Translator: Cinder Translations
...
Just when everyone thought Paul should be feeling congratulatory, they saw the esteemed Earl of Alden with a long face, looking like he had just eaten a bitter melon.
"Earl Grayman?"
Earl Parker called out curiously.
No response.
Malon Ganard had more or less guessed what Paul was feeling at the moment.
He nudged his ally with his elbow. "Paul, the King's decree..."
"Hmm?" Paul came back to his senses and noticed Hansel looking at him with a strange expression.
"Earl Grayman thanks His Majesty the King for the grace!"
He immediately knelt on one knee and respectfully took the parchment.
Grace? This is clearly just creating trouble!
Paul wanted to establish an efficient administrative system that could communicate up and down the hierarchy and ensure smooth governance. This relied on high-quality officials at every level, not a bunch of local despots who thought the world revolved around them.
Although Paul was currently one of the many local despots of the Alden Kingdom, he definitely did not want to see such individuals among his subordinates.
He had worked hard to promote education and use exams to select qualified administrative staff, all to avoid this kind of situation.
Of course, Paul could use his power to choose not to grant titles or territories, or only bestow the title of a robe-wearing noble. But how would people view him? Other lords are so generous; why should he be so stingy?
How could he ensure the loyalty of his subordinates?
To grant titles or not? This was a very important question.
A recent development had already seen the emergence of a modernized regime in Alden, despite some backward aspects. Paul believed that as the regime continued to improve, problems would be resolved one by one.
A single act of granting titles could undo all the previous efforts and rapidly reduce the land he could actually control.
"Congratulations to Earl Grayman!"
The other lords, who did not know what Paul was thinking, came up to congratulate him.
"Thank you!"
Paul forced a smile as he thanked them one by one.
He accompanied his guests through the remaining machinery tours with mixed feelings.
"Earl Grayman!"
After the tour, Derrick Heller, the son of Earl Heller, excitedly called out to Paul.
"May I visit your firearm and artillery production facilities?"
This posed a difficult problem for Paul as it was one of Alden's top secrets.
"Uh... I'm terribly sorry!" Paul outright refused.
Old Heller quickly intervened to smooth things over. "Earl Grayman, Derrick is young and doesn't understand, please don't take offense."
"I'm very sorry. I was too presumptuous," Derrick said, his head hanging low and looking very dejected.
Perhaps he was just interested, with no ulterior motives. Paul had investigated and found that this young noble was impulsive but quite straightforward.
"Sir Viscount, there will be a coordinated drill of infantry and artillery tomorrow morning. If you're interested, you may observe it."
Derrick's mood brightened instantly, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"That's wonderful, thank you very much, Earl Grayman. I can't wait to see the impressive military forces under your command."
He clenched his fists tightly, showing great enthusiasm.
Earl Winfreid Heller sighed and said to the others, "I apologize for my son's behavior. He has always been fascinated by war, and the recent conflict excited him so much that he still finds it unsatisfactory."
Everyone nodded and laughed, as they had witnessed Derrick's bravery in battle, though he could sometimes be reckless.
...
Two days later, Admiral Austin of the Alden Navy arrived in Alden Town to attend a high-level military and political conference at the lord's residence.
Nowadays, communication between Alden Town and Frand Port was very swift, thanks to the newly functioning flag signal "telegraph" system. A message sent from Alden Town could reach the recipient in half an hour, with only about ten minutes spent on actual transmission time. Most of the time was used for translating signals and delivering physical letters.
In addition to the line from "Frand Port—Alden Town—Buteya," more lines were under construction. These telegraph lines would soon connect Alden—Byerldine—Emden tightly together, with Alden Town acting as the brain of the octopus. Signals from the brain could be instantly transmitted to the tentacles, and any sensations from the tentacles could also be quickly sent back to the brain.
The conference's topic was whether to keep the Tirpitz Fleet stationed at the Western Port to assist the kingdom's naval defense.
There were no intense debates during the meeting.
"After nearly two years of sweeping operations, pirates in the Northwest Bay have been eradicated, and there is no significant naval force in other coastal territories, so we don't face much defensive pressure."
"Keeping the fleet facing threats could train their combat capabilities."
"A sharp sword will rust if not used."
"Keeping the fleet in the south can protect our merchants."
So, it was decided that the fleet would stay in the south. Paul made the final decision to keep the fleet stationed there.
"The only issue is the mood of the other commanders."
Austin said with some difficulty, "You know, Tirpitz has taken most of the combat-capable warships with him. Quik and Yarman... are almost left with nothing."
Paul rubbed his head and said, "Build new warships for the First and Second Fleets. Tell Quik and Yarman that I will build larger three-masted warships to serve as their flagships."
Austin looked troubled again and said, "But, my lord, the shipyards in Frand Port and the one we bought in Lanaka are already filled with orders for civilian ships. It may take years to build new warships."
Paul waved his hand, "Then build a third shipyard. Director Ford, let the administrative council handle the construction of the third shipyard. If finances are tight, we can raise funds through securities in the exchange. The profits can be shared, but the management rights must remain with us."
"Yes, my lord," Old Ford nodded and recorded the instructions.
Austin looked overjoyed, "Then I will express my gratitude to you on behalf of the entire navy. Please watch, in a few years, the fish in the sea from Frand Port to the Western Port will leap out and shout 'Long live Earl Grayman.'"
With the decision made, Paul announced the meeting adjourned. However, no one moved from their seats.
Paul glanced around and saw that, except for the elderly Ford and Schroeder who were resting their eyes, everyone else was looking at him with eager and hopeful expressions.
That was a look of hope! A look of yearning! Even Bryce with his prominent eyebrows and big eyes...
Oh no! Paul inwardly groaned. Could it be that the news Hansel brought two days ago has already leaked? There were quite a few people present at that time, and it was hard to keep it confidential with other lords around.
Seeing their expressions, it looked like they were about to pressure him into something.
(End of the Chapter)
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