In the Name of Empress

Belini and Villon ultimately did not escape.

Under the influence of the Siren's Song, his fleet was slowed down, and some crew members left on the deck fell into the sea and died.

Although Belini, wise in his experience, instructed the crew to tie themselves up to resist the Siren's Song, the fleet's sailing speed was still dragged down.

The Sea Demons did not board the ships to fight; they simply slowed the fleet down, allowing Bridges' Fourth Fleet to complete the harvest.

"This is the true strength of the Imperial Navy!"

Bridges reported to Roland and Sif with his head held high, joy radiating from him.

He indeed had reason to be proud.

In this battle, all targets were captured, and apart from the main targets, few were taken prisoner, greatly reducing the difficulty of the aftermath.

"The target fleet had a total of fifty-four ocean-going vessels, of which nineteen were sunk, three severely damaged and self-sunk, and the rest captured. Unfortunately, these people fought desperately, capturing less than three hundred."

Roland couldn't help but laugh heartily; was this unfortunate? It was done beautifully!

"Well done, you're the top merit of this battle!"

He didn't even hint at how Bridges should proceed, treating it as a bonus question.

Bridges not only scored full marks in naval warfare but had high political acumen.

The times have changed; although everyone's ancestors were Barbarians, the pursuit of civilization prevents the past practice of beheading prisoners for stacking or turning them into slaves.

Even if one's appetite is good, they must still maintain decorum.

All ten thousand sailors returned and hanged might be satisfying, but would provoke much discontent.

It is unlucky to kill prisoners—this is ancestral wisdom.

If they can't be killed and don't wish to shelter them, feeding them to the fishes naturally becomes the best choice.

They died in sea battle, marked as the Imperial Navy's achievement, how could they be considered prisoners?

Having received Roland's approval, Bridges grinned from ear to ear and eagerly supplemented:

"Lord Governor, I dare not claim credit. Your wise deployment is the greatest merit, and Miss Monina's people played a key role, placing me at most third."

Seeing Bridges being cautious, Roland restrained his smile and slowly said:

"Your establishment of your merits is still my accomplishment; I won't compete with my subordinates for credit. Monina's people did well, and I will reward them separately; the bravery and combat excellence of the Imperial Navy were key to victory!"

Bridges choked up a bit, unsure of how to respond, simply stood upright and saluted.

The Lord Governor truly understands how difficult it was for the Fourth Fleet.

Ever since the Late Emperor and Crown Prince died at sea, the Fourth Fleet has endured too much criticism and pressure, with some even suggesting dissolving this historic fleet.

If not for the Fourth Fleet's desperate resistance, their only warships might have been taken by the Minister of the Navy and distributed to other fleets.

How can a fleet be called a fleet without ships?

Thinking about this, Bridges said a bit forlornly, "It's unfortunate that the Three Overseas Provinces lack mature oak trees suitable for building warships. If we can use the prestige from this great victory to build ships and recruit sailors, I'm confident in restoring the full combat power of the Fourth Fleet within two years."

As soon as he finished speaking, he realized his words had a bit of a demanding tone and wanted to change them but didn't know what else to say.

While he felt apprehensive, Roland forcefully slapped the table, frightening him pale. Just as he was about to explain, Roland had already laughed.

"Very good, General Bridges; it's this spirit we need. I'll handle the oak trees; you start recruiting and training sailors."

Bridges was stunned in place, taking a while to react, then asked joyfully, "Lord Governor, your connections are really broad, even securing mature oak trees like these strategic resources."

Roland smiled without saying a word.

Buy mature oak trees? That's almost like buying steel for aircraft carriers in the modern world, even someone as well-connected as a third brother couldn't accomplish that.

Buying is out of the question, but seizing is possible.

Although the Oden Kingdom is a small country, it has a naval tradition of wanting for over a century since its defeat in a naval battle against the Sussex Empire to build a fleet for revenge.

They have spent a fortune planting an oak forest sufficient to create a massive fleet, planting alongside these oaks were tens of thousands of other tall trees.

According to the calculation that five thousand large trees could build one Monarch, the Oden Kingdom's trees could create at least twenty Monarch ships and hundreds of companion warships.

Such a scale of warships would not only restore the glory of the Fourth Fleet but even make it the strongest fleet of the Imperial Navy.

Furthermore, Roland had brought out early ironclad ship blueprints.

According to Norton, the current industrial capability of the Three Overseas Provinces cannot fully recover, but they can build mixed wood and steel ships.

The steam-powered semi-ironclad ships supplementing sail propulsion is the current construction limit.

Though slightly regrettable, Roland respected Norton's conclusion.

Progress in shipbuilding requires time, rushing can backfire.

Looking at Roland's composed posture, Bridges' eyes brightened and he softly asked, "Is the Lord Governor planning to borrow some timber from the northern neighbors?"

"Borrow? That term is quite nice."

Roland smiled and nodded without denial, merely speaking calmly, "Bridges, the warriors of the army are desperate for opportunities to win merits; let them handle this matter."

Bridges knew better than to ask further, and promptly left.

As soon as he departed, Monina and Murak arrived from outside.

Murak, among male Sea Demons, could be considered handsome, but did not fit the mainstream human aesthetic standards.

Seeing his slightly dry face, Roland smiled and asked, "Murak Clan Leader, how are you adapting to life on land?"

Unexpectedly receiving Roland's concern, Murak felt a bit flattered and quickly responded with a grin.