In a room of the Sun God Temple, Charles met with the Pope again.
"Did you find the technology used in Swan's mechanical city from the New Territories Island? At least its power system and the laser weapon were dismantled from there, right?" Charles asked the huge stone sculpture.
"Don't you always care about this? It doesn't seem to be directly related to the surface you want."
"Of course it matters. It would be a complete waste to use such a huge mechanical city to occupy other people's islands. Why don't you let me use such a good thing? Wouldn't it be better to find the surface as soon as possible?"
The Pope's stone sculpture laughed. "Haha, do you really think that driving something as big as that into unknown waters won't wake up some creatures in the ocean?"
Thinking of the various mysteries in the Earthsea, Charles stopped talking. Driving this thing to an unexplored place is simply a suicidal act.
Maybe it is an invincible steel behemoth for the human island, but if it really attracts the attention of those gods, then...
"Kid, this is only part of the plan. Don't worry, our goal is always the same. You only have one task now, and that is to find the surface exit. As for the rest, I will help you deal with it."
Charles was not completely convinced at this moment. "This guy is lying to me again. If he really wanted me to find a way out, he would never delete the coordinates of the main island."
At this moment, the Pope's stone sculpture suddenly frowned, and he looked at Charles with some confusion. "I have never heard of the language you are using in your mind. Is this the language from the surface?"
"I haven't used it for a while, so I'll think about it more in case I forget how to speak when I return to the surface."
This was of course a reason Charles made up. He knew that the Pope could read minds, so in order to prevent him from finding out that he already knew the news about the main island, he deliberately thought in his native language.
"Well, I'll tell you again, you don't have to worry about this matter at all. Don't forget, we are allies now. You just need to do your job with peace of mind. We will achieve a win-win situation in the end. Please believe me."
Charles nodded and went out, and as soon as he came out he issued a decree that was completely contrary to the Pope's intention.
Compared to the Pope's words, he trusts his own Hope Island Navy more.
First of all, all the shipyards on the island were immediately requisitioned by the navy, and ships were built at full speed. In addition, all men within the specified age range on the entire island were required to enlist in the military.
He also contacted Elizabeth by telegram and asked her to begin wartime mobilization as well.
The resources of the two islands seem to be somewhat difficult to use to deal with Swan's "Lonka".
But Charles knew that he was definitely not the only one in the North Sea who was dissatisfied with Swan.
Hope Island is no longer his island alone, it also belongs to his crew, and he needs to protect it well.
Just as Charles had reconnected with the Governor of Coral Island, a message came that made him stop.
"Shock!! The invincible fleet led by Governor Julio of Cat Island is heading towards the North Sea!!"
"Governor Julio claimed that Swan's killing of members of the Explorers' Society was a complete violation of the rules of the entire Earthsea, and his continuous occupation of other governors' islands was even more shameful and greedy!"
"For this reason, he decided to lead the fleet to defeat Swan in one fell swoop and seek justice for those who died! Let us cheer for Governor Julio's noble spirit! !"
Looking at the information written in the newspaper, Charles frowned tightly.
He originally thought that the situation was very clear. What would happen next would be for the other governors of the islands in the North Sea to unite and fight a big battle with Swan. Who would win or lose was all within expectations. However, Julio's appearance made the situation delicate.
Was he afraid that the thing would threaten his position? Or did he share in the losses of the Explorers Association
"It seems that it is not our turn to perform in this play yet. What do you think?" Charles asked the bandage in front of him.
The bandaged man sitting on the stool was indifferent and had no intention of speaking.
Charles thought for a while and said to him, "I don't plan to revoke the naval expansion decree. I will let the financial department cooperate with you as much as possible. No matter what happens next, at least we have a clear mind when deploying troops."
Bandage nodded, stood up and walked outside.
"Wait, I haven't finished talking yet. Ask the Navy's intelligence department to help me find someone. She is probably still in the North Sea. She should be easy to find with such an outstanding appearance."
Charles handed over some photos that Jack had sent over.
"You... woman?"
"No, I don't want to owe someone a favor who has helped me."
The bandage stuffed the photos into its yellowed bandage and turned away.
This matter has come to an end. Before the situation becomes clear, the task of finding a surface exit has been temporarily put on hold. Charles must first ensure the safety of his island.
He ran to find the surface exit at this time, because he was really afraid that when he came back, the island would have a new owner.
Charles took advantage of this time to do his job as governor and take care of the island's affairs.
Although he was unfamiliar with the job, he continued to work despite the bumps and bruises. He felt that being a governor was not much easier than exploring the island.
Charles paid close attention to the upcoming epic naval battle.
Of course, he couldn't be so idle as to sail out to see what was going on, but he could send someone to get information. Once he got any information, he would send a telegram immediately.
The governors of other islands were also contacting Charles, but gradually the number of telegrams began to decrease, as if they were all waiting and watching something.
Just as Charles was waiting for the situation to change, an unexpected envelope was delivered to Charles.
It was Anna's letter, and along with it was a photo. She looked a little haggard, and was raising her middle finger towards the camera with an annoyed expression.
"She is angry with me. Why is she angry with me?" With this doubt, Charles opened the envelope and began to read.
"Well, Gao Zhiming, it's me. Have you missed me after not seeing me for a long time?"
"I'm back on the island. I heard you were going to take me over? That's not necessary. Distance makes beauty, you know? If we meet a few times a year, you'll feel fresh about me. If you see me eating people in front of you every day, you'll get tired of me soon."
"Oh, I have a question for you. You are looking for an exit because you have relatives on the surface. But if you also have relatives in this lightless sea, what choice will you make?"
(End of this chapter)