Sharing the Credit

The sailors' cheers did not affect Edmund's work. Just as Edmund continued to look at the distant coastline, two ships sped up and caught up with the flagship, which was at the forefront of the fleet.

Bertley noticed this; the two ships were the flagships of the two squadrons, with Commanders Gilles and Texera on board.

Just as he was wondering why they were coming closer, the lamplighter found him and said that he had received a signal from two ships that the two fleet commanders wanted to board and meet with Captain Edmund, and hoped that he would grant permission.

Bertley quickly sought Edmund's opinion. Edmund was also surprised that the two had suddenly boarded the ship, as they had previously communicated primarily through shouts and signal lights.

Edmund did not refuse. He stood at the stern and had the lantern bearer give the signal to board. Soon the other two ships responded with their own lanterns, and all three ships began to slow down. When the speed dropped to one or two knots, the other two ships launched a small boat and slowly rowed toward Edmund's flagship.

Thus, Gilles and Texera boarded the ship under Edmund's personal greeting.

"Captain Gilles, Captain Texera, welcome to my flagship. Please come to my room and have a seat. I've had some drinks prepared, so let's celebrate together."

Edmund was very friendly. After all, although the two men were under his command in this task force, the three of them were still of equal rank, and the two men were much more senior than him.

However, Gilles and Tesla were very sensible and both refused when Edmund turned around and asked them to walk ahead.

The commander of the 3rd Squadron, Gilles, was a handsome middle-aged man with sharp, eagle-like eyes. He declined Edmund's offer with a smile, "Commander Edmund, you are the host and we are the guests. We are not familiar with the layout of the ship, so we can just follow you."

Bertley, standing to the side, thought to himself, "Although the flagships of the Kingdom Navy's squadrons differ in size, their actual design is basically the same. How could you possibly not find the captain's cabin of your own ship?"

The three of them then went to Edmund's room, and Bertley accompanied Edmund as well.

Edmund had already prepared a bottle of fine wine on the table. He simply opened the bottle and poured a glass for everyone.

He raised his glass to the other three and said, "I am very pleased that you two seniors have come to my ship and celebrate our arrival on land with me at this moment."

Based on my comparison, the terrain here matches the naval records; it is indeed the West Coast of the Grand Duchy of Vera. We can say that we have successfully reached our destination. I hope that we can now work together to complete the mission entrusted to us by Count Laou Allen."

After saying this, Edmund downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, displaying great flair, and the other three cheered him on.

The commander of the 4th Squadron, Texera, a middle-aged man with dark skin, deep facial features, and a short beard, spoke, "Commander Edmund, we are about to reach our destination. It can be said that we are only one step away from completing the mission."

"In this operation, you not only completed the mission given to us by Count Laou Allen, but also successfully led us out of the thunderstorm and found a new route with the fleet. You will undoubtedly complete that bounty mission and receive a great reward upon your return, thus rising to a high position. I hope you won't forget us then."

Gilles nodded in agreement. "Yes, Captain Edmund is so young to have achieved such great things. His future achievements are beyond our reach. Tesla and I admire him very much."

Edmund waved his hand and said seriously, "Seniors, you can't say that. First of all, we haven't completed the mission yet, and my work is not finished. How can I talk about making contributions at this time?"

Secondly, our successful escape from the thunderstorm group and the discovery of a completely new route this time is not solely due to my efforts, but also inseparable from the cooperation of everyone in our fleet. If there is any credit, it's not just mine, but the collective achievement of everyone, including my two senior colleagues.

Edmund spoke with such seriousness that Texera and Gilles, who were about to continue praising him, were completely stunned. After exchanging a glance, the two burst into laughter.

Tesla downed the drink in one gulp. "Captain Edmund, we were too narrow-minded. I'll punish myself with a drink."

Gilles also said, "You are the one who put in the most effort to find the new route. Tesla and I dare not take credit. Your generosity makes us feel very ashamed."