Days passed in a flash, and on this day, Augustus arrived at the Fiumicino coast once more.
Augustus, dressed in a simple robe, stood on the high lookout tower by the Fiumicino shore, his hands clasped behind his back, facing the boundless sea, gazing intently.
A vast expanse of white sea mist covered the calm surface of the sea, obstructing his view. Augustus stood for an unknown period of time until, finally, the first faint black speck appeared in the sea mist, followed by a second, then a third…
Dozens of warships of various sizes, flying the flag of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, sailed downstream, all appearing within Augustus's field of vision. The soldiers crowded on the bows gradually became clearly visible. The fleet from Tuscany had arrived as scheduled!
Augustus finally revealed a satisfied smile, as if invigorated by a shot in the arm, and leaped nimbly from the lookout tower.
Soon, the seaside dock was ready, and the massive fleet slowly approached the shore, securing the ships. The soldiers on board then disembarked one after another.
Augustus had already changed into his solemn Papal vestments and, surrounded by a host of military commanders and guards, welcomed the reinforcements from Tuscany.
The naval commander sent by Tuscany was the renowned naval general Riccardo. Grand Duke Ferdinand's letter stated as much, but as for how renowned he was, Augustus could only admit his own limited knowledge, only gaining a slight understanding through Enzo's intelligence.
However, Tuscany relied heavily on maritime trade, and various conflicts were common, providing ample opportunities for training and advancement, though the scale of battles was mostly small, making it difficult to achieve historical fame.
This Riccardo, who could make Grand Duke Ferdinand feel at ease entrusting so many ships to him, was surely not lacking in ability or loyalty.
Riccardo, long spear in hand, leaped from the magnificent flagship and strode to the young Pope, who surprised him. He bowed respectfully and then declared loudly, "Your Holiness, Riccardo of Tuscany, leading 56 warships and 3,500 soldiers from Tuscany, has arrived on time as ordered! We are ready to die for the sacred cause!"
Augustus returned the greeting solemnly: "Good! I have long heard of Riccardo's bravery and skill in battle. Seeing him today, he indeed possesses an imposing and dignified presence! Next, let us work together with one heart and one mind, fighting for the sacred cause!"
"From today onwards, we are brothers on the same battlefront, sharing life and death!" Duke extended his hand at the opportune moment, receiving a solemn response from Riccardo.
Karl and Giovanni also followed suit with their expressions of support.
Grand pronouncements were kept brief, while humanitarian care was emphasized. Augustus paused for a moment, then continued, "Riccardo, the sea mist is so thick, you must have had a hard journey! The soldiers have also had a very difficult time traveling through the night. Wine and food have already been prepared in the camp, along with lodging and clothing. The soldiers of Tuscany can come ashore to rest."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Holiness. This is all our duty." A warm current surged in Riccardo's heart. This Pope seemed much more approachable than he had imagined; the people here also did not appear as cunning and treacherous as he had remembered.
The welcoming banquet was formal yet simple, similar in style to the previous days, with the difference being that today's wine was much more expensive and much stronger than that day. Only seven people attended in total: four from the Papal States and three from Tuscany.
The meat was delicious, perfect for hearty eating; the wine was mellow, perfect for joyful toasts.
After three rounds of drinks, everyone was intoxicated to varying degrees and gradually opened up. Augustus had drunk a lot and was no exception, but his mind remained perfectly clear.
Riccardo, finding a kindred spirit in drink, seemed to have had a bit too much under the influence of one toast after another. Suddenly, he slammed his hand on the table and rose abruptly: "My Grand Duke said that this time, in supporting the Papal States, we should not hold back! We must give our absolute best in battle and show the might of the Tuscany navy! We will strike wherever the Pope points, no matter who the enemy is! Your Holiness will not let us suffer losses!"
Augustus's heart tightened: if Grand Duke Ferdinand had truly said that, then he had probably guessed seven or eight tenths of his plan. However, since he had guessed it and still sent people and said these words, it seemed he was very supportive. But within these words, there seemed to be a hint of a test.
Augustus looked up at Riccardo's half-drunk, half-sober face, unable to tell if he had truly spoken out of drunkenness or was intentionally testing him.
Augustus pondered for a moment. Whether it was a test or a drunken slip, he still needed to respond: "Naturally! With Uncle Ferdinand's strong support, there's no reason for the Grand Duchy of Tuscany to suffer losses! This battle will surely see your fleet return laden with spoils! What our Papal States' ships can't carry, we'll help you load onto your ships and send back!"
"General Riccardo, you're drunk." Riccardo's adjutant helped him sit back down.
"I'm not drunk, I can drink ten more barrels! The fine wine of the Papal States truly lives up to its reputation, it stirs the soul!" Riccardo seemingly paid no mind to the Pope's promise, holding his wine glass and boasting, "Your Holiness, I toast you."
"Come." Augustus responded boldly, tilting his head back slightly and draining his cup.
"Your Holiness, I am already eager to fight for you on the battlefield! Could you please inform me of the upcoming plans one by one?"
Giovanni chuckled, "General Riccardo, there's nothing we can't say between us. You know, my last name is also Medici, but is it useful to say it now? You'll probably forget everything after you sober up! Let's wait until everyone is clear-headed before we talk!"
Giovanni's teasing words sparked a burst of laughter.
Riccardo's face flushed as he argued, "How could I? I'll definitely remember. Don't look at me like this right now; I've never been more sober than I am at this moment. I clearly know who I'm fighting for! Your Holiness, please tell me, even if I forget, you wouldn't mind saying it again, would you?"
Augustus laughed heartily, "Of course! Next, we will rest here for a while, then divide into two routes. The army will take the land route, and the navy will take the water route, detouring to Ferrara. After waiting in Ferrara for the Venetian navy and reinforcements from various countries to rendezvous, we can then march eastward!"
"Ah! The treacherous, cunning, and self-serving Venetians! Just thinking about fighting alongside them makes me feel as disgusted as if I've eaten a hundred thousand flies!" Riccardo suddenly cursed, his face contorted.
This shocked everyone present, while the four on Augustus's side exchanged bewildered glances on the surface, but were secretly overjoyed. Could it be that Riccardo and Venice had a grievance?
Riccardo seemed to realize his impropriety and quickly explained, "My apologies, everyone, I was just too emotional. All the hardships I suffered in my childhood were caused by the unscrupulous merchants of Venice! So, whenever Venice is mentioned, I tend to get emotional.
The Grand Duke said that we must fight with all our might no matter who the enemy is, and naturally, it applies regardless of who our allies are. Your Holiness, you don't need to worry, I will give my all for you, but I only beg you, please minimize my dealings with the Venetians; I truly cannot stand their ugly faces."
"My apologies, I was inconsiderate. I did not know that you, General, had been persecuted by the Venetians. However, the Venetian navy is equally important for our victory. In that case, I can only ask for your temporary inconvenience, General, and I apologize to you. We will try our best to reduce your dealings with the Venetians."
Augustus showed an expression of self-reproach, but was overjoyed in his heart. Since there was such a relationship involved, his plan could be slightly modified, making it even more perfect. His Uncle Ferdinand was truly too understanding!