William's announcement at the shipyard quickly spread, igniting excitement among the shipwrights. Everyone was eager to take on the challenge. Even if they couldn't win the grand prize of 500 million Beli, the 10 million Beli reward was still an enticing sum. Moreover, the rewards weren't one-time offers—any future groundbreaking ideas or technologies could also earn recognition and compensation.
Unlike the other shipwrights, who were consumed by the frenzy over the high rewards, Eric was more focused on another piece of news that came with the announcement:
Governor William planned to send a group of young shipwrights to study in Water 7, the sacred land of shipwrights.
Since William had taken office, the seas around the Navia Kingdom had become nearly devoid of pirates. Over the past two years, the residents of Maple Village had almost forgotten that they were still living in the Great Pirate Era.
The Navia Kingdom had become a haven of peace amidst the chaos of the world—a sanctuary far removed from the turmoil and uncertainty that plagued other regions.
However, the mention of the Grand Line, a sea known both as a graveyard for pirates and a paradise for them, served as a stark reminder of the chaotic times they lived in. This was an era of rampant pirates and criminals, a true age of disorder.
Although Water 7 held a revered place in the hearts of shipwrights, its location within the Grand Line deterred most of the older, more established shipwrights. Having achieved stability and prosperity in their lives, few were willing to abandon their peaceful existence to venture into the perilous "war zone" of the Grand Line.
For these aging craftsmen, the only consolation was that William's initiative targeted young shipwrights, leaving them largely unaffected.
After a sleepless night of tossing and turning, the young shipwright Eric finally decided to submit his application voluntarily.
Eric didn't consider himself particularly intelligent or ambitious, but he understood that the peace and stability enjoyed by the Navia Kingdom and Maple Village were not granted by chance. They were hard-won, secured through the efforts of Governor Morgan William and his subordinates.
Without the governor and his team using their strength to ensure the safety of these seas, the people of Maple Village would be no safer than those living in other parts of the world. The opportunity to contribute to this strength meant contributing to the safety and well-being of the people in Maple Village and the Navia Kingdom.
The more advanced and powerful the ships they sailed on, the safer the people of Maple Village and the Navia Kingdom would be.
Eric, though not a figure capable of changing the course of history, was determined to do his part in supporting the heroes who could truly transform this twisted era.
…
"Do you understand now why I'm targeting young people for this?" William asked, holding a stack of applications in his hand. For once, a rare look of satisfaction crossed his face as he waved the papers in front of Edmond.
Young people were more energetic and, thanks to William's propaganda efforts, more deeply influenced by his ideals. Many of the younger shipwrights, including Eric, had eagerly volunteered upon hearing about the opportunity to study in Water 7, undeterred by the dangers of the Grand Line.
"These young people have experienced the hardships and struggles of the past Great Pirate Era, but they've also been shaped by education and propaganda. They have ideals and passion," William said with a smile, looking at the modest stack of applications with more joy than he felt when seeing new weapons designs. "The future belongs to them."
Edmond glanced at William and couldn't help but tease, "The way you're talking makes you sound like some seventy- or eighty-year-old elder. Aren't you only twenty-two?"
William froze for a moment before chuckling. Indeed, in terms of biological age, he was only twenty-two, but mentally, he felt like an old man.
Not wanting to dwell on the topic, William noticed Edmond's hesitation and said, "I know you want to go to the Grand Line too. But let me make this clear: the purpose of this trip is, first, to escort the students safely to Water 7, and second, to deliver supplies and coordinate with Gin. This is not a mission to stir up trouble. That's why the ship will sail under the official banner of the kingdom's expeditionary fleet, not a pirate flag."
"Who's leading the team this time?" Edmond asked.
"Aramis," William replied.
Edmond's eyes darted as he quickly countered, "Aramis already has so much on his plate—responsibilities with the shipyard, the intelligence division, and other matters. He doesn't have time to go to the Grand Line! Why not let me go? You know my strength, and strength is crucial in a place as dangerous as the Grand Line. Plus, I'm familiar with Gin."
William looked up from the stack of applications and gave Edmond a sharp glare. "And your work isn't important? How many times have I told you not to casually bring up the intelligence division in conversation?"
Edmond shrank back slightly but remained silent for only a moment before grinning. "William, you know me best. You know how much I've dreamed of adventure since I was a child. How can you leave me out of our first expedition to the Grand Line?"
"You're too impulsive," William replied, noncommittal.
Edmond scratched his head in frustration. He was desperate to join the expedition and racked his brain for a convincing argument. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he suggested, "Why not assign someone smart to keep an eye on me and give me advice?"
"With your status in the kingdom, how many 'smart people' are qualified to supervise you?" William shot back, returning his attention to the applications. "Sherlock is too weak; I wouldn't trust him in the Grand Line. Besides, the guild and bank can't function without him. Dampier has the strength, but he's swamped with projects in the weapons lab. He barely has time to leave the lab, let alone the kingdom."
Edmond's grin widened. "Why does it have to be either of them? Have you forgotten about Kuro?"
William finally looked up from the applications, and Edmond continued, counting on his fingers, "The National Security Bureau is running smoothly now; it won't be affected by Kuro's absence. Besides, Kuro has been stuck in the same position since he established the bureau. He hasn't had any major accomplishments to his name, and some people might start to question why he's occupying such an important role."
William's eyes suddenly sharpened, and Edmond felt a piercing sensation, as if William's gaze could cut through him.
"Did you come up with that argument yourself? No one coached you?" William leaned back in his chair, his tone calm but probing.
Edmond quickly shook his head.
"Who says Kuro hasn't made any contributions? He played a significant role in the downfall of Red-Beard and the Arcadio incident," William said.
"But those contributions were all behind-the-scenes. They don't compare to the kind of public recognition he'd get from personally venturing into the Grand Line and returning with glory," Edmond argued.
William narrowed his eyes, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the wooden armrest of his chair. The room fell silent, save for the soft "tap, tap" of his fingers. Edmond, sensing the tension, dared not speak further, knowing that the decision now rested solely with William.
After a while, William pulled a document from a drawer, made some edits with a pen—crossing out a few names and adding others—before handing it to Edmond. "This is the roster for the expedition team. Since you're so eager to lead, take a look and let me know if you have any objections."
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