Reincarnated with the Country System

Chapter 78 Embarkation and Intrigue

The nobles were at the port waiting for the ship they would board, and all of them were having a conversation.

Marquis Sam wrinkled his nose in distaste. "I am not really fond of ships," he grumbled, crossing his arms. "They are dark and filled with rats. They're not even comfortable to sleep in; even though we are only riding it for one day, I still dislike it."

Duchess Milana, rolled her eyes at his complaint. "Don't be such a baby, Sam. You know how important ships are in trade and the military. Even though they are not the best rides, they are beneficial for a country."

Duke Gorge nodded. "I agree with you, Milana, but the Marquis is right; I still remember the studies of the Malak Dynasty that stated that communicable diseases are brought by sailors who visit new places. The study also stated that rats that infest the ship are the ones infecting the sailors with these diseases."

Marquis Worthington, chimed in with a smirk. "I think you should definitely be prepared to hire someone who could cure you. I am quite sure that the ships of Bernard are crappy and infested with rats." He had arrived at the port some time ago to bid farewell to the diplomatic delegation and to see the ships of the Bernard Empire.

Marquises Aqua said, "I've been wondering about those giant fortresses in the water. Are they newly made? I don't remember seeing those things before here."

Duke Gorge squinted, his brow furrowing in thought. "Now that you mention it, those weren't here the last time I visited this city. I only noticed those things yesterday when I arrived."

Duchess Milana frowned, her brow furrowing in concern. "But with that size, it is almost impossible to float in the water. If I remember correctly, that part is quite deep. The question is, if those things are structures, how would they be able to build them there?"

"I think those might not be just floating structures, look closely at those things; they are very identical to ships."

Just then, a familiar voice broke through their musings. "Good morning to all of you."

The nobles turned to see Imperial Diplomat Joseph approaching, a confident smile on his face.

Marquis Sam greeted him with a nod. "Oh! Imperial Diplomat Joseph, we were waiting for your arrival."

Marquis Worthington, ever the provocateur, added, "Oh, I thought you had already run away from the embarrassment that will hit you when the Queen arrives."

Joseph chuckled, unfazed. "Well, we will see the results later. I am also quite interested in the Queen's reaction when she sees more of my country's prowess in engineering and technology."

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Marquis Worthington raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched on his face. "You are quite confident, aren't you? Well, that does not matter when the Queen arrives. Your ignorance will be your biggest mistake. I have even brought one of my most luxurious wines to celebrate the moment when you embarrass yourself."

Before Joseph could respond, Duchess Milana interjected, her tone shifting to one of urgency. "Imperial Diplomat Joseph, I know that we are waiting for the Queen to arrive to say her goodbyes to all of us, but please tell us where the ship we will be boarding is."

Duke Gorge added, "Yes! Imperial Diplomat, we are still uneasy about riding a ship, so if you would please show us the ship we will be boarding to reduce our uneasiness."

Joseph waved a hand dismissively. "No need to be worried about the ships we will be boarding. I guarantee you that it will be one of your most unforgettable experiences with ships."

Meanwhile, at Java City, the guards were taken aback by the sight of the royal knights who directly served the Royal family. They quickly sent word to Governor Vaju, the appointed governor of the Java province, about the Queen's imminent arrival.

[In the intricate hierarchy of noble society, governors held a distinctive and often complex role, shaped by their backgrounds and the expectations placed upon them. Typically, these individuals were the second or third children of noble families, a position that came with both privilege and limitation. In a world where the firstborn son was destined to inherit the family title, lands, and responsibilities, the younger siblings often found themselves at a crossroads, seeking their own paths in a society that had already charted their futures.

From a young age, these noble scions were acutely aware of their status. They were raised in the shadow of their elder sibling, who were groomed to take over the family estate and carry on the family name. As a result, the second and third children were often encouraged to pursue education and careers outside the traditional expectations of nobility. Many were sent to prestigious academies, where they received a rigorous education that emphasized not only the arts and humanities but also the practical skills necessary for governance and public service.

At these academies, they studied a wide array of subjects, including law, economics, history, and diplomacy. They learned about the intricacies of governance, the importance of civic duty, and the delicate balance of power within the kingdom. The curriculum was designed to prepare them for roles in the government, instilling in them a sense of responsibility toward their future subjects. They were taught to think critically, to analyze complex situations, and to develop strategies that would benefit both the Crown and the populace.

Upon graduation, these young nobles were often given the opportunity to serve in various government offices, where they could gain practical experience and demonstrate their capabilities. Some might start as clerks or aides, assisting more senior officials in their duties. Others might be assigned to local administrations, where they could engage directly with the communities they would one day govern. This hands-on experience was invaluable, allowing them to understand the needs and concerns of the people, as well as the challenges of governance.

As they progressed in their careers, those who distinguished themselves through their diligence, intelligence, and integrity were often considered for the esteemed position of governor. The appointment of governors was a significant responsibility, typically made by the Queen herself, who relied on her trusted advisors to recommend candidates who had proven their worth. The selection process was rigorous, as the Queen sought individuals who not only possessed the necessary skills but also demonstrated loyalty to the Crown and a commitment to the welfare of the kingdom.

Once appointed, governors were tasked with overseeing the administration of their provinces, acting as the Queen's representatives in regions that were often far removed from the capital. Their responsibilities were multifaceted: they were responsible for maintaining law and order, implementing royal decrees, managing local resources, and addressing the needs of their constituents. They served as a vital link between the Crown and the people, ensuring that the royal will was executed effectively and that the interests of the nobility were balanced with those of the common folk.

Governors wielded considerable power, but this authority came with its own set of challenges. They had to navigate the complex social dynamics of their provinces, often dealing with powerful local nobles who might resent their authority. Balancing the interests of the Crown with those of the local nobility required diplomatic finesse and a keen understanding of the political landscape. Governors were often seen as lesser nobles, and their authority could be undermined by the more powerful heads of their families, leading to a constant struggle for legitimacy and respect.

Despite these challenges, many governors embraced their roles with a sense of purpose. They recognized that their positions offered them a unique opportunity to effect change and improve the lives of their subjects. Driven by ambition and a desire to prove themselves, they often implemented reforms aimed at enhancing local governance, promoting economic development, and addressing social issues. Their efforts were not only a means of establishing their own legacies but also a way to elevate the status of their families, demonstrating that even those without the prospect of inheritance could achieve greatness through service.]

As Governor Vaju prepared to leave his mansion for his daily inspection, a guard rushed to him with the news. Without hesitation, Vaju mounted his steed and rode to the gate to greet the Queen.

Upon arrival, he dismounted and stood at attention as the Queen's luxurious carriage approached. Queen Maria, regal and composed, peered out the window, her eyes lighting up upon spotting Vaju. She ordered the carriage to stop and opened the door.

"Long time no see, Governor Vaju," she said, a warm smile gracing her lips. "I see that you are still in good shape. You still look the same as the last time I saw you."

Governor Vaju chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "This old-timer is definitely not dying that easily; despite my old age, I am still able to perform the things I did when I was still in my thirties."

Queen Maria laughed heartily, the sound echoing through the port. "Well, I think you are full of yourself; even your self-confidence is still the same as I remembered. Now join me in this carriage; it is quite boring riding all by myself."

With a nod of gratitude, Governor Vaju climbed into the carriage, and they set off toward the port where the nobles awaited.

As the carriage approached, the nobles recognized the royal insignia and the entourage of knights accompanying it. They immediately knelt in respect, with Duchess Milana performing a graceful curtsy. Queen Maria stepped out, her presence commanding and dignified.

"Rise," she commanded, her voice firm yet kind.

The nobles stood. Joseph, however, remained standing, observing the scene with a hint of amusement.

Maria addressed the gathered nobles, her tone serious yet encouraging. "To all of you leaving this country, I am praying for your safety. I hope this cultural exchange will provide good results for both Britannia and Bernard. If Britannia and Bernard do become allies, I hope that we will be helping each other hand in hand to improve. The new possibilities for our countries might be coming soon."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the group. "For you are going to Bernard, please do respect the country you are going to; remember that you are not in Britannia anymore, so please do be careful with your actions. But if not, then just respect the rules of the country. It might save you from embarrassing our country."

"Now, the last thing I want you to do is to do your best in this cultural exchange; if there are any negotiations, then you already know what you should do. This might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so we must do our best."

The nobles responded in unison, "As you wish, your majesty."

Joseph, eager to steer the conversation, interjected, "Now that this is over, we will be boarding the ship, but there is one big problem for us."

Marquis Worthington, ever the cynic, smirked. "Just tell the truth that the ships of your country are crappy; it is better to tell the truth than to embarrass yourself. But I don't care anymore, as your embarrassment might make my wine even more delicious."

Joseph's expression hardened slightly, but he maintained his composure. "We will be riding these boats which will bring us to the ship we will be boarding. The problem I was talking about is the low tide; the ship can't be docked because the water isn't deep enough."

As if on cue, the nobles spotted white boats gliding toward them, moving effortlessly across the water without any visible means of propulsion. The sight caught them off guard, and even the Queen raised an eyebrow in surprise.

Marquis Worthington scoffed, "So they are only boats, without any oars. The Indiana Empire had already done something like that by using wind and water mages. The speed was even faster than these boats."

Joseph, undeterred, smiled at the nobles. "If you would excuse me, I am going to help the nobles board the boats."

The first boat filled quickly, Duke Gorge taking up nearly two seats with his robust frame. Just as the boat was about to leave, Joseph called out, "The things you will be bringing to Bernard have been boarded in the ship; your slaves as well have already boarded the ship."

Queen Maria, intrigued, spoke up. "Imperial Diplomat, I was quite intrigued by the ships of your country. But it is not acceptable to make someone like me keep waiting."

Marquis Worthington, still revelling in his earlier bravado, declared, "I guess I have already won this time; it's time to drink the wine I prepared for this occasion. I am going to enjoy this taste of victory."

Joseph, with a glint of mischief in his eyes, snapped his fingers. Suddenly, the boat carrying the nobles surged forward, accelerating with surprising speed. The nobles gasped, their expressions shifting from unease to astonishment.

Duchess Milana, her eyes wide, pointed toward the horizon. "The giant structures moved!"

The floating castles began to move. Its sleek design and gleaming surface made it appear almost ethereal, as if crafted by celestial beings.

The nobles stood in stunned silence, their minds struggling to comprehend the spectacle before them. Marquis Worthington caught off guard, sputtered as he choked on the wine he had just sipped, the liquid spilling from his mouth in a comical display. His eyes widened in disbelief, nearly popping from their sockets as he struggled to process the sight.

Joseph turned to him, a triumphant smile spreading across his face. "Looks like I've won. You should not always celebrate too early; that has always been the cliché of ignorant fools."

Queen Maria, her expression shifting from surprise to admiration, exclaimed, "This is magnificent! I can't believe you would surprise me with these ships. I thought those things were just structures built in the water."

Joseph, basking in the moment, replied, "Those are actually our warships, your Highness. Designed not only for beauty but for strength and efficiency."

The nobles, still reeling from the revelation, exchanged glances filled with awe and disbelief. The grandeur of the ship was unlike anything they had ever encountered.

Marquis Worthington was still petrified from the scenes he was unable to process.