Chapter 189: Canossa's Masterstroke
An "A-level zombie tide" that was enough to threaten the safety of the city became a stage for Mr. Tust to show off his black technology.
The eight-armed mecha killed everyone in the tide of zombies like an invincible god of war, going in and out seven times.
Tust's energy has returned to normal, and people no longer have to worry about whether he will faint at any time.
The super-technological "steam ball" provides the mecha with endless power, which makes the steel giant seem tireless and becomes more and more courageous as the battle goes on.
As soon as the barrel cooled down, he replaced the ammunition box and fired a round; after the firing, he rushed forward and chopped randomly...
The low-level zombies were swept away by the black knife, and the high-level zombies almost all fell down in one round under the black knife.
The advantage of the mechanical body is too prominent in this kind of "random guns kill masters" group war.
Not to mention the many arms, the four knives, one sword, and one shield were wielded tightly, and those zombies couldn't get close to him. Even if he was approached by a high-level zombie, the old man's "Arc Black Knife" liked opponents who competed with strength the most...
You wrestle with me, but I have many hands and I never hesitate to stab you in the vagina.
There is almost no enemy that can match him.
That "steam ball" injected super power into the six-armed mecha, bringing its combat capability to a new level, almost reaching its peak.
In terms of the number of enemies killed, Grandpa Tust alone killed three fifth-order giant earth dragon zombies and thousands of low-level zombies.
This amazing achievement was only less than the salvos of artillery fire on the city walls.
And those giant zombies were killed, which made the wave of zombies attacking the city tonight completely non-threatening.
Soon, Coleman warriors and mechanical knights came out of the city and began to clean up the battlefield. The battle was nearing its end.
The alarm was lifted and people in the city returned to their normal lives.
…
"A mechanical legend..."
Beside Ymir, [Storm General] Baron looked at the six-armed machine that was killing everyone and didn't know how to express his feelings at the moment.
The main combat force of his mechanic corps is the mecha equipment, and the power of this armor is unmistakable.
This combat power is not much inferior to that of the “Top Ten Legends”.
Even in legion combat, combat mecha can play a wider and greater role than legendary mecha.
Originally, he was strong in the low-level mechanical armor, but was despised in the high-level. The most important reason was that he was slow to move, not flexible enough to react, and could not break the high-level armor without fighting spirit...
The mecha in front of him has refreshed Baron's understanding of mechanical equipment.
All the "shortcomings" were made up for by the advanced mechanical technology that was ahead of its time.
No one knows better the impact of mechanical equipment on modern warfare than the military of the Omar Empire, the birthplace of steam machinery.
It can be said that whoever masters more advanced mechanical technology will have the initiative in future wars.
Not to mention that this six-arm exclusive super armor is difficult to operate, but it is possible for an ordinary person to operate a normal mecha with two arms, right?
If one is so powerful, why not have too many? If there are a hundred of them, wouldn't they be able to dominate the battlefield?!
At this moment, everyone's eyes changed when they looked at Mr. Tust.
From a disdain for an unknown old man, it turned into awe for the strongest and top mechanics.
…
Not far away, Canossa, who had been observing the entire territory, was also indescribably shocked when he saw the six-armed warrior.
Her eyes were full of strange lights. She looked at Ryan's back on the city wall and murmured to herself, "The friends around him are really all monsters..."
In fact, this territory has a "shortcoming", which Canossa had already thought of before.
That is, even though they have this airship mechanical city whose technological level is clearly far beyond the current era, Ryan and his men cannot make good use of their soft power.
Other resources can be solved with money, but technology is the only big problem.
It is an undeniable fact that the best mechanics are at the Royal College of Science in Omagh.
In Canossa, this would have been an almost unsolvable problem.
Top mechanical talents cannot be bought with money. They need a top academic circle, a scientific research environment, and a circle of high-level mechanics!
None of these features are possessed by a new territory far away from the Omar capital.
To put it bluntly, Princess Ymir came to build a new territory only after failing in the political struggle. Apart from the absolutely loyal people she trained and the demoted "New Deal" officials, no one was willing to come to this "remote place" to participate in any construction.
Moreover, those truly top-level mechanical talents, such as "Grandmaster" and "Grandmaster", are treated like high-ranking nobles anywhere. Who would come here to suffer?
She had been wandering around the city before and was relieved when she heard about a "mechanical master".
At least, it's barely enough.
However, looking at the powerful Tust now, Canossa felt that it was time to re-examine their cooperation.
Not only does Ryan have the support of high-level fighters such as the Kalman tribe, he also has Bazel, the mechanical legend in front of him... He is even a disciple of Irubek Neto, the former president of the Alchemist Association.
Medical care, military, technology... and of course, his own "Black Gold Chamber of Commerce" and the eldest princess!
It’s also very strange that the link connecting all of this is concentrated in one person.
At this moment, Canossa suddenly thought of something. His eyes turned and he murmured to himself, "Tsk tsk... It seems that you have to be the city lord, even if you don't want to..."
…
Ryan came down from the city wall and happened to meet Mrs. Canossa. He smiled and asked, "Mrs. Canossa, are you going to look for the princess?"
There was a subtle flash of strangeness in Canossa's eyes, and she nodded with a smile: "Yes, there are some things I need to discuss with her."
Ryan thought that the two were close friends and would definitely reminisce about the past when they met, so he didn't take it seriously. "Oh! Then you can just walk around first. I'll go outside the city to check on Mr. Tust..."
"Um."
Canossa smiled and nodded, watching Ryan walk out of the city.
Then she went straight upstairs.
He took off the gas mask and walked directly towards Ymir.
Ymir was very confused when she saw such a beautiful woman who even made her feel a little surprised walking towards her.
She was sure that she didn't know the woman in the cheongsam, but she felt that the face looked a little familiar, as if she had seen it in some important intelligence.
Then she remembered.
"It's an honor to meet you, your beautiful princess."
Canossa greeted everyone and then introduced herself straight to the point: "Let me introduce myself. I am the vice president of the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce, Canossa J. Klofeller."
Upon hearing this, Ymir's blue eyes shrank slightly. She calmly looked at the woman in front of her again, and said politely, "Hello, Miss Canossa. I have heard of the reputation of your chamber of commerce. It is an honor to meet the president of the famous 'Black Gold Chamber of Commerce' here."
In the aristocratic system, the status of merchants was actually not high. Generally speaking, no matter how rich a merchant was, he was not qualified to meet the royal family.
In the eyes of the old nobles of the two empires, except for them, all professions and people are second-rate!
But in the eyes of people like Ymir, business is definitely a part that cannot be underestimated.
She had considered the issue of territory trade a long time ago.
But now, her situation is very awkward, and it is difficult to find a suitable chamber of commerce for trade.
There is no need to consider the "Sunflower Chamber of Commerce". Those old nobles would hate for her territory to die in the womb, so how could they allow the chamber of commerce that they had supported to trade for them?
If this monopoly giant is eliminated, it will be difficult for smaller chambers of commerce.
Not to mention that there are very few people who are qualified to cooperate with the territory, even if there are, almost no professional businessmen dare to bet on her.
It seemed that no one was optimistic that a "political loser" like him could build a new city in the City of Glory.
However, in fact, the staff around Ymir, the head of the real business giant "Black Gold Chamber of Commerce", also proposed this.
But I didn't consider it.
First, they had no dealings with the top brass at Heijin; second, her own identity was very sensitive.
The "Black Gold Chamber of Commerce" was suppressed and annexed, and the Omar royal family, the Spurgeon family, participated in it a lot.
Because of this contradiction, there is no basis for cooperation between the two sides.
But now, Ymir was surprised to find that there was a president of the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce in the territory.
If this Canossa is not his own person, then... he must be from Ryan's side.
Thinking of this, Ymir had a vague premonition that her peaceful state of mind was about to be trampled upon again.
…
Then, it happened as Ymir expected.
After Canossa introduced himself, the first sentence he said was: "Mr. Ryan asked me to sign a cooperation agreement for his new territory. Therefore, our Black Gold Chamber of Commerce will fully invest in the business of this territory in the future and provide initial construction funds and material support. In addition, I will also move Black Gold's headquarters here. And my Chamber of Commerce will also provide this place with intelligence that is not inferior to your Oma Black Water Platform..."
Smart people don't need to beat around the bush when speaking. Canossa directly threw out the most important chip.
Funding, materials, trade, intelligence...each of these is a vital sector for the development of a territory.
After a pause, Canossa took out the contract she had signed with Ryan and said, "But this covenant was signed between Ryan and me. So, I plan to ask Her Royal Highness the Princess what she thinks."
When Ymir, who was not far away, heard this, she raised her eyebrows slightly.
It really was a surprise brought by Ryan.
She glanced at the contents of the covenant and said decisively: "Ryan is my ally. The decision he makes is my decision. I have no objection to the terms of the covenant."
It's more than just no opinion. It's like a sleepy man meeting a pillow.
The existence of this business alliance truly makes this new territory "come alive"!
Only with trustworthy trade can this territory established in the remote mountains truly grow in the future!
After a pause, Ymir was also a little curious about where this magical guy Ryan got to know so many powerful people.
She hadn’t recovered from the shock of the “Grandmaster of Machinery” Tust, and now the president of a top chamber of commerce had arrived.
She was very curious and asked, "Excuse me for asking. What is your relationship with Dr. Ryan?"
Canossa said without hesitation: "Mr. Ryan and I are very close friends and allies. It can be said that it is because of my trust in him that I let my Chamber of Commerce devote all its efforts to the construction of this new territory."
When Ymir heard this, she also heard the hidden meaning in the woman's words. She seemed to have guessed the other party's intention, and her eyes flashed with a sharp light.
Without waiting for her to think further, Canossa continued, "I also heard from Ryan that you have no intention of establishing a traditional private territory. You hope to build a 'free city'. I also think this proposal is very good..."
When Ymir heard this, the gleam in her eyes disappeared again.
The foundation of all cooperation lies here.
Neither she nor Ryan had any intention of developing this territory into a private force.
But as long as they share the same ideals, Ymir feels that any conditions raised by the woman in front of her can be discussed.
Canossa said: "But as a business ally, I would also like to make some small suggestions on the issue of territory construction..."
Ymir looked calm and said, "I'd like to hear more details."
Kanosa was obviously well prepared. She pointed out the dilemma directly and said, "Your Highness, the Princess, you can see that it will be difficult for your people to integrate with the Coleman people because of the cultural differences. Even all the resources around Ryan, including me, will find it difficult to absolutely trust an unfamiliar ally in a short period of time... Your subordinates are the same. They will also have grudges against the people on Ryan's side. At least for a long time in the future, harmonious coexistence will be a big problem. If it is not handled well, even if the territory is well built, it will definitely be a big problem in the future..."
"Yeah. What you said is also what I was thinking about."
Ymir nodded. This was a fact that had to be acknowledged. "But I believe that there will be no problem with my cooperation with Dr. Ryan. He is also my most trusted friend and ally. Although there will be some problems in the initial construction of the territory due to the differences in civilization, everything will be fine in the future... Moreover, now that Dr. Ryan is here, everything will be even less of a problem."
She thought Canossa was worried that she would compete with Ryan for power and increase the risk of business investment, so she expressed her attitude directly.
At this moment, a hint of subtle teasing suddenly flashed across Canossa's expression: "I heard from Mr. Ryan that you two had been through hardships together, and therefore formed a deep friendship."
Ymir was also very smart. She obviously heard the special meaning behind these words and said directly: "He once saved my life and helped me resolve difficulties many times. In public and private, there is an absolute basis of trust between him and me."
"That's good."
When Canossa heard the words, a meaningful smile appeared in the corners of his eyes, and he finally confirmed something.
She brought the topic back to the previous one and continued, "In other places, the problem of integrating the people in the new territory is just a small problem that can be solved with time. But in this basin, both the zombie tide and the beast tide are deadly threats. If the integration problem is not solved as soon as possible, it will be a big trouble..."
Ymir also understood her intention and asked, "President Canossa, from what you said, you seem to have a better solution?"
Canossa suggested: "Tell me the truth. I am here on behalf of the Black Gold Chamber of Commerce and Ryan's intentions. I have a proposal that can solve this problem in a short time."
Ymir was a little surprised. If this problem could be solved, it would solve a big problem for the territory. "Please tell me..."
Canossa didn't speak in a hurry, but walked over and whispered something in his ear.
Then, Her Royal Highness the Princess frowned, as if she was very shocked.
Then he continued listening and fell into deep thought again.
After a while, Ymir's complexion returned to normal and she made a decisive decision: "Okay! I agree to this condition."
Kanosa smiled as expected and said, "It's a pleasure to work with you."
…
Ryan went to check on old man Tust's health after the battle, and returned to the city when he was ready. He just happened to see Ymir and Canossa walking down the city wall side by side.
Canossa gave Ryan a meaningful smile, but did not come over, as if he was deliberately taking a few slow steps.
At this time, the eldest princess came over alone.
She said directly to Ryan: "Doctor Ryan, tomorrow we will gather the core personnel to hold a meeting to discuss the direction of future territory construction and solve some of the problems that need to be solved at present."
Ryan nodded: "Okay."
There are indeed many problems in the territory now, and we must sit down and talk after fighting to solve many urgent issues.
The two didn't say much.
Before leaving, Ymir suddenly added something that sounded inexplicable, "Oh, and... I agree to your proposal."
"???"
Ryan was confused. What was my suggestion?
But before he could say anything else, Ymir turned and left.
He also suddenly felt that the way the eldest princess looked at him just now seemed a little strange.
At this time, Canossa came over with a smile, "Hey, you guys seem to be having a pleasant conversation?"
Hearing this, Ryan vaguely guessed that this lady had said something, so he asked, "Mrs. Canossa, what did you talk about with Ymir just now? Why do I feel that she is a little strange?"
Kanosa smiled like a fox and said something shocking: "On your behalf, I went to talk to her about the marriage..."
"What?"
Ryan almost vomited blood when he heard this.
But in a blink of an eye, he thought that Canossa must be joking: "This joke is not funny at all."
Canossa spread his hands and said, "I'm not kidding."
Ryan looked at her expression and felt that she seemed serious, so he asked, "Madam, are you... telling the truth?"
"Of course it's true!"
Kanosa said with a nonchalant look on his face. He then said, "Although I have absolute trust in you, I am the president of Black Gold after all, and I have to consider the interests of the Chamber of Commerce. Your territory and your situation are terrible now, so I naturally want to help you solve some of your problems and reduce the risk of the Chamber of Commerce's investment..."
Ryan held his forehead tightly and said, "So... the way to solve the problem you mean is to get married?"
How could a princess like her agree to such a ridiculous thing?
And you went there on my behalf?
You don't mean...that's what I meant!
When Ryan thought of this, he suddenly felt very annoyed.
Canossa said: "Yes! I have said that marriage is the best way to solve the current problem. And... Her Royal Highness the Princess also agreed."
Ryan found what he heard was getting more and more outrageous.
And you agreed? How could you agree to such a ridiculous thing?
Canossa knew that Ryan didn't believe it, so she briefly explained the process of "forcing the palace to negotiate" and said, "The princess is a very smart woman. She naturally knows that this method is the best way to deal with conflicts. And I represent not only you, but also our Black Gold Chamber of Commerce and the Coleman people. Now the princess has no more bargaining chips than you, so she has to agree..."
This is half true and half false, and it makes sense.
Unknowingly, the "bargaining chips" around Ryan have become larger than imagined, and the eldest princess's faction has become the weaker party in the covenant.
Although Lei is not very strong, his values are still positive. I will not support you when you are successful, and I will not step on you when you are down and out.
Not to mention the covenant, the relationship between the two was already complicated.
It can be said that without each other, there would not be the other person we have now.
Ryan rolled his eyes and said firmly, "I don't believe it."
And he was also sure that Ymir was definitely not the kind of person who would compromise if threatened.
By the way, aren’t you two best friends?
This friendship boat capsized just like that?
Is this how you cheat on your best friend?
…
"Oh, that's boring."
Canossa watched as Ryan didn't believe her after teasing him for a long time, and she lost interest in teasing him any further.
She changed the subject and added, "Of course she doesn't really agree to marry you."
“…”
Ryan had an expression of "as expected" on his face and waited for what was to come.
Canossa said lazily: "So, I gave the princess a suggestion. Let her spread a rumor among her direct followers. Then, if she doesn't take the initiative to refute the rumor, the matter will be settled."
Hearing this, Ryan thought for a moment, his eyes lit up, and he instantly understood the brilliance of this move.
But he was still not sure that the princess would really agree to this suggestion which might damage her reputation. "What...what rumor?"
Kanosa smiled softly with her hands covering her mouth. "Of course it's the rumor that you and her have a relationship beyond friendship... If Her Royal Highness the Princess doesn't take the initiative to refute the rumor, her subordinates will think that she has tacitly accepted the relationship between you and her. But this is not a real marriage. After the territories are harmonious in the future, everyone will still choose to believe her when she refutes the rumor. Therefore, except that the Princess will sacrifice a little reputation temporarily, all other developments for the territory are positive..."
“…”
Ryan listened and it seemed to be true.
This "fake marriage" seems to be the fastest and most reasonable way to solve the problem of the integration of the two groups of people in the territory.
But he always felt something was strange.
After a pause, Canossa continued, "Only under this premise will the people on the Princess' side agree to let you be the city lord. Even if it is... the 'constitutional monarchy' you mentioned. In this way, the Coleman people have no objection, and neither do I, and everyone is happy."
Although she built a new city, Ymir had no intention of becoming a private lord.
But the awe that her subordinates have for the imperial class cannot be eliminated in a day or two.
How could a commoner be allowed to be the city lord over the princess? Even if he was just an honorary city lord with no real power.
If there is a city lord, in their hearts, it must be Ymir!
But...if that man is the eldest princess's man, then nothing will be a problem.
Canossa's "rumor" easily resolved the current faction conflict in the territory, which was truly brilliant.
