Pausing, Bill looked at each of them in turn and continued:
— If you're seeking strength, we can offer it to you. If you're after knowledge, we have plenty of that as well.
After these words, Bill spoke for a few more minutes about what the Supply Department was and what their purpose was—to raise the standard of living on remote islands around the world.
The people before him stared wide-eyed; it was obvious they'd expected Rans to be just a regular Marine. But Bill didn't care about that, and as he wrapped up his speech, he said:
— I don't want you to give me an answer right now. Think over what I've said. Our work won't be easy: if you join us, you'll have many sleepless nights and many days when you can't relax. Our department plans to change the world, and if you want to be a part of that, come to the pier tomorrow morning. I'll have all the necessary paperwork ready, and I'll welcome you to our team.
The group's enthusiasm flared, but as they started to disperse, Bill pointed at Danny, Denny, and Donny and said:
— The three of you are coming with me.
Although he spoke in a stern tone, the trio nearly jumped for joy, which made him roll his eyes.
After that, Bill exchanged a few words with Masterson, and they agreed to meet again the next day. The man seemed a bit odd, but Bill didn't press for an explanation.
As Bill began heading back to the Frontier Run, he noticed Rans walking alongside him and saying:
— I think it's a good group. They all have sailing experience, and they're around our age… well, except for Masterson. He retired because he has a daughter.
When they neared the pier, Rans finished telling Bill about his own work and began to ask for Bill's results
— So, how did everything go on your end? Any problems?
Laughing, Bill simply replied:
— We might have a problem weighing a thousand pounds, but let's gather everyone else first.
Rans didn't understand but nodded anyway, and together they boarded their ship, where Ricky, Sasha, and Fia were waiting for them.
Rans said:
— Well, I think it's pretty obvious.
Ricky answered:
— It's not that obvious if he's a noble.
Sasha added:
— We have to consider that Captain Smoker has a very good reason for wanting to get rid of him.
Fia interjected:
— But with hundreds of millions of Beli at stake and a galleon with a hull made of Sea Stone, we really can't afford to turn this down.
Ricky objected:
— Trust me, Chief. I know our finances inside and out. But if he's a noble, he's above the law, and we can't ignore what that means.
Rans asked:
— Do you really think Bill won't be able to control him?
Ricky replied:
— No, I know Bill will definitely keep him in check, and that's why I'm saying it's not that obvious! Did you hear he's in line for the throne of the Kingdom of Fraus?
Sasha added:
— And the Kingdom of Fraus is a permanent member of Leveli.
— Exactly!
Watching his advisors argue, Bill stayed silent as before, knowing they were each approaching the situation from different angles. He was inclined to agree with Sasha; after all, she herself was a half-noble, though not on the same level as those in the World Government.
But looking at the numbers Fia and Ricky had given him, no matter how he tried to think about it, their financial situation made it impossible to refuse responsibility for Nelson Royal.
Ricky said:
— And how are we even supposed to manage a ship that huge with just twenty recruits? Don't forget, we can't just leave that ship sitting here.
Rans objected:
— Buddy, sailing the ship is the last thing we need to worry about right now. Worst case, we could hire temporary sailors and bring them back to the Frontier Run.
As the group kept trading remarks, Fia gave a loud sigh and said:
— We should really be worrying about how we're going to feed thousands of people for months on end. This galleon can hold six times as many people as any frigate we could get our hands on. It'll also be more comfortable for everyone living there while the city is being built.
Then, in a determined tone, she finished:
— It's got everything we need.
After that, Ricky clicked his tongue and replied
— Fine, we need this ship. But I don't see how we're supposed to keep its influence from spreading to everyone under us.
Sasha said, "Or we just threaten everyone with execution for the slightest insult."
Pulling himself away from the reports Fia and Ricky had prepared, Bill joined the conversation, asking, "Ricky, 285 million Beli for thirty-two caravels is way too little. What happened at the Shipyard?"
Previously, Bill had expected to get about 320 million Beli for the ships.
Shifting his gaze from Fia and Rans to Bill, Ricky shrugged and replied, "That was the best price I could get for selling all the ships at once. The manager said there just isn't enough demand for caravels, and he's not sure he could resell them quickly. We could have made more selling them one by one, but I can't say how long that would take. And don't forget, each ship has to be inspected before it's sold"