Kingdombuilding: All My Inventions Are Novelty

Ashenford.

After learning that all the galleons scheduled for completion this year had finally been launched, Simon immediately ordered Desmond to head for Ashenford.

For the past year, Desmond and the Navy had undergone intensive training. One month earlier, they had traveled to Ashenford to practice operating warships. Afterward, they returned to Oxford Academy, where they studied naval theory and tactics. Among the trainees, the best were selected to become captains of the new fleet.

For three days after leaving Brambleford, Desmond had barely rested. Fourteen captains gathered around him on the deck, conducting simulated naval battles using miniature models. Fifteen small models represented Brambleford’s warships. The other set represented the Dutch fleet.

They repeatedly changed formations, tested different approaches, and attempted to counter one another’s movements. Their tactics came directly from the naval textbook Simon had written—Sail Warship Naval Tactics. He had created it precisely because he did not want Brambleford’s navy to pay for its inexperience with blood.

Desmond had spent the entire year studying it. The more he learned, the more clearly he understood the terrifying complexity of a fleet battle.

His previous encounters with the British fleet had also taught him an important lesson.

Confidence was necessary.

Arrogance was deadly.

”Commander, Ashenford is ahead.”

Adel’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

Desmond looked up, beyond the bow, and the Ashenford coastline had already appeared.

Simon stepped onto the deck and looked toward the harbor.

The sight before him made even him pause.

The newly completed naval port stretched along the deepwater bay. Fifteen warships were anchored inside it.

Three smaller vessels sat among them—the first galleons Brambleford had constructed. After undergoing repairs, they had regained their former appearance and now looked ready to return to battle.

But those ships were not what captured Simon’s attention.

His eyes moved toward the deepest section of the harbor.

There stood a monster.

A four-deck warship towered above everything around it. When a merchant vessel passed alongside it, the difference in size was astonishing. The merchant ship looked almost like a toy beside the enormous hull. Everyone on deck instinctively raised their heads.

Adel’s face was filled with pride.

”Your Highness, that is the first-class sail warship.”

He pointed toward the giant vessel.

”It is seventy-five meters long, twenty meters wide, and has a draft of nine meters. Its displacement is approximately six thousand tons. It can carry up to twelve hundred soldiers and mount one hundred and twenty cannons.”

Even Simon was impressed.

This ship represented the highest level of shipbuilding Brambleford had currently achieved.

And it was only the beginning.

”If the Voss family hadn’t spent so much effort building this giant, the shipyard could have completed even more third-class warships this year,” Adel added.

Simon smiled.

That was true.

His original plan had been to focus primarily on third-class ships because they were faster, more maneuverable, and better suited for long-range operations. But a powerful navy also needed ships capable of deciding major battles.

The merchant ship continued toward the dock.

Behind the first-class warship were three second-class vessels; they were three-deck ships, slightly smaller than the massive flagship but still imposing.

Beyond them were four third-class and four fourth-class sail warships. Fifteen ships, Different sizes and Different purposes.

But together, they formed the foundation of Brambleford’s first true ocean-going fleet.

Simon stared at them for several moments. This was no longer a dream. Brambleford finally had a navy.

”Your Highness, these are the second-class warships. Each can carry approximately nine hundred and sixty men...”

Adel continued enthusiastically, introducing the ships one after another.

Desmond, however, could barely hide his excitement.

”Your Highness, even in terms of scale, these ships already surpass many of the Dutch vessels.”

He looked toward the fleet.

”And the Dutch have spread their forces across numerous colonies. Their fleets are scattered throughout the seas. If we destroy their main fleet here, they won’t be able to reinforce one another quickly.”

Simon nodded.

”Exactly.”

He looked at the endless sea beyond the harbor.

”Once we break the Dutch fleet, the balance of power in the East Asian seas will change.”

His expression became serious.

”Desmond, I want you to fight a battle that the world will remember.”

Desmond straightened.

”Whether Brambleford’s overseas trade routes can truly open will depend on you.”

Desmond clenched his fists.

”I won’t disappoint Your Highness.”

Then his expression hardened. As determination flashed in his eyes.

Simon looked at him for a moment before giving a faint smile.

The merchant ship slowly entered the harbor.

At its mast, the Brambleford flag fluttered proudly in the sea breeze.

The moment the flag appeared, the shipbuilders waiting along the shore became excited.

Among them was Harlan Voss. Behind him stood dozens of craftsmen who had spent the past two years building these ships. They had been waiting for this moment.

As the merchant ship approached the dock, Simon looked at the harbor with satisfaction.

The bay possessed an extraordinarily deep channel. Even by modern standards, it was an excellent natural deepwater port. That was precisely why he had chosen Ashenford. As this place would become the heart of Brambleford’s navy.

The merchant ship finally reached the dock.

Simon stepped ashore.

Voss and the craftsmen immediately bowed.

”Rise.”

Simon waved his hand.

His gaze swept across the craftsmen.

”You have all worked hard.” As he had a wild grin

”More importantly, you have fulfilled your promise to me.”

The craftsmen exchanged glances.

Simon continued.

”I have already instructed Baldwin to restore your Brambleford household registrations.”

Everyone froze.

”From today onward, you are no longer slaves.”

The words seemed to hang in the air.

For two years, these craftsmen had eaten well, lived well, and received treatment far better than they had ever expected. But there had always been one invisible chain around their necks.

The word slave.

No matter how well they lived, that label reminded them that they were not truly free. Now, that chain had finally been broken.

”Your Highness...”

Voss voice trembled. As he raised his head, his eyes were filled with tears.

”Thank you, Your Highness!”

He lowered himself deeply.

The Voss family had endured humiliation, displacement, and countless hardships. But today, they had finally taken another step toward restoring their former dignity.

Adel remained calmer, though even he could not completely conceal his excitement. A sly smile appeared on his face.

Simon shook his head. As he glanced toward the massive ships.

”Today is a day for celebration, not tears.”

Harlan Voss immediately wiped his eyes.

”Yes, Your Highness. This way.”

The dock stretched nearly three hundred meters from the shore into the sea. Warships were moored along both sides. At the very end stood the enormous first-class warship.

As Simon approached, even he felt a surge of pride.

Harlan walked beside him.

”Your Highness, the ship is ready to sail at any time.”

He paused.

”However, it still lacks one thing.”

Simon looked at him.

Harlan smiled.

”It needs a name.”

Hearing this, Simon turned toward the giant vessel. First-class sail warships were not designed for ordinary patrols. Their enormous size made them slower and less maneuverable than third-class ships, which were far more suitable for long-distance cruising.

But when it came to a decisive fleet battle, everything changed.

A first-class warship was a floating fortress. One hundred and twenty cannons. Four decks, thousands of tons of timber and iron.

Enough men to turn a single vessel into a battlefield of its own.

Simon looked at the towering hull for a long moment.

Then he said,

”From today onward, this ship shall be called...”

He paused.

”Brambleford King, Blue Reaper.”

Desmond’s eyes immediately lit up. He laughed.

”What an excellent name!”

He looked toward the enormous warship.

”With Your Highness’s name upon its flag, it will be invincible!”

That was precisely what he wanted. Not merely a warship. A symbol.

A symbol that would tell every enemy who saw it that Brambleford had entered the sea.

The remaining ships were also given name.

Soon, everyone climbed aboard the enormous warship using the rope ladder hanging from the side.

The moment Desmond stepped onto the deck, his expression changed.

He had commanded ships before. He had trained aboard ships before. But this was different; this was a warship built for a battle that could determine the future of an entire sea.

The naval students scattered across the deck, inspecting everything they could find.

Some examined the gun decks.

Others studied the rigging.

Several immediately began discussing how the ship would maneuver during battle.

Once the cannons arrived, the ship would finally reveal its true strength.

But before anyone could say more, hurried footsteps sounded from the dock.

Everyone turned.

A group of officials had arrived.

At the front was Monti, the governor of Ashenford. Beside him stood Commander O’Neill.

The two men quickly approached the warship.

Monti cupped his hands and bowed, before speaking.

”Your Highness, there is something you should know.”

Hearing this Simon’s expression changed slightly.