After dinner, the Duke of Richmond and Isabel strolled through the courtyard where the Bishop of Durham had previously learned the obscurity of God. The Duke of Richmond sometimes walked leisurely along the stone-paved paths, and sometimes walked with the other on the soft, green grass. After Isabel had roughly recounted her thoughts, the Duke of Richmond's face looked no longer sorrowful.

As he gradually regained the pride and conceit of the noble Prince Henry, who had the titles of Duke Richmond and Somerset, the Duke of Richmond nodded lightly, "Isabel, if these two methods can be won, Your Majesty's negotiations with the French in Calais may be able to get an unexpected result. ”

Isabel only whispered, "Henry, whatever the outcome of the negotiations, I hope that our war with the French can be ended as soon as possible." This war for Italy has been fought for many years, and it is time to put an end to it. ”

"You're right. Because His Majesty assisted the Spaniards in this war, in which we did not benefit at all, His Majesty and the Kingdom were already burdened with a debt that could not be paid at all. ”

"Henry, do you know how much the kingdom owes until now?"

"Well, I remember once His Majesty mentioned it to me, probably £2,800,000. His Majesty, in order to raise military expenses from Antwerp, even promised an annual interest rate of 140%. ”

Isabel shook her head helplessly and smiled lightly, "Henry, I think that if Your Majesty borrowed money from merchants in the south to pay for military expenses, the annual interest rate might not be so high. ”

The Duke of Richmond felt that what she was saying was a way to raise money for the military, but it was too late. He sighed slightly and said, "The trouble caused by debt can be dealt with slowly in the future. Now, fighting the French talent who was about to invade the kingdom was the first priority. ”

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Two days later, Viscount Lyle accompanied the Duke of Richmond and Lady Ripley to Whitehall to meet Henry VIII with the news that he had been allowed to see His Majesty the King. Since the purpose of this meeting with Henry VIII was to discuss naval affairs against the French invasion, Viscount Lyle also sent an attendant to the Maritime Affairs Committee to bring some more detailed maritime maps.

While three nobles dressed in aristocratic dresses were seated and waiting for His Majesty in Henry VIII's own drawing-room, a lady-in-waiting of Queen Catherine Parr conveyed to Isabel Her Majesty's instructions: Queen Catherine intended to invite Isabel to the Queen's dining room for lunch after the meeting.

A short time later, Henry VIII, who was still sitting in a chair, was carried out of the palace by four attendants with two wooden sticks and chairs to the living room. When the three nobles came forward to salute each according to their ranks, Henry VIII, who still looked haggard, only nodded his head to greet the three of them.

Afterwards, Viscount Lyle, who was standing on one side, said respectfully to Henry VIII, who was sitting on the throne, "Your Majesty, when I met with Lady Ripley a few days ago, the Lord and I spoke about the imminent invasion of the kingdom by the French. ”

Henry VIII nodded and looked at the three nobles present with expressionless faces, "Well, John, did you get any good advice from Lady Isabel?" ”

"Yes, Your Majesty, that's why I've come to see you today."

"Say it."

"Your Majesty, well, Lady Ripley did not tell me her opinion. So, it's up to the Lord to tell you. ”

Henry VIII slowly turned his gaze to Isabel standing last on the left, and said thoughtfully, "Madam, John told me that you will only speak your opinion if you let the Duke participate in this battle?" ”

Isabelle, dressed in a viscountess-level dress, took two steps forward, turned around and stood in front of Henry VIII with a nodding in reserve, "Yes, Your Majesty." After all, His Highness is the highest-ranking nobleman you have conferred the titles of Lord Chancellor and Admiral. I think that His Highness can learn more about maritime affairs, and let His Highness strictly perform his naval duties. ”

When his illegitimate son, the Duke of Richmond, reached the age of six, Henry VIII did not seriously consider the question of involving his illegitimate son in the increasingly complicated affairs of the court. Now, now that the bastard's lieutenant had mentioned the problem, he thought he might as well give it a try. Staring at the serious Lady Ripley, she nodded, "Well, tell me, what kind of opinion do you have?" ”

Only then did Isabel come up with the two anti-landing operations plans she had hatched. When she finished explaining the plan of concentrating the fire of the ships to attack the French forces and the concentration of the ships, and delaying the time of their departure, Henry VIII nodded with interest, and looked at the Viscount Lyle on the side, "John, take out the maritime map." ”

John Dudley, Viscount Lyle, hurriedly laid a very detailed maritime map on the table, and asked two court attendants to carry the table in front of Henry VIII. Henry VIII held a wine glass and looked earnestly at the maritime map depicting the coasts of England and France.

At this time, he stretched out his index finger and pointed to Le Havre (a port town in the Normandy region of northern France) on the right side of the maritime map, and then looked up at Isabel who was gathered around the table, "Madame, Francis I's fleet is concentrated here, but his army is scattered throughout Normandy. So, where do you want to attack the French? ”

Isabel quietly looked down at the maritime map, and soon straightened up to look at Henry VIII, "Your Majesty, the number of your warships is less than half that of the French. Therefore, we will not be able to attack the French army until we have information on the exact location of the French army. ”

After speaking, he looked at the other two nobles and looked at Henry VIII, and said solemnly: "Your Majesty, my opinion is... Le Havre was the first target. ”

At this time, the Duke of Richmond glanced at his father, "Your Majesty, the French have gathered 400 warships in a port town. Our warships are numerically ... I'm afraid it's not their opponent. ”

"Henry, are you scared?" Henry VIII glanced at the bastard and asked in a deep voice.

"No, Your Majesty, I will not be afraid to face the French." The Duke of Richmond hurriedly defended himself.

"Madame, you hear me." Henry VIII didn't bother with the bastard, but focused his gaze on Isabel's face again, "400 ships are not so easy to destroy. ”

Isabel nodded calmly, "Your Majesty, I know that for the first attack, we only need to do a heavy blow to the French fleet. ”

Viscount Lyle nodded, and said suddenly, "This attack is going to take a lot of risks. If the attack is unsuccessful, then ......"