Chapter 236. Recruitment
Charles now needed to recruit five crew members: a Chief Engineer, a Second Engineer, a Second Mate, a Boatswain and an O.S. However, he wasn't in a rush since he couldn't set sail anytime soon, which gave him ample time to carefully make his selection.
The moment the recruitment news broke out, it stirred up a buzz among all seafarers on Hope Island.
The Explorers' Association hall sizzled with excitement, with everyone engaged in chatter about the opportunity presented to them. There was no closer chance to success than with a Governor who had discovered a habitable island. If he could find one, surely he could find another.
To Charles' surprise, the first applicant he came face to face with was a familiar face.
"Governor, let me join you. There's nothing more exciting than exploring unknown islands," said Feuerbach. He still sported his distinct green hair as he stood in front of Charles.
"You?" Charles eyed him with a look of surprise. "Aren't you assisting Bandages in managing the navy? Why are you still interested in joining the Narwhale?"
"To be honest, being part of the navy is rather boring." Feuerbach complained. "There's no war yet. And though we're building more ships, we mostly just patrol the waters around Hope Island. We are located at the extreme fringe that even pirates don't show up. I think exploring unknown islands with you would be much more interesting."
"Have you gotten tired of your life of luxury on the island that you are so eager to risk your next with me?"
Feuerbach chuckled sheepishly. "I guess I'm just too lucky to find a habitable island on my second voyage. That's nothing like what I had imagined. I think my sea adventures should be more thrilling."
Charles stared at Feuerbach at a loss of words. He wondered what would those explorers who were still struggling in search of a livable island think of the green-haired man's comment.
"What can you do?" Charles asked.
"I'm quite versatile. My little tricks underwater are excellent in combat, and having been the captain of an exploration vessel before, I can definitely handle being a Second Mate on your ship."
Observing Feuerbach's enthusiastic expression, Charles pondered for a brief moment before he said, "Let me think about it."
"Alright. Captain Feuerbach of Waverazor is always ready to serve!" Feuerbach proclaimed before he turned to leave.
Charles leaned back into his chair and closed his eyes to think about the matter at hand. After a moment, he opened his eyes and turned to Lily. "Has he shown any abnormalities in the past three years?"
"Not at all," Lily answered. "Green Head loves to go into the sea to play with his sharks. Other than that, there's nothing unusual. And, oh, he loves to brag in the bar. He really exaggerates a lot."
"Did he start a family on the island?" Charles asked another question.
"Yes, he has a son with green hair, too. The kid always has a runny nose; yucks."
After careful consideration, Charles eventually decided to let Feuerbach join the crew. He still wasn't sure of Feuerbach's motives, but three years had passed, so he seemed like a safe bet. Moreover, Feuerbach now had a family, which meant he had ties and responsibilities.
Charles had expected the recruitment process to be slow, but to his surprise, more people had shown up than he anticipated. It didn't take long for a long line to form in front of the Governor's Mansion.
Seeing the turnout, Charles couldn't send them away, so he started the recruitment process inside the mansion. The recruitment wasn't a task he could delegate to someone else. As the captain, he needed to assess each candidate personally.
A voluptuous woman with alluring curves entered the room. The moment Charles met her seductive gaze, he waved her off immediately.
Most ships didn't have women onboard for a reason. A presence like the woman before him could stir unnecessary resentment among the crew. It was a significant risk in the confined space of a ship, and as the captain, he had to take it seriously.
The woman cooed in a soft and melodious tone, "Governor, I'm highly skilled. I can make sure everyone gets to relax their bodies and souls."
"Leave!" Charles dismissed her firmly.
The recruitment went on. Numerous explorers were interviewed by Charles, yet each left the room in disappointment.
Despite the number of candidates, Charles found no suitable one among them. There were a skilled few, but their personalities were flawed, so he didn't allow them to join.
Unknowingly, three hours had passed. Lily, who had been watching by the side, had already crawled into a drawer for a power nap. Apart from taking in Feuerbach as his Second Mate, Charles hadn't found suitable members for the other positions.
Another young man entered the room, looking slightly nervous.
"What position are you applying for?" Charles asked.
"G-Governor! I’m here to apply for the position of O.S. I have rich sailing experience and I'm really fast at coiling ropes. I also clean the decks very well," the youth stammered.
"What's your name?"
"Governor, my name is Weister." With great nervousness, Weister looked up for the first time. Looking at the renowned Governor of Hope Island, he was struck by a strange thought—the governor bore a slight resemblance to the eccentric man who once lived near his house.
"Take off your shoes."
"W-What?" Weister was caught off guard.
"I said, take off your shoes."
"Oh... okay." Fumbling, Weister hurriedly removed his shoes.
The moment Charles took a quick glance at Weister's feet, he knew—this young lad was no experienced sailor. True sailors, accustomed to regularly washing the decks, generally preferred to go barefoot on board, and their feet wouldn't be so delicate.
"You can leave now, next," Charles said dismissively.
Hearing Charles' words, Weister got desperate. He pleaded, "Governor, please let me join your ship. I have siblings at home, and I really need this job. I assure you, if I'm on your ship, I'm willing to do anything, even risk my life."
This was the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity everyone was talking about, and Weister sure didn't want to miss it.
Charles barely spared Weister a glance and waved his hand dismissively. Soldiers armed with guns approached, seizing Weister and dragging him toward the door.
Just when Weister thought that all hopes were lost, he suddenly heard Governor Charles calling out to the soldiers to halt.
Charles approached Weister and eyed the young lad with a curious glimmer in his eyes.
"Have we met before?" Charles asked.
Under Charles' scrutinizing gaze, Weister averted his eyes submissively. "No, Governor. A person of your stature wouldn't possibly know a nobody like me."
After pondering for a brief moment, Charles nodded. "You're hired."
Weister's face lit up with ecstatic disbelief. He had come merely to try his luck, and by some stroke of miracle, he had succeeded!
"I won't be setting sail in the short term. Use this time to learn everything you need to know. I need a competent sailor, not a half-baked one."
"Yes, Governor! I will work hard!" Weister replied with fervent determination.
As the overjoyed Weister left with his cheeks flushed with excitement, the silver-haired steward approached Charles and said, "Governor, compared to the other sailor candidates, the young boy doesn't seem to possess any advantages."
"Indeed. But I find him rather familiar. Plus, he has one good quality—he wears his heart on his sleeve. A plain, ordinary sailor is all I need."
Charles resettled into his chair and resumed the recruitment for the Narwhale crew. Hearing footsteps, he casually asked the new entrant, "And what position are you applying for?"
"Heh, heh, heh, I'm here to apply as the Captain~heh heh heh~"
The guards dashed forward, ready to hustle away the seemingly delusional individual, but Charles was quick to stop them.
He recognized the man.
He was Tobba of Sottom. Yes, he was that eccentric old man.
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