Chapter 287: Chapter 283: Allocate Flying Airship
The words of Duke Ruth subtly suggested that the advent of the Flying Airship would greatly facilitate transportation within the Empire and strengthen connections between the Imperial Center and localities. This gave the impression of endless praise, making one wonder if the Speaker of the Noble Council had risen to his position through flattery.
But the Empress and Eldest Princess Annie present were able to understand the meaning behind Duke Ruth’s words.
Duke Ruth had gone to the Northern Territory, and everyone knew what the development there was truly for.
Therefore, as Duke Ruth brought up the topic of the Northern Territory, Eldest Princess Annie no longer appeared restless as before but listened attentively to his words.
Since the Empress’s only son, Justinian, was completely expelled from the palace, the entire Empire has clearly positioned Eldest Princess Annie as the successor to the imperial throne. Hence, in recent times, the Empress has been trying to have Eldest Princess Annie take over some of the governmental affairs.
Although the Empress does not suffer from any physical issues and considering her health and royal lineage, living another twenty years is considered easy. It is evident that the Empress is attempting to have Eldest Princess Annie take charge of affairs.
In the past, despite being groomed as the successor, the nominal heir was Justinian, and Eldest Princess Annie’s character was not particularly fond of these matters. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have joined the military.
Thus, Eldest Princess Annie hasn’t been much involved in governmental affairs, only gradually taking on such matters in recent years.
Now, with the impending cryptic winter, the Empire’s affairs are numerous, and the aging Empress naturally feels her energy waning, so many matters fall upon Eldest Princess Annie to represent the Royal Family in handling.
Fortunately, Eldest Princess Annie is quite proficient in handling governmental affairs. Though sometimes showing a strong military style of straightforwardness, at least the management of tasks seems quite satisfactory in the eyes of the public.
Currently, the Empire faces an unprecedented disaster, and a stable successor is beneficial at such times.
Although a leader with great talent and strategic vision to guide the Empire through the crisis is important, when Count Perfikot already oversees the entire Northern Territory development plan to tackle the impending disaster, a less conspicuous leader may be even more suitable.
After all, in times of crisis, what’s necessary is unity, where a great leader suffices. Having two may inevitably lead to conflict.
For ambitious and capable individuals, they find it hard to obey another.
If their opinions align, it might be a celebrated example of harmonious ruler and minister; but if they oppose, no one wishes to see that scenario.
Moreover, Eldest Princess Annie recently started to take on these matters, her lack of experience leading to less smooth, ideal handling, which everyone understands.
Thus, the Imperial Center understands why Eldest Princess Annie doesn’t excel in governmental affairs or show as much interest as she does in military matters.
Even the Empress only expects Eldest Princess Annie to handle some affairs to familiarize herself with procedures without demanding great performance.
But this doesn’t mean Eldest Princess Annie herself is content with mediocrity.
This doesn’t imply that Her Highness the Princess harbors high ambitions unwilling to admit shortcomings. She simply does not want everything to rely on Perfikot, whom she was meant to protect.
The vast Empire, tasked to combat the cryptic winter, depends on the hopes placed on a mere teenage girl, a notion so laughable that it suggests the core of the Victor Empire consists of incompetents far inferior to a teenage girl.
Even if this girl has proven to be an unparalleled genius, finding anyone comparable to her in this world is nearly impossible.
Thus, over recent times, Eldest Princess Annie, despite not being fond of these tasks, has been forcing herself to gradually handle and master them. This was to prove her capabilities and to shoulder as much as she could to assist Perfikot further.
Listening to Duke Ruth, Eldest Princess Annie, after understanding his implications, thought for a moment and spoke: "The Royal Shipyard has already maximized its production capacity. Recently, five Flying Airships are nearing completion. Perhaps we could allocate these five airships to Perfikot?
She currently has only two Flying Airships available, one of which even returned for repairs due to a malfunction, indicating her current need for airship transport capacity.
In comparison, the Empire’s mainland does not have as great a demand for Flying Airships."
The five Flying Airships Eldest Princess Annie mentioned are the batch soon to be delivered by the Royal Shipyard. They are not large like the Behemoth but rather smaller, lightweight, high-speed airships.
Designed by the Royal Shipyard drawing from past experience in constructing surface vessels for the Navy, these airships feature enhanced speed and reduced weight internal structure to enable faster travel.
Originally intended as scout ships for the Navy, now the Princess hopes to strengthen Perfikot’s capabilities.
"Indeed, as per my observations in the Northern Territory, the environment is indeed quite harsh. Even Count Brandelis had to carve out spaces in the mountains for his alchemy laboratory." Duke Ruth remarked sentimentally.
The harshness of the Northern Territory left a deep impression on Duke Ruth, who had visited twice. He genuinely admired how Perfikot, a delicate noble lady, could continue her work despite such adverse conditions.
"This year, Count Brandelis plans massive construction in the Northern Territory, making airships urgently needed by her. I agree with reallocating the five Flying Airships to the Northern Territory." Duke Ruth naturally would not oppose Eldest Princess Annie’s suggestion, prioritizing the smooth development of the Northern Territory as the Empire’s top concern.
It’s no issue to divert new ships destined for the Navy to the Northern Territory, so long as it’s needed by Perfikot. Even if she asked for the Navy’s flagship, the Victor Empire would comply.