Chapter 513: Selecting Talents
Howard settled into his chair, initially crossing his legs casually, but then reconsidered and sat up straight.
Speaking earnestly to Vettel, he said, "Strength is relative to whom you compare it with. Aragon might be strong, but now they’re confined to the Yoruba continent and haven’t made any moves in colonizing the New World. Their power is stagnant; it won’t increase much further."
"On the other hand, Castile is expanding vigorously in the New World. Their expansion is rapid and determined. The entire southeast is now under the rule of the Kingdom of Castile. Castile will only grow stronger, whereas Aragon shows no signs of development. Such an ally is definitely not what we need."
Vettel pondered over Howard’s words, then accepted his reasoning.
He left to purchase ships from the Duchy of Naples.
A day later, Bosiden was dispatched to Venice to explain that the ship purchase incident was a misunderstanding.
The Governor of Venice acknowledged that he had been too impulsive and asked Bosiden to convey his apologies to Howard.
Three days later, in the County of Luka, a fleet comprising 50 escort ships and 20 transport vessels was fully assembled, with crew members manning their posts.
The only remaining task was the selection of an admiral.
While Rolf’s choice of admiral was undoubtedly an excellent navigator and naval strategist, Howard lacked such connections.
Despite enlisting Resarite and Anna to help find suitable candidates, none of their recommendations satisfied him.