bookandnovel Chapter 532: Exploration Request
Chapter 532: Exploration Request
Chapter 532: Exploration Request [Map]
Land of Ice... Although that place seemed almost within reach, visible from Leuphan’s northern cliffs on clear, windless days, reaching it was another matter entirely.
From her vantage point, Sarika Klover gazed toward the distant silhouette that teased the horizon. It seemed close enough to touch as if a few hours’ sail could bring her to its rocky shores.
"So close, yet so hard to reach."
The journey across the Northern Sea was a perilous feat. Ice sheets floated freely, covering vast portions of the water’s surface like fractured glass.
Some were the size of small houses, thick enough to tear apart the hulls of ships, or trap them in a death grip that lasted until the vessel was crushed.
Even in summer, the temperatures barely rose above freezing, and the sea winds could numb the flesh within minutes.
Most who attempted the crossing turned back long before reaching land. Those who pressed on often never returned.
It was not that no one had ever set foot on that land. Ancient mariners, driven by curiosity or exile, had made the journey and lived to tell the tale.
They spoke of a bleak, frozen wilderness, where snowstorms blanketed the sky for weeks, and the ground never thawed.
In an age where fertile plains, rich mines, and trade routes were what determined the rise and fall of kingdoms, the Land of Ice had no value.
For monarchs and generals obsessed with resources, taxation, and dominance, it was little more than a frozen curiosity.
However, for Ryntum, who possessed a steel ship, a journey to the Land of Ice is possible.
It is just that Sarika doesn’t know whether the kingdom will let her use the ship. After all, a steel ship is expensive.
To ask for one to satisfy her curiosity about a frozen wasteland felt indulgent, even reckless.
When she recalls the king’s personality, it doesn’t seem that the chance of rejection is high.
As such, she decided to take the initiative and write a letter to the capital, explaining her idea.
....
"Land of Ice..." Riz murmured under his breath.
He continued to read the letter with a curious expression. He had never thought there was another piece of land mass further north.
Today is the day when the spoils of war from the north arrive at Bideford.
Crates of seized weaponry, precious metal, books, and artefacts looted from noble homes had all arrived at the capital gates earlier that morning.
A long procession of soldiers and civil officials oversaw the unloading. Their expressions were filled with fatigue.
Along these mountains of treasure, Sarika’s letter also arrived at the capital alongside it.
Personally, Riz had no objection to Sarika’s intention for the expedition, even though the place she wished to explore was just a barren land.
Who knows if they would find an unexpected discovery there.
He is willing to give her a steel ship to use. Ryntum could afford to send one.
It’s just that he doesn’t know whether the existing ship can cut through the ice sheet or not.
Among the ships available, few have a sharp, knifelike bow. But if the ice is too thick, the vessel would be rendered useless.
They would need to redesign the ship to be capable of breaking the ice by making the bow a more rounded shape. This way, the vessel can crush the ice more quickly and easily with its own weight.
For an expedition force, Riz judges that the load they are going to take with them would certainly not be much. The distance isn’t that far either.
They would probably be fine.
"Forget it. Let’s give her the ship and see how things go."
The matter of exploration was put aside for now. It is just a ship anyway. Even if the mission fails, the loss is insignificant to him.
Riz move on to the next issue, which is making a slight change to his court ministers.
With the joining of Hugo Hagen, the big magnate of agriculture from Blande, Riz believes he can do a better job than the current Minister of Agriculture, Wendall Winslow.
Hugo’s territory is too small. He will have no way to dominate the agriculture market of Ryntum as he did in Blande.
Instead of letting him rot on that island, it is better to give Hugo Hagen a bigger stage and let him use his experience to the fullest.
Wendall Winslow was repositioned. Riz valued his experience, and with his advancing age, a less physically demanding but still prestigious position was more appropriate.
Winslow was appointed Minister of Law and Policy, a position Riz himself had held directly until now.
Another change is that his queen, Theodora Tetherswest, who holds the position of Minister of Finance were withdrew from the court. Her focus was needed elsewhere.
In her place rose Michael Manfura, previously the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
With Michael promoted, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was given to Audrey Bennett, who had long been cultivated for that job.
As for the position of Minister of Health that has been vacant until now, after a long consideration, Riz decided to give it to Stacy Starlion, the Mad Scholar.
The current health system in the kingdom has become relatively complete. The kingdom has produced many medical practitioners and no longer needs Stacy to personally intervene or supervise.
Therefore, Riz wish to let that old woman enter the upper echelon of the kingdom as a reward for her contribution.
Now, aside from the position of prime minister that he did not plan to create for the time being, Riz’s court members have become complete.
Looking at the list, Riz felt satisfied with the current arrangement.
Ministry of Law: Wendall Winslow
Ministry of Finance: Michael Manfura
Ministry of Education: Stuart Steven (unchanged)
Ministry of War and Defence: William Geoffrey (unchanged)
Ministry of Trade and Industry: Gerald (unchanged)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Audrey Bennett
Ministry of Agriculture: Hugo Hagen
Ministry of Health: Stacy Starlion "Mad Scholar"