Countless adventurers, mercenaries, merchants, drunkards, and civilians who were exhausted after a day's work and wanted to have a drink to relax and chat with someone, were all gathered in the lobby on the first floor, talking and chatting.
From time to time, you can hear bursts of laughter, scolding, and complaints about the dissatisfaction in life.
Although the waitresses were busy carrying plates and serving food and wine to the customers without stopping, there was no joy on the face of the boss Lei Tinan. Instead, his brows were furrowed, revealing a depressed expression.
The reason is simple! How much money can you make from selling that little food and low-quality drinks?
With the continuous internal competition and industrial upgrading of various service industries in the old city docks, the number of customers on the second floor who used to make a fortune and provide special temptations has been decreasing, and it seems that the business is about to go out of business.
In addition, as Zuo Si allowed gladiatorial combat to become professional and legal, and also opened related gambling businesses, the underground slave gladiatorial combat at the Bronze Crown Hotel, which used to be packed with people, gradually became less frequented.
After all, slaves are extremely resistant to this kind of cruel competition where they risk their own lives to entertain others, so the fight is not very entertaining at all.
In addition, the professional level of slaves is generally not high, and some have no professional level at all. Apart from being bloody enough, it is a mess.
On the other hand, professional competitions held in large arenas far surpass the former in terms of scale, professional levels of the players, combat standards, and excitement of performances.
It's like combat sports like boxing; the most powerful, exciting and capable are always the champions who participate in the top international competitions.
As for the rest, those who participated in amateur competitions or even fought illegal black boxing, a large part of them were low-level street thugs fighting. The fights were so ugly that it was unbelievable and there was nothing interesting to watch.
After all, no one is stupid.
One is to be able to stand in the spotlight and enjoy the cheers and admiration of the audience, and to earn more wealth than others can earn in their entire lives by just one fight; the other is to use blood and life to please others without dignity, and it would be good enough to just keep your life, let alone make money.
Anyone who is capable and not an idiot knows how to choose.
So in fact, the Bronze Crown Inn is now in a difficult situation of operating difficulties, and even games such as dog fighting and cock fighting cannot arouse the interest of guests.
The only way to make some extra income is from the occasional quarrels between adventurers and mercenaries, which eventually lead to duels to the death.
Whenever someone entered the iron cage in the lobby on the first floor carrying a weapon, the entire tavern would immediately become boiling.
Even the most stingy guy would take out a silver coin or two to bet.
Unfortunately, this situation does not happen every day, and it is easy for municipal authorities to notice it.
You have to know that today's slums are actually different from the previous ones with sewage flowing everywhere, beggars and shacks everywhere. They should be called civilian areas.
Most of the old buildings have been forcibly demolished, and replaced by neatly arranged buildings and various shops selling cheap daily necessities.
Patrolling guards can be seen everywhere in the streets and alleys.
Not to mention serious crimes like murder, even fighting will result in being sent to jail for two days and being fined a heavy amount for ordinary people.
After everyone realized the heavy price to be paid for impulsiveness and crime, the security environment in the surrounding areas improved rapidly.
Even those orphans who had lost their parents and ran around the streets all day long are now all taken in by orphanages built with funds from the municipal government.
The church of Ilmater, the god of suffering, took the initiative to take charge of the management of the orphanage.
So the entire slum is developing in a better direction, and small squares and parks have been built in some places for people to rest and relax in their spare time.
The reason why the Copper Crown Hotel has so many guests now is that the living standards of the poor have greatly improved.
Before, they had trouble even surviving, so how could they afford alcohol and food?
But now, not only can I support my family through work, but I can also come here after get off work every day to have a drink, eat some barbecue or snacks, and by the way, get some news from people coming and going as a topic of conversation after dinner.
For example, there were rumors of an affair between the Emperor of the Empire and the Iron Princess of Cormyr, or the fact that the Empire sent aerial gunboats and dragon knights to fight the Red Mage of Cyre on the Sea of Falling Stars, forcing him to seek peace.
Through these messages, the common people at the bottom of society can easily establish a sense of superiority, pride and national identity over other surrounding areas.
After all, the stronger the empire is in all aspects, the more stable their lives will be.
At this moment, no one dared to doubt Zuo Si's ability to govern the country as a monarch, and everyone was looking forward to what miracle he could create next.
And because this area has the lowest housing prices in the entire Azkatla, it has also become the first stop for many migrant workers pouring into the city.
If I have to use one word to describe today's slums, it would be crowded, very, very crowded.
Many houses with an area of only 40 or 50 square meters are often home to more than ten people.
They are basically outsiders who come here from other economically backward areas to work, and they save money in order to save up some capital as quickly as possible so that they can return to their hometowns to start their own small businesses.
Moreover, in the eyes of these people, a house like this that can shelter from wind and rain, has a bed and quilt, and a free public pool downstairs for bathing is already very good.
At least it is much better than the thatched hut or shack where he lived before.
Of course, none of this has anything to do with Lei Tinan, the owner of the Bronze Crown Inn.
His mind is now full of thoughts about how to find a business that can make money quickly, preferably one that is not illegal.
Otherwise, the meager profits from selling wine and food would be unbearable for him, who had long been accustomed to making quick money.
However, the thoughtful Lei Tinan did not realize that at this moment, the bartender he hired was standing in front of the bar, communicating with a lady covered in a cloak using notes.
This lady was none other than Jaheira, who was absent from the battle against Kangas.
As a harpist, the first thing she did after escaping was of course to find a way to get in touch with the organization.
But due to the agreement reached between Zuo Si and Elminster, the forces of the Harpist Alliance have almost completely withdrawn from the ruling area of the West Coast Empire, leaving only one or two secret bases in major cities to transmit messages.
It took Jaheira a long time to find this person through the contact code.
no way.
In order to deceive Zuo Si's numerous spies, Elminster took all the original harpists to the north when he evacuated.
The guy who is currently disguising himself as a bartender is a new member who was developed afterwards.
While Retinenan was distracted, the bartender lowered his voice and whispered in the ear of the half-elf druid: "The superiors hope that you will continue to keep a close eye on Aberdair. We suspect that Soth has some unknown intentions for the Blood Throne left by the Son of Bhaal and the God of Murder."
"But he has told me his intentions, and I don't think that is a bad thing," Jaheira responded in an equally low voice.
"How can you be sure that he is not lying or deliberately misleading? Don't forget, his true identity is the lord of the ninth layer of Baator Hell, a unique form of great devil with power comparable to that of a god.
What's more, the struggle between the Sons of Bhaal is much more complicated than expected.
Many evil gods have begun to intervene and support their favorite puppets.
If this matter is not handled properly, it may turn into a war between gods.
Please do not forget the oath you took when you joined the Harpers, and the responsibility you shouldered."
After saying this, the bartender picked up a bottle of raspberry wine and pretended to fill the empty glass in front of him, then gently pushed it in front of the other person.
Jaheira was silent for a moment, with a complicated look in his eyes. He picked up the cup and drank it all. After a long while, he couldn't help but ask, "What about the situation in the North? I heard that the organization's power in the North has also been suppressed?"
“Alas - it’s more than just suppression, we are facing the crisis of losing our living environment.
Many towns that joined the trade alliance tasted the sweetness and became wealthy at a very fast speed.
As the locals became richer and more and more keen on enjoying life, their ideas gradually went against ours, and they began to advocate the idea that civilization can transform and reshape nature.
In many places they began to conflict with local druids, rangers, and elven villages.
包括但不限于在开矿、伐木、生活污水排放、制造引水渠等方面的严重对立。
高层派人尝试着调解，但最终无一例外都失败了。
凭借着贸易同盟在军事上的相互支援，这些城镇毫不客气的开发着他们认为属于自己的土地跟资源，遇到破坏跟抵抗就会直接使用武力。
北地的城镇、村庄与荒野、森林的矛盾从未像现在这样尖锐过。”
酒保一股脑把自己知道的信息全部说了出来。
在他看来，这一切都跟西海岸帝国的皇帝，那个被伊尔明斯特视作最强对手的人脱不了关系。
因为左思利用人性中的弱点彻底搅乱了原本北地淳朴的民风，让所有人都开始变得越来越贪婪，不再满足于日出而作、日落而息的简单生活。
而是开始追求漂亮时髦的穿着打扮，来自天南海北的特产，各种各样的奢侈品，品尝更多以前从未体会过的食物味道。
可这一切都需要一样东西，那就是钱。
所以人们为了提高自己的生活品质想方设法的赚钱。
比如说拓荒耕种更多的农田，饲养更多的牛羊鸡鸭等家畜家禽，砍伐更多的树木做成家具，猎杀更多的动物剥下它们的皮毛，开发埋在地下深处的矿藏。
以上这些无一例外是崇尚自然的精灵、德鲁伊和游侠们反对的。
最可怕的地方在于，这次跟以前那种只满足上层统治阶级的贪婪不同，是一次全民都能享受到红利且自愿疯狂投入其中的群体行为。
竖琴手同盟根本无法通过暗杀或是除掉某个人来解决问题。
因为下一个上台的领头人还会毫不犹豫带领民众朝这个方向前进，搞不好还会变得更激进。
甚至可以说目前北地的竖琴手就像是被夹在风箱里的老鼠两头受气。
传统盟友精灵、德鲁伊和游侠指责高层不作为，任由那些贪婪愚蠢的城镇居民疯狂破坏森林和自然，一些人甚至在愤恨之下宣布舍弃竖琴手的身份； 城镇方面则指责竖琴手同盟包庇一群袭击平民的暴徒，渐渐不再给予其信任。
再加上拜龙教、散塔林会等邪恶组织频繁搞事情，荒野之中的成群的怪物跟野蛮人部落也蠢蠢欲动，伊尔明斯特现在是一个头两个大。
他根本没有预料到左思本人还没有出手，光是设下的这个局就让自己难以招架。
因为要是竖琴手站在精灵、德鲁伊和游侠一边保护自然，那么整个组织就会被以城市和国家为中心建立起来的文明世界孤立乃至视作敌人，失去之前好不容易建立起来的正面形象。
但要是反过来站在城镇的一边去打压精灵、德鲁伊和游侠，那内部就必然会发生一次史无前例的大分裂。
毕竟竖琴手同盟原本就是一个去中心化、靠着崇高理想和共同信念维系起来的组织。
由于没有牢固的共同利益，当理想和信念出现严重对立时，反目成仇几乎是必然的事情。
哪怕伊尔明斯特本人也无法挽回。
作为一名信奉森林女神的德鲁伊，贾希拉当然能明白酒保想要表达的意思，苦笑着感叹道：“听起来我们好像遇到了前所未有的巨大麻烦。
这种麻烦不仅仅是局势上的，更涉及到思维、理念和价值观。
我早就警告高层，与索斯为敌可没有他们想象中的那么简单。
这家伙总能够用伱最意想不到的方式，发起一连串令人感到绝望的致命攻击。
他早就变成了一个不折不扣的恐怖怪物，不管是生理上还是心理上都是。”
“是啊。
谁能想到区区一个贸易同盟，竟然能产生如此多的连锁反应呢。
而且他不管掌握了多大的优势都绝对不会孤立自己，而是尽可能团结一切能够拉拢的盟友。
面对这样的敌人光是想想都让人起鸡皮疙瘩。
有时候我都不禁要怀疑上边当初究竟是怎么想的。
不过事到如今说这些也没用了，我们能做的就是干好自己分内的工作。
无论未来会变成什么样子，生活依旧还得继续。”
低声吐槽了一番之后，酒保很快注意到雷提南将目光投向了这边，赶忙闭上嘴巴自顾自的继续忙碌，只留下贾希拉一个人坐在吧台上默默地发呆。
也不知道她这会儿究竟是在考虑竖琴手的未来，还是在缅怀死去的丈夫，又或者在思索自己跟阿伯戴尔之间未来的关系。
尽管这位半精灵德鲁伊不是没想过让左思帮忙复活卡立德。
但一想到巴尔之子最危险的一段冒险旅程即将开始，未来可能会面对更强大的敌人和更危险的情况，她就果断选择了放弃。
就在贾希拉有一口没一口喝着杯子里的树莓酒时，突然看到一名留着棕色披肩长发、身穿法师长袍和一件略显华贵斗篷的年轻女孩从外面气喘吁吁的跑了进来。
她看上去只有十六七岁左右，明显受到过良好的教育，脸色看上去十分的憔悴、焦急，两只眼睛有非常醒目的黑眼圈，似乎很长时间都没有好好休息过了。
才刚一走进门，这位年轻的姑娘便以极快的速度巡视整个铜冠旅店一楼大厅，似乎在搜寻某个人。
出于好心，贾希拉忍不住转过身问了一句：“孩子，你在找什么吗？”
“啊！抱……抱歉，女士，我正在寻找能提供帮助的冒险者。我家族的城堡遭到了怪物的攻击。”
年轻姑娘明显被吓了一跳，赶忙用极快的语速解释道。
“城堡遭到怪物攻击？
这种事情不是应该去找市政厅、军队或是炙热之心骑士团吗？ 我记得西海岸帝国在处理这种事情的时候向来都是果断且迅速。
你们的皇帝最讨厌的就是不从事生产、只知道破坏跟掠夺的怪物了。”
贾希拉一脸疑惑的反问。
以她对左思的了解，别说是像这种怪物围攻城堡的事情，就是对方靠近城镇村庄都有可能遭到种族灭绝式的屠杀。
“我不能那么做。
因为伊赛亚不知道通过什么方式伪造了一份文件，对外宣布我的父亲已经同意将我嫁给他为妻，并且还强行把我囚禁了起来。
事实上我现在是在得到消息后偷偷跑出来的。
一旦出现在市政厅那样的地方，他立马就会出现并以未婚夫的身份将我强行带走。
我觉得这极有可能是他故意策划的一个阴谋。
眼下德阿尼斯堡和我的父亲危在旦夕，如果您有办法的话请务必帮帮我。
我保证可以在事成之后提供一笔丰厚的报酬。”
很显然，这个正在哭诉的女孩不是别人，正是德阿尼斯爵士唯一的女儿——娜里娅。
尽管在左思的干预下安姆的未来早就已经变得面目全非，可她还是没能逃过一劫。
毕竟这件事情的雷，从德阿尼斯爵士收养伊赛亚那一刻就埋下了。
看着这个沉浸在慌乱惊恐中的年轻女孩，贾希拉的同情心开始不受控制的泛滥，最终决定帮对方一把。
不过她并没有将娜里娅带回法师塔，而是让对方这里吃点东西、稍后片刻，自己则起身回去打算叫上阿伯戴尔等人一起接下这个任务。
但贾希拉不知道的是，她前脚才刚离开，后脚隐藏在铜冠旅店内的变形怪就把所有信息一股脑全部发送了出去。
不用问也知道，无论是雷提南还是竖琴手同盟的联络员，都始终在帝国情报系统的严密监控下。
阿斯卡特拉对于左思而言没有任何秘密。
……
大概几分钟之后，当正在御前会议听取财政报告的左思拿到从铜冠旅店送来的消息后，立刻抿起嘴角浮现出了玩味的笑容。
“终于开始了吗？我还以为这些家伙会比我想象中的更有耐心一点呢。”
“您指的是什么？”
薇拉放下了手中的文件，抬起头露出一副感兴趣的表情。
左思饶有兴致的回答道：“还记得之前我提交给六人评议会的份名单吗？
那群自称潜藏者的夺心魔在试图控制博德之门失败后，又一次返回了安姆。
不过这次他们没有选择进入城市，而是准备攻陷一座位于边境地区的城堡。
他们利用了伊塞亚扭曲的复仇心掩盖消息、发起突袭，估计这会儿德阿尼斯堡应该已经沦陷了。
我很好奇，夺心魔冒着巨大的风险攻陷一座帝国境内的城堡，究竟有什么打算。
该不会是想要利用城堡里那些俘虏的士兵和仆人转化更多新生夺心魔，然后凭空制造出一个主脑吧？”
“也许是您制定的策略极大挤压了他们的生存空间，不得已之下才做出这种冒险行为。”薇拉也跟着分析道。
作为安姆最后权势家族的成员，她当然不可能不知道当初六人评议会在暴怒之下发起了一场地下战争。
However, this underground war did not ultimately determine the winner, but ended with the Mind Flayer's voluntary retreat.
After this, the mind flayers migrated to Baldur's Gate in the north, and even secretly funded Sarevok's seizure of power.
However, everything they had worked so hard for was declared bankrupt with the establishment of the West Coast Empire, and they could only escape from the sewers of Baldur's Gate once again, and no one knew where they went.
Originally, Vera thought that after suffering a series of blows, the other party would choose to flee far away and take root in cities with weak defense capabilities.
But no one expected that these guys were actually quite courageous and came back after going around in circles.
"Your Majesty, do you need me to take people to kill all these ignorant mind flayers?" A general stood up and asked murderously.
Zuo Si smiled and waved his hand: "No, there is no need for this for the time being.
Because this matter is still at the level of Isaiah trying to seize the Deanis family property, there is no need to make such a fuss.
Now that Jaheira has accepted the task, let the Sons of Bhaal handle it.
A little more killing and fighting would be good for their growth.
The main task of the cabinet at this stage is not to wage war, but to build, build and build.
I want to turn the entire country into a huge construction site and drive economic growth through massive investment in infrastructure.
As long as the Empire can become the largest consumer market in the entire Faerun, other city-states and countries will have to act according to our wishes."
“Please don’t worry about this.
We have already launched more than 40 infrastructure projects, directly employing half a million people.
If all is completed, not only will the vast plains north of the entire Cloudy Mountains become the largest grain-producing area in the continent of Faerun, but a huge nationwide high-speed transportation network will also be established.
By then, both tax revenue and the output of various commodities will increase by dozens of times.
Coupled with the technology provided by the Church of Gund, the God of Craftsmen, and the massive number of apprentices being trained in magic academies across the country, we will see explosive growth in the next few decades.
And you will surely become the greatest emperor in Faerun's history and be remembered by historians."
Prime Minister Shaud Tarovin made a summary in a proud tone, while not forgetting to flatter the emperor of the empire.
Although when he first surrendered to King Sean VII, his goal was to gain a large sum of benefits and become a powerful official or a treacherous official, which he eventually did.
But after Zuo Si came to power, in order not to become the chicken killed to scare the monkeys, his attitude took a 180-degree turn. His only purpose was to keep his position.
But who would have thought that pretending would actually lead to some achievements.
Judging from this situation, he might even be recorded by historians as a famous example of a wise minister.
Therefore, Xiaode Tarovin is now very motivated at work and really enjoys the feeling of holding great power and carrying out construction everywhere.
Most importantly, he believed that as long as he maintained his current growth rate, the West Coast Empire would inevitably grow into a daunting behemoth by the time he retired or died.
As one of the founders of the empire, he would surely gain immense fame and praise from thousands of people. Even hundreds of years after his death, the entire family would benefit from it.
Facts have proved that there have never been absolutely treacherous or loyal ministers in this world.
There are only the needs of the monarch and the influence of the political environment.
"Haha, in that case, please do your best.
Remember, every decision you make is making history, and every construction you undertake will benefit countless citizens of the Empire.
Because before this, there had never been such a large and highly centralized country in the continent of Faerun.
If we do well, then all future countries in this world will inevitably use us as the standard for evaluation.
But if we fail, then the road to a centralized empire may come to an end.
I once promised the gods that I would show them some different visions and possibilities.
So let us, as mortals, work together to create miracles that will shock and amaze the gods."
After saying that, Zuo Si turned his gaze to the map made with high-level magic not far away.
Through this map, you can clearly see every road under construction, every airship connecting cities in the sky, and every light spot representing a ship dotted across the sea and rivers.
There are also water conservancy and irrigation projects under construction and public schools rising from the ground.
There is no doubt that the act of building is addictive and produces an incomparable sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.
Looking at the shining eyes of the cabinet members at this moment, you can tell that they, like Zuo Si, have become avid fans of this game.
…
At the same time, far to the east on the other side of the Falling Star Sea.
The gunboat commanded by Yalusel has arrived at the Alaur Province, which originally belonged to Sel but has just been ceded to the West Coast Empire.
After looking at the two empty islands that were ravaged by pirates and only had a bunch of abandoned old, weak and sick people left, she couldn't help but sigh and complain: "If I had known that I could take ownership of these two islands, I would not allow those pirates to come here and rob without restraint. Now, even if I want to rebuild, there are not many people available."
“It doesn’t matter.
There has never been a shortage of population in this area.
Mulhorand and Unther on both sides of the Aranbor Sea in the south are both standard slave states.
I believe that as long as you set the conditions and announce that any slave can obtain the status of a free man after coming to the province of Alaur, there will definitely be many slaves willing to fight for the rest of their lives.
In addition, you can give orders to pirates to attack towns and villages along the coast of Mulhorand, free local slaves and bring them back, and give rewards according to the number of people rescued. "
A higher-level female dragon knight gave her own advice.
From the eye-catching marks on her armor, it is not difficult to tell that she should be the supreme commander of all the dragon riders on the airship and also the adjutant of the Iron Princess.
"Reward? That's going to cost a lot of money, right?"
Yalusel was obviously somewhat skeptical about this costly method of rapidly increasing the population.
After all, she was born in the Kingdom of Cormyr, and her father, King Arsan IV, was a warmongerer, so the country's finances were always tight.
So whenever I hear that a large amount of money is required, I subconsciously want to avoid it.
But the female dragon knight shrugged her shoulders and said, "What are you afraid of? Are you afraid that the empire has no money?
Or do you know how much money His Majesty Soth spent to build our Dragon Knight Corps?
In his eyes, wealth has long become a string of meaningless numbers.
I once visited a warehouse when I was selecting armor and weapons. It was filled with countless gold bars, gems, and neatly arranged standard magic equipment.
Therefore, as long as he can achieve the set goal, he won't even blink an eye even if it costs millions of gold coins."
"Well, maybe you're right."
The corners of Yalusel's mouth twitched slightly uncontrollably. For the first time in his life, he felt what it meant to be wealthy.
But she didn't quite understand why Zuo Si sent her to do this job that obviously belonged to the Internal Affairs Department, and even gave her the title of governor.
She is obviously just a military commander who can only lead troops to fight.
Needless to say, the reason why Zuo Si did this was actually to cultivate the Iron Princess's ability to govern the country.
After all, she would return to inherit the throne of the Kingdom of Cormyr in the future, and then, together with Sembia, would become a staunch ally and satellite state of the West Coast Empire in the Fallen Star Sea.
If the level of governance is too poor, how can she be crowned as queen legitimately?
After circling over the two islands on his young dragon, Yalusel was suddenly surprised to find that although the pirates had looted the wealth here and killed countless Cel people who tried to resist, they did not carry out large-scale arson and destruction.
Not only have the houses on the island remained largely intact, but a huge dry dock dedicated to shipbuilding and repairs can also be seen near the port.
This means that the province of Alaur has extremely strong shipbuilding capabilities.
As long as we gather those craftsmen together and purchase the corresponding wood from neighboring countries, we can continuously build various warships and merchant ships here.
After realizing this, Yalusel quickly ordered an inventory and identification of the surviving population on the island, and at the same time ordered the pirates who were looting to bring back more slaves.
In this way, the two small islands standing in the southern waters of Serre began a vigorous large-scale production and construction campaign.
With the help of professionals, the Iron Princess developed a simple plan to increase the island's population from its current few thousand to at least fifty thousand.
The first step to be taken now is to build a wizard tower and a stable portal to ensure that support from the rear can be obtained at any time in case of unexpected situations.
She had no idea that her every move was actually being seen and remembered by the red-robed wizard of Sel across the sea.
Sazastan, who had always been extremely hostile and wary of Zuo Si, was now looking through the magic crystal ball at countless laborers digging the foundation under the command of a dozen wizards, and then placing hard granite stones one by one.
Judging from the scale of the foundation and the labor force mobilized, it is not difficult to judge that this is definitely a large or even giant wizard tower.
After several minutes, he finally interrupted the spell, looked up at the other chief, Demetra Flass, who was sitting opposite him and drinking tea leisurely, and asked directly, "Do you have anything to say about this mission and negotiation?"
The latter put down the teacup and shook his head gently: “No.
According to Kalaya's report, the Emperor did not make things difficult for her or embarrass her.
He agreed to our conditions very readily.
This can be seen from the fact that Cyre's ships can now leave the harbor without being attacked.
I think you're overreacting."
"Overreacting? No, I'm not overreacting.
If you get to know Soth, he's more cunning and deceitful than any enemy we've ever faced.
Never be fooled by his sensible, harmless facade.
I fell for this guy in the first place, but in the end, I got nothing after paying the price of two artifacts.
Moreover, do you think that in Sel's current state, he is really capable of resisting the huge threat from outside? Aznar Srull and his allies are simply a bunch of idiots, who have repeatedly ruined my plans by thinking they are smart.
At this point, I believe it is time to initiate a revolution that will reshape the Red Order and Cyre as a whole."
While saying this, Sazastan did not try to conceal the murderous intent boiling in his heart.
Aznar Sruul's series of small actions led to the cession of the Alaur province and the complete loss of more than 90% of the naval warships. He was completely fed up with it and planned to end the ridiculous and incompetent political system of the Chief Council.
By observing the rise of Zuo Si and the West Coast Empire, the legendary lich realized the importance of centralization.
Only when power is concentrated in their own hands can Searle and the Red Mage Organization completely put an end to the endless infighting and mutual harassment, and concentrate their strength to realize a grand plan.
Since Zuo Si has successfully established a huge magic empire on the west coast where the state is the emperor, Sazastan also plans to follow suit and establish an equally powerful magic empire on the east side of the continent.
His plan was to first eliminate those chiefs who opposed him one by one through assassination and frame-up and replace them with his own confidants, then send troops north to swallow up the nearby Slayman, and then turn west to take over Cesk, Giant Valley, and Nafir.
This way, Cell would be able to keep pace with the West Coast Empire in terms of land area and resources.
Although there may be some shortfall in population, the shortfall can be made up in the number of slaves.
After completing the integration of resources, we can consider whether to continue to encroach westward, or to seize the opportunity to go directly south and destroy Mulhorand, the former overlord of Sel.
Anyway, the gods who once ruled this country have returned to the outer planes, and due to the departure of the gods, internal conflicts have become increasingly acute. Perhaps it won't be long before the country will be torn apart like Unther.
Demetra Flas undoubtedly knew about Sazastan’s ambitions, and took a deep breath and asked tentatively: “Have you really made up your mind?
You have to know that once this kind of thing starts, there is no turning back.
We either win and become rulers of Cyre, or we lose and are driven out; there is no other way.
And once the fighting expands, the provinces will be drawn in and it will turn into a full-scale civil war.”
"Yes, I have made up my mind. Sel needs to be reborn like a phoenix. Otherwise, it will just rot and deteriorate in the constant internal friction."
Sazastan gave an affirmative answer without hesitation.
While expressing his feelings, he was observing the other party's reaction, trying to confirm whether this woman would stand on his side.
"In that case, let's start this good show with the death of Aznar Sruul."
Demetra Flass followed suit and expressed her position without any hesitation.
Since she could become the chief, she was definitely not an easy person to deal with. She also knew that if she hesitated for a moment, she might be on the kill list of the chief of the undead faction in front of her.
The Red Robe Wizard's political struggles are always accompanied by blood and killing, and he will never show any mercy.
Sazastan nodded with satisfaction: "Very good. You go back and make preparations now. When the time is right, I will personally inform you of the specific plan."
"As you wish!"
Demetra Flas stood up and bowed gracefully, then cast a teleportation spell and disappeared from the spot.
Just a second later, she returned to her lair and said to the disciples waiting there with a serious face: "Kalaya, immediately pass the message to Sos and tell him that the civil war in Sel is about to begin."
"What? Civil war!"
Kaleya's eyes suddenly widened in an expression of extreme horror.
Although she had heard her mentor mention this matter repeatedly, she still felt a little nervous when it really happened.
"Yes, it's the Civil War.
Sazastan's patience has reached its limit, and he will probably launch an assassination attempt against Aznar Sruul soon.
And this assassination will trigger conflicts among all the chiefs.
In short, no matter what the situation eventually becomes, we must first find a way out for ourselves.
I won’t be like the others who know they can’t win but still cling to the land of Cyre.”
After saying that, Demetra Flas waved his hand, turned around and disappeared into the corner of the corridor leading to the underground floor.
As Kalaya stood there digesting this information, she suddenly felt a piercing chill enveloping her whole body.
He turned his head suddenly and found that the vampire Xie Lisha was standing less than two centimeters away from him, with an undisguised bloodthirsty light flashing in her eyes.
moment!
The young red-robed wizard almost had a heart attack. She asked in a low voice with a look of fear and nervousness: "You...when did you come in? Didn't I tell you that this is the mentor's residence, full of all kinds of magic traps and alarms?"
"Relax, little cutie. Do you think those cheap magic traps and alarms can stop me? What's more, I have obtained the certificate of legal residence here now."
As she spoke, Sheleisa opened her collar to reveal a red mark branded on her left breast.
Kalaya obviously knew what this mark represented, and exclaimed in disbelief: "You joined the family led by the spiked vampire?"
“No, to be exact, I recruited him.
Now, all the vampires in this building are considered my descendants.
Of course, to the outside world, I am still a newly transformed vampire.
Not only me, but several other Talisman Masters have also used the information you provided to infiltrate other chiefs.
After all, we are the most professional in lurking, infiltrating and weaving secret intelligence networks."
The corners of Xie Leisa's mouth slightly raised, revealing two sharp canine teeth. She moved closer and licked along the large artery on Kalaya's neck all the way to her earlobe.
Under the extreme fear of being targeted by a top predator, the latter's entire body was shaking uncontrollably, fearing that the other party would go crazy and be sucked dry by him alive.
The more times like this, the more she can recall Zuo Si's kindness...
(End of this chapter)