It was finally the day of the bireme commission. After an intensive introductory course on operating the ship and its advanced mechanisms, everyone from the Cinna and Dominatus houses in Mariana gathered at the docks. Even my father, Lucius Dominatus, had taken a leave of absence from Rome to witness the occasion. Standing at the forefront with him was Lucius Cinna, his equal in rank and influence. Together, they watched as the culmination of months of effort came into view.
The Argonaut.
Named after the legendary ship of myth, it was no ordinary bireme. From our vantage point on the pier, we watched it maneuver effortlessly across the water, even at incredible speeds. While a standard bireme could navigate at three to five knots, The Argonaut surpassed expectations, achieving a remarkable 10 knots thanks to its innovative mechanics.
Lord Cinna was utterly captivated. He clasped his hands behind his back, leaning slightly forward as though trying to absorb every detail.
- Even seeing it with my own eyes, it's hard to believe.
he marveled, shaking his head.
- A month and a half. That's all it took to put this magnificent ship to sea. Outstanding, boy! Absolutely outstanding! This is a quarter of the time it would take most craftsmen. Even my informants couldn't explain how you pulled this off so quickly. If this process can be scaled, the preparations for the Second Legion could be halved!
He turned to my father, his enthusiasm contagious.
Lucius Dominatus, ever the pragmatist, nodded but added his perspective.
- As far as I know, this ship could outmaneuver any fleet in no time. Its use as a scout vessel is invaluable. Our fleets won't have to slow down to maintain awareness of their surroundings. Imagine navigating at full speed while staying informed. Brat, you've done well. I fear I may have raised you for the wrong career!
I chuckled at their praises. Compliments from these two men were no small thing. They represented power, discipline, and the weight of expectation. But their words carried a tinge of hope, too—a belief that my efforts were paving the way for something greater.
- As much as your words warm my heart.
I began.
- it's precisely because of that trust that I acquired the shipyard. I've delegated its daily operations to my retinue. For now, my focus is on raising a centuria for the upcoming war. The forge and the training barracks are the only businesses I'll oversee moving forward.
My father's grin widened, and I knew what was coming next. He had long been curious about the rumors spreading through Mariana—rumors of the fearsome warriors under my command, clad in steel armor, their very presence intimidating even seasoned soldiers.
- Ah, yes.
he said, unable to resist.
- I couldn't forget that. Tell me, son, how did you manage to heal those bedridden veterans? As much as you try to keep it hidden, it's impossible not to notice their miraculous recovery. And their… unique characteristics.
His gaze shifted briefly to Titus, my trusted lieutenant, whose green eyes glowed faintly against the backdrop of dark, vein-like markings.
- It's simple, Father.
I replied, keeping my tone measured.
- Everything is alive, even diseases or conditions. To heal them, you must first destroy the parasites inhabiting their bodies. My solution was straightforward: I developed a water-based poison that flows through their systems. With the help of my mana core, I can cleanse their afflictions, allowing their bodies to heal naturally.
This was purely the art of bullshitting, before he could press further, I added.
- And no, I won't share the spell. Its value lies in its exclusivity. Sharing it would only diminish its worth.
My father's expression hardened, a mixture of pride and irritation. He didn't like being denied, but he respected my resolve. He had raised his sons to be self-reliant, and I was proving to be exceptional in that regard.
As our conversation continued, Adrian, one of my closest advisors, stepped forward. His gaze was sharp, focused.
- I've secured a batch of slaves to establish carpenters' workshops in key locations across the city.
he began.
- I'm confident your blacksmiths can handle the demand for the metal components of the upcoming ships. Now, the real question: How many ships like The Argonaut can we realistically produce before the war?
His bluntness redirected the flow of conversation, and I appreciated his practicality.
- If you bring in skilled carpenters.
I replied
- we'll need three months to establish the production chain. After that, we'll have three months left for construction. Each shipyard could produce three ships in that time. With six shipyards in Mariana, we can complete eighteen ships before deployment. As for this shipyard
I added with a smile.
- I have other plans. I intend to construct a flagship for myself.
Adrian raised an eyebrow.
- A flagship? Are you planning to build a quinquereme in this small shipyard? You'll need to expand it significantly.
I shook my head.
- Not a quinquereme. I have a new design in mind, optimized for troop transportation.
Though my words reassured him, I was far from satisfied. My true vision extended beyond conventional designs. While I had no intention of introducing firearms or cannons to our naval fleet, and neither on this world, I envisioned a superior vessel armed with scorpions, ballistae, and catapults to dominate the seas. Expanding the shipyard would be a challenge, but it was a necessary step toward realizing my ambitions.
Later that evening, after The Argonaut was officially handed over to the Cinna house, both families gathered at the Dominatus household for a celebratory feast. The grand dining hall was filled with the aroma of roasted meats, spiced wine, and freshly baked bread.
I sat beside my fiancée, Lucia, who smiled warmly as we spoke about the day's events. On her other side was her brother, who had his own thoughts about the upcoming war.
My father, ever the bearer of both wisdom and hard truths, took the opportunity to share news that would define my role in the conflict.
- As much as I'd like to influence your army assignment, your brother has already pulled strings.
he began, his tone firm.
- But make no mistake, Victor—I've never handed anything to my sons for free. You agreed to this marriage knowing its consequences. You'll be leading a maniple of auxiliary troops, specifically velites.
Velites. The word hung in the air like a curse. These were skirmishers, lightly armed and untrained, whose primary role was to throw javelins. Even with the centuria of guards I had raised, their main weapons would be the same. If we failed to retreat after the skirmish phase, we'd be trapped between the enemy lines.
- Your brother, on the other hand.
my father continued.
- will command a fully trained cavalry centuria. It's clear he used your lack of formal military accomplishments to throw you to the wolves. Your only task now is to survive.
I leaned back in my chair, a smile playing at my lips. His words were meant to intimidate, but I found them oddly liberating. Survival was something I had grown adept at.
- If you handle the recruitment
I replied.
- I'll take care of the equipment. At least with superior arms and armor, we'll stand a chance—even if we're caught between armies.
Lucia reached for my hand beneath the table, her touch grounding me. Her eyes conveyed a mixture of concern and determination. She believed in me, even when others sought to undermine my position.