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Chapter 32

The boys are dismissed. Vladimir turns to Basil "how many of the older boys are available if I needed them for war,"

"A little over a thousand your majesty," he answers. Vladimir nods "ok focus on them more than I will need them. Split them up in half. One infantry and one cavalry,"

"Is there war approaching?" Basil asks, "if you don't mind sharing your majesty,"

Vladimir nods "yes." is all he says. He walks off, getting ready to leave. Meanwhile, at the admiralty building, Admiral Ivanov entered the main building is almost greeted by high-ranking naval officers who look at her with expectation and she happily tells them.

"The Tsar has not abandoned the navy and with some convincing, it will increase and half the navy will go on an expedition to find more land and other wealth for Russia, "the officers smile, hearing the admiral's words. This means the fleet can go out and just stay in port or train in the nearby waters. Some are even hoping to get into an engagement and battle on open the waters, but the most important thing is promotion.

When the army came back, the men had to brag about their exploits. From taking the enemy's walls to the wealth they gained. They even said the Tsar is fair since after everything that has worth was gathered, the army who participated got half and it was divided up by them all. Who wouldn't want some extra funds in their pockets? Nothing was held back. Cavalrymen boasted about how they ransacked villages that refused their demands and help contribute to the nation by bringing back a labor force. As for if this is right, they just say it is just since it's the Tsar's order. Some rumors were spread by Vlad himself, saying how handsome he looked, how fair he was with other things to make himself look good.

The navy heard about these and felt envy and fear. Envy for all the extra money and experience the army got. Fear what if the Tsar favors the army more than the navy, wouldn't their budget decrease and staff cut down? Many asked themselves when was the last time the navy did something other than training and recruitment.

But now, hearing the admiral's word, they know the navy won't be abandoned by the Tsar but instead gain new opportunities. Maybe if you find new land, you might become a governor or have it or somewhere named after you.

"write me off of how we may carry out this expedition and also send me maps of the surrounding areas,"

"Yes, admiral" they saluted and soon left. Ivanov will take their reports, write a summary of the best ones, then give them to the Tsar for approval. She also orders more recruitment for the navy be to carry out.