📜 Previously on Reincarnated Prince of Kaligarh:
Aryan recruited legendary pirate Salak and a group of spirited young fishermen, forming the foundation of Kaligarh's first navy. After a month of feverish shipbuilding and training, Aryan now prepares to test his fleet and begin mapping the surrounding seas.
SCENE 1 – ONE MONTH LATER – ROYAL PALACE COURTYARD, KALIGARH
Under a clear blue sky, Aryan stood on the palace balcony, arms crossed, his eyes sharp. Below him, messengers and officers hurried in and out of the war room. The naval base had grown rapidly under his command.
DEVIKA (entering with scrolls)
The shipwrights have completed the final adjustments. The new warships are ready for their maiden voyage.
ARYAN (nodding)
And the merchant ships?
DEVIKA
Stocked, crewed, and prepared to chart the eastern coast.
ARYAN
Good. Salak knows his orders. I want reports by nightfall.
SCENE 2 – SOUTHERN NAVAL BASE, HARBOR
Three new warships gleamed under the midday sun—Crescent Storm, Moonblade, and Veera. Salak, now in full navy attire (still with a pirate's flair), stood at the helm of Crescent Storm.
SALAK (yelling to the crew)
Set sail, lads! Today we tame the sea in the name of Kaligarh!
The warships cut through the waves, elegant and swift. Crew members scrambled on deck—some still struggling with the ropes, others barking commands. Salak moved among them like a storm.
NOYON (tangled in a sail)
Is it supposed to flap that hard?!
SAILOR (laughing)
Only when you tie it upside down!
Laughter rippled across the deck as they continued their test run, following precise routes dictated by Aryan's naval advisors.
SCENE 3 – WAR ROOM, KALIGARH PALACE
Aryan, seated at the head of a long table, studied an updated naval map. His ministers and generals surrounded him.
ARYAN
The warships will return to the base after inspection. Then we launch the merchant vessels to begin our sea survey. I want a complete map—currents, depth, potential islands, dangers. Everything.
GENERAL RUDRA (pointing to the map)
And what if we encounter enemy ships?
ARYAN (calmly)
Then they'll see our banners, and they'll know the sea now belongs to Kaligarh.
SCENE 4 – RETURN OF THE WARSHIPS
Late afternoon. Salak's fleet returned to the dock, greeted by cheering workers. Salak stepped down first, handing off his report to a waiting officer.
SALAK (grinning)
Rudders smooth. Cannons tested. Steering sharp. Just a few tweaks, but she's a beauty.
MESSENGER
The king is expecting your report tonight.
SALAK (smirking)
Then tell His Majesty the sea obeys.
SCENE 5 – MERCHANT FLEET DEPARTS
Five merchant ships—gifts from Kaamaya—stood ready at the harbor. Their sails bore Kaligarh's crest, repainted and proud.
Each captain was briefed personally by Salak.
SALAK
Stay out a full week. Log every island, reef, storm cloud, and seagull if you must. The king doesn't just want maps. He wants truth.
CAPTAIN
What if we don't find any usable island?
SALAK
Then you circle wider. He'll keep searching until the sea gives up its secrets.
SCENE 6 – ROYAL PALACE BALCONY, NIGHT
Aryan stood under the stars, Veer the tiger beside him. Sena lay curled at his feet.
ARYAN (quietly)
We've planted our flag on land. Now we cast it over the waves.
Devika arrived with Salak's written report. Aryan read it slowly, then folded it with care.
DEVIKA
Still no signs of a suitable island?
ARYAN (shaking head)
No. But the sea is vast. It only hides from those who fear it. We'll find it. One day, the greatest naval fortress in history will rise—Kaligarh's crown upon the ocean.
Veer let out a soft growl beside him, as if in agreement.
End of Chapter 50