"Well, I have contacted our embassy and spoke with Francis. According to him, the cost of a single Pune-class battleship is only around 3,500 ducats, and the construction could be done within six months if it is an order for one or two ships. But if the number of ships built is more, the construction time could be shortened even further."
"What!"
"H-How is this p-possible?"
Antonio exclaimed, and Marco was in disbelief. Although they had expected the cost to be low, they did not expect it to be less than half of their construction costs.
"That’s the same cost we rent the warships from England and the Dutch. Where the hell do these guys make money?" Antonio said, his tone a little depressed.
"And what the hell does it mean the more we order, the faster the delivery? How does that even make sense?" Antonio questioned.
Giovanni was helpless at the reactions of the two people, but when he knew about the ins and outs of this method, he was also a little surprised.
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"Well, apparently the shipbuilding in the Bharatiya Empire is not done in the traditional way where the shipyard builds everything for the ship. On the contrary, it seems that various industries from all over the empire come together to provide standardised parts for the construction of the ship. Due to this, it is stated that the cost and the time of construction are kept at a very low level.
Also, if there are more orders, it is said that all four major shipyards in the Bharatiya Empire would start construction at the same time, and it is said that the more construction projects are completed, the faster the next project could be completed due to the experience gained from the previous project."
"In such a way, the Bharatiya Empire is able to produce quality ships at both cheaper costs and in a faster time, especially now that all the major shipyards in the Bharatiya Empire are manufacturing the Pune Class Battleships."
"WAIT!"
Marco had a frown on his face as he had doubt, and he decided to ask, "Your Excellency, as far as I know, the patent system has been implemented in this empire, so how can all the shipyards come to know about the construction technology of the battleships derived from our vessels?"
Giovanni responded with a hint of amazement in his eyes as it could be seen that he liked the concept very much.
"Well, the Bharatiya Empire is in what is known as a military economy system where the government controls all the primary industries related to war and runs them themselves. So, once successful in building the Pune-class battleship, the technology is naturally transported to all the other shipyards immediately, increasing the shipbuilding capabilities of the empire."
Marco was angry. "How dare they! Isn’t this trampling on the private rights of us shareholders and business owners? How could the people of the Bharatiya Empire allow it?"
Giovanni did not mind the outburst as he explained, "Well, part of what you said is true, but there are also benefits to this system. Putting aside the obvious benefits to the country, even private individuals gain heavy profits."
Marco was intrigued. "How so?"
"Hmm, let’s put it this way: from the time the Shivaji Shipyard was taken over by the government, its equipment has been upgraded two times and the size of the shipyard increased four times. The Shivaji Shipyard, in which you have a stake, can now build ten battleships at the same time. This number is only second to the strongest shipyard in the Bharatiya Empire, the Raya Shipyard."
"So think about it: ever since the military economy system was implemented, you did not have to spend even a single ducat, but your stake of 35% in the Shivaji Shipyard has gone up in value many times over. I remember you paid 672 kg of gold worth of Varaha for the Shivaji Shipyard to get this stake. Now I suspect that it has already gone over one tonne of gold in actual value.
So, although you did not get liquid returns, the value of your stake has increased nearly 100 per cent."
Marco’s eyes bulged as he could have never expected things to be like this. Ever since he made the investment, he had forgotten about this industry of his family that was present in the Bharatiya Empire. Although his son constantly said that they had hit a gold mine now and then, he always thought that Francis was just talking nonsense.
But hearing what the Doge said, it looks like it is really the case.
A smile slowly took over his frowning face.
Antonio, who was feeling a little jealous at the side, couldn’t help but stare at Marco with envy and voice out, "Your Excellency Marco, if you don’t mind, my Erizzo Family would like to buy 15% of your stake in the Shivaji Shipyard for 500 kilograms of gold."
Usually, before doing business, the authenticity of the details should be tested, but since it is the Doge who gave this information, the authenticity is absolutely reliable.
Marco immediately got annoyed at this guy who was trying to dig his gold mine, so he flatly refused, "Your Excellency, I am sorry, the Molin Family is currently not short of money."
Although he had expected it, Antonio was a little depressed but suddenly stared at the Doge and asked, "Your Excellency, is there any other opportunity to invest in this empire?"
Giovanni was also helpless since even he had never expected such rich returns from the investment the Molin family made. Originally, when the investment opportunity was opened up, even his Morosini Family was not as brave as the Molin family in investing in the Bharatiya Empire. He was a little jelous now, just a little.
Although the rewards and returns the Morosini family obtained were good, they were nothing compared to the Molin family, and seeing as how Marco was not even aware of his gold mine, Giovanni’s hands couldn’t help but itch.
Sadly, things could not be changed, and hearing the question of Antonio, Giovanni’s mood got even more dull.
"Well, Your Excellency Antonio, I do not see this opportunity until the war is finished and until the military economy system is lifted."
*Sigh!*
Giovanni and Antonio both sighed while Marco was very happy.
Coming back to the main question, Giovanni finally asked, "Now that you have adequate information, Antonio, what do you think? Could we buy the warships from the subcontinent for our use?"
Antonio, after looking at all the details until now, did not hesitate and replied, "Of course, Your Excellency. The more, the better. We should not miss this opportunity to buy two warships for the cost of one. Such opportunities are not easily available. Additionally, if possible, we can also consider buying their Bhema-class armed merchant ship, which should be very popular among merchants."
Marco nodded and replied, "I think it is a good idea, Your Excellency the Doge."
Giovanni, who got the answer, was very satisfied and replied, "Well then, Your Excellency Antonio, the task of putting forward the requirements for the alteration is left to you, and Your Excellency Marco, contacting the Bharatiya Empire is left to you.
Additionally, Your Excellency, if you don’t mind, ask Fransis to bring Leonardo Bellini, who is currently stationed in the embassy with Francis, when negotiating with the Bharatiya Empire."
Marco nodded his head. "Will do, Your Excellency."
"Alright then, gentlemen, I will draft a bill, and it should be passed in the parliament within 48 hours. Please get to work."
---
The news about the war in the Indian subcontinent not only made waves in the Republic of Venice but also caused huge discussions in other European countries.
However, as most of the European countries were involved in conflicts of their own, the response was normally something along the lines of:
"Oh my god, millions of troops participating in the war!"
"Huh, interesting tactics."
"Wow, looks like the Indian subcontinent is going to be unified."
"Looks like the East is lively; power changes have taken place in China, where the Ming dynasty has been nominally replaced by the Qing Dynasty. Now even in the Indian subcontinent, the Great Mughal Empire is being replaced by the new Dakshin Bharatiya Empire."
Of course, these comments were made by outsiders like Charles X Gustav, who had launched a war to increase Sweden’s influence in the Baltic Sea region, or opponents like John II Casimir Vasa, the King of Polish-Lithuania, or Alexis I, the Tsar of Russia, or Frederick William, the Elector of Brandenburg-Prussia, and even Denmark and Norway.
All these figures, having no direct interest in the subcontinent, only made general comments and did not delve deep into the Indian subcontinent’s wars.
However, this was not the case with the Kingdom of England and the Dutch Republic, who were actively involved in the conflict.
"So, the operation failed, huh? Tsk," Charles II Stuart clicked his tongue in annoyance. However, he had no good way to deal with this Indian Empire.
"Robert, what do the Dutch say? Are they willing to negotiate?" Robert, who had become the Prime Minister of England after Charles became king due to his loyalty, replied with an annoyed expression, "Sadly, no, Your Majesty."
"With Spain’s involvement in North America and further Dutch involvement, it seems that conflict is inevitable."
*Sigh.*
Similarly, the world’s top five naval powers are embroiled in interests concerning the American continents. As for Bharat’s retaliation, both the English and the Dutch are not worried since they are literally half a world away. Even if India becomes strong enough to wage war in European waters or for European interests, they will not have to fight alone.
Of course, the only country that made an exception and took the defeat in Bharat seriously was France, who did not disclose that they had funded the mercenaries.
"Phew, I underestimated this Empire," Louis muttered to himself in his palace after reading the report.
"Fortunately, things were kept hidden."
"This monster of the Ancient world is waking up"
His eyes were thoughtful as he stared into the distance.
Similar to Napoleon, Louis also figured out whom he could mess with and whom he could not, hence he took precautions early on.
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