"It's no wonder that even pirates do not exist in this world. It would be difficult for a pirate organization to prosper by sailing only in coastal waters."
"That's right, so we don't need such a large navy. Even worse: we don't need to send it out to sea to its death."
Looking at Grace's pale face, André could tell how much fear the people of this era had of high-seas navigation, which presented him with a great problem, since in his plans the exploration of new continents was of vital importance.
"It is not possible to cancel the navy plan. Even in the future I plan to increase it. You should know that the navy occupies a strategic position both militarily and commercially. By sea a large number of troops can be sent in the least possible time, just as new commercial routes can be opened anywhere in the world that was previously impossible to reach by land." André firmly declared his position regarding the navy, to which Grace chose to remain silent.
"Well, I hope I am wrong and that everything turns out well." Saying that, Grace stood up and left André's study, leaving the latter smiling ironically.
"Death… death… what kind of terrifying existence was it that the world emperor came to know at that time, enough to end an empire that controlled the world? I need to quickly finish my affairs here and return to Solomon City to continue with the restoration of the diary. Something tells me it holds very important information." André spoke to himself for a moment.
With André's arrival in Sun City, the gears of history began to move, heading toward what one day would be the capital of world commerce. Under Orobio's instructions, Roberto and Sebastián began to move, first recruiting a large number of shipbuilders and blacksmiths. Roberto's shipyard was demolished and a gigantic construction began to be erected, from which in the future the most famous ships in the world would emerge. Likewise, Sebastián's blacksmith shop increased its size several times, taking charge of the production of steel and construction of machinery that would be exported in the future to the entire world.
André ordered the construction of a new maritime port in Sun City. This would be built completely of concrete and steel, being the most avant-garde port in the world.
Likewise, the massive recruitment for the viscounty's navy officially began. This time the requirements were much stricter than those of the army: they not only needed a strong body, but also certain experience in navigation and knowing how to swim.
Around three in the afternoon, in the small port of Sun City, fishermen and merchants transported their products that would later supply the city. Suddenly, in the distance a giant shadow was seen and many people made a mocking grimace.
"Hey, there comes the crazy Simón. I wonder if he managed to find out anything. I hope he doesn't attract death with him," a merchant said, without hiding his contempt.
"The poor boy couldn't help inheriting his father's madness. Since he was young he has tried to prove that his father was not crazy," another merchant spoke with a little regret for Simón's situation.
Simón Bruce turned 30 this year. He had already been sailing on the high seas for 10 years. Standing on the prow of a sailing ship of about 30 meters, with a thick beard and tattered clothes, Simón had the appearance of a typical pirate of the ancient Caribbean.
When he was 10 years old, his father suddenly had a revelation in a dream. In that revelation it told him that on the other side of the ocean there existed vast territories full of resources waiting to be taken advantage of. Worthy of being the greatest merchant of Sun City, he built several ships, gathered a crew, and set sail toward the other side of the ocean. From then on no one knew more of him. Five years later he was declared dead and then Simón inherited a great fortune.
Being always mocked as a child, being told that his father was crazy, at 15 years old Simón was determined to prove the opposite. He did not recklessly throw himself onto the high seas; instead, he carefully studied the current methods of navigation and invented a way of navigating by looking at the stars. He even created a new type of mixed ship that worked with sails and oars, and he could proudly say that it was the fastest ship in the entire ocean. When he turned 20, he recruited brave companions and set sail toward the high seas.
Ten years after sailing and mapping the entire ocean of the region, it could be said that Simón was one of the most knowledgeable of any route in that ocean. Just now he was returning from his last exploration mission and was ready to set sail toward the other side of the ocean.
"Captain, we will soon dock in Sun City," a sailor approached and informed Simón.
"Mmm, this time we were out for six months. I believe it is the longest time we have had on the high seas. We are already ready; it is time to begin the transmission." Simón could not hide his excitement. His dream was on the other side of the ocean and he was about to begin fulfilling it.
"Is that a shipyard? It's incredible how the Sun City shipyard could have become so large." Suddenly the voice of a sailor pulled Simón out of his thoughts and made him see the great work that was in front of him.
"There is no doubt, that is the place of old Roberto's shipyard. We will find out as soon as we arrive on land." Simón was likewise very surprised by the size of the shipyard he saw from that distance. He could not imagine what madness old Roberto would do to invent such a thing.
After a few minutes, the ship docked in the port of Sun City. After making arrangements, Simón gave the crew three days free and prepared to go meet old Roberto.
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