Chapter 143: The Southern Number
TL: Etude
Allen stood at the end of the line, his expression tense. He alternately glanced at the shipyard gate and checked whether his collar was properly adjusted.
Captain Quik patted him on the head, saying, Hey, kid, what are you doing? Stop fidgeting and stand still.
Um Yes, sir! The young mans face flushed, and he stood motionless, staring straight ahead.
Last night, they had received a notification from the Navy Headquarters that an important personage would be inspecting the shipyard. The crew of the Hope and another ship stationed at the yard for new equipment acceptance were told to prepare for the visit.
Only this morning, after breakfast, did they learn that the visitor was none other than the Lord of Alda, Paul Grayman.
As the appointed time arrived, the officers and soldiers were assembled in formation to welcome the visitor. Rubin, the person in charge of the shipyard, was also present.
Young Allen, who had just joined the navy a few days ago and was still unfamiliar with many people and things, was extremely cautious. The news that the Lord of Alda was coming to inspect them had understandably unnerved him.
The highest-ranking official he had ever seen was the mayor of a nearby town, and the closest he had come to a noble was a tax official who had come to his village to collect taxes. He had never seen a real noble, let alone the actual ruler of a territory.
According to the adults, this was someone whose every word and action could determine the fate of commoners like them.
What did the Lord of Alda look like, Allen wondered. Did he have a nose and two eyes just like ordinary people?
As he was lost in thought, a voice announced at the entrance: Count Grayman has arrived!
At attention, everyonestand up straight!
At Captain Quiks command, all the soldiers and officers instantly shifted from at ease to attention.
Then, a group of people walked in through the main gate.
Salute!
Following the second command, the officers and soldiers saluted in unison.
Among the newcomers, Allen recognized one as the Navy Commander Austin, who was also saluting the officers and soldiers along with another person.
The other, judging by the respectful demeanor of those around him, was easily identifiable as Count Grayman, the Lord of Alda.
Allen was somewhat surprised; the Count appeared to be only about 16 years old, with dark brown, almost black hair and eyes, and an unremarkable face. Due to being raised in a noble family, he looked more robust than the boys of the same age in the village. Was such a young man really the highest ruler of the Alda Countship?
Behind the Count was a woman with green hair. Allen, now twelve, had begun to notice the opposite sex and had never seen such an attractive older girl. The girl he had encountered at the pirate base was pretty, but compared to this woman, she was just a green apple.
Are these our naval cadets? Count Grayman noticed the neatly standing row of young men.
Naval cadets? Austin seemed a bit surprised upon hearing this.
You were planning to train these kids as reserve officers, right? Ive decided to officially designate them as Officer Cadets.
Thats a good name, my lord. From now on, they will be known as our Navys Officer Cadets.
The young Count approached the equally young cadets and said, Ive learned about your circumstances from Austins report. I hope you can consider the navy as your second home.
He turned to Allen, clearly the youngest, and patted his shoulder: Whats your name?
Allen My name is Allen, sir.
The boys face turned red as he nervously responded.
Paul chuckled heartily, seeing in these young men the seeds of the future growth and strength of his navy.
He patted the boys shoulder, Dont be nervous. Are you adapting well to life on a warship?
Allen replied, I am adapting. I feel good on it.
Paul nodded in relief, while Allens thoughts drifted back to his old home, where his mother was always busy.
No matter how good life on a warship was, how could it compare to the comfort and ease of his own home?
There were numerous strict rules on the ship. Even forgetting to salute an officer was a punishable offense, often resulting in being spanked with a thick board far harsher than the slaps he used to receive from his mother. The punishment would leave his buttocks swollen for half a day.
The seniors on the ship said this was already a leniency considering they were underage cadets.
For adult sailors, there was a more feared instrument of punishment the cat-o-nine-tails. Only the captain had the authority to use this, and he decided the reasons and number of lashes. The whole crew was required to gather on deck to witness the punishment, which was carried out with a sense of ritual involving drumming, displaying the whip, and drinking water.
In short, life on a warship was tense and orderly, nothing like the freedom he had at home.
Yet, Allen never regretted joining the Alda Navy. After he and his companions who were captured by pirates returned to their village, they found that his mother, killed by the pirates, had already been buried. At her grave, he swore to eliminate all the pirates in the world, a goal only the Alda Navy could help him achieve.
At that moment, Paul said, Lets go take a look at the new ship.
Austin led the way, This way, please, Count Grayman.
The group headed towards the dock, with several cadets following as temporary attendants.
Two single-masted sailing ships lay quietly docked, each larger than the ship Hope, with six gunports on each side.
Do they have names yet?
The one heading south has been named Southern Number, the other is yet unnamed.
As they boarded the Southern Number, Paul carefully touched every part of the ships body.
Have the crew for the new southern voyage been confirmed?
Considering this is an unfamiliar journey, weve decided to let the crew of the ship Hope man this ship, as they are the most experienced in handling this type of vessel.
Paul looked at Quik, You and your crew bear a great responsibility.
Quik saluted him, Yes, we will not disappoint!
Suddenly, Paul pulled the naval commander aside and whispered after ensuring no one was around, Do you know about scurvy?
Austin, puzzled by the secrecy, replied, I havent had it, but Ive heard its a terrible disease that breaks out after long sea voyages.
Paul shook his head, Infectious? No, its not contagious.
According to my research, it occurs if you dont eat vegetables for a long time. So, make sure to carry plenty of vegetables. If they run out or spoil, forget the endurance test and head to shore to restock. I dont want any loss of life.
Austin was surprised. The Count had researched this?
Seeing the seriousness on his lords face, he nodded vigorously, I will remember your instructions.
Paul added, Citrus fruits like oranges can also prevent scurvy. Have them bring more when they return.
Then, changing the subject, Keep this as a naval secret, only for high-ranking officers. I dont want our future naval opponents to know this life-saving measure. Keep it secret as long as possible.
Rest assured, I will be careful.
It seemed that the supplies aboard the Southern Number would need some adjustment.
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