the effective range of the port's cannons.

Just as the sails of several warships were being adjusted, he noticed that the cannon fire from the port had suddenly ceased.

Puzzled, Cisneros stepped onto the forecastle of the Avance and pulled out his telescope, only to see a flag with blue and purple fleur-de-lis fluttering over the fort.

"That was quick, wasn't it?" he remarked to his aide, surprised. "Have they even been ashore for an hour?"

The aide checked his watch and shook his head. "No, sir. It's only been 48 minutes."

Cisneros's eyebrow twitched. Marching from the shore to the fort alone should have taken half an hour. Had Berthier led his men on a straight run into the pirates' fort?!

He had expected this newly formed corps, just half a year old and with some police officers among them, to capture the fort by nightfall at the earliest. But now, not even midday, and the battle was already over?!

This wasn't just any rookie force...

If someone had told him that it was those police officers who had captured the fort, he would probably be even more incredulous.

Over at the Guard Corps, the medics were directing the transport of the wounded into tents, while Berthier, reading the battle report just handed to him by his aide, made his way up the slope toward the fort.

The cadets had lost 8 men and had 10 wounded. Berthier's regiment had lost 3 men, with 5 wounded. This was partly because it was the cadets' first battle, and their excitement led them to charge too quickly, resulting in these casualties. Otherwise, the losses could have been even lower.

As for the results, they had captured 282 pirates alive and killed about 90 more. They had taken the fort at Bizerte, securing cannons, muskets, and other supplies that had yet to be tallied.

Given the port's strategic importance, capturing the coastal fort left the dock and the town behind it nearly defenseless.

In effect, the Guard Corps had successfully seized one of the Barbary pirates' two main bases in Tunisia—Bizerte.

He ordered his aide to ensure the wounded received the best possible care and instructed the units that had led the assault to rest where they were. The newly arrived battalions would enter the town to hunt down any remaining pirates.

By nightfall, the Guard Corps had taken full control of Bizerte, capturing over 40 pirates on the wanted list, while many others had already fled the port.

Looking at the still-lit sky, the regiment's aide asked Berthier, "Sir, should we send cavalry to pursue the ones who escaped? They probably haven't gotten far yet."

But Berthier shook his head. "Send word for the entire corps to rest for a day and a half in Bizerte, resupply with food and wine."

"What? Rest for that long?" The aide was puzzled. "Sir, by then the pirates will have gotten away."

"That's okay. We need to give them time to run," Berthier replied, recalling Joseph's plan. He smiled and added, "We'll head south at noon the day after tomorrow."

To the north of Bizerte lay the sea, and to the south, only Kairouan and Tunis remained as possible destinations. With the Kairouan fortress currently embroiled in a battle between two armies, those pirates would have no choice but to flee to Tunis. And Tunis was Joseph's real target.

...

Two days later.

Tunis City.

In the Kasbah Palace, dozens of disheveled naval officers prostrated themselves on the floor, pleading tearfully:

"Great Bey, those Europeans suddenly attacked the port. We can't just let this go!"

"They openly want to kill us! This is an insult to you!"

"Great Bey, you must protect us! The navy has brought you substantial revenue over the years..."

"Please, gather your troops and cut off those infidels' heads!"

Hamud Ali frowned in frustration. It seemed like troubles were piling up one after another lately.

If it hadn't been for Eunice's sudden rebellion, forcing him to muster the guardsmen from all over Tunisia to suppress the uprising, leaving only about 500 soldiers to defend the port, the Europeans would never have taken Bizerte so easily.

He waved his hand to silence the naval officers who had just escaped from Bizerte and turned to signal a middle-aged official to follow him into the inner chamber. Frowning, he asked:

"Sinaneddin, the Europeans are already marching here. What do you think we should do about this?"

The middle-aged official, the Qadi of Tunis, equivalent to a prime minister, thought for a moment before lowering his head and saying:

"Great Bey, the Europeans are here to eliminate the pirates... because the navy has been raiding their merchant ships and demanding high ransoms."

"So, what are you suggesting?"

Sinaneddin whispered:

"Bey, the navy is technically not under your direct control. If sacrificing them could prevent further European retribution, it might be worth considering."

Upon hearing this, Hamud Ali nodded thoughtfully. "You have a point. Have the guardsmen detain those officers outside. You can tell the Europeans that we're willing to hand them over..."

Before he could finish, Hafsa, who had been quietly strumming her harp nearby, suddenly stood up and quickly approached, bowing respectfully and speaking urgently:

"Bey, Qadi, you must not hand over the navy!"

"Oh? Why not?" Ali turned to her.

"You are the protector of all of Tunis. If you fail to protect the navy now, the entire nation will lose faith in you."

Sinaneddin quickly interjected, "But what about the Europeans..."

"You don't need to worry," Hafsa replied dismissively. "I've heard that they only have two or three thousand men, while we have the guardsmen and the navy's soldiers. We have nothing to fear!"

Before Sinaneddin could argue, she continued:

"And with your main forces currently engaged with the rebels, any sign of weakness now would drive those who are still undecided to join Eunice!"

Hamud Ali hesitated at her words. Since Eunice's rebellion began, Hafsa's assessments of the situation had been spot on, demonstrating her exceptional strategic insight.

Moreover, as she pointed out, he needed to project strength to keep the various factions in Tunis under control.

As for the Europeans, the navy did attack their merchant ships, but as long as they were compensated enough, their anger should be appeased.

With this in mind, he turned to Sinaneddin: "Qadi, take 30,000 riyals and negotiate with the Europeans. We must protect the navy.

"Also, summon the guardsmen and reinforce the defenses of Tunis."

"But..." Sinaneddin wanted to argue further, but seeing the Bey's resolute attitude, he could only bow and accept the order before leaving.

A subtle glint flashed in Hafsa's eyes, though it was hard to notice. She didn't know why Hajji wanted her to convince Ali to protect the navy, but it seemed she had succeeded.

...

Bizerte was only 70 kilometers from Tunis. After three days of marching, the Guard Corps reached the outskirts of Tunis.

Coordinating with their movements, the joint fleet also sailed south to Tunis Harbor, leaving only one frigate and a few smaller ships to blockade Bizerte. After capturing the coastal fort, a small number of warships were sufficient to maintain the blockade.

(End of this chapter)

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