Looking at the fiery eyes of each of them, Charles immediately guessed their purpose.
"You are discussing this with me in this situation?" Charles frowned slightly.
At this critical moment, do we still have time to discuss the ownership of the living island
Feuerbach came over with a smile and said to Charles: "Everyone knows that this fleet is under your command, and the sea charts are also yours and Kede's, so of course the governor of this island is also yours, but everyone has risked their lives to help, so you should have the qualification to be loyal."
The captains behind nodded in agreement.
When they saw that the simple straw huts could block the deadly sunlight, they could no longer sit still. Only a blind person could see the richness of this island.
Since it can be inhabited and has fresh water, it is a living island.
The sturdy man with the golden hook in his hand stepped forward. "When we were fighting for fuel on Tianshui Island, everyone risked their lives. According to the old rules of conquering islands in the Earth Sea, we have the right to be loyal to you."
After saying that, he looked at Charles with some trepidation and added in a low voice, "Of course, it's not impossible to be a little less."
Charles knew the so-called old rules. As long as he helped the governor capture the next living island, everyone on the assisting ship would own a portion of the island.
This is not only the reward for occupying the island, but also the reward for protecting the island in the future. Only by connecting everyone together with the chain of interests will these people wholeheartedly assist the governor in managing the island together.
The initial leadership team of the governors of the islands at sea was established in this way. Only by sticking together in this way can they avoid being swallowed up by other governors.
Listening to the captains' words, the crew members nearby stopped what they were doing and looked over here nervously.
They couldn't help but be nervous. As long as Charles agreed, no matter what happened in the Land of Light, they would be able to become islanders in the future.
Seeing them like this, Charles knew that if he didn't agree, they would probably have no intention of doing anything else.
"Okay, it's just a pledge of allegiance, fine. I'll sign it, and then get back to work."
There was ecstasy on everyone's face, and the captains took out the declarations of allegiance they had prepared from their pockets.
"It seems that everyone is ready." Charles took off the pen cap.
Feuerbach first handed over a piece of red paper with gold thread in his hand.
"In fact, most captains of exploration ships keep two pre-written contracts in the captain's room. One is the certificate submitted to the Explorers Association to become the governor, and the other is the declaration of allegiance to other governors."
Charles took it and found that it was in the standard format. He took out a pen and wrote his full name, Charles Reed, in the place of Governor.
According to the rules of the Earth Sea, each of the remaining surviving captains owns 3% of the island, and the twelve captains together own 36% of the island's sovereignty. The remaining 64% belongs to the island's governor, Charles.
This thing is equivalent to a share of an island. If people on this island pay taxes, those who own the shares will never starve to death, and they will be the first beneficiary group.
After quickly signing the twelve pledges of allegiance, Charles put the cap back on his pen and said impatiently, "Okay, let's get back to work."
In his opinion, these things were totally unnecessary. They were almost on the surface and still talking about these irrelevant things.
Feuerbach shook his head. "Governor, there is still one step to go."
The crew members in the straw hut seemed to have anticipated something. They put down their work and quickly formed a big circle, with excitement on their faces as if they were witnessing history.
"I swear to be loyal to the Governor forever, never betray, never lie!"
"I swear to bravely fight against all enemies threatening the island and defend our inherent territory without giving up an inch of it!"
"I swear that I and my descendants will always be loyal to the Reed family until the island sinks!"
The Pledge of Allegiance was read out one by one by the twelve men, their voices growing louder and louder.
When the last declaration was read, the twelve people bowed to Charles in unison. "Governor, please name the island."
Charles looked at the sunlight outside the hut with a complicated expression and said, "Hope Island."
As soon as he finished speaking, the crew members around him cheered excitedly. Their identities had changed at this time. They were no longer desperate criminals fighting on the sea, but a group of noble islanders.
Looking at his second mate Knona, who was jumping forward with joy from ear to ear, Charles really couldn't understand this emotion. Compared with the surface, what was there to be happy about owning a deserted island
Feuerbach, who was standing next to him, came over with a smile on his face. "Governor, although you said the scenery is very tempting, it is a little too tempting and too far away. People are more concerned about what they can see in front of them and what they can touch with their hands."
"Is this also your purpose?" Charles looked at Feuerbach next to him.
"Of course." Feuerbach showed a matter-of-fact expression on his face.
"I am also the captain of an exploration ship. My dream is to become an islander. Look how happy I am smiling."
Charles still didn't quite believe what the green-haired guy said, but it seemed that he at least had no bad intentions.
"Stop talking nonsense. None of us can leave unless we send the photos out."
Charles soon discovered that the declaration ceremony was still somewhat useful. The morale of the crowd was obviously improved a lot, and everyone's face was filled with hope for a better life in the future. Hope Island, just like its name, brought hope to everyone.
The enthusiastic crew worked quickly and the fuel tanks of the 12 ships were soon filled.
Charles stood in the cockpit, frowning as he looked at the nautical chart hanging on the wall. Three hundred nautical miles was not too far for a steamship with a full fuel load.
But Hope Island is close to the edge of human exploration, and no one knows what else is in this unexplored sea.
To be on the safe side, Charles decided to have all twelve ships escort Monzi.
Although he was reluctant to return to the ocean, there was nothing he could do about it.
Looking at the dozens of exploration ships with bright searchlights on the sea around him, Charles slowly said, "Set sail, set off."
The bandage next to him nodded and started turning the steering wheel.
The sunlight of Hope Island slowly disappeared over the horizon, and the Narwhal carrying Charles and twelve exploration ships merged into the darkness again.
(End of this chapter)