Empire Rising: Spain

Chapter 86: Chapter 83: The Expedition Team

“Everything is well, thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.” Menotti replied very respectfully.

Having followed his father Garibaldi around Europe and America since childhood, he naturally wouldn’t mind the small issue of moving from Italy to Spain.

What’s more, he was previously on the island of Capri, and now his living conditions are much better than those on Capri.

“That’s good.” Carlo nodded with a smile and stated his purpose: “Regarding your appointment, I have two considerations.

The first is, you can serve as a deputy regiment commander of the Guard Army and look for opportunities to advance after the Guard Army expands. During this period, you can also attend the Spanish Military Academy to enhance your military knowledge.

The second idea is a somewhat dangerous job that I think you can handle. Of course, if you complete this task, you’ll be a hero to all of Spain, and I will not be stingy with rewards.

The choice of job is yours, and I hope you will consider it carefully.”

Upon hearing Carlo’s words, Menotti blurted out without much hesitation: “Your Majesty, I choose the second job. Compared to staying with the Guard Army, I prefer challenging work.”

Staying with the Guard Army is indeed quite comfortable, with even time to attend the military academy for further study.

But the downside is that there won’t be significant changes in position in the short term, and it’s unlikely to be involved in war.

Moreover, the expansion of the Guard Army has happened once, and it may take years before another expansion.

This also means that if Menotti chooses to serve as deputy regiment commander of the Royal Guard, he would be idling around the Royal Palace, which doesn’t suit his character.

Having shown an extremely aggressive side in many battles alongside his father Garibaldi, Menotti naturally doesn’t want to stay in a unit that’s far from the army.

“Haha, are you sure? The second job, while offering the chance for great achievements, is also highly dangerous. If you choose the first job, I won’t hold it against you, but if you choose the second, I hope you’re prepared for the possibility of dying on the mission.” Carlo laughed, quite pleased with Menotti’s choice.

However, pleased as he was, Carlo didn’t want Menotti to die on the way to exploring Africa without any preparation.

Exploring the Congo Basin is destined to be fraught with danger; if you’re not ready to die on the journey, it’s best not to embark on it.

“It’s alright, Your Majesty.” Menotti shook his head, wearing a fearless smile: “What war doesn’t involve death? Danger, to me, is actually the motivation for action. I’m confident I can complete Your Majesty’s mission, no matter how dangerous it is.”

Carlo laughed, a genuine laugh. Menotti and Giotto are completely different styles.

Giotto tends to be more conservative, acting more cautiously. As the older brother, Menotti is quite the opposite, displaying a fearless and bold, aggressive attitude.

Both styles have their merits, but if one had to be chosen for African exploration, Carlo would, of course, prefer Menotti’s style.

Anyway, Menotti, as the captain of the expedition team, is only responsible for military affairs; the overall goals and other actions of the expedition are managed by the deputy captain, someone with actual African exploration experience.

Menotti’s task is more like that of an aggressive leader, and a bold approach is certainly best. After all, this African expedition faces African tribes they’ve never encountered and unknown geographical conditions. Sometimes overly cautious choices tend to cause problems.

“Very well.” Carlo nodded with satisfaction and explained the specific content of the second mission.

“Do you know the Congo Basin?” Carlo asked with a smile.

“The primitive forest in Central Africa? Your Majesty, your mission isn’t to explore this area, is it?” Menotti asked somewhat surprised.

“Of course.” Carlo nodded, outlining his plan: “As you know, colonies are extremely important to a country.

And in Spain’s colonial plans, occupying the Congo River Basin is one of the main objectives. Your mission, as the captain of the expedition, is to explore the Congo River Basin and establish trade relations with local indigenous tribes.

Once most parts of this land are marked with the Spanish flag, we naturally own the sovereignty of it.

This operation must only succeed and not fail because it concerns whether Spain can acquire this land and have such a vast colony.”

“But, Your Majesty, I have no experience in African exploration. I suggest finding a suitable candidate to serve as captain of the expedition team instead of me.” Menotti was somewhat hesitant but still spoke up:

“I can lead an armed squad to accompany the expedition, but if I’m leading the entire expedition team, the probability of total annihilation might be higher.”

“Hahaha, rest assured, Menotti, I’ve already made arrangements. Although you’re the captain of the expedition team, someone else is responsible for it; you just need to manage the armed forces under your command.

If you encounter African indigenous tribes willing to cooperate, that’s great. If those damned African natives refuse to cooperate, here’s your task: send them to meet God and make them understand who’s the master of this land.” Carlo said with a smile.

Only then did Menotti feel reassured, firmly stating to Carlo: “Then there’s no problem, Your Majesty. I will do my utmost to complete the expedition’s mission and turn the entire Congo River Basin into Spanish territory.

Your Majesty, when can the expedition team set off? I’m eager for the African interior.”

Seeing Menotti appear somewhat eager after asking all his questions, Carlo said with a mix of laughter and helplessness: “It will take some time, at least until the specific person in charge of the expedition team is determined.

Of course, you can meet with the expedition team’s leader in advance; you’ll be working together for the next few years.

I allow you to select personnel from the Guard Army and the Spanish Army to form a small-scale armed force. The strength of the armed force relates to the success of this expedition, so you’ll need to put in some effort in choosing team members.”

Compared to the existing African expedition team led by Anthony Ronaldo Prince Cruise, the armed squad Menotti is to lead is currently the most problematic.

Because at this time, apart from Captain Menotti, the selection of the armed squad is still undecided, so how can one talk about exploring Africa?

Anthony Ronaldo Prince Cruise does have a small armed force, but they are mostly untrained, and Carlo is not very confident.

Only an armed squad formed from soldiers selected from the Guard Army and the Spanish Army would Carlo have complete confidence in.

Although the combat strength of the Spanish Army isn’t that strong, it is not bad in Europe’s overall environment. Facing the indigenous tribes of the African interior, an armed squad drawn from regular army forces can naturally handle it with ease.

“As you command, Your Majesty.” Menotti nodded.

The members of the armed squad are very important, and Menotti naturally understands this. If the entire armed squad is not combat-ready, they naturally can’t suppress the indigenous tribes.

Also, the journey to explore Africa is fraught with challenges, and it’s difficult to ensure that some members might not have issues with their mindset.

Therefore, when selecting members, prioritize those who are brave and loyal to their country.

Only such a well-trained and loyal armed force can effectively face any accidents and dangers encountered during the exploration of Africa.