Chapter 690: Garrett’s Attendance at the Palace Banquet
The Pope was on the verge of losing his mind.
The Golden Fleet!
It was the Golden Fleet!
This fleet, traveling between the homeland and the New Continent, set sail three times a year, returning three times a year:
Once led by the Rhine Kingdom, with participation from the seven electors and other nobles within the kingdom, consisting of approximately 20 warships;
Once led by the Carolingian Kingdom, with the king, the royal family, various dukedoms, and other nobles participating, consisting of about 30 ships;
And the largest one, solely controlled by the Radiant Church. This fleet, transporting gold, silver, various treasures, and other specialties collected from the New Continent’s various governorates, consisted of 50 ships, carrying over ten thousand tons of cargo!
Although the fleet was mostly operated by merchants, with the church only providing the escort fleet, the church still received one-fifth of the fleet’s cargo capacity in direct profits. The remaining four-fifths also benefited the territories under the church’s rule in various ways...
The destruction of this fleet dealt a heavy blow to the church, at the very least, a dagger to the heart. Moreover, eight large warships were destroyed, and personnel were captured. Replenishing these ships and crews was a significant burden.
Large warships, especially the flagship of the escort fleet, the "Unicorn" sailing battleship, were not built in just one or two years!Its construction consumed over 4,000 oak trees. The rafts transporting the oak trees formed a long line on the river, stretching as far as the eye could see.
Additionally, several church altars, preaching platforms, tables, chairs, window frames, and even beams from two old churches were dismantled.
Using these oak and rosewood pieces, soaked in sacred power for years, to lay the ship’s keel and construct the sacred power channels on the ship was a task that couldn’t be completed overnight!
The loss of this fleet had to be compensated. This defeat must be avenged fiercely, or it would damage the church’s prestige!
Kingdom of Kent!
Magic Council!
Dwarves, barbarians, blood races, orcs, just wait!
"Issue a summoning order, commanding the Rhine Kingdom and the Carolingian Kingdom, the royal family and all counts and above, to send representatives to gather in the Holy City within a month! We will discuss the formation of a fleet to expedition to the Kingdom of Kent!"
While the Pope was slamming the table, in the royal palace of the Kingdom of Kent, a scene of glamour and elegance unfolded. Garrett, accompanied by Cirilla, guided by Baroness Viteg, walked towards the group of spellcasters:
"Do I really not need to keep a constant watch? No need for me to activate the ECG and fetal heart monitoring, to remotely check on the Queen’s condition?"
"Really not needed," the baroness smiled.
"Among the Queen’s train-bearer maids, there are two female priests from the Spring Temple, one at level two, the other at level four; among her close maids, there is also a high-ranking priest above level ten."
In other words, if any issue arises, they can provide divine support at any time.
"As long as you stay nearby, in a place where we can always find you. You can go see the displayed gold and jewels, or look at the flagship from the balcony. Just wait until after the triumphant ceremony..."
You don’t need to tell me that. Garrett smiled and nodded at her, joining the ranks of the royal mage corps. They were not considered early; most of the invited guests had already arrived, forming lines along the red carpet. Everywhere he looked, silk and jewels glimmered.
Grand Mage Seymour smiled and nodded at them, indicating a spot three steps away from him, close to the aisle, for them to stand, for a better view of the Queen.
They had not stood for long when the main doors of the hall were fully opened. Two trumpeters stepped into the hall, blowing their brass trumpets with all their might—
The clear and bright trumpet sound attracted everyone’s attention. As the trumpet sound ceased, the Queen, accompanied by her maids, stepped into the hall, appearing before the guests. Cirilla immediately gasped lightly and sent a message to Garrett:
"She’s actually wearing a military uniform!"
Although it was a modified military uniform suitable for a heavily pregnant woman, the strict high collar, the straight shoulder epaulettes embroidered with gold thread, the deep red woolen fabric, and the complex ribbons and medals were unmistakably military in style.
She walked forward with steady, albeit slightly awkward, steps, each step almost identical in distance. She even carried a light sword at her waist, its scabbard gleaming, clearly a royal family’s magical weapon.
Garrett’s expression was solemn. He also activated the "Message" spell, replying softly to Cirilla:
"Wearing a military uniform at this late stage of pregnancy to attend the triumphant ceremony is obviously to gain the military’s loyalty, to make the army that went on the expedition support and love her. This Queen... is not simple."
As he spoke, he looked around. Sure enough, in the nearby group of military nobility, each person’s eyes were shining.
Clearly, the Queen’s stance made them quite excited, giving them a sense of "the Queen understands us," "the Queen is one of us."
Of course, Garrett was happy to see this scene. A Queen willing to endure hardship and lower herself was better than a decadent and arrogant one.
Currently, the Kingdom of Kent was weaker than the Radiant Church. Only a clear-headed ruler could unite the nobility, the Magic Council, and various temples, making the kingdom thrive.
When the kingdom prospered, everyone would have better days, right?
As he thought this, the Queen’s steady steps were almost before him. Garrett pulled Cirilla, imitating the surrounding nobles, bowing in salutation. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, give each other face~~~
After all, no one would nitpick the mage’s imperfect etiquette.
When the Queen walked the red carpet and sat on the throne, the trumpeters blew their brass trumpets again. The master of ceremonies loudly announced:
"Please welcome the commander of the expeditionary force, Earl Elster! Please welcome the commanders of each fleet!"
With the command, a group of people quickly stepped from the steps at the hall entrance. Their military uniforms were crisp, their boots polished, and their dark green cloaks fluttered behind them. Each one stood straight, with solemn expressions, filled with infinite joy and pride.
Although their steps were not as uniform as the ceremonial guards, the overwhelming aura of a group of high-ranking knights walking together made Garrett feel breathless.
The first person... unfamiliar. The second person... unfamiliar. Looking further, Garrett immediately saw a familiar face, the commander of the third fleet of the council, Knight Drake. The other party also saw him, giving an almost imperceptible nod, exchanging a glance with him.
Relaxed expression, slight smile, it seemed the council’s fleet had also achieved great success. Garrett was slightly relieved:
The battle results didn’t matter; he just hoped his acquaintances, especially the spellcasters he trained, were safe and sound!
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