Chapter 206: 204: Imperial Ambassador, Negotiation (Updated for 20240723158-Aa)
On the Ruhr River,
A large ship sailed down the river at a very fast speed, braving the wind and waves.
Sik Francis stood at the bow, his eyes slightly narrowed, a trace of sadness in his expression that was difficult to erase.
His successor, Hector Hunt, also stood aside, and several times wanted to say something but did not open it.
Finally, Xike glanced at him and said unhappily, "Just say what you want to say. Why are you hesitating so much?"
Héctor asked in confusion, "Captain, why don't you agree? I think this is actually a good way out."
"You are aware of the situation in the empire. Since the restructuring, power has been gradually consolidated, leaving no room for survival for large mercenary groups like us.
The elders in the group all know this, and if we agree, they won’t say anything.”
Xike nodded slightly and said, "I know what you said, but Flower Territory just suffered an attack, and the thousand-year-old castle was destroyed.
Now, another illegitimate heir has emerged!
I just want to ask, are those people really willing to accept this? If they are not willing, do they still have to take action?
If those people attack, can Luo Yi escape? Can we escape?"
Turning slightly, Captain Sik faced Hector and said softly, "If I were alone and a count recruited me, there would be no hesitation!
But I have to consider the future of the entire mercenary group, nearly three hundred people, so I have to think more."
"Anyway, the relationship has been established, so let's go back first. If I really can't stay in the empire anymore, I'll sacrifice my reputation and come back for help. It won't be a big deal."
After a pause, he continued, "There's one thing Luo Yi said that makes a lot of sense. This era is changing rapidly, and we no longer have the right to remain complacent."
As he said this, he stared at Hector Hunter and said, "When we get back, I'll find a magic academy for you to attend, right?"
Hector Hunter was confused: "Why did this happen to me?"
"Your swift swordsmanship has already reached a certain level, but swordsmanship alone is not enough. You need to learn meditation, accumulate magic power, and become familiar with spearmanship..."
"In the future, even if we really want to join Luo Yi's team, we must have the strength to show off.
Otherwise, why would anyone look up to us?"
"It just so happens that I got a large commission this time and have some surplus. I'll arrange it for you when I get back."
What else could Hector Hunter say? He could only respond reluctantly, "Got it, teacher!"
…
On the other side,
study.
Butler Hoover personally served tea and snacks, bowed slightly, backed out of the study, and closed the door.
At the door, Oliveira moved slightly to the side and blocked the door.
From now on, no one can enter the room unless the person in the room speaks.
Downstairs, the Iron Knight stood there, holding a greatsword in his hand, his eyes slightly closed, like a solemn mountain.
Next to him, a magician was looking around boredly, his eyes full of curiosity, as if he was interested in everything.
But the four-ringed pentagram on his robe was so eye-catching.
This is actually a fourth-level disaster mage.
In the study, next to the sofa.
Luo Yi poured two cups of black tea, took one, pushed it towards the person opposite, and asked, "Do you want brown sugar?"
The man didn't say anything, but leaned back slightly and sank into the sofa.
He was about fifty years old, with gray hair at the temples, but his hair was black elsewhere. His face was slightly round and his beard was neatly trimmed.
However, his gaze was like that of an eagle, staring at people as if he wanted to poke holes in them.
His expression became even worse, and he raised his head slightly with the arrogance unique to the empire.
Even when facing a powerful earl, he still seemed indifferent. He just lowered his head slightly, glanced at the teacup, and then raised his head again.
He did nothing, didn't drink the tea, didn't speak, just stared at Luo Yi, as if to put him under great pressure.
Seeing that the other party didn't speak, Luo Yi stopped talking too. He picked up his teacup, lowered his eyes slightly, and didn't look at the other party.
He just drank his tea by himself, his eyes even a little straight, as if he was lost in thought.
Bang bang bang!
After a long while, the man finally couldn't bear it anymore. He slammed the table loudly and said in a fierce voice: "Are you Raymond family going too far?"
"We came here to help you develop magical machinery, but we ended up being trapped for months!"
“How should the losses during this period be calculated? What about food, drink, and labor?
Besides, you're not going to give me an explanation for detaining imperial personnel?"
"Or, are you planning to break the contract?"
"If that's the case, then that's fine, open a path and we'll just leave.
As for what happens next, the Empire will naturally send someone to discuss it with you!"
"I only hope that, facing the majesty of the empire, you can still remain as calm as you are now?"
Luo Yi finally looked up, his eyes were calm and he seemed completely unconcerned.
His voice remained steady: "The word 'detain' is really too strong!"
"No one will deny the majesty and power of the Habsburg Empire. If you want to leave, no one will stop you!"
“Not when my father, Count Karl Raymond, was alive!
Even more so when the Raymond family encountered misfortune and their direct bloodline was almost cut off, it would not happen again!"
"So, in the final analysis, it's just that you don't want to leave!"
Luo Yi finally put down the teacup. The water in the cup was empty. He refilled himself with another cup, but did not pick it up.
He then added, "Aren't you staying here because the Empire hasn't given up yet?"
"What do you mean?"
Luo Yi sighed and said, "Imperial Ambassador Lord Robin Water, I am also from the Empire.
I studied there for two years and had a huge industry. I also had some interactions with Baron Miller and helped him build the railway throughout the whole process.
Therefore, I also have a certain understanding of the politics of the empire."
"In fact, in my opinion, this cooperation really gave Flower Territory a great advantage. The magic energy pool and the universal power machine they exchanged for 500,000 gold are almost equivalent in value.
In addition, the Empire also provided the installation and construction of magical machinery and the training of personnel. It was definitely a business at a fair price and made almost no profit.
However, the Empire still did the deal!"
"Then why?"
As Roy spoke, Robin Water couldn't help but sit up straight. He no longer had the anger and relaxation he had before, but now he looked a bit solemn and nervous.
Luo Yi continued: "I thought about it for a long, long time. Why?"
"Finally, I have some answers in my mind!"
"In this old continent, the empire was alone. The development of magical machinery made the empire extremely powerful, and it became one of the continent's hegemons.
However, whether it was the Bonaparte Empire, the Tudor dynasty overseas, the Kingdom of Sardinia, or the Bourbon Empire, there were complex relationships and too many supporters.
"But the great Habsburg Empire didn't. The magical machinery disrupted the ruling order of the nobility and knights, and naturally encountered rejection."
"A powerful empire is certainly not a big deal, but when you're alone and surrounded by wolves, there will always be times when you feel powerless.
So, if I can’t find any allies, I’ll just cultivate them.”
"At this time, my Raymond family came to us, wanting to embark on the path of magic machinery.
Since then, we have received the full support of the Empire."
"So, rather than saying it's a seizure, it's more like the Empire is waiting for an opportunity, waiting for the time to continue with its established plan!"
"And you, Lord Robin Water, even though you evacuated at this time, no one can say anything to you,
However, if you still want to go further in the imperial political system and want the great emperor to see your ability,
Then you have to find a way to facilitate this cooperation."
"That's what I said, isn't it?"
In fact, if you look at it from this perspective, the help Luo Yi received is worthy of a name.
For example, the magic gunner team was sent out to see them off openly.
For example, the various materials sent to Baron Miller.
These were all intentional or unintentional assistance from the empire to help Roy make his choice.
At this moment, Lord Robin Water no longer had the contempt he had before, nor did he have the anger.
He was silent for a moment and asked, "Since you know everything, what are you going to do?"
"Fulfill the contract, or break it?"
Luo Yi said without hesitation: "Of course I will continue to fulfill the contract, but I hope to make some changes to the specific content!"
Lord Robin Water immediately said: “This is impossible!
The contract has already been signed and is recognized by both countries. Do you think you can change it just because you want to?
"Your Excellency, I've opened my heart to you. Could you please stop using official language?"
Luo Yi was speechless: "I am an illegitimate child. If it weren't for the trick of fate, I would never inherit the earldom in my ten lifetimes."
"My father, Count Carl Raymond, is dead because of this magical machine. He was murdered by someone and died without a burial place.
Now, you actually let me do this?"
"Do you really think I'm lucky? Or are those people afraid to kill me again?"
"So, if the previous path doesn't work, we have to find another way and make some changes."
"Also, the changes I'm seeking aren't meant to undermine your interests. I'm just looking for adjustments that are more suitable for me based on the existing foundation."
If this doesn't work, then I'll just cancel the contract. At worst, I'll have to empty my family's savings to pay the penalty."
"If that's the case, I can still be a count and live a few more years in leisure."
Seeing that Roy had said everything, Robin Water's face couldn't help but twitch.
He suddenly felt that although the little guy in his eyes seemed to be honest, he actually had calculated everything and was pressing on step by step.
She knew that he would have to agree even if he didn't agree, so she was so confident.
He had to admit that this feeling was not good, but he suppressed the negative emotions with reason.
After taking a deep breath, he finally said, "Tell me what you want to change. Let me take a look. If possible, I can help you!"
As soon as these words were spoken, Luo Yi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Now that this person had agreed, the matter was almost settled.
Who knew there would be a double monthly ticket, now it’s 1500.
I looked at it for a long time and felt that I should first return the reward from the readers and update the chapter.
Thanks to Mr. 20240723158-Aa for the reward and support, thank you!
(End of this chapter)
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