Naval Deliberations

Paul Greiman and the others rode on horseback along the road back to the church. The townspeople by the roadside all bowed to them. After the declaration at the Public Trial, the residents of Franklin Harbor had finally developed some genuine respect for their lord.

The main street was bustling. With the pirates gone, the vendors no longer needed to hide in their homes. They set up stalls along both sides of the road, loudly hawking their wares. Children played and brawled everywhere, men hurried back and forth, busy with their work, and women gathered in groups of two or three, either discussing household gossip or picking through the goods at the various stalls. The entire town was filled with thriving energy.

Paul watched it all and suddenly said, "We need to start recruiting sailors for the navy of the future!"

Bryce said anxiously, "There are plenty of people who know their way around the water, but those skilled in combat at sea are few and far between."

"There's no time to waste, everyone. There are still plenty of pirates on the seas threatening the Alarda Territory. Small pirate groups are easy enough to deal with, but what if a large Pirate Crew comes? Even if they can't beat us on land, what if they come ashore, rob us, and leave? I can't station a soldier every few meters along the coast. So we have to take the initiative and sweep away all the pirates, big and small, in the Northwest Bay. Only then will I be able to sleep peacefully."

Bryce said, "The earl makes a good point."

"And then there's the great pirate Edward. We don't know what he went off to do, but he could return at any time, so we have to prepare in advance. We killed his lackeys, so he'll definitely seek revenge. I can't abandon Franklin Harbor and run away again, or wouldn't that be like slapping myself in the face after what I said at the Public Trial?"

Cecil said, "The earl is truly farsighted!"

Paul wore a troubled expression. "I know everything you're saying is absolutely true, but in public, try to say less of the sort of thing that could be mistaken for flattery. It's embarrassing. Offer more constructive suggestions instead."

Everyone was speechless.

"Ahem!" Bryce awkwardly cleared his throat and said, "My lord, I can recommend a naval officer to you. Would you care to hear about him?"

"Oh? Let's hear it."

"Captain Austin Kelly of 2nd Battalion, 6th Company was born into a family of ship merchants. He made a living at sea with his elders from a young age and has experienced all kinds of storms. I think he'd be an excellent candidate for the navy."

Paul stroked his chin and thought for a while. "Hmm. Have him come see me when we get back. Given the current situation, we'll have to make do with whoever we can find. Anyone else?"

Bryce scratched the back of his head. "Uh... I can only think of him for now."

As they talked, they reached the area near the church entrance. A crowd had gathered there, and standing on the steps was Father Morrison, waving his arms and loudly saying something.

Everyone listened closely, and the Father's voice drifted toward them from afar.

"After I finished praying, I slowly opened my eyes. A ferocious man was standing before me. He was one of Shark's men. Because I refused to submit to him, he sent an executioner to end my life."

"Just as I thought I was about to ascend to heaven and serve the Almighty, a tremendous boom suddenly rang out."

"I looked closely and saw a great hole torn through the villain's chest. He struggled and writhed, his eyes filled with endless terror, before ending his fallen and sinful life."

The townspeople surrounding him remained silent, quietly listening to Morrison describe the scene.

"I looked up and saw a figure appear in the doorway. He was not tall, yet he made me feel incomparably safe. A ray of golden sunlight shone upon him. He was so holy, so radiant. I thought to myself, was this an angel sent by the omnipotent Lord to save me?"

"Ah, Lord of Light, all-knowing and all-powerful, in the end, You did not abandon Your most faithful servant."

Morrison's account was full of emotion, and his listeners were utterly entranced.

"Yes, that angel was Lord Paul Greiman. Lord Paul Greiman was the angel sent by the Lord of Light to save me, the angel sent by the Lord of Light to save all of you, and even more so, the angel sent to save all the countless people under heaven."

"He held the Thunder Staff granted to him by the Lord. With a single strike, he could send the devil's followers to their deaths. He shared the divine power bestowed upon him by the Almighty with the warriors who followed him, and with fearless resolve, drove the pirates entrenched in Franklin Harbor away."

"A majestic voice sounded in my mind: 'Follow him. Assist him.' I knew this was the holy oracle given to me by the Lord of Light."

"Oh!" The listeners cried out in waves of astonishment. The common people at the bottom of society in this era were still highly superstitious.

Morrison drew a cross over his chest and reverently closed his eyes, taking on a prayerful expression. "Praise the Almighty!"

The listeners followed suit. "Praise the Almighty!"

Morrison said, "We will forever follow Your teachings."

The listeners said, "We will forever follow Your teachings."

Morrison said, "Praise the great Paul Greiman."

The listeners said, "Praise the great Paul Greiman."

Morrison said, "We will forever follow in his footsteps."

The listeners said, "We will forever follow in his footsteps."

Bryce sighed with emotion. "It's a real shame that this Father isn't a stage actor."

Cecil wore a disdainful expression. "All he knows is how to curry favor. What a sycophant." He had completely forgotten that he had also been flattering the earl just moments ago.

This fellow really knew how to read the situation. He had grasped the intentions of his superior so quickly. No wonder he had survived safely in the pirates' lair until now.

To be honest, Paul felt a little awkward watching this performance at the church entrance. It was enough to give him goosebumps. Still, he was quite pleased with Morrison. After all, this was exactly the sort of thing the common people of this era believed in.

"All right, let's go in through the back. We shouldn't disturb Mr. Morrison's performance." He chuckled and led everyone toward the church's rear entrance.

That afternoon, the uneasy Captain Austin arrived at the earl's temporary office.

With a sharp "smack," he came to attention, straightened his body, and gave a raised-hand salute. "Reporting in. Austin Kelly, Company Commander of 2nd Battalion, 6th Company, reporting for duty."

Paul looked Austin up and down, then pointed at the chair in front of the desk. "Have a seat, Captain."

"Yes, my lord."

After Captain Austin sat down, Paul asked, "Captain, do you know why I called you here?"

Captain Austin blinked. "Uh... Are you promoting me?"

Damn! This fellow really didn't hold back at all. Why didn't he follow the usual script? Paul was completely defeated.

He could only say, "You guessed correctly, Captain Austin Kelly. I called you here to promote you."

"Huh? Really?"

Captain Austin wore an expression of disbelief. Had he actually guessed right?