After leaving New Shaker City, Perfikot’s journey finally returned to its course.
They sailed at sea for several days, during which another frigate sent by the Imperial Navy’s New Continent fleet joined them, making a total of three ships heading northward toward the New Continent.
Their first destination was Sweetberry Island, a small island with a descriptive name in the local indigenous language.
"Is this a volcanic island?" Discovering the evident circular depression of a collapsed volcano crater on the island, Perfikot couldn’t help but feel thrilled at the sight.
A collapsed volcano crater is a noun, not an adjective.
The term "collapsed" refers to a volcano that has undergone multiple eruptions, leading to the emptying of its magma chamber. Consequently, the volcanic cone loses support and collapses, and subsequent eruptions may demolish the upper part of the original volcanic cone. These processes form a much larger depression than the original volcano, known as a collapsed volcano crater.
Such volcanoes often lack the potential for eruptions, yet their underground may still hold abundant geothermal resources. Moreover, the volcanic ash deposits left by previous eruptions make this area an exceptional piece of land.
Seeing this collapsed volcano crater, Perfikot understood why the locals named it Sweetberry Island.
The geothermal resources on the volcanic island maintain a warmer temperature compared to other places at the same latitude. Fruits that might typically grow in tropical areas could potentially thrive here as well. Coupled with fertile soil, producing delicious berries is quite understandable.
"Send someone ashore, I need a comprehensive survey of this island," Perfikot instructed the gathered expedition team members, a hint of anticipation on her face: "The island’s geographical location is favorable. If there are sufficient geothermal resources, we might consider establishing a supply distribution point here, where resources from the homeland and colonies could initially be stored, organized, and then transported northward."
Upon hearing Perfikot’s instructions, the expedition team members began preparing to go ashore.
The incidents in New Shaker City had left the expedition members with lingering fears, inspiring awe and terror towards Perfikot, the fourteen-year-old girl.
However, none of the expedition team members knew the exact purpose behind Perfikot’s choice of location; everyone assumed it was preparation for the polar exploration plan.
Yet, those astute enough could discern that this so-called exploration was far from straightforward.
At its root, it was due to Perfikot’s actions during the New Shaker City incident, which made seasoned individuals like Dr. Jones aware of the complexity of her journey.
Even if Perfikot received support from the Royal Family for this exploration mission, it should not have led to such a large-scale massacre in the colonies.
What’s more peculiar is that the Empire did not just refrain from intervention but provided full support for her, making Dr. Jones acutely aware of this journey’s complexity and causing him some regret for joining the expedition team rashly.
Nevertheless, it was now impossible for him to say he wanted out, having already accompanied the expedition team to the New Continent and witnessed Perfikot’s methods and resolve. Claiming to want to leave at this point was akin to not fearing being thrown overboard by her.
Although it was unlikely Perfikot would do such a thing, it didn’t prevent some from thinking this way.
Thus, when she ordered the exploration of Sweetberry Island, all members of the expedition team moved as if wound with a spring, preparing thoroughly.
Sweetberry Island was not an uninhabited barren island; if it were, the island’s berries wouldn’t have become a famous product.
Long before the colonizers arrived, the locals had already discovered this island and established settlements, although the population remained small.
After the Empire began colonization, pioneering colonizers also arrived here, establishing plantations on the island. While greatly developing berry cultivation, they turned the original indigenous people into slaves.
The current population on the island remains small, but to facilitate berry transport, the plantation owners constructed a dock capable of accommodating large ships. Latest content published on NoveIＦire.net
However, freighters are entirely different from cruise liners like the White Gem, with vast differences in both size and appearance.
Thus, as the White Gem anchored, trailed by two Imperial Navy frigates, the plantation owner stumbled down to the dock, bewildered, as he welcomed Perfikot and her entourage disembarking from the ship.
"The Empire is executing a polar exploration plan, and this island has been chosen as a potential site for a forward base. We need to conduct an inspection of the island." Watching the plantation owner standing before her, deferential and submissive, Perfikot didn’t waste words, bluntly stating her purpose: "We need you to provide temporary lodging, as well as water and food supplies. Ideally, find us a local guide.
If all goes well, the Empire will build a cargo transfer station here, and your cooperation will be required."
The plantation owner was overwhelmed by Perfikot’s stream of words, instinctively speaking up to protect his interests: "You can’t do this! I bought this island from the Governor’s office! This is private property!"
"Then it is now requisitioned. With the special mandate bestowed upon me by the Queen, I am requisitioning this island and your plantation." Perfikot glanced at the bloated plantation owner, opting for the simplest and most straightforward solution, unwilling to waste further words.
She then looked toward her old butler and said, "Leave it to you, Fu Grandpa. I’ll go with the expedition team to inspect the island."
After speaking, Perfikot walked over to the expedition team members unloading the instruments and supplies, intending to discuss specific exploration procedures with the team leader.
The plantation owner wanted to say more, even reaching out to grab Perfikot’s clothing but was directly stopped by the old butler.
"Sir, I advise you to mind your actions; this is Baroness Brandelis, granted special mandate personally by the Queen! If you show her disrespect, nor would the Empire’s law teach you how to show courtesy to a noble!" The old butler’s threatening words stood in stark contrast to his usual gentle and courteous demeanor.
As a noble’s butler, Foster was not an oppressive accomplice, nor had he ever been overbearing toward ordinary people.
However, as Perfikot’s butler, knowing the heavy burden his young lady bore, he abandoned his personal unnecessary pride, purely wishing to help the young lady he watched grow up.
Yet the plantation owner evidently couldn’t grasp what kind of person Foster usually was. Faced with Perfikot’s requisition, all he could do was cry out in anguish: "You can’t do this! My plantation!"