The sea was instantly blanketed in thick gun smoke, dense as clouds and mist.
A moment later, the Golden Fleur-de-lis Flag at the Steam Battleship's bow burst from the haze, followed by the foresail, mainsail, and smokestack.
The sailors standing solemnly on deck snapped to attention as one and saluted toward the Poseidon.
Queen Mary, dressed in a guard's uniform, watched the Steam Battleship sailing past in the distance, then glanced sideways at the Poseidon's mainsail and said doubtfully to Kexer, "That new ship doesn't seem to be as big as this old one."
The latter knew a thing or two about warships and hurriedly explained in a low voice, "Sir, although the Decisive is not large, it is a warship that ushers in a new era!
"With the powerful thrust of its 230-horsepower Steam Engine, it can race along at nearly thirteen knots, while completing a turn within a radius of only three hundred meters."
Queen Mary blinked and responded with a smile. "Ah, that truly is remarkable."
Joseph turned his head and lowered his voice. "At present, even the United Kingdom's strongest Battleships can only reach eleven knots with an exceptionally favorable wind. Well, I hear they have improved their sails and can now push up to twelve knots.
"And their turning radius exceeds five hundred meters, even with the most skilled helmsman."
Queen Mary looked toward the Decisive. "So it is more agile?"
"Yes, very agile."
"But it is still a small ship."
"Uh, yes..."
Joseph hurriedly put an end to the awkward conversation. "They serve different purposes, Sir."
As he spoke, something suddenly occurred to him.
It was still possible to keep the construction of a single Decisive absolutely secret, but once Steam Battleships began to be built in large numbers, it would certainly be impossible