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Chapter 513 Selecting Talents

?Howard settled into his chair, initially crossing his legs casually, but then reconsidered and sat up straight.

Speaking earnestly to Vettel, he said, "Strength is relative to whom you compare it with. Aragon might be strong, but now they're confined to the Yoruba continent and haven't made any moves in colonizing the New World. Their power is stagnant; it won't increase much further."

"On the other hand, Castile is expanding vigorously in the New World. Their expansion is rapid and determined. The entire southeast is now under the rule of the Kingdom of Castile. Castile will only grow stronger, whereas Aragon shows no signs of development. Such an ally is definitely not what we need."

Vettel pondered over Howard's words, then accepted his reasoning.

He left to purchase ships from the Duchy of Naples.

A day later, Bosiden was dispatched to Venice to explain that the ship purchase incident was a misunderstanding.

The Governor of Venice acknowledged that he had been too impulsive and asked Bosiden to convey his apologies to Howard.

Three days later, in the County of Luka, a fleet comprising 50 escort ships and 20 transport vessels was fully assembled, with crew members manning their posts.

The only remaining task was the selection of an admiral.

While Rolf's choice of admiral was undoubtedly an excellent navigator and naval strategist, Howard lacked such connections.

Despite enlisting Resarite and Anna to help find suitable candidates, none of their recommendations satisfied him.

Resarite, with his old-school army mindset, wasn't very knowledgeable about maritime affairs, which Howard had gradually come to realize.

The candidate he proposed was an artillery officer, but Howard needed someone capable of leading a fleet to colonize the New World, not just someone fixated on naval warfare.

The conversation was awkward, and they failed to reach an agreement, leading the artillery officer to seek employment elsewhere.

Anna's recommendation was even more baffling: a fortress maintenance expert.

Had it not been for Anna's enthusiastic endorsement, Howard would have dismissed the idea outright.

In deference to Anna, Howard met with the fortress expert, but his smile soon froze.

Howard began to doubt whether this person had ever even seen the ocean.

The candidate proposed an outlandish idea of gathering ships to form a floating fortress to attack any enemy fleets that passed by.

In his mind, Howard thought, "Why wouldn't I just control a strait or canal instead? Drifting in the ocean every day, how much would that cost? And what about the maintenance of the ships?"

The fortress maintenance expert's suggestion was so amateurish that Howard didn't bother to give it further thought.

Closing his eyes and sighing, he gestured towards the door, indicating that the self-proclaimed "Naval Fortress Maintenance Admiral" could leave.

Under Golan's watchful eye, the "Fortress Admiral," disgruntled, left the room, muttering angrily on his way out, "Hmph, you decadent nobles are so blind! No wonder you're being left behind by the times! Someone else will see the value in my plan! Just you wait and see!"

At this, Golan drew his sword, the sound of the blade sliding from its sheath causing the man's legs to buckle in fear.

He pleaded, "I was wrong, I was wrong, noble sir, it was just a joke, just a joke."

Howard, appearing weary like an old man, signaled Golan to stand down and let the man leave.

After his departure, Golan whispered, "Since he challenged the status of the nobility, why not punish him?"

Howard shook his head, "Let it be. The times have changed, and there are many who share his ideas. It's just that not everyone is as vocal about it."

Both candidates recommended to Howard were far from satisfactory.

He mentioned the situation to Catherine, asking if she had any suggestions.

Catherine suggested her father, Count Terni, might have a solution.

Howard was skeptical but still allowed Catherine to try to make contact.

…

On this day, Count Terni arrived in Lagusa, leading a bearded man, with Catherine following behind.

Approaching Howard's room, Catherine moved to the front and, as the Duchess, knocked on the door.

After Howard's invitation to enter, the group stepped into the room.

Unexpectedly, the man Terni brought managed to impress Howard.

A playful smile appeared on Howard's face as he asked Count Terni, "I must ask, how does a count from an inland region come to know such a maritime talent?"

Terni, deliberately keeping it a secret, playfully responded, "I won't tell you."

Howard chuckled and stood up to shake hands with the man Terni had brought.

"You're quite remarkable. I am very satisfied with you. You have your own insights on commercial trade and transport plans, which align closely with my own philosophy. I feel confident entrusting the fleet to you."

The man, named Andrea, may not have been as renowned as Antonio, whom Rolf had hired at great expense, but he was the most suitable person Howard could find at the moment.

The ships had been docked at the harbor for several days, and the precious time bought with gold during the purchase should not be wasted on prolonged docking.

Howard asked Andrea, "How long do you need to get ready? When can you board the ship?"

Andrea replied that he could do so immediately, to Howard's satisfaction.

"Good, then off you go. At the harbor, look for Bosiden. He will introduce you to the crew."

As evening approached, the ships left the harbor, with escort vessels and transport ships sailing towards the ocean.

The transport ships were filled with people who had signed up to go to the New World over the past days.

Among them were individuals from all walks of life: the rich and the poor, and even those with all sorts of odd and peculiar reasons for embarking on this journey.

The New World was like a bleaching agent; no matter who you were before, arriving there meant a chance to start anew.

The wealthy had their own worries, and the poor their struggles, but having chosen the New World, it promised to yield returns on their investments.

During these days, Howard's first independent New World base had taken shape, with a community of 56 people that was continuously expanding.

The era was thus changing; wealth was gradually ceasing to be a rhetoric exclusive to the nobility.

Even a casual glance towards the coastal areas would reveal merchants without noble titles who were wealthier than some minor nobles.

Some of these people were securing their first fortunes, cautiously hiding their money within their garments with great care and vigilance.

This batch, aspiring to become successful merchants, had heard of the malpractices and ugliness of certain large trading companies.

Therefore, they were determined not to be deceived, trusting no one but themselves.

They safeguarded their money as if protecting their very lives, with their eyes constantly drifting yet sharp.

When they noticed someone staring, especially at the spot where their money was hidden, their gaze would turn fierce, filled with warning and threat.

Similarly, when a raggedly dressed poor person approached, they became extremely vigilant, as if guarding against potential danger.

If the wealthy on the transport ships were mostly small-scale asset holders or budding businesspeople, brimming with dreams of making a fortune in the New World, the reasons for the poor venturing there were much more varied.

For them, the New World represented hope.

Howard had already issued instructions that every person on this batch of ships would receive a subsidy of 20 silver coins.

He provided ample support for those willing to take a chance.

In addition, a significant supply of fruits, vegetables, and grains would be distributed upon disembarkation, ensuring that no one willing to start a new life in the New World would starve.

Howard viewed the colonization of the New World as even more critical than his current territories.

Although Bosiden had expressed concern about setting sail in the evening, Andrea had cheerfully dismissed it: "It's fine. We're going to spend many days and nights at sea; a single evening won't make a difference," adding to himself that Howard was eager for them to depart as soon as possible.

With a wave goodbye, Bosiden saw off Andrea and the crew, who waved back from the sailing ship.

When Bosiden reported to Howard that the fleet, which had been docked for several days, had finally left the harbor, he noticed a genuine sense of relief and relaxation on Howard's face.

It was as if a burden that had been weighing on Howard for several days had finally been lifted.