Translator: Cinder Translations
...
The weather was exceptionally clear, with the blue sky merging seamlessly with the distant sea. Fluffy white clouds dotted the sunny sky, and a gentle sea breeze carried a faint salty scent, creating a refreshing atmosphere.
It was a perfect day for strolling along the beach or having a picnic. Many people had gathered along the shores of Frand Port, mostly town residents—fishermen, merchants, and women with children.
However, they weren't here just for leisurely walks or picnics. Most of them were gazing out at the western sea, occasionally exclaiming in admiration or discussing in small groups.
On the distant sea, a ship that locals would consider peculiar was swiftly navigating.
This strange ship had no oars and measured just over 20 meters in length. At its bow, a long, sharply inclined mast extended forward like a sword, while on its deck, there was only a single mast mounted aft. Together with the inclined bow mast, it supported four triangular sails. At the top of the mast hung two cross sails, and behind the mast, a huge mainsail was raised, resembling the dorsal fin of a shark when viewed from afar.
This was the newly constructed sloop ship from the shipyard, its unique design exuding a distinct beauty that captivated those on shore.
"Hahaha! I absolutely love this beauty!"
On the deck of the sloop ship, former pirate captain Quik shouted excitedly. He had been entrusted with the helm for this test voyage. According to Paul's design, a pulley and rope-based Polard steering system had been installed by the shipwrights based on the schematic. Now, turning the helm on the deck allowed for relatively easy adjustment of the rudder.
Under Quik's command, the sloop ship continuously changed its direction, sometimes sailing straight and sometimes circling on the vast sea.
Of course, being a sailboat, coordinated effort from the crew handling the sails was essential. They had to promptly adjust the sails according to the wind direction to maintain the ship's propulsion.
There were over a dozen people on the sloop ship's deck, including the shipyard supervisor Rubin, the old shipwright Benjamin, and "Naval Commander" Austin.
Rubin was visibly excited. Lord Grayman's model had finally materialized.
Benjamin was tearful; after years of waiting, his long-cherished dream had finally come true. Though this ship was still small, it was just the beginning. Earl Grayman had promised him larger sailboats in the future.
Since this was a trial voyage for a new ship, they had brought along a rowing sailboat as a precaution, in case they needed to rescue anyone.
The wind was strong that day, allowing the sloop ship to reach speeds of over ten knots. Initially, the rowing sailboat managed to keep up easily, but after half a day of trial, as the rowers tired and Quik's adventurous maneuvers, it gradually fell behind the sloop ship.
Some sailors on the sloop ship teased those far behind on the rowing sailboat with various grimaces and odd calls, making the deck lively.
Among the excited crew, only Austin remained calm, his hands folded across his chest as if contemplating something.
At that moment, a sailor holding a telescope shouted to him, "Signals from shore, they want us to return immediately."
Austin immediately commanded loudly, "Return!"
Quik grumbled discontentedly, "I haven't had enough fun yet..."
However, months of military life had made him wary of disobeying orders. With the helm turned, the sloop ship made a turn and headed back towards the shipyard harbor.
...
More than two months later, Paul returned once again to Frand Port.
Accompanying him were several Directorate officials, including Hansel, Chief of Staff Schroder, Minister of Equipment Kelly, Minister of Logistics Ron, and two female advisors, Betty and Ladia. Many of them wanted to see the new type of ship mentioned by Earl Grayman.
After exchanging pleasantries with the town mayor and others who had come to greet him at the city gate, he led his entourage straight to the shipyard.
By the time he arrived, the sloop ship had already set out on its trial voyage.
It wasn't surprising that they hadn't waited for him; he had issued orders himself: once the ship was built, they were to send him a message, and everything would proceed according to the scheduled plan without waiting for his arrival to begin the trial.
Time was extremely tight, and any delay in progress was intolerable.
Coincidentally, the Kent family had temporarily abandoned plans for war, so upon receiving the news, he rushed over, bringing along 20 naval cannons.
When he saw the silhouette of the sailboat on the distant sea, his heart was filled with excitement, eager to personally go aboard and inspect it.
He instructed those staying ashore to signal for return, and soon the sloop ship headed towards the shipyard's harbor.
...
"Grayman, my lord!"
Austin saluted Paul with a standard military salute.
Paul smiled and returned the gesture, "Thank you for your hard work, Commander."
Austin modestly replied, "Not at all, the hardest work was done by Supervisor Rubin and Master Benjamin."
"Haha, I won't forget the contributions of these two," Paul said, shaking hands warmly with Austin and the two men beside him, expressing his gratitude.
"I must thank you too, my lord!" Old Benjamin held Paul's hand tightly, unwilling to let go.
Paul teased him, "Master Benjamin, from now on, you're free to build ships as much as you want here, as long as you don't find it too tiring."
Benjamin repeatedly said, "Not too tiring, not too tiring at all, how could it be tiring!"
Then Paul patted Rubin on the shoulder, "Let's go, Mr. Supervisor, lead me aboard to see this ship."
Rubin proudly said, "Lord Grayman, I can't wait to show you this ship; you're going to love her."
After boarding the sloop ship, Paul carefully inspected every part and was very satisfied.
He asked, "Do we have a name for this beauty?"
Rubin said, "My lord, this ship holds great significance; only you are qualified to name her!"
Paul enjoyed the flattery and chuckled, "Well then, I won't hold back."
Paul pondered deeply, wondering what name would elevate the ship's prestige.
Finally, he thought to himself with a sigh, "Ah! I really have no talent for naming things. Oh well, simplicity is true."
"I've decided!" Paul pointed his finger forcefully towards the sea and shouted, "This ship shall be named 'Hope', symbolizing our hope to conquer the seas!"
"Clap! Clap! Clap!" People around him applauded.
Austin shook his head with a grin, "Truly worthy of Lord Grayman, 'Hope' is a perfectly fitting name."
Rubin nodded in agreement, "Indeed, indeed, Lord Earl always names things with such profound meaning, such profound meaning."
Hearing his subordinates' words, Lord Earl suddenly felt a surge of great enthusiasm.
He gestured broadly, "Continue to build new dry docks and expand the shipyard's capacity; we must expand! Expand!"
Austin, Rubin, Benjamin, and the others were delighted to hear this!
(End of the Chapter)