Chapter 258: Venetian Response (1/2)

Weeks had passed since Berengar had begun production on the first glass factory, and at the moment, it was partially functional. Using Agnellus' trade connections, Berengar had started selling the new crystal glass in limited quantities to the wealthy noblemen of the Byzantine Empire.

His plan was simple, create a demand for his luxurious glass products and then increase production at a rate capable of overtaking Venetian business. The crystal glass had become extensively popular in the east after the first batch was sold at a high price.

As Berengar eyed the Republic of Venice's glass monopoly, they too had begun to observe his actions, especially regarding the shipyards being constructed in the region known as Istria. The construction of three large shipyards far larger than the ones which Venice owned was of great concern to the Venetians.

In response to this, the Venetian Doge sat in his office surrounded by members of his Admiralty. These Admirals were the greatest of his Naval Commanders, and they had gathered to discuss the potential rise of a Grand Austrian Navy and the threat such a thing posed to Venice.

One of the Admirals stepped forward and immediately presented a sizeable transparent glass bowl. This absurdly clear glass was shocking to the president, and he gazed upon it with wonder as he pondered where such a marvel had come from.

The Doge was a position similar to that of President from the United States of America in Berengar's previous life; he was the de facto head of State for the Venetian Republic, which was a vassal state in this timeline of the Kingdom of Italy.

With the unification of Italy in this timeline and their current Monarch being the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, the Venetian Republic and the Genoans were allowed certain autonomy in regards to how their local governments functioned. If anything, they were closer to protectorates than they were to Vassals.

The Venetian Doge was shocked when he saw such high-quality, transparent glass and began to question his eyes.

”Is this glass? Who created such a masterpiece?”

Without hesitation, the Admiral responded to the Doge's statement with a frown on his face.

”That would be the Austrians….”

While the Doge initially smiled, his face immediately turned sour when he heard this news. This immaculate crystal glass was a threat to Venetian dominance of the market, and as such he had to make sure his ears were not lying to him.

”Are you telling me that bastard Berengar has created such pristine glassware? Does he seek to seize our monopoly on the glass trade?”

The Admirals looked at each other silently before the head Admiral placed a document on the Doge's desk with a grim look in his eye before summarizing its contents.

”That is not all; there are reports that he is building three shipyards, far more significant than our own. We can't even fathom what kind of monstrous vessels he seeks to create within them, but needless to say, it does not bode well for us.

If Berengar seeks to challenge not only our monopoly on the glass trade but also our authority on the sea, then we can not simply stand by and allow him to build a Navy capable of competing with us! Something must be done!”

After hearing the Head Admiral's concerns, the Doge nodded his head. However, he was not as concerned as the admirals, for how could Berengar challenge their might?

They had hundreds of naval vessels; some of them were even armed with bronze cannons; it would take years for Berengar to build a navy capable of challenging the Venetian Republic, or so he believed. As such, he was much calmer than the men gathered in his room.

”I understand your concerns. However, we can't just take action against the Austrians, our Navy might be superior to theirs, but their Army could easily invade our lands and cause us serious trouble. We should wait and observe.

At least until we know what kinds of ships Berengar is manufacturing, there is no way he will be able to compete with us, it will take him years to build enough ships to challenge our authority. Even if he were to somehow use the methods we have achieved to rapidly produce vessels. It is not something to be worried about, we can always declare war on him and sink his ships before he can produce enough to be a threat.

For now, we should focus on building our Army and strengthening our ties with the Emperor; if all of Italy unites behind us, there is no way for Berengar to defeat us in a war. For now, we should bribe pirates to seize the glass he seeks to sell across the Mediterranean.”

Hearing this, the Naval officers gathered had awkward expressions on their faces, which spurred the Doge to question their glances.

”What is it? Is there something I am missing?”

One of the Admirals who was standing at attention immediately presented his report.