Next was the navy budget.
Since this portion of the budget could be entirely accounted for within the navy’s annual expenditures, it did not require extra approval from the Council; the navy simply needed to squeeze it from certain areas.
Domenico’s idea was to directly cut the remaining funds allocated for the construction of the capital ship.
Due to its connection to the Bauer case, this capital ship could no longer be called the Riccardo Dandolo.
Consequently, Domenico simply referred to it as the Nameless Giant Ship.
Emilia stated that the Council had long since stopped providing new appropriations, so this portion of the funds amounted to less than 10,000 ducats.
It was not enough to cover the expenses.
So, where would the remaining 10,000 ducats come from?
Marino proposed his own idea.
“We can require the Southern Archipelago to bear a portion of the freight costs themselves. Haven’t a lot of people just gone there to reclaim wasteland? In this way, we can have Lorenzo levy a freight tax. We do not need to collect much to save over 20,000 ducats.”
Domenico shook his head.
“No. The refugees have just arrived, and this year’s grain has not even been harvested yet. Demanding money from them is not feasible. I think it would be better to lease two ports on the Great River to the Elves. If I go and negotiate with them, getting an income of at least 10,000 ducats will absolutely not be a problem.”
Emilia remained silent for a long time before finally offering a better plan.
“We do not need to do all that. Let it be. I will pad the accounts for ship maintenance and supplies. It will fall within the normal range of reported losses. This way, the final audit next year will not find anything.”
This was indeed a good approach.
Domenico considered that the army budget could be presented to the Council as recruiting a group of security forces to maintain order.
However, once the navy budget was brought to a meeting, there would not be many lies left to tell.
Preparing so many logistics, food, ammunition, fresh water, and wine—if it was not for transporting soldiers, then what was it for?
The Council must never know.
If the Council found out, King Władysław would know within 1 week at most.
Borgia then voiced his opinion.
“Once the Steppe cavalry approaches Pluonin, the navy should provide gunboat support. This will be beneficial for our long-term operations.”
Emilia’s brow furrowed.
“Excellency, I will do my best to support this. But the Kingdom also has inland gunboats. Did they not order several inland capital ships before?”
Borgia shared his thoughts.
“Of course, Lady Emilia. My point is that Pluonin is the hub of the upper reaches of the Great River. You can attack their cargo ships. As long as the ships sink and block the channel, how much time will it take them to clear it? With such a great temptation, what does it matter if our gunboats take certain risks?”
The scene fell into silence.
Finally, Domenico stood up for Borgia and supported the plan.
“Lady Emilia, we understand how much you cherish the navy. But the navy exists to endure losses in exchange for results. There is no point in treating warships as expensive collectibles.”
Emilia nodded, her long brown hair swaying slightly.
“Fine. After the landing, the escorting inland gunboats will all be placed under Borgia’s command.”
The discussion regarding the navy concluded.
Next, they had to talk about the Elves.
Marino asked Domenico first.
“Excellency, you know the Elves best. How can we convince them to partially support our actions this time?”
Domenico looked at the attendees.
“According to my intelligence, the Elves have stationed most of their elite Dawn Golden Guard on the east bank of the Great River. In addition, they have sent three more legions. To be honest, if the entire Elven army crossed to the west, they could destroy almost any defense east of the Kingdom’s capital. Not even the Steppe cavalry could break the Dawn Golden Guard when they are in formation.”
“Unfortunately, they will not do that. However, I will request that they provide sufficient support for our expeditionary force. This includes providing port supplies, offering cover, and ensuring the Kingdom remains unaware—or is at least delayed in learning—of our true plans.”
“Our warships can still cruise the middle and upper reaches of the Great River without the Kingdom raising any objections.”
“When we go ashore, they will send a portion of their army to the west bank to be stationed in other locations dozens of miles away. They will not interfere with our actions, but they will be responsible for disrupting the decision-making of the Steppe cavalry.”
“That is likely all they can do for us.”
Borgia’s olive-green hat swayed along with his head; he seemed to have a different idea.
“Lord Domenico, with all due respect, I know something about the Elves. On what basis would they go this far for us? You should know that during the battle between the Republic and the Kingdom on the west bank 100 years ago, Elindria just watched from the side. they did nothing.”
Domenico was full of confidence and replied immediately.
“Borgia, we now have a handle on our relationship with the Elves. Economic cooperation might not bring much, but what if we have established a good personal relationship with the Queen of Elves?”
“I am very honored that my daughter, Julia, has established a good personal relationship with Her Majesty the Queen.”
Domenico did not know if Livyat was actually the Queen, but he had no doubt that with such political influence, she might as well be the Queen herself.
Borgia shrugged with an expression of disbelief.
“So that’s how it is. In that case, can you have Julia persuade Her Majesty that while the Elves are watching the show as we fight in Pluonin, they might consider firing a few shots into the enemy positions? I would be very grateful to the Kingdom of Elves.”
After saying this, he let out a few dry laughs.
Emilia made a suggestion at that point.
“Let’s directly deliver the unfinished giant ship to the Elven consulate, symbolically. This giant ship will be their sovereign territory. Actually, the main structure of the giant ship is mostly finished, and it is seaworthy. It’s just that the turrets and the structures on the deck are not yet complete.”
“Let them name the giant ship themselves.”
The discussion regarding the Elves also came to an end.
Borgia was the first to leave, stating that he needed to study the landing and subsequent operational plans.
Vittorio and Cosimo followed shortly after.
Only Marino, Domenico, and Emilia remained.
Emilia looked worried.
“Lord Domenico, are you sure Borgia is the right choice? He comes from a mercenary background and has repeatedly betrayed his masters for his own gain. In the end, he actually managed to clear his name, married a daughter of the Francesco family, and became a noble of Landingst.”
Domenico did not see any issue with this.
“You have to see Borgia’s strengths. In the battle to defend the banks of the Bolani River ten years ago, he resisted the charge of the Edict Knights head-on. His flanks were almost wiped out, and the main enemy force was nearly in his face, yet he did not retreat.”
“You could say it was a reckless gamble, as Lord Carlos Luzni was nearby supervising the battle at the time. But he did it, didn’t he? This 1,000-man expedition needs someone with that kind of spirit.”
“Of course, he wants to establish a territory of his own along the Kingdom’s coast. But so what? We are a perfect match.”
Emilia sighed.
“Then we will have to count on this cunning fox to fight for his own den.”