Axel

Chapter 519: The Aristocratic Flair of the Old Nobility!

Added 2025-06-22 15:09:00 +0000 UTC

When Charlot Mecklenburg arrived in Cappadocia, he found the city bustling with activity but not without its issues. The influx of people he had sent there, many of whom were his "opponents," had caused a degree of disorder. At least several thousand were imprisoned, leaving Cruse at his wit's end. He couldn’t simply execute or release them, and changing their beliefs seemed nearly impossible.

Charlot, upon learning of the matter, decisively decided to relocate these people to the Aggras Archipelago, where settlers were needed to open up the land.

Cruse hadn’t expected this longstanding problem of his to be resolved in such a straightforward and forceful manner...

Charlot also gave Siman a directive to establish a stronghold in the Aggras Archipelago, promising him a fleet of one hundred ghost ships. With so many in his possession, Charlot thought it better to put them to productive use rather than let them idle and waste resources. However, this promise would only be fulfilled once the ghost ships arrived in Cappadocia. Siman trusted that Charlot would never go back on his word.

Over the years, both Cruse and Siman had come to understand Charlot’s personality and methods. Every action Charlot took had a purpose. As long as his goals were met, he was willing to compromise on other interests. Even in cases where he had previously seized benefits to achieve his aims, he was known to return them later or even compensate further if cooperation was assured. For instance, Charlot had once commandeered a merchant ship belonging to Siman, but now Siman owned at least five ships under his name, not counting other lucrative opportunities.

Upon learning that he was about to command a fleet of one hundred ghost ships, Siman trembled with excitement.

For Charlot, the ghost ships were combat assets, but to a merchant like Siman, they were tireless tools for generating wealth, requiring no wages. Charlot’s suggestion to open up trade routes was a clear hint: Siman could use the ghost ships to amass profits, and the earnings could remain entirely his.

Charlot spent the night in Cappadocia and set sail the next day, heading for Saint Michael Island with his fleet.

When a fleet comprising four legendary warships, seven magical alchemical warships, and eleven ancient magical ghost warships appeared on the horizon, Saint Michael Island, like Cappadocia, was thrown into a panic. It wasn’t until someone spotted the Mecklenburg family banner that a magical alchemical warship approached to welcome Charlot’s fleet.

Menielman Soumet, as gallant as ever, had risen to prominence within the Farsian Navy. Though her personal strength still lagged behind that of Duchess Mesu in her prime, her naval influence far surpassed it. During the duchess's time, rival factions contested her dominance, but now, no force could challenge Menielman in the Farsian Navy.

The First Rose of the Empire was indisputably the foremost figure in the Imperial Navy.

When Menielman saw Charlot, she was mildly surprised. She knew he had left Fars to lead a fleet on a voyage but wasn’t privy to his reasons. Charlot had shared no details with anyone. Yet, in less than a year, he had returned with naval strength rivaling that of an empire!

Although Charlot’s fleet consisted of only twenty-something ships, the presence of four legendary warships alone was enough to outshine any imperial fleet.

Menielman, however, was unaware of the thousand-plus ghost ships in Charlot’s possession. If she knew, she would likely suspect him of preparing to rebel!

Charlot greeted Menielman with a deep sense of familiarity. The first person he had embraced upon transmigrating to this world was this senior with her long, straight, and elegant legs. Menielman had repaid him generously; without her promotion to chief clerk, Charlot wouldn’t have gained Princess Annie’s favor, nor would subsequent events have unfolded as they did.

Menielman stepped forward with a gait as graceful as a blooming rose, her every movement exuding charm and dignity. When she set foot on the Radiant Holy Kingdom, the entire ship seemed to brighten, as though captivated by her presence.

Charlot, slightly taken aback, exclaimed, “Senior Menielman, have you advanced again?”

Menielman hadn’t expected Charlot to notice this immediately. Smiling faintly, she replied, “Indeed, I’ve made some progress.”

Charlot took a deep breath and murmured, “The twenty-third rank!”

The First Rose of the Empire had always been renowned for her beauty. Before joining the navy, no one had realized she had already broken through to the saint rank. In many people’s eyes, she was merely an extraordinary high-ranking transcendent. Even Charlot had thought so when they first met. He didn’t witness her saintly strength until her clash with Princess May.

Admiringly, Charlot remarked, “Senior, your talent is truly extraordinary. I’ve been stuck at the eighteenth rank for what feels like ages!”

Andreas couldn’t help but interject, “You’ve been stuck for a year, haven’t you?”

Charlot hesitated. He genuinely couldn’t recall the exact duration.

Andreas snorted. “A year counts as ‘ages’? Charlot, are you showing off, or just trying to redefine arrogance for everyone here?”

Charlot shrugged. “That wasn’t my intention!”

“Andreas! Aren’t you at the twentieth rank now?”

“You’ve already surpassed Viggo.”

Hearing this, Viggo quietly took a step back. As the weakest saint in the group, he felt particularly self-conscious.

Andreas’s face turned crimson. Among Charlot’s team, he was second only to Viggo in weakness...

In terms of being the weakest, that is!

Menielman couldn’t suppress a small smile. “When we first met, you were just a first-rank transcendent.”

Charlot sighed. “Indeed.”

“Just months before meeting you, I thought I’d never ascend to the transcendent realm.”

Despite being the leader of the group, Charlot’s words earned him looks of thinly veiled disdain from many.

Although Charlot was only at the eighteenth rank, few underestimated him. Even Juno Arthur believed Charlot was destined to become a saint. His breakthrough speed was astonishing, as though a divine being blessed him daily.

No, it wasn’t just “as though.”

Menielman showed keen interest in Charlot’s four legendary warships and casually inquired about their origins. Charlot invited her to his cabin before having Andreas recount their recent adventures in detail.

Charlot had grown weary of boasting about his own exploits. He needed someone to do it for him, and Andreas, as the son of Constantine, the former strongest of the Black Phoenix Dynasty, and its youngest saint, fit the bill perfectly. His narration carried an aristocratic flair that suited Charlot’s preferences.