Near East Region, New Moon Port.
Amid a chorus of whistles, the ships slowly entered the harbor, and thunderous applause erupted from the docks.
To celebrate the port's official opening, every major force in the kingdom had sent representatives to attend the ceremony in person.
As the host, Hudson naturally could not be absent.
"Everyone, the opening ceremony is over. There will be a celebratory banquet later, so feel free to enjoy yourselves for now!"
The brief speech left the guests utterly baffled. Although lengthy speeches were not popular in the Alpha Kingdom, this was far too simple.
Hudson paid no heed to their astonished expressions. He had been forced into attending today in the first place; who had the time to stand around spouting nonsense?
As long as the ceremony was properly held, that was enough. For the people below, getting a day off was no easy thing.
To meet the deadline, construction at New Moon Port had run in three shifts around the clock from beginning to end.
"Prime Minister, what do you make of this?"
One of the accompanying officials asked nervously.
Before the kingdom's representatives had even taken the stage, Hudson had declared the ceremony over. It was inevitable that people would read political implications into it.
Whenever powerful figures clashed, the little people suffered first. If things turned ugly, officials like them who had been responsible for organizing everything would most likely be made scapegoats.
"What is there to make of it? This has always been Marshal Hudson's style. Since the ceremony is over, we should go back and rest."
Prime Minister Grand Duke Newfoundland said without changing expression.
Though his face showed nothing, he knew perfectly well that Hudson was declaring his sovereignty over New Moon Port.
As the first large port in the