Chapter 100: Patrol
"Do you believe that Disma is really here to visit the Navy Construction this time?"
The harbor of Blackhammer was gray, not because of an impending storm, but because the climate here was like this, covered by clouds all year round, sunlight was scarce here, and only a short summer could see sunlight every day, and even summer, in Rhodes' opinion, was not really summer at all, and the temperature was equivalent to autumn.
"Believe that he has a ghost, and none of the Erlengrad gang is honest, and without guessing, they can know that the real purpose of their coming here is to spy on us. Blackhammer is growing, its influence is growing, and Caterina won't allow anyone to get out of her grasp. Some eyeliner has slipped into my territory. That's for sure. ”
For temptation after temptation, Rhodes has long been accustomed to developing under the nose of bloody Katarina, and the lords everywhere are developing too well, which is always a threat to her. After all, not every lord bowed down to her.
At the very beginning of the military industry, Rhodes hid it, and now, there is no need to do it anymore. Because the scale is large, it can't be hidden at all.
From the news to Fort Blackhammer to Admiral Disma's arrival, it took only two days because they were by sea......
When Disma arrived at Blackhammer Castle, Rhodes, Yeskovich, and Bogur were already waiting on the shore. From the point of view of the title, such a greeting is also necessary, as the admiral and grand duke of Kislev, and Rod's identity is just an earl, the difference in rank naturally must be warmly entertained.
I have to say that Admiral Disma is different from ordinary nobles, he did not rely on his background and connections to become in this position, but a general who was promoted in troubled times. Rhodes knew that compared to the generals who relied on background power to rise up, Disma was a real opponent. Although he did not participate in the Battle of Erlengrad, judging from the descriptions of others, Rhodes can roughly imagine the picture, the young naval commander Disma leading the newly formed Kislev Navy against the rebels of Erlengrad. The other side has rich experience, including old captains, old sailors, and heavy artillery, however, Disma is relying on his superb command and command ability to command the newly formed naval fleet, winning more with less. It was also that naval battle that kicked off the defeat of the Erlengrad rebels.
"What a great castle. In my opinion, it should be a city, not a castle. ”
Disma greeted him with a smile, he was arrogant, just like Rhodes. But the etiquette is in place, and everyone present is polite. This is the case with real opponents. On the surface, he is a friendly man, but on the inside he is a sharp sword, he can be a proud general or a kind nobleman. Rhodes recalled the Imperial officials who also visited Blackhammer Fort not long ago, and that Davis was a rice bucket who had risen to power by virtue of his father's relationship, and he was even arrogant and domineering when he asked for help. If it weren't for the efforts of the treasurer on the sidelines to maintain the scene, he would have accomplished nothing and returned in vain. Compared with the two, the gap is already obvious.
"No, no, no, Black Hammer Castle will always be just a castle, it is located in the northernmost part of the northern border, it is the border defense line of the kingdom, and it is the first line of defense against all kinds of chaotic creatures, beastmen, and rat people, so the geographical particularity determines that Black Hammer Castle will always be just a castle, and the purpose of its construction is to resist the invasion of Chaos. ”
Rod returned with a smile. The meaning of the words is only understood by them.
My grandfather shed his blood and died for this country, dedicating himself and sacrificing himself for the sake of a stable life for the people of Kislev. So, for a long time, my family has believed in a tradition of honoring those who have given their free service to the country, like you, Lord Rhodes. ”
Disma smiled, like Rod, there were talks and laughs along the way, however, anyone with a little brain knows that behind this smile, they actually have their own calculations. The development of Blackhammer Fort was indeed a little too fast, which surprised the queen a little, so she sent the people closest to Blackhammer Fort Erlengrad to "inspect". And Rhodes also has his own calculations, acting on the spot to get more time for development.
"I heard that Blackhammer has begun building a naval fleet?"
As he walked, Disma shifted the conversation to the military. Rod's heart fluttered, but he quickly met it head-on.
"Well, yes, an armed warship converted from a merchant ship. ”
Rod returned generously. A hint of hatred flashed across Disma's face, and even though it was only for a moment, Rod was keenly aware of it.
"Can you take me to see it?"
The admiral asked politely. His demeanor and quality made Rod feel that it was no wonder that Errengrad's navy would be defeated at the beginning, such an excellent talent, with the support of the queen behind him, it was difficult for Errengrad's rebels to win.
"Absolutely. ”
Rod said with a smile.
When they came to the deep-water pier, the gunboat was quietly moored to the shore. It is easy to find, as it is so large that there are very few ships of its size. Without Rode's introduction, Disma recognized the target he was looking for at a glance.
The Admiral went straight to the ship under the leadership of Rhodes, and the four Krem guards followed him like loyal bodyguards. His gaze wandered over the hull, admiring the armed warship like a treasure.
"Yes, at first glance, I don't see it as a merchant ship at all. Its name?"
After the tour, Disma and Rhodes returned to the deck, where the air was much cleaner and less airtight than the cabins.
"Flying giants. "Ninety-six flavors
Rod replied.
"It's a great armed battleship, and besides, that repeating gun can provide enough firepower. Disma said seriously, "By the way, this ship should cost a lot of money every day, right?"
"It's a lot. ”
"Lord Rhodes, I have a question. Blackhammer Fort is so close to Erlengrad, is it a bit redundant to build a navy? Won't it be too much pressure for you to take on a fleet on your own?"
Disma said kindly.
"There's definitely pressure, but there's no way, Blackhammer isn't far from the coastline, and I've had to develop some sea power. As for your men who will come to my aid and help me defend the coastal line, I know that, but you and I both work under the Snow Queen, and we all know that the naval dispatch of New Errengrad must be approved by the Ice Queen, and you yourself cannot mobilize the navy without the Queen's permission, can you?"
Rod said bluntly. Moreover, this statement does not have to worry about offending people at all, and it is correct to stand in the position of the queen. Disma was promoted by Caterina and categorically did not dare to deny the authority of the queen.
"Kislev City is still some distance from Erlengrad, and if you let your warships attack by the time the letters are delivered back and forth, Blackhammer Fort may have been plundered by pirates. ”
Rod shrugged his shoulders and returned helplessly.
Disma's face was pale, although the words of the little border lord in front of him were harsh, they were all facts, and he couldn't refute them, otherwise, it would be tantamount to opposing the queen...... The proud admiral could only smile awkwardly and stepped off the ship.
......
In the jungle hut, the wood elf girl Eliria returned from hunting, she had a pair of turquoise eyes, a perfect figure, no trace of fat on her delicate waist, her straight chest was like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl, under the skirt was a pair of white and tender long legs, and the green elf cloak hid a sharp dagger and short sword, Kislev, which was the farthest place she had traveled.
For more than a decade, she has traveled almost the entire Old World. From the Empire to Bretonnia, Tyrrell, Estalia, to the Frontier Princes, and finally to Kislev, there is a wider world beyond the jungles, and they are more dangerous than the Solloren Forest. However, Eliria was still glad that she had the opportunity to get out of the forest and go outside, to see the wider world. Instead of staying in the forest all their lives, like their own sisters.
When Eliria returned from the hunt, she was going to unload her bow and arrows and take a sip of hot milk to warm her cold stomach. However, her keen observation allowed her to spot signs of people or beasts passing in front of the jungle hut. Either someone spotted her and followed her, or the beast found her and tried to attack while he was relaxed.
Eriria didn't say a word, she put the arrow on the bowstring again, and walked cautiously. And let the other two rangers split up and outflank.
There still seemed to be no movement in the hut, and Eliria, with a bow in one hand and an arrow in the other, kicked open the small door of the hut. As he broke in, he aimed his bow and arrow at the man in the room. She almost shot the arrow, but in an instant, Alysia saw that the figure was not human, but a male elf, and it was her brother, Legus.
The arrow shot out mercilessly, but it hit the wooden wall in front of his brother Legges, and the feathers of the arrow kept shaking, as if to declare the territory of the wooden house.
"What are you doing here?"
Eliria's words were full of dissatisfaction, even if it was her brother, she didn't want to see it, every time Legus came to her, it was just to persuade her to go back, and it was estimated that this time was no exception. She's tired of it. The outside world was dangerous, she knew, but she hadn't traveled enough. Eliria knew that with her own skills, she didn't have to worry about danger. What's more, the giant eagle Caen has always followed him.
With that, the huntress hung her longbow on the wall and went straight into the kitchen to heat up the milk.
"Don't tell me that my father wants me to go back, I've heard it countless times over the years. If I want to go back, I will naturally go back. You don't need to be reminded. ”
The older brother, Legges, walked in, who, like his sister, had a fair, beautiful face and a near-perfect body. But Legus is not proud of this, which is a trait that every elf should have. Not something to be proud of.
"No, it's not your father who wants you to go back this time, it's Orion, the king of the forest. ”
"Oh, how could it be. ”
Eliria sneered, she picked up the half-warm milk, put it to her lips, and took a sip. Still with his back to his brother. The brother and sister grew up together, Alysia knew that her brother would not hurt her, but she didn't want to have too much intersection with Leggers, in Alysria's opinion, her brother was too conservative, he gave everything for the forest, but rarely set foot in the outside world, however, the wood elves are not an independent race, it is closely connected with the outside world. The forest of Etholoren is part of this world, part of the Old World, and it can never be separated from this world.
"Mogul is here. ”
Faced with his sister's questioning, Leggers just replied calmly.