The Greeks laughed, and it was obvious that in their eyes, Holy Egypt was just a small kingdom and civilization.
They didn't even know how Holy Egypt had qualified to participate in the World Conference.
Then they turned the topic back to their ships.
"When it comes to shipbuilding technology, who in the entire Mediterranean can rival Athens? Our triremes once crushed the Persian fleet, and that's no exaggeration."
The other nodded in agreement.
"Indeed, the Athenian ships are famous for their graceful lines and precise proportions."
"Even the picky Spartans have to admit that when it comes to shipbuilding, we Athenians are unmatched."
This loving remark drew another round of approval.
However, a shorter, darker-skinned shipyard owner, said to be from Greece's southern coastal region, expressed a different view.
"You are right, the Athenian ship is undoubtedly the pearl of the Mediterranean."
"But with all due respect, the Portuguese have made great progress in shipbuilding technology in recent years."
The owners of local shipyards in Athens scoffed at this.
"The Portuguese? Come on, they're just okay. Aside from their king's ship, aren't all their other ships just average?"
Another Athenian shipyard owner echoed this sentiment.
"Those seafaring merchants? They only copy and paste. Where does the original technology come from?"
"If you ask me, the Portuguese ships are really not first-rate. Of course, those large ships used for maritime trade are not considered first-rate!"
The boss from southern Greece retorted.
"That's not the case. Portugal under John III had become a great maritime nation."
"Their ships sailed across all the oceans, and Portuguese traders could be found from the southernmost tip of Africa to the distant islands of the East."
"This practical experience has enabled them to accumulate a lot of practical shipbuilding knowledge, while most of us are still unaware of the threat posed by the Portuguese."
"If you don't believe me, come and look over there."
He walked to the shore and pointed to a uniquely shaped ship on the sea in the distance.
The ship did not dock, it was heading towards another island, which was a place specially used to park accompanying ships from other civilizations.
Simply put, only the ships of the leaders of civilization can dock at Delos.
"Look at that ship. It's a Portuguese merchant ship that arrived not long ago. They brought a lot of gifts this time, but that's not the point."
"Look, take a good look at that ship before it gets too far."
"Note the stern design, which is much more resistant to waves than our traditional square stern."
"Also, the rudder should be positioned slightly further back to make the boat more maneuverable."
Several curious shipyard owners watched from afar and observed for a long time.
In the end, they did find these subtle differences.
Then, an experienced carpenter stroked his beard and commented: "It is indeed quite exquisite."
"It seems those Portuguese guys are not only good at making money, they also have their own unique ways."
"I thought these money-obsessed guys wouldn't care about their ships. They've always expanded based on the principle of just having something usable."
The boss from southern Greece continued to explain.
"Yes, that's actually just our stereotype."
"In fact, because the Portuguese had to adapt to the demands of ocean voyages, they kept updating their ships."
"Unlike us, they mainly operate in the relatively calm Mediterranean. They have to face the vast Atlantic Ocean, and sometimes even go to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean."
"This environment has honed their unique shipbuilding skills."
"I think they have surpassed us in some aspects of shipbuilding technology."
An elderly Athens shipyard owner listened to these words and his face became increasingly displeased.
He cleared his throat and deliberately raised his voice: "Even if the Portuguese are a little clever, it can't change the fact!"
"No matter how much their ships are improved, they are still merchant ships at heart."
"And we in Athens can not only build top-notch merchant ships, but also warships that are unrivaled in the Mediterranean!"
"This! That's the difference!"
Then he stretched out his hand and pointed at several Athenian warships anchored in the harbor.
"Look at those lines, that balance, that perfect combination of speed and power."
"This isn't something you can learn by simply hauling cargo around on a ship. It's the fruit of the hard work of generations of our master shipbuilders!"
"How could the Portuguese possibly surpass us? In ten years, they will be more or less the same."
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone nodded.
After all, for the Greeks, defending the creations of their kingdom was a natural sentiment.
Of course, you can also call it "patriotism."
"That's right! That's right!"
Then, the Athenian shipyard owner added, "Besides, shipbuilding is not just a matter of technology; it's more about the infusion of art and soul!"
"What is a real ship?"
"A real ship must have soul and character!"
“The Portuguese can build good merchant ships, but when it comes to the art of shipbuilding, they still need to learn from us Greeks for hundreds of years!”
These words resonated with all the shipyard owners.
"That's right! Well said!"
“Greek ships are the best!”
"No matter what, we are all proud to be Greek!"
At this time, a shipyard owner took out his fine wine and filled his competitors' glasses.
Then, one after another, they raised their glasses and toasted Athens.
"To Athens! The shipbuilding capital of the Mediterranean!"
"Respect our ancestors! They laid the foundation for our glory!"
"To the future! We will show the world that true shipbuilding technology originates from Athens!"
"Let those who set foot on the island of Delos see how special Greek ships are and how powerful Greece is!"
"Haha! That's right! I wish our boats big sales too!"
Then, the sound of clinking glasses and laughter echoed over the harbor.
"Big sale! Big sale!"
Of course, although the Greeks eventually admitted that the Portuguese had indeed made considerable progress in some areas, no one could shake the confidence and pride of these Greek shipyard owners in their own traditions.
In their view, technology can be imitated, but art and soul are irreplaceable.
However, at this moment, the corners of the mouth of a Greek who was looking into the distance suddenly dropped.
He looked at the sea in the distance and blinked hard several times.
Then he simply put down the cup and rubbed his eyes hard.
"Hey! What are those things in the distance?"
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