A group of pirates, actually attempting to clash head-on with regular forces?
They simply do not realize what it is that allows them to dominate in the Feld Archipelago...
The governors of the Feld Archipelago rely on them to exploit the island's populace.
But it's not to say that they are indispensable.
Pirates can be replaced at any time, which makes perfect sense; indeed, it's not necessary to rely on a pirate system, one could involve bandits, mountain thieves, or even find a major businessman from Dennisiowa to run companies here—with the same outcome.
Though there are some governors who might have connections with the higher ranks of the Steel Wine Alliance, hence they would send batches of military supplies... but pirates are just pirates, a mere mob.
Even if they obtained these military supplies, Annan doesn't think they can win.
Because the governors directly related to the Steel Wine Alliance are, after all, the minority.
