Another day had passed and the fleet had completely refueled.
Villeneuve boarded the cruiser Marseille along with Remy Beauvilliers as the final preparations for departure were underway.
The harbor of Manila was already busy.
Dockworkers were hauling the last crates of provisions toward the gangways while sailors moved quickly along the decks securing ropes and equipment. The coal barges that had surrounded the fleet for the past two days were slowly pulling away from the warships.
From the pier, Governor-General Bernard stood with several colonial officers watching the activity.
Villeneuve paused briefly before climbing the gangway.
Bernard extended his hand.
"I trust your stay in Manila was comfortable."
"It was," Villeneuve replied. "Your colony is progressing quickly."
Bernard gave a small nod.
"We do what we can for the Empire."
Beauvilliers shook the governor's hand as well.
"I look forward to seeing what Manila becomes in a few years."
