**In a private room of a tavern.

"Dear General, we chose this meeting place not to disrespect you at all, but to avoid some annoying flies." Julia stretched out her right hand and said with a smile.

"I am very satisfied with this place. Although it is simple, it is quiet and very suitable for the issues we want to discuss. Thank you for your arrangement." Severa kissed the back of Julia's hand and said.

"After discussions at the colleagues' meeting, I think that under certain specific circumstances, we can transfer relevant technologies." Vittorio said straight to the point.

"Tell me about your conditions. If the conditions are right, I think we can definitely complete this deal that is beneficial to both parties." Severa's expression was very dull.

"If your country can order more than three **-class dome cruisers, and at least two of them are built in our country, then we can transfer the relevant technology and help your country build it at the Bazin Shipyard." Vittorio said carefully while

Observe the other person's reaction while speaking word by word.

"That's a cost of nearly 1 million pounds. It's difficult to pass this budget in Congress." Severa curled his lips and said.

"I think one million pounds is really not that much when it comes to major issues related to the revitalization of the Spanish Navy." A sneer appeared on the corner of Xu Jie's mouth. "How could the Spanish Navy, which once traversed the oceans, even equip itself with three first-class dome ships?

Can’t you get out the money for cruiser A?” What he said next deeply irritated Severa who was present.

"I would like to remind Mr. Xu that your speech just now has seriously damaged the dignity of the Spanish Navy." Severa clenched his fist and said angrily.

"I am just discussing the matter. From the series of coastal defense ships under 1,000 tons and dome-armed cruisers under 2,000 tons that your country is building, the Spanish fleet, which was once quite powerful in the Napoleonic era, has gradually transformed into a fleet maintained in the colonies.

The orderly offshore fleet has lost the ability to navigate the ocean. What qualifications does the Spanish Navy have to talk about dignity?" Xu Jie continued to attack Severa.

"This is just a practical need. In the current relatively relaxed environment, it is understandable for the Spanish Navy to build more warships suitable for offshore operations." Cervera retorted.

"Relatively relaxed? Well, that's a good excuse, but I don't know what the so-called relaxed environment in Spain means? The United States is quite interested in your country's colonies in Cuba, and by the way, there is also the Philippines in the Far East. I think, facing

Your country should be aware of the accelerating development of the US fleet?" Xu Jie said, taking out a document and handing it to Severa.

"Some actions of the Americans have indeed attracted our attention, which is why we ordered this cutting-edge warship from your country." Cervera also did not deny that it is no secret that the U.S. government has some criticisms of Spain's rule in Cuba.

"From this perspective, can I think that the Spanish Navy will once again shoulder the important task of meeting the challenge of the enemy fleet in the ocean?" Xu Jie asked.

"There is this purpose." Severa nodded.

"In this case, why should your country's naval construction properly emphasize its ocean combat capabilities? How can those coastal defense ships with less than a thousand tons travel long distances to America to compete with the US Navy's cruisers?" The questioning expression on Xu Jie's face made him wonder.

Severa was very unhappy.

"A fleet needs to be balanced. In order to maintain the stability of the colony, coastal defense warships are necessary." Severa said.

"A fleet needs to be balanced, but certain warships need to be tilted within a certain period of time. I personally believe that those colonial rebels cannot fundamentally affect the rule of your country. The work of suppressing local uprisings is completely left to the army.

Okay, the mission of the navy is to deal with the fleets of potential enemy countries, and **-class cruisers with strong firepower, high speed, appropriate protection and strong damage resistance are naturally the best choice for your country. Do you think that in

Under this circumstance, is it really unacceptable to spend an extra 300,000 pounds?" Xu Jie continued.

"Xu, what you said does make sense, but for now, the navy budget is really in trouble. Even if some orders for coastal defense ships are cancelled, it will be difficult for us to order three **-class cruisers at once." Severa said.

of one's own difficulties.

"General, in fact, we can consider this issue from a business perspective. For example, we can provide you with some appropriate loans for purchasing ships, and you do not need to pay for 3 warships at once. You can order 2 from an Italian shipyard first.

Then it will be produced in the Spanish shipyard in the second or third year. Not only can the problems discovered during the construction process be corrected, but your country will not have to spend such a large amount of money at once. You can completely build it.

The cost of the ship should be spread over the next 2 to 3 years." As a shrewd businessman, Julia put forward her own opinion.

"This is indeed a plan, but I think I still need to contact the country. But I think there is still hope. If possible, I would like to have a suitable written plan in terms of payment methods and loans provided." Severa.

Support Julia's suggestion.

"But if possible, I still hope that we can build two in Spain and one in your country." Cervera put forward his own conditions.

"I think you should propose this condition to the Italian Navy Ministry. If all the major shipyards can get a share of the pie, it is not impossible to build only one ship in Italy." Julia thought for a moment and replied.

"But I hope that your Excellency and your government can place an order for a ship first, so that it will be easier for you to deal with the Navy Department." Vittorio said. "After all, the Navy attaches great importance to this type of warship. If

If some countries want to buy only the blueprints but not the ships, the Italian Navy will be very unhappy."

"We will consider your opinion. I personally think that the first ship order will be placed soon. I wish us a happy cooperation." Severa said with a smile.

No one would have thought that a conversation in a tavern in Italy in 1899 would actually change history to a certain extent. From this moment on, world history took another fork in the road. Its far-reaching impact goes far beyond

Xu Jie's prediction at the time. And this step was just Xu Jie's first step.
Chapter completed!