The Inland Sea Waystation

Edmund was no fool. After a moment's thought, he understood why Victor had said that.

"Marquis Victor, are you asking about the situation within the navy?"

"Yes. If possible, Alex and I would both like a better understanding of the Kingdom Navy.

"As you know, after Count Colt died in battle, Alex inherited his title. It was a meteoric rise, but he hadn't been fully prepared for it.

"Count Colt used to handle our dealings with the Kingdom Navy directly with General Laou Allen. Alex knows little about them.

"So I want to establish what the Kingdom Navy—or your faction within it—actually wants from us.

"We know the Kingdom Navy needs funding, and we're willing to work with you on that. Having our goods reach the kingdom's heartland would benefit us too."

Count Edmund nodded. "Marquis Victor, Duke Alex, you can both rest easy. We have no ill intentions.

"The Kingdom Navy is divided into two main factions, but that doesn't mean there's any deep-seated hostility between us. We're all part of the same organization.

"Our relationship is nowhere near irreconcilable. We simply disagree on naval development and strategic deployment. At most, you could call it a rivalry!

"In the Kingdom Navy, whichever faction controls more fleets has a stronger voice!

"His Majesty encourages competition between the factions, but he would never want it to turn bitter.

"So our main way of competing is to secure more funding for our own faction, build bigger and better warships, and strengthen our voice within the navy.

"Marquis Victor, you can tell Duke Alex that our faction hopes to work closely with the nobles throughout the Vela Region.

"Right now, we control the best route from the Vela Region to the kingdom's heartland. The region also produces many excellent goods that could fetch