The Future of the French Navy

Joseph immediately said:

"Your outstanding work has given the Navy's strength a tremendous leap! Beginning this month, your ratings with the Talent Committee will be raised by one level, and Brest Shipyard will grant you special allowances."

Murdoch and the other two all beamed with delight and bowed together.

"Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

A one-level promotion from the Talent Committee meant a larger villa, a more luxurious carriage, more Maids, greater income, and an extremely esteemed social standing—under the rules, His Majesty the King personally received all talents rated C or above each year and held a reception for them. It was an honor that many great nobles could only dream of.

After handing out the sugar, Joseph turned serious again.

"Next, the development of the Ultra-High-Pressure Steam Engine will depend on you! I promise that on the day the 200-horsepower Steam Engine is completed, I will personally apply for noble titles for you."

Murdoch and the others hurriedly bowed again.

"Please rest assured, Your Highness! We will not disappoint you!"

Before long, Joseph boarded the frigate Brown Crystal and sailed out to the open waters beyond the harbor.

Not far away, the Mediterranean Light sounded its whistle. The black smoke pouring from its funnel grew thicker, clearly showing that it was ready to set sail.

The first demonstration was a race between the Mediterranean Light and a galley.

Previously, even a test vessel fitted with only one Steam Engine had left Galleys far behind. This new warship, equipped with two Steam Engines, was on an entirely different level.

In less than fifteen minutes, the Mediterranean Light had opened a gap of more than six hundred meters between itself and its opponent. That already exceeded the maximum range of a 24-pounder cannon.

In other words, if the