章節 146: Constantly Cutting in Line Passengers
Translator: Cinder Translations
...
"Lord Grayman, I have an awkward request," said the female consultant quietly approaching Paul after everyone returned to the naval base.
"What awkward request, Miss Ladia?" Paul inquired.
The consultant hesitated, "May I accompany the ship southward?"
"Are you interested in exploring the new route?" Paul asked.
"Not quite, I want to travel on the Southern Star to bring my mother to live with me from our hometown. Even though the Southern Star may not reach the Angle Bay, I'll manage the rest of the journey on my own. You see, due to my other identity, traveling by sea is more convenient and quicker."
Paul wasn't pleased hearing this; the 'witch' before him was a key to understanding unknown territories. What if this 'key' was lost along the way?
However, outright refusal would be unkind, especially given her legitimate reasons.
"I've been neglectful of your family matters. Let me speak to Austin; I'm not familiar with ship matters and don't know if we can accommodate one more person."
The consultant bowed slightly, "Thank you, my lord."
Paul continued, "But haven't you always been traveling with your adventurous companions? Is it safe for you to travel alone after disembarking?"
Confidently, the consultant replied, "I have traveled alone for a long time."
"Perhaps I could send someone to bring your mother here? Then you wouldn't need to make such a long trip," Paul suggested.
"No, I must do this myself. If the Commander of the Navy disagrees, I will travel south by land," the consultant insisted firmly.
"In that case, I will instruct the Southern Star to sail as far south as possible and have the crew accompany you ashore for assistance."
...
"Well, since it's the Earl's wish, the ship can accommodate quite a few more people," Paul informed Admiral Austin of Ladia's request, which he reluctantly approved.
Seeing the Admiral's furrowed brow, Paul knew Austin was extremely reluctant.
"Is there a difficulty?" Paul inquired.
"Yes, my lord. Generally, it's not advisable for women to travel on a warship. With men everywhere, the moral implications aside, the amount of fresh water they consume is unbelievable. They want fresh water for washing small items, and they will go to any lengths to get it. They can corrode sentries, sergeants, and even officers on the ship - in short, they corrode the entire ship's officers and men, even if this is not their intention."
Austin added solemnly, "Especially a beautiful woman like Miss Ladia, even if she just goes up on deck to get some fresh air, it can distract many men who lack determination from their duties."
"And besides, the Southern Star isn't a large ship; it only has one separate cabin for the captain. Where would you let her sleep?"
"Well, I'll talk to her again."
...
"I didn't expect Admiral Austin, who has always been courteous, to harbor such prejudices against women! It's really unbelievable," the consultant complained angrily. "Does he think every woman is a delicate hothouse flower? As a former adventurer who has traveled many seas, do I not understand how precious fresh water is on board?"
Paul shrugged helplessly, "Well... there's nothing we can do. The Southern Star is testing its endurance, which means it will try to avoid shore as much as possible, making fresh water on board even more scarce than usual."
"Trust me, Lord Grayman, I can overcome these minor difficulties."
"But what about the other thing Austin mentioned? I heard that staying on board for too long can make even a sow look beautiful."
"Oh, that's even easier to solve!"
With these words, the consultant left, leaving Paul baffled.
A guard broke his reverie, "Lord Grayman, there are some people at the base claiming to be local merchants, requesting an audience with you."
"Let them in."
Shortly after the guard left, a group of people crowded into his makeshift office.
Paul recognized some faces, like the ship merchant Bennett Todd and the salt merchant Gedwyn Toby. However, they couldn't simply be called ship or salt merchants anymore. They had invested heavily in Paul's advocated "emerging industries" such as papermaking, canning, porcelain, and more, earning substantial profits and contributing a considerable amount of tax revenue to the Council of State.
There were also a few people Paul didn't know, but they were dressed as merchants.
"Lord Grayman."
The group respectfully bowed to the lord.
"What brings you all to see me?" Paul asked.
The merchants exchanged glances before Mr. Todd spoke cautiously, "We heard you are arranging a ship to sail south to open a new route?"
Paul nodded, "Yes, I remember discussing this with you all."
Excitement flashed across the merchants' faces; Lord Grayman wasn't just talking, he was making moves.
"Well... could we...," Mr. Todd carefully crafted his words, "could we be allowed to select a few representatives to accompany the ship south?"
"To conduct an inspection?" Paul continued for him.
Mr. Todd's eyes lit up, "Yes, exactly, to conduct an inspection."
Paul inwardly chuckled at these merchants' keen sense. He had wanted this enthusiasm from the merchants.
He had forgotten about this earlier; he had planned to announce this after the Southern Star made a round trip. Unexpectedly, the merchants had come to him on their own initiative, which suited Paul's intentions perfectly. He wanted them to see firsthand the excellent performance of the new ship, the business opportunities in the south, and the vast prospects of maritime trade.
Thus, under the eager gazes of the merchants, Paul slammed his hand on the table.
"I agree! But how many of you can come will need to be discussed with the Navy."
"You are really wise, my lord!" The merchants beamed with joy, praising Paul one after another.
...
"Lord Earl, this will put me in a very difficult position."
The Admiral looked gloomy, "This kind of matter should have been proposed and planned earlier."
"I neglected it. However, please consider allowing these merchant representatives to come with us. This is crucial for future long-distance trade," Paul admitted somewhat sheepishly.
"Very well, I'll go back and have a meeting with Quik and try to adjust things as much as possible."
Just then, there came a steady knock on the door.
"Come in," Paul called out.
The door opened, and in walked... a handsome young man.
This young man had long black hair, a smooth and fair complexion, long and slightly curled eyelashes framing clear, dewy eyes that sparkled with a hint of mystery. Adding to his charm were two neatly trimmed mustaches that perfectly balanced his somewhat effeminate aura.
Paul was stunned!
Austin was also taken aback. What kind of guard was stationed at the door? He had never seen such a person at the base. How could he be let in so casually, especially right after the Earl encountered an assassination attempt?
Just as the Admiral was about to call for assistance, the man spoke, his voice causing both men in the room to nearly jump.
"My lord Earl, Admiral, may I now be allowed to board the Southern Star?"
This was clearly the voice of the female consultant!
(End of the Chapter)
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票