Another World: Naval Storm

Chapter 177 Current Situation of the Navy

Through the gate, Leo could already feel the strong atmosphere outside. He stood behind the door and straightened his military uniform. He wanted to appear in front of the people of Drake in his best appearance.

"General?" The military police next to him was waiting for Leo's order.

"Open the door! I'm ready!" With Leo's voice, the two doors slowly opened, and Leo's figure appeared in front of everyone. Not only were there a lot of people, but the flags of the Drake Empire and the navy flags that covered the sky were waving in people's hands.

Leo was a little nervous. This was more stressful than facing a hail of bullets. The Drake people welcomed the hero in their own way. This was his country.

There was no need for a speech script; the perfect atmosphere made him feel comfortable and relaxed.

"I made a mistake in the Battle of Cimbrica, but the Empire magnanimously forgave me. This is a sign of trust and affirmation of me. So far in the war, we have defeated the Royal Navy, helped the Ottoman allies crush the conspiracy of the Allied Powers, and we are galloping in the heart of the Russian Empire. Our powerful army will eventually enter the Palace of Versailles of the French Republic, and the warships of the Ocean Fleet will definitely cross the English Channel. The Drakes don't have to regard me as a hero. Every soldier who fights for the Empire is a hero! The glory belongs not only to me personally, but also to all Drakes!"

"Nicholas, look, Leo's speech is really good!" Vasir, who was mixed in the crowd, praised.

"Yeah, it makes me excited. Marshal Piltz might have been moved by his words, they are so contagious!" Nicholas was convinced by Leo.

The atmosphere at the scene was high. The Allied intelligence officers mixed in the crowd were full of worry, and the emperor's spies also had gloomy faces. Both sides reached a consensus at this time that Leo was a dangerous guy.

Wen Na's little hands unconsciously grasped the corner of her father's clothes, feeling a little overwhelmed. It was the first time she saw such a crazy crowd and such a tall father.

Leo comforted his parents, wife and children, who were also tired and it was time to go home and rest. He, Vasir and Nicholas got on the military vehicle sent by the Navy.

"Looking at the route, it doesn't look like it's going to the Navy Department?" Leo looked at the two and asked.

"That's right, let's go to Charlottenburg Palace. Our Emperor is waiting for you!" Vasir said with a sneer.

"Your Majesty is likely to compromise. Leo must be careful and never agree to any requests that imply danger. Your foundation is in the navy. As long as the navy supports you, others cannot easily act against you!" Nicholas reminded. Although he would not use the conspiracies and tricks of the nobles, he had heard of many of them.

"I understand, I won't let the navy down! You are the ones I can trust!" Leo said firmly. Although he is not a politician, he can still see through the emperor's little tricks.

"While we have time, I will tell you about the current situation of the navy. Admiral Bollinger will continue to serve as the Chief of the Navy Staff. It seems that the Emperor will not touch him in the short term. I will be transferred from the Bilo to the Deputy Chief of the Navy Staff to assist Admiral Bollinger in his work." Vasir surprised Leo as soon as he came up.

"Major General? Why hasn't your rank been changed yet?"

"I'll change him after he's officially appointed. Admiral Bollinger asked Nicolas first, and he was unwilling to go, so I got the advantage!" Vasir winked at Nicolas and said jokingly.

"It's not really a bargain. I didn't want to work in the General Staff anyway. Fighting at sea is what I want! Vasir going to the General Staff will be a great help to us!" Nicholas said seriously.

"And Admiral Leon was promoted to marshal and will continue to command the ocean fleet. But I think there is a conspiracy. The emperor wants to use this to divide the navy. Although the probability of success is very small, we have to guard against it. And that old Korean guy Holding will serve as the reserve commander." Vassil, who was sitting in the front row, lit a cigarette, took two puffs, and continued to introduce the general changes within the navy.

"Marshal Apervin removed the word 'deputy' and officially became the Minister of the Navy. Marshal Apervin is in the Admiralty and Marshal Lyon is in the Ocean Fleet. There are two powerful marshals in the Navy. This is what I am worried about, but no problems have been exposed yet. According to your suggestion, Marshal Lyon established a submarine command on Heligoland Island. Originally, Doyle-Dunney was to be the commander, but Mehus had objections and it was very unpleasant. Marshal Lyon could only let the two compete. Whoever sank the highest tonnage in the first half of this year would be the commander."

"Nonsense, Mehus deserves to be punished. Is war for him to play with?" Leo secretly took note and was determined to give Mehus a beating when he saw him again.

"Also, our first aviation squadron for the aircraft carrier has been formed. The commander of this aviation squadron is Captain Terry Xia, who used grenades to attack the St. George during the Battle of Simbrica."

"I know this guy. He's quite smart! How many planes does the squadron have now?"

"Seven seaplanes!" Vasir gave the number accurately.

"That's not enough. Besides, seaplanes alone won't do. After you are in the General Staff, you should visit the Design Department frequently and urge them to come up with a fighter plane that can take off directly from the deck of an aircraft carrier as soon as possible! Seaplanes can be used when the ocean fleet is in the most dangerous situation."

"You are optimistic about this kind of thin-skinned but large-stuffed... warship? They don't even have a large-caliber naval gun. Are you kidding me to expect them to rescue the Ocean Fleet?" Nicholas looked down on the so-called aircraft carriers. Aircraft carriers were completely different from the warships he knew.

"Of course, aircraft carriers are the weapon that will allow the Drake Empire to dominate the ocean in the future. Their combat power is not that great now, but they will definitely be stronger than battleships in the future!" Leo answered affirmatively.

"Is it true? Is it more powerful than a dreadnought?" Vasir was also shocked. He had personally seen the performance of the aircraft carrier, and he really couldn't tell what was so great about it.

"You'll be able to see it in a few years! Stay tuned!"

"Leo, this big show of yours has finally made our emperor realize the navy's dissatisfaction with the royal family. He readily approved the navy's shipbuilding plan to add two battlecruisers and six cruisers, and also provided an emergency budget of 92 million gold marks. Later, he announced that your promotion and awarding ceremony will be held today. The conspiracy is obvious. You'd better be careful of the sugar-coated bullets." Nicholas reminded again. Everyone's eyes were on Leo. Any action that could be misunderstood would be a big trouble.

"Don't worry, I will only swallow the sugar coating and then shoot back the cannonballs! I can take advantage of others, but I can't suffer losses!"