Chapter 363 Ironclad
Riz nodded thoughtfully. "You're right," he agreed with Elric's assessment. Then, a smirk formed on his face, "That's why I've put our agents among that ragtag group."
Elric's eyes widened in shock. "That... was nasty," he commented.
Riz chuckled at Elric's reaction. "Oh, Elric," he said, amusement evident in his tone. "You have no idea. That's actually quite mild compared to what I'm capable of. Anyway, let's not dwell on them. Show me the progress in the shipyard."
Elric, maintaining his professional demeanour, led the king through the bustling shipyard. "Of course, Your Majesty. Right this way."
The shipyard was a hive of activity. Skilled craftsmen and labourers worked in tandem, creating a symphony of industry.
As they moved deeper into the shipyard, the towering structures of partially constructed warships came into view.
Elric brought the king to witness the remarkable vessel taking shape within the shipyard.
In the heart of the bustling yard, a colossal warship was undergoing construction.
Its hull, crafted from thick metal plates, loomed impressively over the workers. The clang of hammers on metal echoed through the air, mingling with the rhythmic cadence of labourers' footsteps.
The vessel's framework, solid and imposing, bore witness to the incredible craftsmanship of the shipbuilders. Welders expertly joined sections of the metal hull together. Every rivet, plate, and seam was tended to with painstaking precision.
Engineers and artisans worked side by side, focusing intently on every detail, ensuring the ship's structural integrity and functional prowess.
Nearby, a set of enormous cannons, each meticulously engineered, awaited installation.
Elric stood beside Riz, his voice filled with pride. "This, Your Majesty, is the future of our navy. A vessel that will strike fear into the hearts of our enemies and ensure the safety and prosperity of Bideford."
Riz observed the vessel under construction, a sense of surprise in his tone as he responded, "Yes, Elric, I can see that."
The transition from traditional wooden ships to steam-powered vessels for cargo and passenger transportation had been a resounding success.
In the process, it had provided Bideford's ship designers and builders with invaluable experience and insights into this new era of shipbuilding.
Now, Riz was determined to extend this transition to their warships.
It was time to introduce ironclad vessels into their naval fleet, ensuring they stayed at the forefront of maritime technology.
Once it entered the sea, the navy was no longer dependent on the whims of the wind to propel their ships, a limitation that had hampered traditional wooden warships for centuries.
The advent of steam propulsion meant that Bideford's vessels could maintain sustained speeds regardless of weather conditions. This newfound capability allowed them to remain at sea for extended periods, ensuring their presence and dominance on the waves.
From the operating cost perspective, they required significantly less maintenance and repair compared to their wooden counterparts, which were highly susceptible to rot and damage from the harsh elements of the sea.
"We worked in close collaboration with Gatharix Weapons to create a formidable vessel that embodies the pinnacle of maritime technology," Elric began his briefing. "The hull of this ironclad has been constructed with the finest quality iron plating, measuring up to twenty centimetres in thickness at some points. This design not only provides unparalleled protection against enemy fire but also enhances buoyancy, ensuring the ship remains afloat even under the most strenuous conditions."
lightsΝοvεl ?οm He continued, "To arm this ironclad, we've devised cutting-edge artillery. Our main guns are the twenty-eight centimetre James riflebores, each capable of delivering a devastating blow with pinpoint accuracy. These guns are mounted on traversing turrets, allowing us to aim and fire in multiple directions swiftly. We've also equipped the ironclad with a secondary battery of twenty-three James smoothbores, as well as smaller calibre guns, ensuring versatility in combat scenarios."
"James? By James... you mean James Gray, the one who handles my weapon company?" Riz asked, his curiosity piqued, and a hint of surprise in his voice as he heard an unexpected name.
"Yes, the very same James," Elric confirmed with a nod. "He was deeply involved in the process of creating these guns."
Riz, though still slightly shocked by this fact, composed himself and said, "Well... Okay, proceed with your explanation."
"As you wish," Elric's voice brimmed with pride as he continued. "This warship was designed to have a top speed of approximately seventeen kilometres per hour and the ability to carry up to twenty days' worth of coal. Nevertheless, the real data will be obtained once the ship is put into an actual test."
Riz listened attentively, his initial shock giving way to a deep appreciation for the ingenuity and dedication of the team. "It looks like my investment was well spent. Well done, Elric."
As they continued to discuss the ironclad, Riz inquired about the production capacity. "How many of these ironclads can we produce within a reasonable timeframe, Elric?"
Elric hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Well, Your Majesty, since we're simultaneously producing wooden ships, steel ships, and now ironclads, the process has slowed down a bit. We need to allocate resources and labour accordingly."
"Hmm...," Riz contemplated this information for a moment, tapping his fingers thoughtfully on a nearby railing. "I see," he finally said. "Perhaps it's time we consider slowing down the production of wooden ships, gradually phasing them out. Gather the key personnel for a meeting, Elric, and discuss the feasibility of this transition. I'll trust your judgment in making the necessary decisions."
Elric nodded in understanding. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll assemble the team and begin the discussions."
Riz gazed at the partially constructed ironclad for a moment, "Good! If there's nothing else to report, I will get going now." he stated.
He began to make his way towards the waiting carriage with Elric following closely behind to see him off. Workers paused in their tasks to offer respectful nods and salutes as their king passed by.
As Riz reached the carriage, he turned back to Elric. "Contact me if you need something, Elric."
Elric replied with a firm nod. "Of course, Your Majesty. We will."
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