First Fleet
New recruit training is proceeding in an orderly manner. Although active duty troops are not allowed to interfere with the recruitment and training of new recruits according to regulations, the subsequent allocation of new recruits is a two-way selection process. Now, all units have begun to organize personnel to observe the new recruit training and identify the best performers in advance so that the best personnel can be allocated to them as soon as possible in the future.
Victor would inspect the recruit training every other day. He didn't ask for anything else, just to become a familiar face to all the soldiers. There was a huge portrait of him in the recruit camp's mess hall. Every time he went to the recruit camp, Victor would ask the recruit camp to improve the food.
This will leave an impression of Victor on the new recruits, letting them know that he is the highest-ranking officer in the army, and that they know whose rations they eat and whose lives they are fighting for.
On May 24, the fourth day of recruit training, the first fleet of ships from the Golden Sunflower Territory finally arrived at the Wood Fort Town dock. This batch of ships was unusually large, exceeding 30 vessels. Victor personally went to the dock to welcome them after hearing the news.
When Victor arrived at the dock, in addition to the dock manager, Victor also found that the president of the Gorn Trading Company, Vitri, Captain Jack, and the Detachment Commander of the two mixed infantry and cavalry squads, Zieg and Rodriguez, had already disembarked and were waiting.
Victor said directly to the three of them, "You must be tired from your journey. Please arrange for the unloading." He then turned to Chairman Vitri and said, "Vitri, why are you here so early? I thought you would be arriving in a while."
"Your Excellency, you wrote to me, and especially mentioned such an important matter in your letter. How could I not come as soon as possible? Although the Gorn Trading Company has developed well in the Duchy in recent years, it has always lacked a large number of commodities that can be traded in large quantities to control prices, which has been a great source of trouble for me. I didn't expect you to suddenly send such good news: a large iron mine that can guarantee the sale of thousands of tons of pig iron every year. If I don't rush to come here, wouldn't I be a useless person as the president of the merchant guild? You know, my main job is as a merchant, and Nightingale is just a side job."
"I didn't expect this news to make you so happy. It seems my loan will be approved soon."
"Victor, don't worry. Although I can't make this loan interest-free, I can reduce the annual interest rate to 2%, with a ten-year installment plan. If you repay early, you won't need to pay any more interest. How about these terms? I've shown you my utmost sincerity. As long as the iron ore mine and ironworks you mentioned are as you described, I've even brought the 5,000 gold coins I received from Two Rivers Territory and the 3,000 gold coins from the agreement. As long as the on-site inspection is satisfactory, I'll sign the contract and hand it over to you on the spot."
"That's great news! As expected of Vitri, you're so agreeable. Why don't you go and rest in Wood Fort Town first? I'll settle things at the docks and then come find you. We can go check out the iron mine together." After saying that, Victor arranged for someone to take Vitri to the villa in Wood Fort Town to rest.
Victor found Captain Jack again, who was directing the fleet to dock and load/unload cargo at the pier.
"Well, my Captain Jack, the fleet arrived much later than expected this year, which worried me. But I didn't expect so many ships to come at once. What are they carrying?"
"Your Excellency, it's all my fault for not making proper arrangements, which is why the fleet arrived at the Two Rivers Territory so late. Please punish me." Captain Jack immediately knelt on one knee and begged Victor for forgiveness.
Victor grabbed him with one hand and pulled him up. "Captain Jack, there are many uncertainties in sea routes that we can't predict. As long as we can arrive safely, there's no need to be so hard on ourselves. Tell me what this fleet is carrying."
"Thank you, sir. In addition to our own fleet, this fleet also includes ten slave merchant ships that Lord Wembley uses to purchase slaves. They are all for transporting slaves. This time, they have brought 5,000 slaves, all of them young and strong male slaves. Lord Wembley, you are currently short of labor to build up your territory, so you have sent this batch of male slaves first."
"There are also twelve ships from the territory, mainly transporting troops on rotation and their equipment, as well as 1,000 tons of fuel. Lord Wembley said you need this batch of fuel."
Victor nodded. He hadn't expected that a casual mention to his father would lead to the delivery of fuel by a fleet. Victor did indeed need this batch of fuel.
"No wonder you arrived so late this time. I did bring up the matter of troop rotation too late, which probably caused the fleet from the territory to be delayed."
"Not really. It's mainly a problem with the slave traders. At first, they didn't want to be responsible for the delivery. Lord Wembley went directly to their guild leader to negotiate, and that's how the matter was settled. All 30,000 slaves purchased this year will be handed over to their guild. The guild will deliver the slaves to Two Rivers Territory, ensuring that not a single one is missing."
Victor nodded. "What about the other ships?"
"It's all the fleet led by President Vitri. We met up in Northwind City. President Vitri spent three days just assembling the fleet. This time, he brought a total of 3,000 slaves and a batch of goods. I don't know the specifics, but you can ask him directly."
"You've done a great job, Captain Jack. But I have some news for you. The territory will soon begin its southward maritime trade, which will make your responsibilities even heavier."
Captain Jack was very pleased. "Viscount, please let me take charge of the maritime trade fleet. The territory's transport fleet is already very well-established, and there is no need for me to lead it anymore."
"Don't rush, there's still some time. You continue to lead the transport fleet, and the sea fleet will naturally be handed over to you when the time comes."
"I understand, sir. I will definitely do my job well."
After reassuring Captain Jack, Victor found Zieg and Rodriguez, who were directing the disembarking troops to organize their equipment in an orderly manner.
"Long time no see, Zieg and Rodriguez."
"Viscount Victor, Zieg 'Rodriguez' reporting for duty. The entire mixed infantry and cavalry detachment is in position."
"You know about this rotation mission, right? Your mission is very important, and I hope you will complete it well."
"Yes, sir, I will do my utmost." ×2
"There's one more thing. The territory is currently reorganizing its military structure. Your two units will be assigned to the territory's garrison regiment, commanded by Marvin, whom you'll meet soon. Your units will also be reorganized at that time. You need to reassure your subordinates, as they are so far from home. I believe you can do a good job."
"Understood." ×2
"You can assemble your troops here first. I have already informed your regimental commander, Marvin, who will be here shortly. You can meet him first, and he will arrange your camp."