1444, Byzantium Resurrects

On November 30, 1445, the fleet arrived at Cape St. Vincent in Portugal.

Life at sea was so difficult that every time Isaac tried to find joy in his hardships on board, he would reminisce about the good life on shore.

Though they had been away for only half a year, it felt like an eternity.

The sailors who had set out on their first sea adventure wept bitterly as they set foot on European soil once more.

After crying for a while, they touched the gold Isaac had given them and began to laugh wildly.

The Portuguese sailors were in the same state.

Soon, the news of the fleet's great success spread throughout Portugal and across the European continent.

This time, the Portuguese fleet explored the mouth of the Senegal River and brought back 700 slaves and gold worth 20,000 ducats.

There were also some tribal handicrafts and plant seeds.

In fact, there were not many gold mines in the Senegal River basin, and it was estimated that the gold was accumulated by black tribes through years of trade.

Isaac's haul was even greater, with two large boxes filled with gold artifacts and some high-quality ivory.

At a time of severe shortage of precious metals in Europe, Isaac conservatively estimated that this gold could be exchanged for 80,000 ducats, but he only announced publicly that he had obtained 30,000.

This was just the beginning. The vast majority of West Africa's gold was buried in the region that would later become Ghana, with gold reserves accounting for two-thirds of the entire Chinese region.

Even after excluding deep and inland veins, the remaining shallow coastal and river veins were more than enough for Isaac.

On his next expedition, Isaac will bring a professional exploration team and a large fleet of ships, focusing on searching for the "Golden Kingdom" of Ghana.

Before that, plundering in West Africa will still primarily be conducted through "equal trade."

Cape St. Vincent, Sagres Town.

"Recruiting skilled sailors! My master is preparing to explore West Africa and spread the gospel of God. Only 30 will be hired, with those with adventure experience given priority!"

A man dressed as a servant set up a platform, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers.

"Captain Fernando's adventure has been a complete success. The distant lands are not cursed by the devil but are a blessing from God!"

"Cross the Cape Verde Islands, and gold, slaves, and glory await you!"

The crowd began to stir, and more and more people signed up.

Isaac looked at these sailors who were willing to risk their lives for money and felt a sense of satisfaction.

This was exactly the effect he wanted.

Africa's wealth was unprecedented, and its people were weak. There was no need to worry about there not being enough to go around in the short term.

First, he had to make the pie bigger so that a steady stream of wealth would flow into the pockets of the adventurers.

Gold would stimulate more people to become new adventurers.

That way, Isaac could use his first-mover advantage to occupy trade routes and important islands and reap the benefits.

Once the sailors had money, they would have to spend it, right?

There was nothing on the African continent, so they couldn't spend their money watching black people dance, could they?

This gave places like Birego and La Palma Island a huge opportunity.

Brothels, casinos, lodging, ship repairs, slaves... These were all businesses that required no capital and offered huge profits.

In the original timeline, the reason European colonizers were so late in exploring Africa in an organized manner was not only due to factors such as malaria, but mainly because they had discovered a better place, namely the New World of the Americas.

Isaac walked leisurely toward Prince Henry's mansion.

After announcing his arrival, Isaac was led into the study.

Prince Henry was intently looking at a newly drawn map.

"Sit."

Henry didn't even look up.

Isaac didn't say anything and waited quietly for him to finish.

After a long while, Henry sighed contentedly and put down the map.

"The joy of success is intoxicating."

"I share your joy, Your Highness."

"I heard you lost your first ship?"

"Yes."

Prince Henry was silent for a moment.

"Fernando said he was very sorry. He said Captain Henry was a peaceful and good man."

"The ocean is a capricious widow. You may be able to conquer her body, but you will never be able to guess her heart."

Henry laughed loudly.

"Well said! Young man, I haven't heard such a good metaphor in a long time! You are indeed a Byzantine, ha ha ha..."

Henry poured stronger wine for Isaac and himself.

"To success!"

"To success."

Isaac drank it all in one gulp.

Putting down his cup, Enrique tapped on the navigation table.

"You didn't come here just to drink with an old man like me, did you?"

Isaac didn't answer, but motioned to the servant behind him.

The servant presented a gift box.

Prince Henry opened it and his eyes widened.

"This is... ivory?"

Inside the box lay a crystal-clear solid as white as jade.

"Yes, I traded for it with the locals and had a craftsman polish it a bit."

"Fine ivory can be carved into jewelry, seals, and furniture, and is perhaps more precious than gold of equal weight."

"And this is just one of the precious trade items from the African continent."

Henry thought for a moment.

"You're telling me this, and you're not afraid I'll steal your business?"

Isa bowed.

"Your Highness has been so kind to me. I have always admired heroes like you..."

"Enough, enough!"

Henry interrupted Isa's flattery.

"What do you want from me?"

"I heard that the regent granted you trading rights south of Cape Bojador. I want to establish a trading company with you to trade slaves and ivory in West Africa." Henry was a little surprised.

"You should know that the kingdom cannot monopolize trade in the West African Sea. You can establish your own company."

"From this experience, I can see that the sailing ships built by Genoa and Venice for Mediterranean trade are not well suited to the winds and waves of the Atlantic. I hope to purchase the kingdom's new caravel ships and hire instructors from the nautical school."

Henry pondered for a moment.

The technology of caravel ships was not a secret, but other countries had not yet begun large-scale construction.

These ships were excellent for exploration, but their combat effectiveness left much to be desired, so they could be sold.

Hiring instructors was also a good idea. Through this opportunity, he could find out the composition of Isaac's fleet and subtly draw him to Portugal's side.

"Since we are establishing a company, let's bring in more people to discuss and come up with some rules."

"Take my badge and go find the shipyard manager. He won't give you a hard time."

Prince Henry tossed a ring to Isaac. The ring was engraved with Enrique's family crest.

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

...

A week later, Prince Henry held a meeting and invited Isaac to attend.

At the meeting, Enrique solemnly introduced Isaac Barreiro from Constantinople to the merchants, praising him as a "brave navigator" and "devout believer."

Isaac was a little embarrassed.

The merchants in attendance also praised him.

It was clear that Isaac's successful voyage had greatly increased Prince Henry's influence.

The merchants who had previously been skeptical kept their mouths shut, those who had been hesitant opened their wallets, and those who had already supported the voyage were all smiles.

The meeting was efficient and concise. Everyone was busy making money and had no time to talk about other things.

In the morning, the specific framework of the trading company was basically finalized.

The Portuguese West Africa Trading Company was officially established, with the royal family holding 51% of the shares, Prince Henry 20%, Isaac 10%, and the remaining shares divided among the merchants.

The trading company had three subsidiaries: Prince Henry's Senegal Slave Company, Isaac's Greek Guinea Company, and the West Africa Transport Company, jointly established by the other merchants.

The meeting stipulated that exploration ships must be registered with any of the subsidiaries, pay taxes regularly, and the company has the right of first refusal on the results of exploration.

In return, the company will recognize the explorers' achievements in Africa and use its fleet as military support.

At the same time, the trade ports and cargo distribution centers under the subsidiaries are open to registered ships. If there are conflicts between subsidiaries, they must not take up arms privately but must be arbitrated by the parent company.

It was basically the same as the Latin merchants' system, with some new colonial features added.

A copy of the meeting minutes was kept by each branch office and another copy was sent to the Pope in Rome.

It is worth mentioning that Isaac could only sign the agreement with Portugal on his own behalf, not on behalf of Constantinople.

They didn't think much of him.

After signing his name on the final agreement, Isaac breathed a sigh of relief.

Through his own efforts, the exploration of the West African Sea was finally on track.

Of course, this agreement was very rough, with some issues unclear, and conflicts were bound to arise in the future if resources decreased.

However, that was a matter for centuries to come, and Isaac couldn't be bothered with such things.

At that moment, he was humming a tune as he selected his favorite ships under the guidance of the director of the Saint Vincent Shipyard.

This was one of the benefits of joining the company—all civilian and commercial ships were open to Isaac.

Isaac allocated 30,000 ducats for the purchase of ships.

Fidel followed behind, watching the rows of sailing ships under construction at the shipyard with a look of joy on his face.

In the end, Isaac used Henry's ring to purchase six caravels and ten transport ships at the most favorable price.

These transport ships had been modified to withstand the rough waters of the Atlantic.

Of course, the sailors would have to be recruited on their own, and the cannons would also need to be prepared.

This was another substantial sum.

The newly filled wallet was shrinking at an alarming rate.

Throughout December, Isaac spent his time in Saint Vincent, recruiting sailors and handling company affairs.

One afternoon, Isaac was drinking wine and lying quietly in a rocking chair, enjoying the rare winter sun.

A servant read aloud the latest report.

"The crew of the flagship of the Greek Guinea Trading Company's fleet, the La Palma, has been fully recruited, and the cannons are almost all in place,"

"Among the crew, the captain and first mate are former officers from the Duke of Morea's fleet, and the ship's priest is from the Greek Orthodox Church. The crew consists of 9 Greeks, 3 Serbs, 14 Albanians, 6 Frenchmen, 14 Portuguese, and Latins..."

"The recruitment status of the remaining ships varies, but we expect to complete recruitment by January next year."

Isaac nodded, signaling him to continue.

"The Archbishop of Montpellier praised our charitable actions and permitted us to continue recruiting refugees from southern France to live in La Palma and Bizerte."

"Governor Lothair of La Palma reported that the latest batch of refugees and slaves has been recruited. Although there was no forced conversion of Frenchmen, only Orthodox churches have been established on the island..."

"Due to its distance, there is no news from the island of Bigez for the time being, but Captain Fidel's fleet has already set sail from La Palma and will transport the first group of 200 settlers to Bigez."

"Among them are 100 people from southern France and 100 Slavic slaves who have regained their freedom."

"Governor Andrew reports that the Montferrat Trading Company's second voyage has ended and negotiations are underway to purchase new ships..."

"Knight Conte has recruited brave men from among the refugees and has already trained a preliminary cavalry unit of 100 men."

"Under your orders, Commander Maruna has gone to northern Italy to recruit a new mercenary regiment. There is no news yet."

"The squadron commanded by Lord William encountered the Granada Navy in the Gibraltar area, losing one converted Kirk ship and one transport ship. The flagship, the Marquis of Gian, is currently undergoing repairs in the port of Ceuta..."

"That's enough, Anders."

Isaac stopped his attendant and rubbed his hot forehead.

One thing after another, and none of them were minor matters.

Once these trivial matters were settled, Isaac would gather his troops and return to Athens.

This time, he must recruit some talented individuals in mainland Greece to help him with some of the miscellaneous tasks.

"The Christmas benefits must be prepared in advance. All subordinates must feel the care of His Highness, understand?"

"Yes, it is already being prepared."

Anders hurriedly replied.

Isaac waved his hand, and Anders withdrew.

Having been in this world for over a year, he had accomplished so much, which was at least worthy of the Roman people.

However, these were all underhanded tactics. The shadow of Osman still loomed overhead, suffocating him.

The previous phase of the plan had been largely achieved. Next, Isaac would face Osman head-on.

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