# boiling By [Untitled](https://paragraph.com/@0xd8e626daf9141784e39631f1b9efcfe4f2a0524a) ยท 2021-10-22 --- Lord Raymond, commander of the Imperial Expeditionary Fleet, stood on forecastle Hill, looking impassively at the cheering crowds in the harbor. At thirty-nine, the first class general of the Empire, the Count of the Empire, was now in his best dress, covered in light armour, his scarlet cloak rustling behind him, and wearing on his chest two MEDALS from his two previous expeditions.And there was no doubt that this triumph would win him the count's eyes were distracted, and his eyes were not fixed on the cheering crowds in the harbour, but on closer examination the count's brow seemed vaguely wrinkled and impatient. Damn it, this armor is too heavy and stupid! His lordship did not think that such heavy armour would be necessary for a man in a naval fleet to fight at sea.That's army stuff.As for the wearing of these MEDALS, it was a foolish thing in the count's mind.It was as if the nouveau riche were flaunting his wealth -- something a true aristocrat would disdain to do.He felt that such a move was beneath him. Moreover, the cheering crowds below were so loud that their shouts, like the waves of a tsunami, ate away at the count's scarce patience. Unconsciously glancing at the deck below. The dandong had been painted three days earlier for today's welcoming ceremony, and the decks were blood-free.The decks that had been worn out in the expeditionary wars had been re-laid, and the Angle of the bow had been renewed...Why, those who like to flatter the Emperor, have turned the horn of the bow into a statue of the Emperor himself, and it is said that this statue was made by the hands of one of the great masters of the Empire a few days ago. The Imperial Navy paid an additional 10,000 ducats. I mean, it's tough enough.But don't those fools know that in a battle at sea, the first thing that breaks when warships collide is the Angle of the bow? It seemed to him that the ten thousand ducats were unjustly spent.The master carver's work is not even as practical as a random sharp wooden stake. In fact, on a deeper level, Lord Ramon thought in his heart of hearts that organizing the so-called X Imperial Expeditionary Fleet had been a ridiculous and absurd mistake. From several decades ago, the Empire began one "expedition" after another in the South China Sea region. It is undeniable that there are countless islands scattered like pearls over the vast waters, where there are strange forests, where there are wild and foolish tribes of natives still in the gentile stage, where there are gold, precious stones, spices, and seafood. --- *Originally published on [Untitled](https://paragraph.com/@0xd8e626daf9141784e39631f1b9efcfe4f2a0524a/boiling)*